Vets Against Kerry Celebrate in DC Too

NewsMax.com ^ | 1/21/05 | Carl Limbacher

[kattracks]

Leaders of prominent "527" military service veterans groups, film producers, Websites and authors who made substantial contributions to the veterans revolt against Senator John Kerry's 2004 Presidential bid were honored by their supporters at an "Un-augural" reception at the National Press Club Thursday.

Unlike the scores of balls, parades and fetes typical of the frenetic day, the tongue-in-cheek event at the Club's First Amendment room was, according to organizer Lou Priebe, geared to "celebrate the absence of Senator Kerry from the Inauguration Day proceedings, most particularly the swearing-in ceremony."

U.S. Army Infantry veteran Lou Priebe added, "These courageous advocacy groups and individuals richly deserve the recognition which they will receive from their many friends who are profoundly grateful for their invaluable service during the 2004 Presidential election.

"These staunch men and women made extremely important contributions in helping tell the truth about Kerry's actual record during and after the Vietnam War and about his lack of fitness to serve as America's Commander-in-Chief. We're celebrating the fact that Kerry is not being inaugurated on January 20 and honoring the exemplary people who helped make his absence from the historic day's ceremonies a reality!"

One honoree, John Moore, Webmaster for KerryLied.com, recalled as he accepted his award, "When I first heard Kerry's 1971 speech [about GI "war criminals" in Vietnam], I knew it was time to go to war." Moore also commended the Vietnam vets in attendance for "fighting the war twice."

Another honoree, B.G. Burkett, author of "Stolen Honor," remarked as he was recognized, "In the end, the only band of brothers that mattered was the one that stood up to John Kerry's lies."

Carlton Sherwood, who produced and narrated the POW documentary "Stolen Honor," reminded the audience that "the fight is not over," lambasting the mainline media for continuing in its maligned use of the "evil Vietnam War" to undermine the military.

Sherwood, who gave congratulations to Burkett for being the original founder of the movement that spawned so many spin-offs and who continues to fight lawsuits from the Kerry camp over his controversial documentary, has started a legal defense fund that is entitled "The Vietnam Veterans Legacy Foundation."

Capt. Larry Bailey, USN, Ret., President of the Vietnam Veterans for the Truth and architect of the "Kerry Lied" rally in Washington, detailed to the audience how the movement to stop Kerry began as a trading of e-mails in various chat rooms. Finally, one vet suggested: "Let's get about 100,000 vets together on the mall and show the country that not all vets are for 'Hanoi John.'"

Recognizing the contribution of the honorees - including NewsMax.com's Christopher Ruddy - Bailey said that his main job was to just sit at his computer and "keep the pot stirred."

One of those who got stirred was Paul Schiffer, whose radio show, "The Schiffer Report" focused on Vietnam-related issues in the key state of Ohio throughout the campaign. Schiffer noted that getting the truth out about Kerry giving aid and comfort to the enemy while Americans were still fighting, dying and suffering in communist captivity had "an impact in Ohio," a key swing state that went to Bush and sealed his reelection.

Other honorees included:

• Mike Benge, author, advisor and former POW in Vietnam, who led anti-Kerry rallies and demonstrations and "who provided information about Kerry's anti-POW/MIA activities."

• Dr. Jerry Corsi, the co-author of "Unfit for Command," who wrote key articles, made media appearances and helped coordinate between groups.

• Amanda Doss, Webmaster and organizer for "Operation Street Corner."

• Jeff Epstein, volunteer PR director of "Vietnam Veterans for the Truth."

• John O'Neill, co-author of "Unfit for Command" and key spokesman for the Swift Boat Veterans, who debated against Kerry in 1971.

• Tony Snesko, who educated the public every weekend near the Vietnam War Memorial - all during the 2004 campaign and who inspired "Operation Street Corner."

[GretchenM]

I continue daily to be grateful for those who exposed kerry during the election.

[dubyawhoiluv]

I drove up from portsmouth va to attend it was awesome so many honorable veterans, friends, spouses and children of veterans and many POWS all to celebrate a true CIC BUSH and the defeat of the POODLE it was esp. nice when they flashed a pic of the POODLE sans THERESA behind DUBYA in the stands looking as though his thoughts were posted on his forehead "it should have been me down there" as Dubya was taking the oath of office