Posted on 05/08/2005 8:32:27 PM PDT by Wolfstar
PRESIDENTIAL NEWS OF THE DAY: Continuing his trip to eastern Europe and Russia to commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945, President Bush met today with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Excerpts from the President's remarks at the American Cemetary, Margraten, The Netherlands, May 8, 2005.
Today we join them at this hallowed ground. We come first to remember the young Americans who did not live to comb gray hair. Each man or woman buried here is more than a headstone and a serial number; each person here has a name that is precious to some family. And in faded black and white photographs, each one here looks back at us in the full glow of youth: the fresh-faced American in uniform; the newly minted officer with a smiling sweetheart on his or her arm; or the young dad traveling, holding a baby son or daughter on his knee. Every one of these Americans added his own unique contribution to the story of freedom.
In this cemetery lies Willy F. James, Jr., one of seven African American soldiers from the second world war to win the Medal of Honor. On this memorial wall is inscribed the name, Raymond Kelly, a young man studying to be a priest in Detroit, who could have sat out the war, but gave up his exemption to serve his country. And in this ground rests Maurice Rose, the brilliant division commander who led the first Allied troops into Germany. Here they rest in honored glory with thousands of their comrades in arms, and here we come to affirm the great debt we owe them.
Private Robert Lee Rutledge was one of those soldiers. He gave his life fighting against a brutal attack by two Nazi divisions. Weeks before he died, he wrote a letter to his daughter on her fifth birthday. The letter was addressed to little Ginger Rutledge in Lumpkin, Georgia. Private Rutledge told his daughter, "You're too young to understand it now, but you will later. It's all for your benefit. You came into a free world, and I want you to finish in one."
Sixty years later, Ginger is still free, and she does understand. And so do her three children and eight grandchildren. Private Rutledge did his job well, and the men who fought and bled and died here with him accomplished what they came for. The free America that Ginger grew up in was saved by their courage. The free Europe where many of them lie buried was built on their sacrifice. And the free and peaceful world that we hope to leave to our own children is inspired by their example.
The banner is attractive, but I don't know what it means.
Hi, MamaB.
Good evening.
Going to Catalina is a great reason.
Just hand in your signed excused tardy slip and all will be well. ;-)
Thanks for posting.
Yes, it sure was. Very moving.
If anyone taped the speech at the cemetary, I would love to see it...or if you know of any place on the web to view it!!! I hear it was very good, but didn't get to see it.
Over 8,000 American war dead in just one cemetary. There are other such cemetaries in France and elsewhere in Europe. Truly heartbreaking.
LOL! So I guess this means we're in sync for a change. [chuckle]
It means "Free and Strong"
has anyone heard if and when Fox news will broadcast the 60th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany stuff tomorrow...thanks
"the Democrat symbol is a Donkey, the Republican symbol is an Elephant"
Those were meant as, and still are, a joke. They don't really invoke any passion or enthusiasm.
Sorry jewels, I didn't get to see it. I keep switching over to CSpan to see if it is being replayed, but so far have missed it.
Yeah! It's nice to be in sync with someone! LOL!
Hi, Pol. The trip to Catalina was beautiful today. The express boats out of San Pedro make the trip in just over an hour. It's a couple of weeks before the summer tourist season begins in earnest over Memorial Day, so the crowds weren't too bad.
Those pics of the two in the 1956 Volga are hilarious. I don't know what Putin is so proud of -- those cars were among the worst ever made. Not exactly comparable to showing off a '56 Corvette or T-Bird, is it, ROFLMAO!!!
LOL!
The weather was ideal for the trip out to Catalina. A touch humid, but mild temps and a gorgeous sky. You could see the entire 26 miles between the Palos Verdes Penninsula and Catalina Island for a change.
Didn't sight any dolphins or seals, and it's not whale-watching season, but it was just a lovely, lovely day anyway.
Very nice!
I am aware of their shortcomings as symbols. Just stating fact that they are considered the official party symbols, like them or not. Stating on a website that the Republicans should have a symbol that you think is appropriate is not going to accomplish it. If you are serious and mean business about it, why not right to the RNC and also get others to support you. Maybe a petition drive would work. As for me, the elephant is ok...
I like that. Of course, the Republicans in the Senate are neither free (because they handcuff themselves) nor strong (because they're cowards). But maybe we can disown them.
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