Published on May 18, 2012 by VETS FOR ROMNEY - This video is to honor all of our heroes in uniform and their families. They sacrifice so much so that we may enjoy our freedoms.
"This is the day on which we have the welcome opportunity to pay special tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces ... to all the individuals who are in the service of their country all over the world. Armed Forces Day won't be a matter of parades and receptions for a good many of them. They will all be in line of duty and some of them may give their lives in that duty." -New York Times, May 14, 1952
A member of the US armed forces hugs his daughter
Happy Armed Forces Day!
How many Americans even know that it is Armed Forces Day????
This house is in Tallahassee and this video should be spread far and wide to thank all of our Veterans and current members of the United States military.
Since 1775, over 1.3 million American troops have made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you and please visit SemperFiFund.org to help give back to those who protect our freedom.
Full version of A Soldiers Silent Night, read by Father Ted Brendt, a dedication to all of the men and women who serve for our freedoms, wherever they are in the world. I have appended the end of Silent Night that was cut off from the original recording, to retain the maximum effect of the song.
Background music by Mannheim Steamroller at the Brown Christmas Light show in Stafford, Virginia - a 22,000 light, 192 channel, 4 color light display.
Visit http://www.valites.com or http;//www.staffordchristmaslights.com for more information.
Written by former Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt, in 1987 when stationed in Washington D.C., it was pounded out on a typewriter while awaiting the commading officer's Christmas holiday decoration inspection. It was originally title "Merry Christmas, My Friend", and was an instant success that reportedly brought tears to the eyes of the barrracks Commander who ordered it distributed to everyone he knew. It appeared in the barracks publication Pass in Review in December 1987 and Leatherneck Magazine in December 1991.
The poem was recorded as a tribute by Father Ted Berndt, a former Marine and Purple Heart recipient during World War II, currently residing in Dousman, Wisconsin for his daughter Ellen Stout, a Clear Channel radio personality.
Here's the original poem:
MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY FRIEND
'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney, with presents to give and to see just who in this home did live.
As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand. On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind, a sobering thought soon came to my mind. For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen. This was the home of a U.S. Marine.
I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more, so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone, Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene, Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine. Was this the hero, of whom I'd just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan. I soon understood, this was more than a man. For I realized the families that I saw that night, owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.
Soon around the Nation, the children would play, And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year, because of Marines like this one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home. Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye. I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.
He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice, "Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more. My life is my God, my country, my Corps."
With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still. I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill. So I took off my jacket, the one made of red, and covered this Marine from his toes to his head. Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold, with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold. And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride, and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure, said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure." One look at my watch and I knew he was right, Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.
SOMETHING to think about - Most of the Vietnam Veterans' Parents are now Deceased
There are 58,267 names now listed on that polished black wall, including those added in 2010.
The names are arranged in the order in which they were taken from us by date and within each date the names are alphabetized. It is hard to believe it is 36 years since the last casualties.
Beginning at the apex on panel 1E and going out to the end of the East wall, appearing to recede into the earth (numbered 70E - May 25, 1968), then resuming at the end of the West wall, as the wall emerges from the earth (numbered 70W - continuing May 25, 1968) and ending with a date in 1975. Thus the war's beginning and end meet. The war is complete, coming full circle, yet broken by the earth that bounds the angle's open side and contained within the earth itself.
The first known casualty was Richard B. Fitzgibbon, of North Weymouth, Mass. listed by the U.S. Department of Defense as having been killed on June 8, 1956. His name is listed on the Wall with that of his son, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Richard B. Fitzgibbon III, who was killed on Sept. 7, 1965.
There are three sets of fathers and sons on the Wall.
39,996 on the Wall were just 22 or younger.
The largest age group, 8,283 were just 19 years old
33,103 were 18 years old.
12 soldiers on the Wall were 17 years old.
5 soldiers on the Wall were 16 years old.
One soldier, PFC Dan Bullock was 15 years old.
997 soldiers were killed on their first day in Vietnam.
1,448 soldiers were killed on their last day in Vietnam.
31 sets of brothers are on the Wall.
Thirty one sets of parents lost two of their sons.
54 soldiers on attended Thomas
Edison High School in Philadelphia. I wonder why so many from one school.
8 Women are on the Wall. Nursing the wounded.
244 soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War; 153 of them are on the Wall.
Beallsville, Ohio with a population of 475 lost 6 of her sons.
West Virginia had the highest casualty rate per capita in the nation. There are 711 West Virginians on the Wall.
The Marines of Morenci - They led some of the scrappiest high school football and basketball teams that the little Arizona copper town of Morenci (pop. 5,058) had ever known and cheered. They enjoyed roaring beer busts. In quieter moments, they rode horses along the Coronado Trail, stalked deer in the Apache National Forest. And in the patriotic camaraderie typical of Morenci's mining families, the nine graduates of Morenci High enlisted as a group in the Marine Corps. Their service began on Independence Day, 1966. Only 3 returned home.
The Buddies of Midvale – LeRoy - Tafoya, Jimmy Martinez, Tom Gonzales were all boyhood friends and lived on three consecutive streets in Midvale, Utah on Fifth, Sixth and Seventh avenues. They lived only a few yards apart. They played ball at the adjacent sandlot ball field. And they all went to Vietnam.. In a span of 16 dark days in late 1967, all three would be killed. LeRoy was killed on Wednesday, Nov. 22, the fourth anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Jimmy died less than 24 hours later on Thanksgiving Day. Tom was shot dead assaulting the enemy on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
The most casualty deaths for a single day was on January 31, 1968 ~ 245 deaths.
The most casualty deaths for a single month was May 1968 - 2,415 casualties were incurred.
For most Americans who read this they will only see the numbers that the Vietnam War created. To those of us who survived the war, and to the families of those who did not, we see the faces, we feel the pain that these numbers created. We are, until we too pass away, haunted with these numbers, because they were our friends, fathers, husbands, wife's, sons and daughters ======= There are no noble wars, just noble warriors.
h/t to George King
Since the birth of the United States of American on July 4, 1776, no single generation of Americans has been spared the responsibility of defending freedom by force of arms. More than 42 Million American men and women have served in time of war...more than a MILLION have purchased freedom with their lives. Below are statistics from the US Department of Veterans Affairs detailing the war service and sacrifice of America's sons and daughters.
War Dates Served Battle Deaths Other Deaths Wounded
American Revolution 1775 - 1783 217,000 4,435 Unknown 6,188
War of 1812 1812 - 1815 286,730 2,260 Unknown 4,505
Indian Wars 1817 - 1898 106,000 1,000 Unknown
Unknown
Mexican War 1846 - 1848 78,718 1,733 11,550 4,152
Civil War (North) 1861 - 1865 2,213,363 140,414 224,097 281,881
Civil War (South) 1,050,000 74,524 59,297
Unknown
Spanish-American War 1898 - 1902 306,760 385 2,061 1,662
World War I 1917 - 1918 4,734,991 53,402 63,114 204,002
World War II 1940 - 1945 16,112,566 291,557 113,842 671,846
Korean War 1950 - 1953 5,720,000 33,686 20,560 103,284
Vietnam War 1964 - 1975 9,200,000 47,410 42,788 153,303
Gulf War 1990 - 1991 2,322,332 148 1,194 467
Totals 42,348,460 650,954 538,503 1,431,290
These statistics reflect the numbers of men and women who served anywhere in the world during time of war or conflict. It is important that as a Nation that has known relative peace in recent years, we do not forget the millions who also serve to preserve peace. Incidents like the Beirut bombing or the tragedy that befell the USS Cole should serve to remind us that all who serve, even in time of peace, do so at the risk of life.
To those who have served, or who do now serve in time of peace, I would be quick to point out that it is not the National Defense Service Medal that makes a man or woman a VETERAN....it is the uniform....regardless if that uniform is authorized or not authorized the NDSM. Thank you all for your service.
I promised myself that I ‘d stay off the computer this past Memorial Day Weekend and spend my time with friends, family and history. Then when I went to get back online, my computer went on strike, so to speak, so this is a few days late, but thought the movies and thoughts were good throughout the summer!
As we enjoyed the long weekend, I wanted to make sure we didn’t completely lose sight of the meaning of Memorial Day. We often get wrapped up in activities and events. It is the weekend to take our first mini-vacation of the summer season; or participate in a string of activities from picnics and bar-b-ques to block parties, from trips to the local amusement parks on their summer schedules to projects involving or taking out the ‘summer toys’ including boats, sea-doos, motor bikes and ATV’s… And before we know it the weekend is gone and nobody even mentioned the reason for Memorial Day.
I am a first generation American immigrant from a family full of more recent immigrants and one of my fondest childhood memories is of family events where I would sit and soak in the conversation and stories. My mother was German and served in the (German) Red Cross during WWII where she met my father, an Austrian soldier in a medical unit. They married in an American prisoner of war camp after the war. My grandparents went through WWI in Germany. My uncle and his brother served in the Korean War and their father served in the U.S. army in WWI. It was fascinating because we heard personal stories and accounts from several perspectives and since then we have added relatives and friends who have served in Viet Nam, Somalia, the first and second Iraq conflicts and now in Afghanistan.
There is no greater country on earth than America and there is nobody that deserves more credit for the great lives we live and freedoms we all enjoy than our Founding Fathers and our troops who have fought for us, given their lives and kept us safe for over 235 years, since before we were a nation. Unfortunately we are no longer teaching history in our schools and if you do learn some, it has generally been re-written. As citizens and parents, it is our job to inform ourselves and to reverse this cycle by returning to teaching and learning history from “original sources” and passing it on.
If you can get there, a trip to Washington D.C. and Arlington Cemetery is the ideal Memorial Day trip or summer vacation destination. Some other great Memorial Day activities are visiting a Presidential Library or civil war battle field, watching the yearly special honoring our troops from DC, visiting a veteran’s grave locally, reading a book about one of the wars we have fought in or about the founding of our nation and sharing about it over dinner or at an event. And watching a movie or movies (hopefully with some accuracy) about one of the wars and then perhaps following up on the history behind it is another. We all know that even the best films throw in a little “Hollywood” slant and sizzle (unfortunately sometimes too much), but the right movies can be a great place to spark our children’s interest in history and a jump off point for us to learn more!
Some years, especially like this past Memorial Day, when gas prices are high and the economy is slow a great weekend is just staying local and attending the city parade or event, visiting a nearby cemetery, catching the yearly PBS Memorial Day Special from DC and spending your time at home with family, friends (or even alone) eating some comfort food, reading a worthwhile book related to the holiday or our history and/or creating your own film festival of war movies. Below are a few to start with. There are many more that you can add to the selection. One of my favorite movies for both Memorial Day and the 4th of July is Yankee Doodle Dandy about George M. Cohan, starring James Cagney. It is a musical that some might say is a bit corny, but it highlights the patriotic music of our country and somewhat balances out the serious and somber war movies. The songs therein were songs every American child learned in school and every American could sing until recent years.
Saving Private Ryan (Blu-Ray)(WWII): Is at the top of almost everyone’s ‘best’ war movie or movie from that era list.
The Hunt for Red October (Blu-Ray) (cold war): This cold-war submarine flick is a must for author Clancy fans, starring Alec Baldwin and Sean Connery.
Tunes of Glory (post-WWII): A well-regarded 1960 film starring Alec Guinness and John Mills in post-war Scotland.
Das Boot (Blu-Ray) (WWII): A claustrophobic thriller set aboard a German submarine.
Hope and Glory (WWII): Funny and touching, it tells the story of the British home-front in World War II.
Danger UXB (WWII) (hard to find): A TV series from my mom's post-Brideshead Revisited phase. It also takes place on the British home-front with a squad in charge of defusing unexploded German bombs ("UXBs").
M*A*S*H (Korean War): Robert Altman's black comedy that spurred the long-running TV series, which is also available on DVD now.
Gallipoli (WWI): Not exactly uplifting, but a powerful drama.
Joyeux Noel (WWI): Another one from the Great War. It's based on a true event in which opposing armies take a respite for the holiday. (Special Collection) I remember my dad telling stories like this from WWII.
Mrs. Miniver (WWII): More from the British home-front, starring Greer Garson.
Platoon (Viet Nam War): Best Picture of the Year Oscar Winner (1986) that was part of Oliver Stone’s trilogy of Vietnam War films, also including Born on the Fourth of July (1989) — winner of two Academy Awards and Heaven & Earth (1993)
The Patriot (Blu-Ray) (Revolutionary War): An emotional, vivid, and palpable story about a South Carolina Family during the Revolutionary War with an excellent cast including Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger.
Black Hawk Down (Somalia Conflict): Depicting the Battle of Mogadishu, a raid integral to the United States' effort to capture Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid.
North & South (Civil War mini-series): An epic series with Patrick Swayze and Kirstie Alley.
The Hurt Locker (Iraq-Afghanistan Conflicts) The little film that beat out the mega monen blockbuster; won the 2010 Best Picture of the Year Oscar.
There are many many more great films about American involved wars and the troops who fought them. Sorry if I missed one of your favorites! Unfortunately… “Freedom Is Not Free!!”, so we owe those who fought for us the respect of remembering and remembering the truth.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died serving our country. This is a great time to honor our veterans and famous Americans by visiting the monuments in Washington, DC. The Memorial Day weekend also marks the beginning of the busy summer season and the Washington, DC region celebrates with family friendly events and special services. Here is the 2011 Memorial Day event schedule:
PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra. See Photos of the performers in the 2011 concert.
National Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 30, 2011, beginning at 2 p.m. The parade of Marching Bands and Veterans units from all 50 states steps off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons. See Photos of the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC.
Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally Sunday, May 29, 2011. Departure from the Pentagon at 12 p.m. Speaker Program and Musical Tribute 1:30 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial. Thousands of motorcycles ride through Washington in an annual demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues. See Photos of Rolling Thunder
Stars & Stripes & Spokes May 27-30, 2011. RFK Stadium. New this year! A four-day festival will honor America’s Armed Forces and bring together thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts with live music, military vehicle and equipment displays, food and more. Admission is free.
GI Film Festival May 9-15, 2011. The festival is held annually just before Memorial Day weekend. See classic and premier films celebrating the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces including a variety of films presented by award-winning Hollywood actors and directors. Participate in panel discussions with soldiers, journalists, authors, and filmmakers.
Flags-In. Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) will be joined by service members from the U.S. Marine Corps Ceremonial and Guard Company, U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard in placing more than 250,000 grave decorating flags at Arlington National Cemetery. The flags will remain through Memorial Day.
Monday, May 30, 2011, 11 a.m. A wreath-laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Memorial Day. See Photos of Arlington National Cemetery.
Saturday, May 28, 2011, 11 a.m. Rolling Thunder visits the Navy Memorial and holds a wreath-laying ceremony featuring special guests and live performances.
Monday, May 30, 2011, 10 a.m. Fleet Reserve Association Wreath laying, 12 p.m. U.S. Navy Band Concert, 1 p.m. Naval District Washington Wreath laying.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monday, May 30, 2011, 1 p.m. This year's annual Memorial Day ceremony includes Presentation of the Colors, remarks by a special guest and wreath-laying service.
World War II Memorial Monday, May 30, 2011, 9 a.m. The National Park Service and the Friends of the National World War II Memorial will sponsor a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of our veterans. Guest speakers will give remarks. The theme for the commemoration is "Honoring our Fallen Warriors." Many surviving WWII veterans will be in attendance.
Air Force Memorial Monday, May 30, 2011, 9 a.m. wreath laying ceremony is open to the public.
Sarah Palin will embark on a One Nation Tour of historical sites that were key to the formation, survival, and growth of the United States of America. The tour will originate in Washington DC and will proceed north up the east coast. Palin will kick things off Sunday by taking part in the “Rolling Thunder” motorcycle ride
More information will follow. Please follow the tour on SarahPAC.com
Major Events in Maryland and Virginia
Hometown Holidays May 28-30, 2011. The city of Rockville's Memorial Day event is a three-day street festival with live music, children's entertainment, a parade and more. Viva Vienna May 28-30, 2011. Vienna, Virginia celebrates with a community festival including food, crafts, music, carnival rides and a Memorial Day tribute. Wolf Trap Farm Park Sunday, May 29, 2011, 8:00 p.m. Summer Blast Off! "The President's Own". The park for performing arts kicks off the summer season with a free performance by the U.S. Marine Band followed by fireworks. The Filene Center gates open at 6:30 p.m. Arrive early because the park closes once capacity is reached. Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon May 27-29, 2011, 6-9 p.m. New family-friendly event! Enjoy evening tours of the Mansion, 18th-century music, dancing, games, and wagon rides. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds and visit with Lady Washington and her granddaughter Nelly. Admission: Adults, $18; children 6-11, $12; and children under 5 are admitted free. Fort Ward Park, Alexandria, Virginia Monday, May 30, 2011, 1-7 p.m. The annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival features big band, swing, and contemporary jazz music. Picnics are allowed and food and beverages will also be for sale. In case of inclement weather, the festival will be relocated to the Lee Center's Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St. Admission is free. Falls Church Memorial Day Parade Monday May 30, 2011, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City of Falls Church, Virginia celebrates Memorial Day with a festival featuring pony rides, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, food and a community parade. Delaplane Strawberry Festival May 28-29, 2011, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane, VA. The annual festival includes live entertainment, children's games, pony rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, a 5K fun run, a raptor exhibit, antique cars, food, crafts and strawberries. Chestertown Tea Party Festival May 27-29, 2011. The historic river-front town on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay (about an hour and half from DC) kicks off each summer with a weekend of fun for the whole family including a tea toss reenactment, colonial parade, cocktail party, raft race, street performances, colonial crafts, strolling musicians, local fare, 5k & 10 mile run and more.
Be sure to check your local area for parades, events, fireworks and fun. There is no better Memorial Day Weekend, or any holidays weekend, where we and are children spend some time remembering, discussing and learning about the holiday and its meaning.
"What do you want for Christmas?" the young Marine asked me. It was the middle of the night, and we were standing atop a heavily sandbagged "strongpoint" known as "Outpost Horea" in downtown Ramadi, Iraq - long the bloodiest city in this very bloody country.
"What do I want for Christmas?" I repeated, somewhat surprised by the question. "I want you to get home safely."
The 21-year old Tennessean, girded in 65 pounds of armored flak jacket, a night-vision equipped helmet, grenades and several hundred rounds of ammunition reflected on that for a moment and replied, "so do I."
It has been my great blessing to have spent most of my life in the company of real American heroes - our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Guardsmen and Marines who leave their families and risk their lives to keep America safe, strong and free.
-- Combat-wounded troops recuperating at military hospitals all around the country.
-- Families of service members, many of whom are deployed overseas.
-- Active duty troops, who are defending our great nation.
With your generous support,Freedom Alliance will make the Christmas season special for our servicemen and women and their families.
This is how your generous contribution TODAY will make a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2009 for our courageous troops:
FIRST, Freedom Alliance will continue supporting our wounded troops who are recuperating in Wounded Warrior Units on bases all around our country.
Freedom Alliance hosts Christmas parties, Troop Appreciation Dinners and recreational activities across the country for these combat-wounded troops and their families.
We have hosted them at baseball games, football games, amusement parks, fishing expeditions and other activities so they can relax, enjoy themselves and know how much we appreciate their willingness to serve.
Freedom Alliance has sent our troops at home and abroad Christmas gift bags and care packages.
In other cases, we have provided financial aid, commissary gift cards and national retailers gift cards.
After we did this last Christmas, a U.S. Army Chaplain from Fort Hood wrote to us, saying: Thank you for sending the 200 commissary food vouchers for our Soldiers during the Holidays. On 6 December we had given out the last voucher. The arrival of your donation could not have come at a better time. We greatly appreciate your support and know the Soldiers and their families appreciate it even more. If it had not been for your generous donation, many families would have gone without. Thanks again for your help."
I want to thank you because your support makes our work possible.
SECOND, Freedom Alliance ships Gifts From Home" care packagesto our troops serving overseas.
This Christmas season, we are again shipping MORE THAN 500 Holiday Gifts from Home" boxes full of thousands of requested and needed items, including prepaid international calling cards, candy, toiletries, games, food items, Germ-X hand sanitizer, books, magazines, DVDs, CDs and much more!
Just last week, when more than 75 Christmas Gifts from Home" boxes arrived in Umm Qsar, Iraq at Camp Buca, the Executive Officer, Coast Guard Lieutenant Tony, gratefully told us:
Thank you for all the Christmas gift boxes. Today we are once again reminded that we are not alone and our efforts are not in vain. It is a blessing to know that we are supported, that our efforts are appreciated and that a little piece of home is just a gift box away."
THIRD, Freedom Alliance provides support for military families through our Adopt-A-Military-Family" project, which brings Holiday joy to families in need, with Christmas gifts they might not otherwise afford all wrapped and delivered to their homes before Christmas.
Many of us remember waking up once upon a time on Christmas morning to the thrill of that shiny red bicycle from Santa. This Christmas morning, with your generous support, Freedom Alliance and Santa will put bicycles, remote control cars, games and many more toys under the Christmas tree for children of military families who need our help.
Our courageous soldiers, sailors, airmen, Guardsmen and Marines need, and richly deserve, our continued prayers and support. They are Americas greatest Christmas gift!
Join with me and many other patriotic Americans to say "Thank You" to our American Heroes and their families.
Please GO HERE and make your most generous tax-deductible year-end contribution to Freedom Alliance today. The financial assistance you make possible now and throughout the New Year will show our brave heroes how proud and grateful we are that they fought for our freedom.
Please keep our Brave Defenders of Freedom in your thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your family and thank you for your generous and faithful support.
Semper Fidelis,
LtCol Oliver L. North, USMC (Ret.) Founder and Honorary Chairman FREEDOM ALLIANCE
P.S. For this old warrior, please keep in your prayers all the families of those American Heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. They are missed always, but especially at Christmas. It is for them, that we continue our Freedom Alliance mission to honor and support our Armed Forces.
“No arsenal, no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.”
…President Ronald Reagan
International Picture of the Yearin 2007
Here are two very touching photos honoredthat honor our troops and their families
First Place:
Todd Heisler, The Rocky
Mountain News
When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the RenoAirport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac. During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at DenverInternationalAirport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: 'See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home,' he said 'They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should.'
Second Place
Todd Heisler, The Rocky Mountain News
The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. 'I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she said. 'I think that's what he would have wanted.'
God BlessAmerica
My family and I know that "Old Glory" does not wave by accident. We have lost loved ones to war; and luckily have many more family members and friends who served, but came home, therefore Veteran’s Day is very special.
Veteran’s Day is for remembering the sacrifices made by others - for us - for our continued freedom. But I believe the day should also be used to create new memories.
Having lost family to war and seeing the price that those who survived and all their families paid, I believe I am able to put this particular holiday in perspective. It is a day, in fact an entire weekend filled with activities throughout America, for us to accomplish two things: remembering and appreciating the sacrifice made by some and the ultimate sacrifice made by others and exercising those won freedoms in a way that creates fond memories with those we still have to love.
Veteran’s Day should certainly be more meaningful than simply a three day weekend or mini vacation, or an odd day off in the middle of the week (depending on your state and your situation). It is a sacred day of remembrance ...but it should also be a time for the living to celebrate each others company while time permits. I especially like to totally surround myself with family and friends on this day, or even on this entire weekend, to celebrate what we (still) have because of those who gave their lives.
Veteran’s Day was born out of the horror of wars and as a remembrance of all those who served. The purpose of this holiday may seem to be fading from some peoples' consciousness. Is it now simply a day off or a three day vacation? Somehow the original meaning of the day has been lost… even while we are a country again at war.
My family and I know that "Old Glory" does not continue to wave by accident. We take time throughout the Veteran’s Day weekend to remember the fallen. We go to the cemeteries and place the flags. Old Glory flies at half mast at home. We tell stories, some sad - some happy, about those that cannot be at our family party. We remember them with reverence.
Last words like: "Tell my family I love them. Tell them to live for me", spoken by a Cobra helicopter pilot as his bird was on fire and about to explode; sacrifices like years lost in captivity and enduring torture for all of us by troops like Senator John McCain; or unimaginable bravery by Michael Monsoor, who valiantly gave his life to save the lives of his fellow Navy Seals, touch our hearts as we share and remember.
So ...my family and I celebrate our freedom - and life. We live our lives together. We do this best by being together and enjoying great recipes and the food they create.
One of the things my family and I do is talk about how to support our troops today. We put together a "care package" or two or three or four. We send the packages to soldiers somewhere in this world. We don't care where they are stationed or what branch of the service they serve.
As one soldier wrote recently, "All soldiers need the simple knowledge of one thing...someone must want them to come home. If a soldier has that...they may be able to make it through anything!!!!"
After the package(s) are wrapped and sent, we do as ordered by our missing loved ones - we celebrate with food and beverage and memories - and we create new memories to be enjoyed forever. What a gift they have given us!
As President Bush said today from the deck of the USS Intrepid, now turned into a museum in New YorkHarbor, “Thank You for Standing Up!” when your nation needed you the most!!
These statistics reflect the numbers of men and women who served anywhere in the world during time of war or conflict. It is important that as a Nation that has known relative peace in recent years, we do not forget the millions who also serve to preserve peace. Incidents like the Beirut bombing or the tragedy that befell the USS Cole should serve to remind us that all who serve, even in time of peace, do so at the risk of life.
I promised myself that I ‘d stay off the computer this past Memorial Day Weekend and spend my time with friends, family and history. Then when I went to get back online, my computer went on strike, so to speak, so this is a few days late, but thought the movies and thoughts were good throughout the summer! 
economy is slow a great weekend is just staying local and attending the city parade or event, visiting a nearby cemetery, catching the yearly 
is a great time to honor our veterans and famous Americans by visiting the 
National Memorial Day Concert
Musical Tribute 1:30 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial. Thousands of motorcycles ride through Washington in an annual demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues. 
The 21-year old Tennessean, girded in 65 pounds of armored flak jacket, a night-vision equipped helmet, grenades and several hundred rounds of ammunition reflected on that for a moment and replied, "so do I."
This is how your generous contribution TODAY will make a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2009 for our courageous troops:
We have hosted them at baseball games, football games, amusement parks, fishing expeditions and other activities so they can relax, enjoy themselves and know how much we appreciate their willingness to serve. 
SECOND, Freedom Alliance ships Gifts From Home" care packages to our troops serving overseas. 
Thank you for all the Christmas gift boxes. Today we are once again reminded that we are not alone and our efforts are not in vain. It is a blessing to know that we are supported, that our efforts are appreciated and that a little piece of home is just a gift box away." 
Please keep our Brave Defenders of Freedom in your thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your family and thank you for your generous and faithful support. 
