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Friday, November 16, 2007 SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- It was a quiet ceremony on Veterans Day at the Reagan Ranch Center of Young America's Foundation. There, the family and friends of William J. Casey gathered for the presentation of an award on his behalf from The Honourable Company of Freedom Fighters. The international organization's charter states it was "founded to recognize and honor individuals and groups which have fought for freedom, participatory government and against fascism, communism, moral relativity and terrorism in all their forms." The citation for William J. Casey, who died in 1987, sums up a remarkable life...

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- It was a quiet ceremony on Veterans Day at the Reagan Ranch Center of Young America's Foundation. There, the family and friends of William J. Casey gathered for the presentation of an award on his behalf from The Honourable Company of Freedom Fighters. The international organization's charter states it was "founded to recognize and honor individuals and groups which have fought for freedom, participatory government and against fascism, communism, moral relativity and terrorism in all their forms." The citation for William J. Casey, who died in 1987, sums up a remarkable life of public service and...

This year's Veterans' Day Weekend was highlighted by the 25th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, commonly known as "The Wall". The BELOW pictures are from readings on Thursday afternoon. Thursday night was also very moving. The air was clear and crispy cold. One could just see their breath as the temps fell from a warm afternoon. And all was quiet as the planes had stopped landing and taking off from Reagan National Airport. The speakers on the grass at the top of the Wall and on the stage clearly announced the names of our fallen, which could be heard...

I had the privilege of attending the veteran's day parade yesterday and decided to share some thoughts with you about it. As we watched them march by I was taken by how humble these soldiers were. The crowd was applauding and yelling thank you, God bless you, and other things such as this. Over and over the soldiers pointed back to the crowd and called back no, thank you. To understand the position of a soldier you must know that these are men and women who have made a promise to give their lives in defense of the constitution, our...

This might seem strange, maybe even sacrilegious, but I am one American who will be happy when this celebration of Veterans Day is over. Don't get me wrong, I am very proud to be a citizen in the same country as our Veterans and current American soldiers. It's only fitting that we have a special day set aside to honor our Nation's Veterans. It's this knot I have in my throat, my blurry eyes, the slight burning on my salt-stained cheeks, and my runny nose which is bothersome. I'm fresh out of tissues and don't feel like running out...

I vaguely remember that when I was young, Veterans Day was a day of respect, a day when men wore poppies in their lapels, when 11 minutes after the 11th hour on November 11, bells tolled, sirens blared and people stopped what they were doing and remembered the valiant soldiers who gave their all for our freedom. How distant and quaint that all seems now: it is a way of measuring how American has changed. Now I am a military mom. I choose to ignore the popular culture’s perception of the military. I rely on what and who I know....

A little late in the day, but....A short movie in honor of all that have honorably worn the Uniform of the United States Military.Don't Mess with the Wild Wild WestHappy and Honorable Veterans day!!!! -ResearchMonkey

Throughout the weekend, members of the Clinton campaign’s Veterans and Military Retirees Steering Committee represented Hillary at events around the country. From Arkansas to Washington, committee members honored their fellow veterans by participating in Veterans Day parades, ceremonies and other grass-roots activities. In addition, the campaign continued announcing prominent veterans as members of the National Veterans and Military Retirees Steering Committee. Yesterday, the campaign announced 36 new national co-chairs to its steering committee and unveiled a new video featuring a cross-generation of veterans discussing their support of Hillary Clinton for President. There are more that 1,200 veterans and military retirees...

I attended the Gala last night of the Westchester chapter of the OSOT. This Chapter is led by Bonnie Eilen, MD, whose daughter and son-in-law served and are serving in the curent war. Lot's of money was raised, and as Bonnie said, "Thank you all, we made alot of money, I will go spend alot of money!" Thank you Bonnie for all you do. And God bless our troops and keep them safe. The video link is the video they showed last night at the gala. soldiers receiving packages And here is more about Dr. Eilen and the Westchester OSOT....

Newbie FReepers PatrioticMarineMom (Yvonne Bates) and RockerMom2MyHero started a Gathering of Eagles/FReeRepublic Support Our Troops Rally less than a month ago in Westminster, MD and already they are celebrities. Their Rally is opposite Carroll County Progressives and Women in Black. This past Saturday they met a reporter from the Carroll County Times in D.C. for the 25th Anniversary of the dedication of the Wall and for the Veterans' Day Observance. The paper's article is HERE. The comments to the article are especialy interresting. The first Westminster FReep is HERE. Week 2 is HERE.

Here we are at another Veteran’s Day with our soldiers in harms way, thousands of miles from home. Yet here in America, we are at peace thanks be to them and the others that have gone on before them. It would seem that they should have our complete support and not once again become pawns and have to leave the field of battle with their tail between their legs, just to make political points. These people who denigrate our brave sons and daughters are where they always been, far from the field of battle where they can be safely behind...

For Veteran's Day, I was going to post a number of these stories, which are gathered in a compendium of news from across the nation by Larry Scott and posted on his webpage; www.VAWatchdog.org . The motto of his website is "Keeping an Eye on the VA Because Somebody Has To!" I believe it would be worth your while to drop in and check the site out every once and a while. These stories are all just the ones he's gathered from various News organizations over the Veteran's Day weekend, but they will give you an idea of the problems...

Times photographer Luis Sinco made James Blake Miller an emblem of the war. The image would change both of their lives and connect them in ways neither imagined.

This is quite a moving speech by the most compelling, authentic stateman in the Presidential race. http://youtube.com/watch?v=5zcdfERGqJU I'm paypalling Huck a few bucks. He has all the tools to win the nomination and the one most capable of winning the general election. Yes, I like Duncan Hunter and Tancredo; however, I am realistic about the fact that they would not win the general election. The fact that they are US Congressmen is enough to bring me to that realization. Who was the last congreeman to win the presidency, Abraham Lincoln. He was one compelling speaker from what I've read. Huckabee...

SIERRA VISTA — Veterans are an integral part of American society, but too often they are not recognized for what they have sacrificed to keep the nation free, Maj. Gen. John Custer said. The commander of the Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca made his comments at then end of the annual Sierra Vista Veterans Day Parade as soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, as well veterans of those services and the Navy and Coast Guard, gathered at the aptly named Veterans’ Memorial Park. “Sometimes, we see a Veteran of Foreign Wars or American Legion garrison cap, notice a prisoner-of-war pin on...

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Nov. 11, 2007 – Airmen here honored veterans past and present with a 10-hour silent vigil today. Senior Airman Michael Salansky, a member of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, stands a silent vigil in Afghanistan in honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2007. Photo by Capt. Michael Meridith, USAF  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Following a formal wreath-laying ceremony, teams of two airmen -- a total of 80 in all -- stood at “parade rest” near the flagpole of Camp Cunningham here as a constant reminder of the significance of Veterans Day....

BISBEE — Along the old cemetery’s iron fence American flags caught the soft breeze and waved as the men, women and children made the walk to the site of the Veterans Day ceremony in Bisbee, held by the Bisbee VFW Post 836 and American Legion Post 16. The 60 or so people had come to honor those who had fought in battles long past and those still fighting far from home. As the parade came to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, VFW Post 836 Commander Frank Martinez began the ceremony with a thanks to the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors who...

Another year has passed, yet despite the continual political posturing, anti-war rhetoric, and deliberate ignoring of increasing successes in Iraq, meaningful Veterans Day celebrations will be held in cities and towns all across America to honor veterans of wars past and present. As a proud American, I will join others in a Veterans Day celebration today, Sunday November 11, up on the Village Green in my home town of Lake Bluff, IL. Participants from the Great Lakes Naval Station, located a mile or so up the road from my home, will once again contribute much to the loftiness and patriotic...

In my opinion, our American military veterans have really gotten the public shaft for nearly 40 years.  So, I'm determined to put in my two cents' worth for anyone who cares to read it.  Let me start by simply saying, "Thank you." To every man and woman who preserved my liberty this year, and for all of you who have ever proudly worn our Nation's uniform, I say, "Thank you!" Today I read a book, which I bought from a bookstore a mile from my home.  There are more books in that Barnes & Noble than once filled an entire...

The Kansas City Chiefs celebrated Veterans Day at Arrowhead in a very special way. This thread will not talk about the game. This thread is about Veteran's Day and what was experienced.

Families of missing vets struggle for closure By Chris Togneri TRIBUNE-REVIEW Sunday, November 11, 2007 On a cold, rainy afternoon, Miriam Temchulla sat in her dimly lighted kitchen facing a stack of military documents and old photos of her brother, Raymond Feenstra. Feenstra, an Army sergeant who went missing during the Korean War, is one of 88,000 American soldiers missing since World War II, including nearly 1,200 from Pennsylvania.

This afternoon President Bush honored fallen soldiers at the National Memorial Ceremony in Waco, TXTransript Vice President Cheney to veterans of the Iraq war, honoring them for keeping the United States democratic and free and hoping "they will return in victory."Transcript of Vice President Cheney’s remarks Enoy your visit to Sanity Island

A Conservative Website for Rochester, NY, Launched Today, RochesterConservative.com I'd like to invite all Freepers to come on over and visit RochesterConservative.com, the Conservative website for the Greater Rochester, NY area. Our country is currently in the midst of a cultural war between the left and right, liberal versus conservative, athiest versus Judeo/Christian. Anybody who’s been following or participating in blogs and internet forums has probably taken note of this. RochesterConservative.com is a grassroots effort to spread the word that smaller government is good government and self reliance and love of God and Country is still considered a virtue in...

<p>"General quarters, general quarters, all hands man your battle stations"</p> <p>I like the traditions of the Navy and the men and women who made them.</p>

As someone raised in a military family, I understand service to country. I followed in my father’s footsteps. I married a wonderful man, who also followed his father into military service. I am mindful of their sacrifices protecting this country. Yet, I feel I cannot say “thank you” enough as we honor Veterans Day. My family is rich in military history, but I feel we do not thank those people enough who have given so much in wars past and present. I often find myself in a unique situation to do so. It seems that when I am at Fort...

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 11, 2007 – Vice President Richard B. Cheney today remembered millions of veterans at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month at Arlington National Cemetery. Navy veteran Neil Koski, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Honor Guard, pulls on his gloves prior to the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Nov. 11, 2007. Koski and other members of the honor guard passed out programs prior to the ceremony. Photo by Melinda L. Larson  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “More than 20 million of our fellow citizens...

On Veterans Day, let's commit to Iraq victory By Jerry Haas Sunday, November 11, 2007 At the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918, an armistice was declared in World War I, the war to end all wars. Before combat ceased, America had mobilized 4,252,500 soldiers, seen 204,000 wounded and lost 117,000. The "Greatest Generation" volunteered and was drafted in World War II, with 16,112,556 American soldiers participating in this global conflict. Of that number, 291,557 made the ultimate sacrifice. An additional 670,846 were wounded. They were committed to victory, no matter the personal cost....

For those here, that cannot find the words to express our gratitude to our Veterans.

 The Golden Corral buffet chain is once again giving Vets a free buffet:http://www.goldencorral.com/military/ Military Appreciation MondayNovember 12, 2007 For the past 6 years, Golden Corral has been honoring the US Military with a free “thank you” dinner and beverage at any Golden Corral restaurant on Military Appreciation Monday (first Monday after Veteran’s Day). This year, Golden Corral has designated Monday, November 12, 2007, from 5 to 9 pm, to honor any person who has ever served in the United States Military. From the first Military Appreciation Monday in 2001 to the present, Golden Corral has donated 1.5 million free “thank...

Before he left to train for a second tour of duty in Iraq, Marine Cpl. Joseph E. Stevenson III of Downers Grove wrote a letter to his family, in case he did not return. Stevenson, 20, died in his sleep on Oct. 28 at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Stevenson was buried last week with full military honors. His parents, Barbara Ann and Joseph E. Stevenson Jr., have given the media permission to reprint their son's letter over the Veterans Day weekend. Letter is kinda long, so go to the link http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=75390

Finally, after being missing for the last few years, Google has a Vets Day logo. Perhaps they do read FR.

The Talk Shows Sunday, November 11th, 2007 Guests to be interviewed today on major television talk shows: FOX NEWS SUNDAY (Fox Network): Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. MEET THE PRESS (NBC): Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. FACE THE NATION (CBS): Former Gov. Mike Huckabee, R-Ark., and Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas. THIS WEEK (ABC): Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.; architect Maya Lin, designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. LATE EDITION (CNN) : Richard Armitage, former deputy secretary of State; John Bolton and Richard Holbrooke, former U.S. ambassadors to the United Nations; Sen. Joe Biden,...

...My heartfelt gratitude and respect. I've kept this picture for about a year. I thought I'd share it with all of you today.

Google remembers and honors Veterans Day:

Happy Veteran's Day! World War I ends At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Great War ends. At 5 a.m. that morning, Germany, bereft of manpower and supplies and faced with imminent invasion, signed an armistice agreement with the Allies in a railroad car outside Compiégne, France. The First World War left nine million soldiers dead and 21 million wounded, with Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary, France, and Great Britain each losing nearly a million or more lives. In addition, at least five million civilians died from disease, starvation, or exposure. On June 28,...

Please, while our troops are fighting overseas, do not forget that their families here at home face their own struggles. Not only do they worry about their spouses, fathers, mothers....they sometimes worry about making ends meet. When our warriors families face hard times here at home, the VFW's Unmet Needs Program (http://www.unmetneeds.com) steps up and pays late water bills, medical bills, broken appliances...all the things that these people should not have to worry about. Our donations can lessen the burden on these great Americans. The holidays are upon us, let's help the people who have sacrificed so much. Most of...

Over here, death waits in discarded rice bags. In motor-oil cans. Even in the carcasses of dead dogs on Iraqi roadsides. That's where the bombs lie hidden. Waiting. Most U.S. troops hope they never see an "improvised explosive device," or IED – the No. 1 killer of Americans in Iraq. But Marine Staff Sgt. Matt Bateman goes out looking for them every day. That's his job. On this day, he's been called to a small pile of rocks in the median strip of an intersection northwest of Baghdad. He's arrived with his two-man demolition team and a camera-laden robot. The...

There are 24 million Americans with these common memories. In the next few hours, many of the nation's veterans will recall their military service — the highs and lows, the guts and glory — not to mention boots, buddies, commanders, bivouacs, chow, deployments, homecomings. Hoo-ah. Oo-rah. Hip-hip. But wear your medals today. That's an order. The Department of Veterans Affairs has suggested all vets pin on their military decorations on Veterans Day for a well-earned display of personal pride and patriotism. There's more at stake, though. "By wearing our decorations, we show the world the unity of our support for...

A local (Indianapolis) radio station, WKLU FM is devoting all of Sunday programming, commercial-free, I think, in honor of Veteran's day. They'll play shout-outs from Hoosier soldiers and play their requests.... visit them on air or online at WKLU.Their blurb is as follows... On Sunday, November 11th WKLU 101.9 will air greetings and messages from Indiana Soldiers currently stationed in Iraq. Many of the soldiers have been deployed for over 12 months and have limited ways to connect with their loved ones back home. That’s why WKLU 101.9 will honor these outstanding men and women and their families on Veterans...

<p>During the course of this country's history brave men and women have stepped forward from time to time, answering the country's call to fight against would-be tyrants, dictators and despots,  and to defend the individual freedom that is our birthright.</p>

Hi folks! I know it’s been a long time since posting. I was thinking of you today and wanted to share a few things with you. As some of you know I live near Ft. Hood. One of the many article in our paper dedicated to our veterans was titled “Veterans spend the day with students.” The kids put on an event for some of our local vets. One of the parents in attendance was quoted. “After spending a year in Iraq defending a country that doesn't always appreciate what you do, it’s nice to come home and see the...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...

It may be very difficult for many to understand, but there exists a segment of our society, a minority within, that willingly place themselves between our enemies and the rest. That segment has always been there throughout our history and will remain there in the future. They come down from the mountains. They come from the cities of the North and the Bayous of the South. They leave the beaches of California and Florida. North, South, East and West, they leave the comfort of their homes and loved ones to volunteer for America. Young and older, Black, White, Brown, Red...

Please, while our troops are fighting overseas, do not forget that their families here at home face their own struggles. Not only do they worry about their spouses, fathers, mothers....they sometimes worry about making ends meet. When our warriors families face hard times here at home, the VFW's Unmet Needs Program (http://www.unmetneeds.com) steps up and pays late water bills, medical bills, broken appliances...all the things that these people should not have to worry about. Our donations can lessen the burden on these great Americans. The holidays are upon us, let's help the people who have sacrificed so much. Most of...

        NEVER ENOUGH TIME While I have only been an occasional visitor to Washington, I was struck by one scene so strongly that it remains as somewhat of a reference. My first view "up close and personal" of the Pentagon was neither awe-inspiring nor intimidating. To be sure, I was impressed with the size of the building, but that was about it. What came upon me, and has stayed with me, is the image of an ant farm. An enormous one, surely, but an ant farm nonetheless. So may passageways with so many ants constantly traveling...

November 11th is Veterans Day, a day that America honors its military veterans who have served both home and abroad, in times of peace and in times of war; veterans who are still alive and veterans who have given their lives for our country. And how does America celebrate this day? All government agencies, the U.S. Postal Service and banking institutions give their employees the day off with pay in remembrance of our veterans. What a wonderful display of support for our veterans! However, why is it that all the veterans I know who do not work for a governmnent...

Today my wife talked me into going to our Veterans Center for the annual breakfast. Senator Norm Coleman and our Governor, Tim Palenty, were scheduled to speak. I agreed that I should go to meet and gripe at my republican legislators. I arrived at the breakfast to find a large group of people, old and young. There were young Marines and soldiers in their dress blues. All ranks and all services serving the people that were there. There were many old gentlemen in their American Legion dress. I was served by a strong tall Marine who thanked me for my...

WASHINGTON - They are lined up like footnotes to the names etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial's polished black granite, leaning against its base, some a collective tribute to the fallen, others bearing a message for just one of the dead. An American Legion uniform cap from Kansas, a police patch from a town in Georgia, a note to "GRAMDADAD" that appears to have been written by the unpracticed hand of a young child. A homemade plaque with plastic red poppies pasted to it, dedicated to a "Band of Brothers." Poems from middle school students. Full box of tissue alert.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2007 – President Bush thanked America’s veterans and wished the Marine Corps a happy 232nd birthday during his weekly radio address today. “Young Marines are serving on the front lines in the war on terror in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world,” Bush said from his ranch near Crawford, Texas. “As the Marines celebrate their birthday, we join them in recognizing what their sacrifice and service has meant for our freedom.” Veterans Day is observed the day after the Marine Corps birthday, and the president not only thanked Marines, but all veterans. “America owes a debt...