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Monday, May 29, 2006

A Message from an Italian Friend...

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

I wanted to pay homage to all the men and women who died representing the
Military of the United States of America.

On this special day, it pays tribute to more than 1.3 million U.S. servicemembers killed from Revolutionary War through the current War on Terror.

The following is exactly what I think about today:

"When it mattered most, an entire generation of Americans stepped forward to fight evil (…) Because of their sacrifice, tyrants fell; fascism and Nazism were vanquished; and freedom prevailed."

"Those who have fought the battles of the war on terror can be proud of all they have achieved. Each man or woman we have laid to rest had hopes for the future, and left a place that can never be filled. Each was the most important person in someone's life. For their families there is terrible sorrow, and we pray for their comfort. For the nation, there is a feeling of loss, and we remember each name."

"Through our history, America has gone to war reluctantly because we have known the costs of war. And in every generation, it is the best among us who are called to pay that price. Those who have paid those costs have given us every moment we live in freedom, and every living American is in their debt.

We can never repay what they gave for this country. But on this holiday, we acknowledge the debt by showing our respect and gratitude."

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH (Sat, May 29, 2004)

With all respect and love, I'm attaching you a wallpaper that I made yesterday in the afternoon. I hope that you like it.

God bless you all and The States!

See you soon

Sincerely,
Ignacio S. C--------
The staunchest supporter of U.S. forces overseas.


Memorial Day Messages from Washington

graphic courtesy of Doc's Military Graphics


Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Throughout our history, the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States have placed the security of our Nation before their own safety. America will be forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. On Memorial Day, we honor those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Defending the ideals of our Nation has required the service and sacrifice of those from every generation. From Valley Forge, across Europe and Asia, and in Afghanistan and Iraq, courageous Americans have given their lives so that others could live in freedom. These Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen took an oath to defend America, and they upheld that oath with bravery and decency. They have liberated the oppressed, spread freedom and peace, and set a standard of courage and compassion for our Nation. All who enjoy the blessings of liberty live in their debt.

This debt of gratitude extends also to the families who stood by our servicemen and women in times of war and times of peace. Each of the fallen has left behind loved ones who carry a burden of grief, and all Americans are inspired by the strength of these families.

At this important time in the history of freedom, a new generation of Americans is defending our flag and our liberty. These men and women carry on the legacy of our Nation's fallen heroes and demonstrate that the United States Armed Forces remain the greatest force for freedom in human history.

Those who lost their lives in the defense of freedom helped protect our citizens and lay the foundation of peace for people everywhere. On Memorial Day, a grateful Nation pays tribute to their personal courage, love of country, and dedication to duty.

In respect for their devotion to America, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved on May 11, 1950, as amended (64 Stat. 158), has requested the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated the minute beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 29, 2006, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time to unite in prayer. I also ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day. I encourage the media to participate in these observances. I also request the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States, and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH


Memorial Day 2006 Message From the Secretary of Defense

– On this Memorial Day, we again pause to remember and to honor those who dedicated their lives to the service of others.

From the first citizen-soldiers who stood fast to defend their homes at Lexington and Concord, to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines securing our liberty and our way of life today, our country has been truly blessed by those who stepped forward to say, "Send me."

Theirs is a noble calling that founded a nation, drove back the forces of fascism, communism and terrorism, and made historic advances in the cause of human freedom.

Their service strengthens our will to persevere through every challenge. They remind us of what it means to be an American.

So to all of those serving our country today, know that we are deeply grateful to you and to your families. May God bless you. And may God bless our wonderful country.

Donald H. Rumsfeld
Secretary of Defense


Memorial Day 2006 Message From the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman

– "That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion." These iconic words delivered by President Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg embody the true meaning of Memorial Day: to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.

Each member of the Armed Forces swears an oath to support and defend the Constitution. The unspoken part of that oath is the willingness to lay down one's life to protect our liberties. Our freedom is not free, and the sacrifices of servicemen and women throughout history stand as constant, powerful reminders of the price. President Lincoln said, "to truly honor these heroes, we must steadfastly resolve to continue their noble fight against all who would threaten our way of life."

On behalf of the Joint Chiefs and the men and women of the Armed Forces, I join all Americans in paying tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our country. We are eternally grateful for their selfless sacrifice, and honored to carry on their precious legacy.

PETER PACE
General, United States Marine Corps
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

- Section 60 -


Breathing falters
birds fly low
Soldiers standing
in a row...

Mother's sitting
hands are clenching
teeth are gritting
soul is flinching....

Screaming "no"
in inner silence
agonizing feeling
senses reeling

Her son, a father,
the nephew and the brother
has fallen now
like many another.

For Iraqi Freedom
he has died
The flag is folded
her tears have dried.

Was it worth it?
She must believe
her hero's courage
set them free.

Section 60's
now his home ~
now, near his brothers
he's not alone

Section 60
in Arlington
Home to many
Home to one.

Christina
Memorial Day 2006
In Honor of the Fallen in Afghanistan and Iraq



To learn more about Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, click here.

A Message from Patti at Soldiers' Angels


I send a Thank you to those who answer the call.

I will be thinking of all our Vets who have stood so bravely for our country,
I will be thinking of our Fallen Heroes and their families,
I will be thinking of our many heroes in Harms way
and their families who are suffering the hardship of deployment
I will be thinking of the wounded and their pain
and I will be thinking of Angels who on a daily basis
bring hopes and comfort and answers to prayers.

May God Bless Our Troops!

May God Bless America!

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words

In honor of the day...a few pictures that illustrate the price of Freedom....

Normandy


Arlington National Cemetery


Gettysburg National Cemetery


Pearl Harbor


Vietnam Veterans National Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Wherever you are today, in honor of our fallen heroes, eat, drink, be merry, but take a moment, just a moment, to bow your head and say "Thank you."

I also have a powerpoint tribute I did in honor of the day, but unfortunately, I've been unable to get it uploaded. I can, however, make an autorun CD out of it. If you would like a copy, I'd be happy to send you one - just email me (I warn you - have Kleenex on hand).

Two Great Poems by Russ Vaughn...

...are posted at the American Thinker.

Just One Old Ernie Pyle


and


Forsaken Honor, Forgotten Shame
MEMORIAL DAY IN AFGHANISTAN — U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Wayne A. White plays taps during a Memorial Day ceremony at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, May 28, 2006. White is assigned to the 10th Mountain Division Band, based in Fort Drum, N.Y. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Ramon Story

Victors, Not Victims

Honor soldiers. Don't pity them.

Friday, May 26, 2006 12:01 a.m. EDT

Here's a Memorial Day quiz:

1. Who is Jessica Lynch?
Correct. She's the Army private captured, and later rescued, in the early days of the war.

2. Who is Leigh Ann Hester?
Come on. The Kentucky National Guard vehicle commander was awarded a Silver Star last year for fighting off an insurgent attack on a convoy in Iraq. The first woman to receive a Silver Star since World War II, and the first woman ever to receive one for close combat.

If you don't recognize Sergeant Hester's name, that's not surprising. While Private Lynch's ordeal appears in some 12,992 newspaper and broadcast reports on the Factiva news service, Sergeant Hester and her decoration for extraordinary valor show up in only 162...

An excellent read for Memorial Day. Check out the rest at the Wall Street Journal online.
CHICAGO'S PARADE – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Marine Gen. Peter Pace acts as the Grand Marshal for the Chicago Memorial Day parade, the largest in the country, on May 27, 2006. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen Photos

In Today's News - Monday, May 29, 2006

Graphic courtesy of Doc's Military Graphics

Quote of Day
"On this weekend of reverence and remembrance, please take the time to think of all who made this great nation what it is today. I am always reminded of the men and women that served this great nation before me and I remind the young troops today that our freedom that we so cherish today was paid for in blood by those that served before us. Remember so that none may forget!"

-- email received from Tim M., USAF

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Iraq war widows seek strength amid loss
Sunni who aided U.S. gunned down in Iraq
Bombs Kill 3, Wound 21 in Iraq
Sunni Sheik Killed in Baghdad

Troops on Trial
Murtha: Iraq killings may hurt war effort

Other Military News
Families seek accidental war deaths medal
Historians hunt for Purple Heart stories

Immigration / Border Control
Frist defends path to citizenship
Sensenbrenner: 'Citizenship' Talk Equals Amnesty

Worldwide Wackos
Nuclear dispute is basis for Iranian computer game

Politics / Government
Reagan's Navy chief seeks Va. Senate seat
Frist less concerned about FBI raid
Frist Defends FBI Search of Rep. Jefferson's Office

Other News of Note
Israeli PM Warns of Tough Response to Attacks
Israel-Lebanon Border Clash

Fox News
Indonesian Survivors Scavenge for Supplies
Death toll climbs past 4,300
Video: Deadly Quake Rocks Indonesia
Photo Essay: Aftermath of Indonesian Quake
Pope Visits Auschwitz
'X-Men 3' Scores Record $107 Million Weekend
East Timor Violence Escalates
Space Center
Video Gaming Center

Reuters: Top News
Colombian voters give hard-line Uribe a second term - Video
Indonesia quake death toll passes 5,000 - Video
California town the latest to snub Wal-Mart
Ariane rocket orbits satellites for Mexico, Thailand
Pakistanis try confronting shame of honor killing
Children with Down's slowly gain voice in Africa
Ken Loach's Irish war film wins top Cannes prize
BOJ injects funds again to stem rate jump
Oil could top $105 in major supply outage: expert
HSBC's outlook encouraging, bids farewell to Bond
Burger King retires $350 million in debt after IPO
EchoStar, Universal Music settle channel dispute
Stocks to be volatile; inflation eyed
Nikkei inches past 16,000 mark as exporters rise
Stocks end higher, buoyed by banks and data
US Air shares gain on strong summer outlook
Icahn group prepares KT&G bid: brokerage - Video
Renting to own -- the market

AP World News
Bonds passes Babe with home run No. 715
German-born pope laments Holocaust crimes
Hornish sprints to thrilling Indy 500 win
Jolie and new baby doing well in Namibia
'Breakfast Club' principal Gleason dies
Beer here! Thirsty fan gets Bonds' HR ball
Paper fires reporter over Pulitzer letter
U.S. ally Uribe re-elected in Colombia
AP poll finds Americans in a hurry
'X-Men' has 4th-biggest opening in history
Alligators abound during annual Fla. count
Middle class goes broadband as price falls
Mine casualties rise with coal prices

Military.com
Bush Urges Spread of Democracy

Department of Defense
Iraqi Official Forsees More Challenges - Story
Pace Recognizes Fallen Troops, Families - Story - Photos
Pace Salutes Gold Star Families' Sacrifice
Unit in Afghanistan Honors Americans - Story
Bush Says Troops Sacrifice for Freedom - Story
Bush: West Point Graduates Will Clinch Victory in War
Official Discusses Way Ahead in Baghdad - Story
Troops in Baghdad Remember Friends - Story - On Assignment

ON THE GROUND
'Fighting Deuce' MPs Patrol Afghan Mountains - Story
Iraqis Adapt British Military Academy as Model - Story On Assignment
Center Helps Iraqis Shape Military Culture - Story - On Assignment
Troops Restore Base to Hand Back to Iraqis - Story

IN IRAQ
U.S. Army Mechanics Train Iraqi Counterparts
Training Ensures Marines Ready for Combat
Injured by Bombs, Iraqi Gets Prosthetic Hand

IN AFGHANISTAN
Afghan Border Police, Villagers Secure Border
Abizaid Visits 'Mountain Lion' Battlefields

IN THE HORN OF AFRICA
U.S. Admiral, African Traditional Leader Meet

AMERICA SUPPORTS YOU
Pentagon Picnic Honors Troops - Story
Group 'Thunders' Through D.C.
Indy 500 Pays Tribute to Troops - Story
Troops Sing National Anthem
Parade Kicks Off 90th Indy 500
Grand Ole Opry Salutes Troops - Story

TOP NEWS
IRAQ
Insurgent Killed; Weapons Captured
Iraqi General Commits to Reform
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 Leaders Hunted in Strike
U.S. Governors Visit Troops
Afghanistan Update
Maps

WAR ON TERRORISM
U.S., U.K. to Increase Intel
Cheney: Navy Grads to Know Enemy
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

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
1453 - Constantinople falls to Muhammad II and the Turks, ending the Byzantine Empire.
1721 - South Carolina is formally incorporated as a royal colony.
1765 - Patrick Henry (on his birthday) makes a historic speech against the Stamp Act, responding to a cry of "Treason!" with, "If this be treason, make the most of it!"
1790 - Rhode Island becomes last of the original 13 colonies to ratify the Constitution.
1848 - Wisconsin becomes 30th state.
1849 - Lincoln says "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of time, but you can't fool all of the people all of time."
1849 - Abraham Lincoln acquires a patent for lifting vessels.
1861 - Dorothea Dix offers help set up hospitals for Union Army.
1900 - The Otis Elevator Co. trademarks the "Escalator."
1912 - 15 young women are fired by Curtis Publishing for dancing the "Turkey Trot" during their lunch break.
1916 - The official flag of the President of the United States is adopted; U.S. forces invade the Dominican Republic, remaining until 1924.
1940 - Germany captures Ostend and Ypres in Belgium, and Lille in France.
1942 - Bing Crosby records "White Christmas," the greatest selling record to date.
1943 - Confederacy of Algiers (Churchill / Marshall / Eisenhower); Meat and cheese are rationed in the United States.
1944 - British troops occupy Aprilia, Italy.
1945 - The United States' 1st Marine Division conquerors Shuri castle, Okinawa.
1951 - First North Pole flight in single-engine plane.
1967 - Pope Paul VI names 27 new cardinals, including Karol Wojtyla, archbishop of Krakow, who later will become Pope John Paul II.
1974 - Northern Ireland is brought under direct rule from Westminster.
1989 - Student protesters in Tiananmen Square, China, construct a replica of the Statue of Liberty.
1990 - Boris Yeltsin is elected President of the Russian Republic.
1993 - In Solingen, Germany, Nazis kill 5 Turkish women.

Birthdays
1630 - King Charles II of England
1736 - Patrick Henry, U.S. patriot, famous for his words "Give me liberty or give me death."
1810 - Union Major General Erasmus Darwin Keyes; Union Brevet Major General Solomon Meredith
1824 - Confederate Major General Cadmus Marcellus Wilcox
1825 - Union General David Bell Birney
1827 - Confederate Brigadier General Reuben Lindsay Walker
1917 - John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Senator-MA), 35th President
1923 - Richard Worsley, quarter master General
1935 - Martin Garrod, Commandant General (Royal Marines)
1943 - Bob Edgar (Representative-PA); E. Thomas Coleman (Representative-MO)

Passings
1453 - Constantine XI Dragases, last Byzantine Emperor
1814 - Josephine, Empress of France (wife of Napoleon)
1892 - Baha'u'llah (Mirza HA Noeri), Persian founder
1934 - Heihatjiro Tojo, Japanese Admiral (Russian-Japanese War)
1994 - Erich Honecker President of German Democratic Republic; Ezra Taft Benson, Minister of Agriculture / Mormon leader
1995 - Margaret Chase Smith, first female Representative and Senator (ME)

Reported Missing in Action
1967
Garner, John H., USN (SC); KIA / BNR

1972
Morrow, Larry K., US Army (NC); OH6A shot down, KIA/BNR

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