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Saturday, May 20, 2006

Armed Forces Day

graphic, and bar below, from Doc's Military Graphics
Taken from Defenselink:

"A Tradition of Heroes"

Armed Forces Day History
On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense. Each of the military leagues and orders was asked to drop sponsorship of its specific service day in order to celebrate the newly announced Armed Forces Day. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day, too.

Army Day - Navy Day - Air Force Day - Marine Corps Day - Coast Guard Day

In a speech announcing the formation of the day, President Truman "praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas" and said, "it is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace." In an excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation of Feb. 27, 1950, Mr. Truman stated:

Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense.
The theme of the first Armed Forces Day was "Teamed for Defense." It was chosen as a means of expressing the unification of all the military forces under a single department of the government. Although this was the theme for the day, there were several other purposes for holding Armed Forces Day. It was a type of "educational program for civilians," one in which there would be an increased awareness of the Armed Forces. It was designed to expand public understanding of what type of job is performed and the role of the military in civilian life. It was a day for the military to show "state-of-the-art" equipment to the civilian population they were protecting. And it was a day to honor and acknowledge the people of the Armed Forces of the United States.

According to a New York Times article published on May 17, 1952: "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."

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions, and air shows. In Washington D.C., 10,000 troops of all branches of the military, cadets, and veterans marched pass the President and his party. In Berlin, 1,000 U.S. troops paraded for the German citizens at Templehof Airfield. In New York City, an estimated 33,000 participants initiated Armed Forces Day "under an air cover of 250 military planes of all types." In the harbors across the country were the famed mothballed "battlewagons" of World War II, the Missouri, the New Jersey, the North Carolina, and the Iowa, all open for public inspection. Precision flying teams dominated the skies as tracking radar were exhibited on the ground. All across the country, the American people joined together to honor the Armed Forces.


Many of you know the works of Roger Robicheau, often featured here on IWT. Here is his message for this Armed Forces Day:

Hi Everyone,

It has been almost two hundred years since our beloved Uncle Sam first came forth in this country. To be exact, it was during the War of 1812. What an impact he has had on our great nation since then.

I hope you all find the writing below to your liking. As to feelings about our great Armed Forces, It is spelled right out. And we are also reminded about God and our country.

I don't think there's a better time for this presentation than Armed Forces Day.....And my hope is that some of our great troops oversees will get to read this by Independence Day.
God Bless Each One Of Our Troops....God Bless This Country That They Secure....And God Bless You For All Your Tremendous Efforts For Our Military....

Ladies and Gentlemen...........



Old Uncle Sam

You all know me, I’m Uncle Sam

So gosh darn proud, oh yes I am

I’m for this country, all the way

But you knew that, I'll never sway

I've been around for quite awhile

Forget my age, I’m still in style

Like Yankee Doodle, yes siree

Like Troy, New York’s great history

I’m so proud Yankee Doodle’s kin

And proud what Troy for me has been

‘Twas Eighteen Twelve when all began

Too bad there was no cameraman

Our country fought its second war

We would prevail, just like before

Your Uncle Sam knows all too well

The facts are clear, war can be hell

Stay close to your Old Uncle Sam

I'm here for you, that’s what I am

We are the great Land of The Free

Thanks to those marching faithfully

Salute and thank the brave you see

Do not forget, they’re tops with me

America, stand up and cheer

Our forces keep our freedom clear

One Nation Under God we stay

This truth endures to greet each day

***

My time now draws to bid farewell

‘Twas grand to have you for a spell

Goodbye to you, each worthy friend

God Bless You, all my love I send


©2006 Roger J. Robicheau



And this morning, I received a very special message in my email:

HAPPY DAY U.S. ARMED FORCES!

I wanted to send my greetings to all the men and women who make up the
Military of the United States of America.

With all respect and love, I'm attaching you a collage made by me for this special day. I hope that you like it.

HAVE A GREAT GREAT DAY!

Keep up your good work. Don't heed the mainstream media. Continue to terminate the enemies and threats of The USA and Western World. I, from here, will pray to God that protect to U.S. forces and their families.

God bless you all and The States!

Good luck!
Take care!

Sincerely,
Ignacio S. C-------- from Argentina


(Click picture for larger version)


And for my part, to my Sarge-in-law, to Christian, to Clif, to Mike F., to Mike R., to Cisco, to Henry, to Phil, to Steven, to Todd, and to all the other brave servicemen and women it's been my privilege to support directly, and correspond with - you are my heroes, and I am humbled by all you do.

Thank you - more than I could ever express - both to those I know, and to those of you I have never met, and to the families of all those who are willing to stand bravely in harm's way for all of us.

And a very special thank you to Patti's son Brandon, who, with the Heroes he served with, was the initial inspiration for Soldiers' Angels, and this blog.

Click here to find Armed Forces Day events in your area.


UPDATE: Armed Forces Day at Soldiers' Angels Germany
TOWN HALL MEETING — Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Marine Gen. Peter Pace (right) addresses questions from servicemembers and Defense Dept. civilians at the Pentagon during a town hall meeting, May 29, 2006. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Pace thanked the audience for their service and updated them on the global war on terrorism. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen
More Photos - Story - Lead Photo Archive

In Today's News - Saturday, May 20, 2006

Quote of the Day
"... Our Servicemen and women are serving throughout the world as guardians of peace--many of them away from their homes, their friends and their families. They are visible evidence of our determination to meet any threat to the peace with measured strength and high resolve. They are also evidence of a harsh but inescapable truth--that the survival of freedom requires great cost and commitment, and great personal sacrifice."
-- President John F. Kennedy, 1963


News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Bomb Blasts Kill 24 in Iraq
Parliament forms cabinet amid chaos
Iraqi Parliament Approves New Cabinet
Agents Seize Mercedes That May Be Saddam's

Operation Enduring Freedom
American Soldier Killed, 6 Wounded in Afghanistan

Homeland Security / War on Terror
6 Gitmo Detainees Hurt

Other Military News
Coast Guard tipping ships about searches: NYT

Immigration
Troops on Border at Least 2 Years
Bush sends memo to Pentagon
Bush: Hablas Ingles, Por Favor
US Attorney Gen in 'linguistic snare' over English

Hamas Rising
Palestinian Intelligence Chief Wounded in Elevator Blast

Worldwide Wackos
South Korea's Main Opposition Leader's Attacked
US and Europeans split over offer to Iran: NYT

Homegrown Moonbats
McCain Finds Unfriendly Audience in NYC

Politics
New Orleans Votes
Race a Likely Factor in Vote
House OK's Measure to Stop Wild Horse Slaughter

U.N. News
Senate Probes Torricelli Oil-for-Food Allegations
U.N. envoy meets Myanmar's Suu Kyi: govt source

News from My Neck of the News
NE Not Ready for Hurricanes

Oddities
Women Accused of Killing Homeless for Insurance Cash
This must be why they call it a cell block
Christie's to hold 'Star Trek' garage sale
8-Foot-Tall Statue of Bob Wills Vandalized

Fox News
Bush Promotes Global Competition in Kentucky
Hoffa Informant Reportedly Passes Polygraph Test
'American Idol' Center

Reuters: Top News
Signs of feeding prehistoric birds found in Alaska
NASA hopes shuttle's next move won't be its last
Symantec sues Microsoft in contract dispute
Sony Ericsson launches five new mobile phones
East German wounds reopen as Stasi men speak out
Birders vie for World Series glory in N.J. swamp
Benzene found in some soft drinks, FDA says
CDC report supports Bausch & Lomb recall
"Dreamgirls" casts spell over Cannes audience
Crowds, protests expected as "Da Vinci Code" opens
GM brings $1 bln RSA lawsuit dispute to UK: paper
Kenya annuls Shell buyout of BP j-v stake
Treasury's Snow says inflation in check
Nasdaq raises LSE stake, making rival bids harder
AnnTaylor 1st-qtr profit up; raises forecast
VNU takeover wins support from vocal dissenter
Stocks to take fresh look at inflation
Stocks rise on techs, oil; break week-long fall - Video
Jones Apparel eyed by private equity firms: report
Intel drops on fears of gains by rival AMD
Ins and Outs for the week
On the Radar: Three giants of Biotech
No easy fix for dollar on yuan revaluation

AP World News
Number of Deaths From Katrina Rises
Judge Strikes Down Okla. Gay Adoption Law
Spurs Force Game 7 With Win Over Mavericks
PETA Seeks Records of Horn Tiger Attack
Rare Devils Hole Pupfish Moved to Hatchery
Evel Knievel Slowed by Illness and Pain
Iowa Co. Hopes to Make Gasoline Obsolete
FBI Revisits 1976 Lead in Search for Hoffa
Pistons Nip Cavaliers, Force Game 7
Nearly 90 Dead From Tropical Storm Chanchu
Pope Disciplines Legionaries' Founder

Military.com
FBI Investigating $50M Air Force Contract
Conservatives Cut $500M off Vet Bill
U.S. Soldier Killed, Six Wounded
Senate Panel Votes for More C-17s

Department of Defense
Rumsfeld, Pace: Uncle Sam Needs You - Story
Support Key to Ending Violence in Iraq - Story - Video - Transcript
Coalition Finds Weapons, Targets Taliban - Story
Forces in Afghanistan Kill 61 Enemy Fighters, Nab 20
Strike Targets Insurgent Support Base - Story
Detainees Skirmish With Guantanamo Guards - Story

IRAQIS TAKE THE LEAD
Grads Join Police Ranks, Support Blood Drive - Story
Iraqi Army Humanitarian Mission Aids Villagers

ON THE GROUND
Security Mission Unit Keeps Sheikh Informed - Story
Combat Support Hospital Still Saving Lives - Story
Bulletproof Jacket Keeps Troops Afloat - Story

IN IRAQ
84th Engineers Build Bridges for Anaconda
U.S. Marines, Iraqi Troops Hold Medical Clinic
Airmen Keep Fleet Rolling Through Dust, Mud

IN AFGHANISTAN
Afghan Soldiers Get In-Depth Airdrop Training

IN THE HORN OF AFRICA
Marines Help Rebuild Djiboutian Soccer Field
Pakistani Admiral Visits Camp Lemonier
Task Force Troops Visit African Orphanages

AMERICA SUPPORTS YOU
ASY Welcomes New Member - Story
Troops, Families Stay Connected

TOP NEWS
IRAQ
General: Iraqi-Run Ops Increasing
Forces Stop Terrorists, Disarm Bomb
Forces Respond to Ramadi Activity
Sailor, Four Soldiers Killed
Command Procedures Change
Tank Unit Assumes Responsibility
Renewal In Iraq
Fact Sheet: Progress and Work Ahead
Report: Strategy for Victory in Iraq
Iraq Daily Update
This Week in Iraq (PDF)
Multinational Force Iraq
State Dept. Weekly Iraq Report (PDF)
'Boots on the Ground' Audio Archive
Iraq Reconstruction
Maps

AFGHANISTAN
Taliban Fighters Killed in Operation
New Radio Station Opens
Enemy Rockets Injure Afghans
IED Injures Two Afghan Civilians
Afghanistan Update
Maps

WAR ON TERRORISM
Conference Topic: Security Efforts
Detainee Transfer Announced
Pentagon Tests Bio-Attack Response
U.S., Australia to Share More Info
Bush, Howard Focus: War on Terror
Fact Sheet: Budget Request
Fact Sheet: War on Terror
Fact Sheet: Terror Plots Disrupted
Waging and Winning the War on Terror
Terrorism Timeline
Terrorism Knowledge Base

MILITARY NEWS
U.S. Relinquishes IADB Position
Leaders Discuss Guard at Border
Rumsfeld Urges Support of Budget
Pace: Encourage Military Service
Guard Border Role Has Limits
Film Examines Combat Hospital
National Guard, Reserve Update

CASUALTIES
Officials Identify Army Casualties - Story

Weather
Iraq
Al Azamiyah Al Basrah Al Hillah Al Karkh Al Kazimiyah Al Kut
An Nasiriyah Baghdad Baqubah Mosul Najaf Nineveh Tall Kayf

Afghanistan
Bost/Laskar Ghurian Herat Kabul Qandahar

Gitmo

Today in History:
1303 - The Treaty of Paris restores Gascony to the British, following the 100 Years War.
1310 - Shoes are first made for both right & left feet.
1704 - Elias Neau forms a school for slaves in New York.
1775 - Mecklenburg County, North Carolina declares its independence from Britain.
1845 - The first legislative assembly convenes in Hawaii.
1861 - Kentucky proclaims its neutrality in the Civil War.
1864 - Battle at Ware Bottom Church VA, results in 1,400 killed or injured.
1868 - The Republican National Convention meets in Chicago, and nominates Grant for President.
1874 - Levi Strauss markets blue jeans with copper rivets - cost is $13.50 / dozen.
1875 - International Bureau of Weights & Measures established by treaty
1892 - German, Italy, and Austria-Hungary form the Triple Alliance.
1902 - The U.S. military occupation of Cuba (since January, 1899) ends.
1916 - Codell, KS is hit by a tornado; it is also hit on the same date in 1917 & 1918)
1917 - The Turkish Government authorizes Jews to return to Tel Aviv & Jaffa.
1918 - Launch of the first electrically propelled warship, the New Mexico.
1926 - Congress passes the Air Commerce Act, requiring licensing of pilots & planes.
1927 - Charles Lindbergh takes off from New York to cross the Atlantic; the Treaty of Jedda grants Saudi Arabia independence from Great Britain.
1932 - Amelia Earhart leaves Newfoundland; the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic.
1939 - Pan Am begins regular transatlantic airmail and passenger service across the North Atlantic.
1940 - Igor Sikorsky unveils his invention, the helicopter.
1941 - Germany invades Crete.
1942 - The U.S. Navy first permits black recruits to serve.
1944 - The U.S. Communist Party dissolves.
1948 - The Israeli Air Force is first used, and achieves its first war victory against Syria.
1954 - Chiang Kai-shek becomes president of Nationalist China.
1959 - Japanese-Americans regain their citizenship.
1961 - A white mob attacks "Freedom Riders" in Montgomery, AL.
1969 - In Vietnam, U.S. troops capture Hill 937 - Hamburger Hill.
1970 - 100,000 march in New York in support of U.S. policies in Vietnam.
1971 - The Pentagon reports that blacks constitute 11% of the U.S. soldiers in southeast Asia.
1978 - 3 PFLP members kill a police officer near El Al airlines in Orly Airport, Paris.
1980 - 710 families in the Love Canal area, near Niagara Falls, are evacuated.
1985 - The FBI arrests John A. Walker, Jr., later convicted of spying for the U.S.S.R.
1985 - Israel exchanges 1150 Lebanese/Palestinian prisoners for 3 Israeli soldiers; the U.S. begins broadcasts to Cuba on Radio Marti.
1989 - China declares martial law in Beijing.
1990 - The Hubble Space Telescope sends its first photographs from space.
1991 - The Soviet parliament approves a law allowing citizens to travel abroad.
1992 - India launches its first satellite independently.
1993 - 1993KA, a ten-meter meteor, comes within 150,000 km of Earth.

Birthdays:
1759 - William Thornton, architect, U.S. Capitol building
1768 - Dolley Dandridge Payne Madison, U.S. First Lady
1828 - Union Brigadier General James William Reilly
1881 - Wladyslaw Sikorski, Polish Premier, WWII general
1895 - Reginald J. "R" Mitchell, English aviation manufacturer (Spitfire)
1908 - Jimmy (James Maitland) Stewart, actor (Mr Smith Goes to Washington, It's a Wonderful Life)
1913 - William Hewlett, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard Co
1921 - John Harrison, British Vice Admiral/surgeon; John Marchi (Representative-R-NY)
1923 - Hugh Beach, British General
1925 - D. French Slaughter, Jr. (Representative-VA)
1934 - Alexei A. Leonov, cosmonaut (Voskhod 2, Apollo-Soyuz)
1942 - Carlos Norman Hathcock II, "Whitefeather," legendary USMC sniper
1944 - David M. Walker, Captain USN/astronaut (STS 51-A 30, 53, 69)
1945 - Harold E. Ford (Representative-TN); Nikolai Nikolayevich Fefelov, Russian colonel/cosmonaut; Wally Herger (Representative-CA)
1948 - John R. McKernan, Jr. (Representative / Governor-ME); Samuel Gejdenson (Representative-CT)
1949 - Nick Joe Rahall II (Representative-WV)
1951 - Michael D. Crapo (Representative-ID); Thomas D. Akers, Major USAF/astronaut (STS 41, 49, 61, 79)
1954 - Galina Vasilyevna Amelkina, doctor/cosmonaut

Passings:
1471
- Henry VI, King of England / France
1506 - Christopher Columbus, explorer, dies in poverty in Spain
1622 - Osman II, Sultan of Turkey
1648 - Wladyslaw IV, King of Poland
1834 - Marquis de Lafayette, French general
1996 - Lewis B. Combs, Naval commander/civil engineer

Reported Missing in Action:
1967
Frits, Orville B., US Army (CA); KIA (w/Grammar) - remains recovered May, 1967

Grammar, William Michael, USMC (OK); KIA (w/Frits) - remains recovered May, 1967

Keefe, Douglas O’Neil, USMC (SC); KIA / BNR

Maddox, Notley Gwynn, USAF (IL); RF101 shot down

Milligan, Joseph E., USAF (NJ); F4C shot down (w/Vanloan), released by DRV February, 1973 – retired as a Colonel - alive in 1998

Smith, Homer L., USN (WV); A4C shot down - remains returned March, 1974

Vanloan, Jack L.,USAF (OR); F4C shot down (w/Milligan), released by DRV March, 1973 – alive and well in 1998

1968
Lehrman, Ronald J., US Army (OK); captured on tugboat (w/Tester) - released by Sihanouk June, 1968

Robertson, John H., US Army SF (AL); CH34 shot down

Tester, Jerry A., US Army (NC); captured on tugboat (w/Lehrman) - released June, 1968

1972
Williams, James W., USAF (TN); F4C shot down, released by DRV March, 1973 – retired as a Lt. Colonel - alive and well in 1998

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