The Gathering of Eagles & FReeRepublic were well represented. We were early enough to introduce ourselves and get on the list of "organizations" represented. We were first to be recognized, along with AMVETS and a couple others. The AMVET guy spoke briefly. We didn't ask to speak (I'm not the real PR guy). When Rep Carter got up to speak, We were the first ones he recognized and Gathering of Eagles was mentioned. Several congressperson spoke, Sam Johnson, the former POW spoke, and was very mad about the defacing of the VN Vets Memorial. The congresswoman from New Mexico (Heather Wilson - AF ret) also spoke along with several other VN vets who are Congressman. Didn't get all the names. (I have a video to work on). There were several news type cameras set up, but we didn't identify any reporters to talk to. Most of the people who asked questions of us after were staffers. Rep Ted Poe, also of Tx spoke and his aid passed out a short comment that Poe had made on the House Floor on Sept 20. Which was entered into the Congressional Record. It is entitled "The Wall Desecraters."
From notes:
Other speakers
Mike Conaway TX 70-72 Army
Steve Pearce NM Air Force
Others there were and may have spoke
Christopher Shays CT
Thaddeus McCotter MI
Rodney Frelinghuysen NJ Army 69-71
Joe Wilson SC
Leonard Boswell I Army 56-76
Rep Carter did indicate after, that he had spoken with the NPS and the maintenance people who were working on the Memorial to clean it up. He indicated that it was not yet completely cleaned up. He also indicated that the NPS had some kind of security camera video that they were working on to gather clues. I guess someone needs to be appointed to continue to follow up with NPS so we can inform our members as to the status.
Congressman John Carter says he already has 100 cosponsors.
Videos on YouTube:
It took a resolution to condem this? Don’t these guys have anything better to do?
We don’t need no stinkin’ resolutions!
Just post a sentry at the wall 24/7!
And the only bill we need passed is TERM LIMITS!
Next case...
Semper Fi,
Kelly
I’m also baffled. There should have been a joint bi-partisan condemnation of this act.
We were just there this summer.
I met up with two of my fellow female Vets. Two of us walked around the Womans memorial for the first time. After having enlightened a tour guide who was about to leave, having not mentioned the 8 nurses who gave their lives. There were about 80 people in the tour, a voice rang out “Did you serve during Vietnam?” and I said “yes, and so did my friend here”.
We were literally mobbed by the crowd. I don’t know where the tour guide went.
We explained that as soon as we left there, we were going to the wall to etch our friends names off of it.
They had all the women sit at the Womans Memorial and have their pictures taken with us. It was EXTREMELY emotional.
Even the men were emotional who were taking the pictures. I was comforting young women who wanted to be near me, to touch me. The same thing was happening to my friend.
To think that this happened to the Wall is extremely upsetting. As I type this, I feel sick to my stomach. You can’t help but feel it is hallowed ground when you are there. Evil visited it when this act was committed upon it.
This is so heartbreaking...