Free Republic

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A sculpture of the signing of the Declaration of Independence made from a one-tonne block of cheddar cheese glistened on the sidewalk of Times Square in New York on Thursday as an artist's tribute to the Fourth of July. "It's very patriotic, using the signing of the Declaration of Independence, bringing Americans together for the Fourth," said Troy Landwehr, who carved the sculpture for cracker company Cheez-It to celebrate U.S. Independence Day. He worked eight hours a day for a week in a 40-degree cooler carving the block of Wisconsin cheddar. "The cheddar has been pasteurized...

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2008 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is proud of its bond with the military, its chairman and chief executive officer said before last night’s opening show here. Asia, one of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus’ elephants, shows her support of the military by sporting an America Supports You dog tag, held by former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff retired Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers. The duo was joined by: (from left) Mary Jo Myers; Kenneth Feld, chairman of the circus; his wife, Bonnie, and daughter Nicole Feld; and...

It was a serious contribution to the electronic lexicon. :-) Twenty-five years ago, Carnegie Mellon University professor Scott E. Fahlman says, he was the first to use three keystrokes - a colon followed by a hyphen and a parenthesis - as a horizontal "smiley face" in a computer message. To mark the anniversary Wednesday, Fahlman and his colleagues are starting an annual student contest for innovation in technology-assisted, person-to-person communication. The Smiley Award, sponsored by Yahoo Inc., carries a $500 cash prize. Language experts say the smiley face and other emotional icons, known as emoticons, have given people a concise...

Spc. William Morgan, a member of the 1st Cavalry Division’s Honor Guard, presents a sword to Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil, Jr., commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division and Multi-National Division-Baghdad, before the ceremonial cutting of a birthday cake, Sept. 13, at the Pegasus Dining Facility at Camp Liberty in western Baghdad. The First Team celebrated its 86th birthday at the filled dining facility, complete with balloons, Stetsons and steaks. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Benjamin Gable, 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. CAMP LIBERTY — The 1st Cavalry Division celebrated its 86th birthday with a cake cutting ceremony and...

HAVANA - Fireworks exploded over Havana Bay and five Cuban agents imprisoned in the United States sent greetings as ailing leader Fidel Castro turned 81 on Monday, spending his second consecutive birthday convalescing at an unknown location. There was no message from Castro, who has not appeared in public since announcing more than a year ago that he had undergone intestinal surgery and was provisionally ceding power to his younger brother Raul. The true state of his health and any future role for him in government remain uncertain. Hundreds of children from the Communist Pioneers youth group gathered Monday in...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2006 – The Alaska National Guard will join Santa and Mrs. Claus tomorrow as they visit St. Mary’s, Alaska, to commemorate the 50th anniversary flight of Operation Santa Claus. About 100 Army and Air National Guard members and other volunteers will fly to the remote village in two Air Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft to deliver toys, clothing, books, school supplies, water and holiday spirit to about 350 children, Kalei Brooks from Alaska’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs told American Forces Press Service. In addition, a representative of Tastee-Freez will bring ice cream sundaes for as many...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2006 – The Afghan Command and General Staff College held a ceremony Oct. 28 marking the start of the first class to attend the school, which teaches generals in the Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army. “Over the next six months, you will participate in the first ever senior Command and Staff College offered by the Afghan National Army,” U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert Durbin, commander of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan, told the first class of students. “You will increase your effectiveness by improving your knowledge about the art and science of leadership and command.”...

BATAVIA, Ohio (Army News Service, July 13, 2006) – Cake and ice cream, balloons, family, friends and presents – all ingredients for a birthday party held today in Batavia, Ohio. But scores of yellow ribbons decorating nearly every light pole, house and business within city limits reminded attendees that the guest of honor was missing. “It’s the third birthday he hasn’t been with us,” said Carolyn Maupin. Carolyn is the mother of the only missing American Soldier still unaccounted for in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Keith "Matt" Maupin of the 724th Transportation Company was kidnapped just months before his 21st...

WASHINGTON, July 4, 2006 – Marking the 230th anniversary of American independence, President Bush today gave thanks for the nation's freedom and for the men and women who make that freedom possible. "Each of you have stepped forward to serve, knowing the risks and dangers that accompany freedom's defense," the president told soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division, the 18th Airborne Corps and the Army's Special Operations Command, as well airmen from adjoining Pope Air Force Base. "You are serving our country at a time when our country needs you," he said. "And because of your courage, every day is...

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (Army News Service, June 15, 2006) – Soldiers in Afghanistan celebrated the Army’s 231st birthday June 14. Coalition Joint Task Force-76 Commander Maj. Gen. Benjamin Freakley spoke to Soldiers about the Army’s successes – both past and present. “The American Army has fought in over ten wars in its 231 years, from the revolution to the global war on terror,” said Freakley. “Ten wars of Soldiers laying their lives down on the battlefield, just like yesterday when we lost two of our brothers (in Afghanistan) and were reminded of the sacrifice that Soldiers make to preserve...

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, June 12, 2006) – Cake-cutting ceremonies, balls, special concerts and Soldier appreciation days will take place throughout the Army and around the world this week in honor of the Army’s 231st birthday. This year’s theme is “Call to Duty – Boots on the Ground.” “To all of our Soldiers around the world, our thoughts are with you and your families on this 231st Army Birthday. We are humbled by your sacrifices and awed by your achievements,” said Secretary of the Army Dr. Francis J. Harvey. The celebration kicked off June 10 with the Army Birthday Ball...

A formation of Georgian soldiers from the 22nd Light Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, listen to Capt. Lasha Karmazanashvili, commander, 22nd Light Infantry Battalion, during a Georgian Independence Day celebration Friday in Baghdad’s International Zone. Col. Michael Beech, commander, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, congratulates Georgian soldiers during a Georgian Independence day celebration. Georgian battalion celebrates Independence Day Story and photos by Pfc. Jason Dangel 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division BAGHDAD, Iraq — The 22nd Light Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade of the Georgian army celebrated its country’s independence day in the International Zone Friday. The Georgian...

A boy holding his gift of school supplies salutes, as his classmates express their thanks for the donated supplies after a ceremony to celebrate the completion of renovations at Al Hudaybiya Elementary School in Bakaria, of the Gazaliyah neighborhood, located southwest of Baghdad, April 23, 2006. The supplies were donated by the Family Readiness Group of Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rodney Foliente Community Celebrates Bakaria School Renovation Local contractors were selected for the renovation project, funded by the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment commander's emergency relief fund....

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his first Easter Sunday as pontiff, praying for peace Iraq, negotiated solutions to the world's nuclear disputes and dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians. Looking tired, Benedict led nearly 100,000 pilgrims, tourists and Romans in Mass in St. Peter's Square. His 79th birthday coincided with Easter, when Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. "Today, even in this modern age marked by anxiety and uncertainty, we live the event of the resurrection, which changed the face of our life and changed the history of humanity," Benedict said in the traditional...

Cheeta the chimp, star of a dozen "Tarzan" movies in the 1930s and 1940s, celebrated his 74th birthday with sugar-free cake. Although healthy and active, Cheeta is diabetic. "He had a good time. The party went real good," said keeper Dan Westfall, operator of the primate sanctuary Creative Habitats and Enrichment for Endangered and Threatened Apes - or CHEETA. Representatives from a Spanish film festival also showed up for Sunday's party to present Cheeta with the first award of his career - an International Comedy Film Festival of Peniscola prize. Cheeta has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World...

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2006 – The Defense Department has long understood the value of caring for and celebrating children of servicemembers. April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the armed forces community. The Month of the Military Child is a time to applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and challenges they overcome. Military children face many obstacles unique to their situation, such as having a parent deployed for extended periods of time and frequently being uprooted from school. "Military children endure a great...

ALAMEDA - Judy Barker was so determined to become a pilot that she used the tips she earned from waiting tables to pay for flying lessons. The Hayward resident got her private pilot's license in 1976, a year after her husband got his. "With him flying, I wanted to know how to land in case anything happened," she said. The couple often would rent a plane and go flying with their children — and later with their grandchildren — sometimes to vacation spots or to visit family around the country. This morning, Barker will be one of three speakers at...

CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Dec. 28, 2005) -- December is a month of celebration for multiple faiths, making the holiday season an extra busy time for chaplains in Iraq. Between Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the Islamic Hajj, Navy Capt. Vince Arnold, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) group chaplain, knows the importance of providing for all service members, regardless of religious preferences. “This time of a year the three main religious groups being Judaism, Christianity and Islam, trace back their genealogy to one person: Abraham,” The Newport, N.C. native said. “It’s interesting that we are in Iraq during this season because this...

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo – Task Force Falcon Soldiers took a moment to recognize the 369th birthday of the National Guard with a traditional cake cutting ceremony, Dec. 13. The U.S. Kosovo Forces is run primarily by Army and Air National Guard troops from 26 states. Eighty-one National Guard units have members serving in the province where more than more than 1300 citizen-Soldiers are assigned. The 24/7 demands of deployment have been an opportunity for National Guardsmen to showcase their abilities. “The National Guard has more than stepped up to the plate,” said Col. Jacob VanGoor, chief of staff, Headquarters, Task...

U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES, PACIFIC, CAMP H. M. SMITH, Hawaii (Dec. 5, 2005) -- The 3rd Marine Regiment color guard led the largest community parade in the state of Hawaii during the 43rd annual Kaneohe Bay Christmas Parade, Dec. 3. If you’re not accustomed to a Hawaiian winter you would have found yourself a bit confused as to what this parade was for; the typically warm weather and the “Celebration of Freedom” theme made it as much like a 4th of July celebration than Christmas. Kaneohe celebrated not only Christmas but also all the men and women who serve to...

HAVANA (AP) - Cuba applauded a U.S. federal appeals court decision to throw out the convictions and sentences of five Cuban intelligence agents, saying Wednesday that it was a "happy day" on the island. A statement on the front page of the Communist Party daily Granma called Tuesday's ruling "ethical" and urged Cubans to be patient as the men, known locally as the "Five Heroes," prepare for a new trial. "The wait has been long ... and there's no doubt that it will continue to be so," the newspaper said. "It is not easy to overcome a wall of prejudice...

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 4, 2005 – The 25-foot-long vessel bounced over the whitecaps on San Francisco Bay, propelled by 450 horsepower of thrust as it approached the majestic span that's become this city's internationally known symbol. There, below the Golden Gate Bridge, Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Gale and Seaman Marcel Gradvohl began inspecting the bridge's piers, abutments, fenders and pilings for signs of tampering or intrusion, and ensuring that no people or watercraft had violated the 25-yard security zone around the structures. Gale and Gradvohl, both assigned to Coast Guard Station Golden Gate, are on the front...

Dictator celebrates as North Koreans starve (Filed: 17/02/2005) Kim Jong-Il celebrated his birthday in exuberant fashion yesterday, despite worsening food rations among his people and international condemnation of his nuclear ambitions. Children's dance displays, synchronised swimming, fireworks and Kim's personal touch - flower shows featuring the Kimjongilia, a form of magnolia specially bred to bloom early in his honour - marked the 63 years of North Korea's "Dear Leader". An army dance ensemble performed a concert featuring numbers such as General on a Galloping White Horse and a female solo, I Do Not Know a Warmer Bosom. Pyongyang's central square...

Pelosi Celebrates the Lunar New Year Tue Feb 8, 5:04 PM ET To: National Desk Contact: Brendan Daly or Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616, both of the Office of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today and joined millions of Americans in celebrating the Lunar New Year, which begins tomorrow. "On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, we take this opportunity to honor the significant contributions made to our country by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). The AAPI community of California's 8th District is a vital...

ALAPAHA, Ga. - Residents of this small farming town gathered Saturday to celebrate Hogzilla, a 12-foot-long wild pig that was supposedly shot by a hunting guide last summer and quickly grew into a worldwide legend. The festival comes five months after the 1,000-pound hog was killed when it wandered out of swamps along the nearby Alapaha River, a haven for swine that escape pig farms and start living off the land. The prodigious porker was remembered with a hog-calling contest and a greased-pig chase, as well as a float featuring a life-size replica of Hogzilla. "Everybody is happy, smiling, excited....

In Greensboro, Gorbachev critiques U.S. war with Iraq Justin Catanoso The Business Journal 3:42 PM EDT Thursday Former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev, in his first-ever visit to North Carolina, decried the lack of world leadership in general and specifically criticized the United States' war with and occupation of Iraq. "Implanting models from the West has never worked; you must take into account the uniqueness of other cultures," said Gorbachev, who while president moved to extricate his country from a losing cause in Afghanistan in the mid-1980s. Gorbachev, 73, met with local journalists Wednesday evening at the Greensboro Coliseum complex...

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) - Former President Nelson Mandela celebrated his 86th birthday quietly Sunday at his family home in Qunu in the Eastern Cape with his wife Graca Machel and family members. The low key celebration was in keeping with the Nobel Laureate's announcement in June this year that he would cut back on public appearances, a spokesman from the Nelson Mandela Foundation said. Mandela said he did not want to withdraw completely from public life but would be more selective about events he attended. He has maintained a hectic schedule since retirement from active politics in 1999....

<p>The League of United Latin American Citizens turns 75 today. And as the national civil-rights group reflects on this milestone, leaders say they are working to maintain the prominence of the nation's largest Latino organization.</p> <p>LULAC, founded in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1929, counts among its accomplishments helping to end school desegregation, founding the American G.I. Forum for Mexican American Veterans and launching the preschool program that later became Project Headstart.</p>

Blair celebrates as Saddam's rule crumbles By Katherine Baldwin LONDON, April 9 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair celebrated on Wednesday as jubilant Iraqis danced on a toppled statue of Saddam Hussein, but he cautioned that it was too early to declare military victory in Iraq. "We are all, as you would expect, watching these images along with the rest of the country and we are delighted at what we are seeing," Blair's spokesman told reporters, minutes after U.S. troops pulled down the statue in central Baghdad. "People have seen today the scales of fear falling from the people...