SOUTH CAROLINIAN STANDS TALL AT PENTAGON - LATE AFTER ACTION REPORT OPERATION INFINITE FREEP

self | 16 December 2001 | JV's b

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

stand waite with his corn cob pipe clenched in his teeth and his Dr. Suess Flag (it is really the South Carolina State Flag) held high walked a lonely, blustery post for several hours on December 15 a small knoll overlooking the Pentagon, a place that has become a grass-roots shrine to all that is good about our country. The DC Chapter’s Warlord had called a meet but the announcement had gone up late. kristinn informs me that this will be a standing gathering from 1400 to 1600 hours Saturday until Osama bin Laden’s head is on a pike. After a long lonely vigal, I soon followed by Angelwood arrived to provide some relief. Angelwood brought more flowers to add to our memorial.

People drifted by site in small groups and pairs. I talked with a firefighter from Wisconsin who was attending the National Firefighting Academy and a young lady who had been to the sight several times. stand waite has an idea that he is working on because something will have to be done at the site.

Eventually, the DC Chapter’s Warlord arrived along with tgslTakhoma. tgslTakhoma brought even more flowers. While she was arranging them, four young ladies knelt down and talked with her. They said a prayer with tgslTakhoma for BKO (Barbara Olson) and BCM (Battalion Chief "John" Moran), the others on the plane, those lost in the Pentagon and FreeRepublic.

As the sun had set, we gathered our gear and headed to the DC Chapter’s Christmas gathering. But that’s another post.

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

No piper today, I think his appearance several weeks ago was a one time event that was very personal and of high emotion.

This report respectfully filed on behalf of the DC Chapter.

[exit82]

Bless you guys for remembering our fallen heroes. And a Merry Christmas to you and your families.

[VaMarVet]

BTTT - had to pass yesterday (basketball coaching and work function). Will be back on duty this Saturday. Kudos to the D.C. Chapter.

[Diver Dave]

Salute to the DC Chapter once again. Thank you.

[Gore_ War_ Vet]

Bump

[Angelwood]

It was a chilly, blustery day yesterday at the Pentagon. Most of the items left in memory of those who perished at the Pentagon were removed a few weeks ago to preserve for history. But, people are still coming and dropping off coins, flowers, papers, cards, ribbons, flags, and the list goes on. They pause for pictures, to pray, to read every card or message; and they stand staring at the Pentagon. We need to remember and never forget 9/11.

[Angelwood]

I forgot to say thanks to you for writing the report. Merry Christmas to you and Vivian Valentine.

[basil]

It's so nice to know that the DC chapter is ever vigilant! I can only imagine how touching these moments are, especially when people stop to talk and pray with you.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!

[VaMarVet]

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace that fear relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer's ear
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds
And drives away his fear.

Must Jesus bear the cross alone
And all the world go free
No, there's a cross for everyone
And there's a cross for me.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first begun.

[ELS]

Thank you for posting that beautiful picture and the lyrics to Amazing Grace. I can hear him playing the bagpipes in the background...

[VaMarVet]

We need to remember and never forget 9/11.

Yes and we need to be ever vigilant - countering the forces of evil both foreign and domestic on every corner. They are the so called "peaceniks" and "pacifists" - the hard-core (lingering communists and anarchists - and the naive sheep that dance to their song). They are like a cancer - eating away at the very foundation of our great country. It is beyond trying to reason with these traitors. They have made their bed and now they will have to sleep in it. No quarter given, nor requested. This is war and the traitors must be held accountable.

[VaMarVet]

Thanks - I hear them too. My maternal Grandmother (Elizabeth Nesbit of Larkhall, Lanarkshire) used to drag me aside years ago and relay "never forget laddie - you have the pipes in your blood". She was right.

[KLT]

Yes and we need to be ever vigilant - countering the forces of evil both foreign and domestic on every corner. They are the so called "peaceniks" and "pacifists" - the hard-core (lingering communists and anarchists - and the naive sheep that dance to their song). They are like a cancer - eating away at the very foundation of our great country. It is beyond trying to reason with these traitors. They have made their bed and now they will have to sleep in it. No quarter given, nor requested. This is war and the traitors must be held accountable.

My thoughts exactly!

[kristinn]

Thanks for writing this. We'll be back next Saturday.

[Redbob45]

There's another tune for the pipes, and tho' it's not about our fair land, the thoughts are universal:

Scotland the Brave.

Hark when the night is falling Hear! hear the pipes are calling,
Loudly and proudly calling, Down thro' the glen.
There where the hills are sleeping, Now feel the blood a-leaping,
High as the spirits of the old Highland men.

Towering in gallant fame, Scotland my mountain hame,
Land of my high endeavour,
Land of the shining river, Land of my heart for ever,
Scotland the brave.

High in the misty Highlands,
Out by the purple islands,
Brave are the hearts that beat
Beneath Scottish skies.
Wild are the winds to meet you,
Staunch are the friends that greet you,
Kind as the love that shines from fair maiden's eyes.

Towering in gallant fame etc.

Far off in sunlit places, Sad are the Scottish faces,
Yearning to feel the Kiss of sweet Scottish rain.
Where tropic skies are beaming, Love sets the heart a-dreaming,
Longing and dreaming for the homeland again.

Towering in gallant fame etc.

[VaMarVet]

Agreed - good post.

[Fred Mertz]

Thank you for being there. It means alot.

[stand watie]

so that i don't get SHOT when i'm next in Lexington County, SC, may i remind all that while i am pleased to be a GUEST of the great DC Chapter of FR, that i am a member-in-good-standing of the SOUTH CAROLINA chapter!

for SC & dixie liberty,sw

[stand watie]

you were MISSED saturday night at Tom Sarris's Orleans House-the prime rib was excellent & i ate far too much of it!

for dixie,sw

[ELS]

You guys need to come to the NJ/NYC area for dinner one of these days and I will attend. The multi-hour drive each way is a killjoy.