Video : "Star Spangled Banner" - Flag Day 2015

Now more than ever, we all need to be mindful of WHY our flag, our heritage is so important:





I wrote this piece a few years back, and posted it on Tanker Bros. Now seemed like a good time to post it here. :)

I first heard the Star Spangled Banner at a July 4 community barbeque many years ago. Fresh from my homeland just two days previously, I stood in small town America and watched, and listened, as everybody joined to sing this anthem. (And yes - that was my first exposure to that great American institution: barbeques!)To this day, whenever I hear this, I remember that first July 4 and am reminded of the amazing display of patriotism, unity.

Those were the days when America was torn apart by the Vietnam war, when neighbour argued with neighbour over the back fence about the validity of the US involvement in a land far away. But, at that barbque, celebrating a most American holiday, there was no evidence of the tears in the fabric of American society. For those few shining moments, there was a unity, a common bond of purpose.

Many years have passed since that first time. I have travelled many miles of the heart, and learned many things - worked with thousands of children from around the world in both America and Canada. You have to know that I was raised with a visceral love of my country. To this day I get goosebumps whenever I hear MY national anthem, no matter the miles separating me from my homeland. I can sing every word, and taste, and feel, and smell the land of my birth.

So here we are in another war in a land far, far away (for now! We all know that in reality, THIS war is already in our own backyards.) And yes, the Star Spangled Banner is still sung in small towns, and big cities across the land. Today though, because of what I have seen, I often pause and wonder: do these people really REALLY understand, mean, what they are singing? Do Americans today LIVE the meaning of the words? Sure, we all teach our children to recite the Pledge of Allegiance (at least until it is totally outlawed by the dimtwits), and we still raise the young people of our nations to revere the flag - that symbol of what their forefathers and mothers fought for, bled for, and died for. My daughter is blessed. She has been nurtured in the love of two countries. For her, it is as natural as breathing to know all the words of MY national anthem, and sing them with pride and allegiance. She also, because of her birthland, is able to sing another national anthem (in both official languages no less!) and understand what every word means. She LIVES them, because we have been discussing what the words mean - the concepts behind them - since she could talk. Years ago, James Clavell was struck when his young daughter came home from school and proudly recited what she had learned that day. Word perfect, she recited rote fashion:

I pledge allegiance to my Flag, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for all. October 11, 1892

A really interesting history of the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance here.

Clavell asked his daughter what that all meant after she had finished. She had no clue. Imagine that. Clavell then wrote a short story (by his prolific standards anyway. lol) called "The Children's Story." You can find the text of the whole story online - I did. Please, go read that here. I came across a copy of this a few years back, and I remember how it resonated for me. At the time, I had worked with many kids, was a mother myself, and was currently working in a classroom of impressionable 5 year olds. Is there anything more precious? That may sound like a throwaway comment, question, but it really is not.

And then just last week I got an email about the Star Spangled Banner from an American friend. In it, is a speech which Isaac Asimov gave in 1991 about The Star Spangled Banner. And yes, I went and actually found a copy of this speech on the Freepers site (lol) You can go here for that. Is well worth a look for the comments alone. However, because I think it is important, I am going to copy and paste the entire email my friend sent me - with HER comments as a preface...;)

"When I was a teacher, I taught English and reading, but for several years I taught history. I was very familiar with the national anthem, and my students enjoyed when I told them the story of how it came to be written. I, too, told it in story form and the kids loved it when I pretended to peer into the early morning fog while asking, "Can you see it? Whose flag is it? Who won?" I think they understand it better now. It has some.....uh..ahem..rather antiBritish sections, but that was a loooooong time ago! We're buddies now! LOL" (my note: Yes - we ARE!!!) NO REFUGE COULD SAVE : BY DR. ISAAC ASIMOV I was once asked to speak at a luncheon. Taking my life in my hands, I announced I was going to sing our national anthem -- all four stanzas. This was greeted with loud groans. One man closed the door to the kitchen, where the noise of dishes and cutlery was loud and distracting. "Thanks, Herb," I said. "That's all right," he said. "It was at the request of the kitchen staff" I explained the background of the anthem and then sang all four stanzas. Let me tell you, those people had never heard it before -- or had never really listened. There was a standing ovation. But it was not for me; it was the anthem. More recently, while conducting a seminar, I told my students the story of the anthem and sang all four stanzas. Again there was a wild ovation and prolonged applause. And again, it was the anthem and not me. So now let me tell you how it came to be written. In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain, primarily over freedom of the seas. We were in the right. For two years, we held off the British, even though we were still a rather weak country. Great Britain was in a life and death struggle with Napoleon. In fact, just as the United States declared war, Napoleon marched off to invade Russia. If he won, as everyone expected, he would control Europe, and Great Britain would be isolated. It was no time for her to be involved in an American war. At first, our seamen proved better than the British. After we won a battle on Lake Erie in 1813, the American commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, sent the message, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." However, the weight of the British navy beat down our ships eventually. New England, hard-hit by a tightening blockade, threatened secession. Meanwhile, Napoleon was beaten in Russia and in 1814 was forced to abdicate. Great Britain now turned its attention to the United States, launching a three-pronged attack. The northern prong was to come down Lake Champlain toward New York and seize parts of New England. The southern prong was to go up the Mississippi, take New Orleans and paralyze the west. The central prong was to head for the mid-Atlantic states and then attack Baltimore, the greatest port south of New York. If Baltimore was taken, the nation, which still hugged the Atlantic coast, could be split in two. The fate of the United States, then, rested to a large extent on the success or failure of the central prong. The British reached the American coast, and on August 24, 1814, took Washington, D.C.Then they moved up the Chesapeake Bay toward Baltimore. On September 12, they arrived and found 1,000 men in Fort McHenry, whose guns controlled the harbor. If the British wished to take Baltimore, they would have to take the fort. On one of the British ships was an aged physician, William Beanes, who had been arrested in Maryland and brought along as a prisoner. Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and friend of the physician, had come to the ship to negotiate his release. The British captain was willing, but the two Americans would have to wait. It was now the night of September 13, and the bombardment of Fort McHenry was about to start. As twilight deepened, Key and Beanes saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry. Through the night, they heard bombs bursting and saw the red glare of rockets. They knew the fort was resisting and the American flag was still flying. But toward morning the bombardment ceased, and a dread silence fell. Either Fort McHenry had surrendered and the British flag flew above it, or the bombardment had failed and the American flag still flew. As dawn began to brighten the eastern sky, Key and Beanes stared out at the fort, trying to see which flag flew over it. He and the physician must have asked each other over and over, "Can you see the flag?" After it was all finished, Key wrote a four stanza poem telling the events of the night. Entitled "The Defense of Fort McHenry," it was published in newspapers and swept the nation. Someone noted that the words fit an old English tune called, "To Anacreon in Heaven" -- a difficult melody with an uncomfortably large vocal range. For obvious reasons, Key's work became known as "The Star Spangled Banner," and in 1931 Congress declared it the official anthem of the United States. Now that you know the story, here are the words. Presumably, the old doctor is speaking. This is what he asks Key: Oh! say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? ("Ramparts," in case you don't know, are the protective walls or other elevations that surround a fort.) The first stanza asks a question. The second gives an answer: On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist of the deep Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep. As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream 'Tis the star-spangled banner. Oh! long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! "The towering steep" is again, the ramparts. The bombardment has failed, and the British can do nothing more but sail away, their mission a failure. In the third stanza I feel Key allows himself to gloat over the American triumph. In the aftermath of the bombardment, Key probably was in no mood to act otherwise? During World War I when the British were our Staunchest allies, this third stanza was not sung. However, I know it, so here it is: And where is that band, who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war...and the battle's confusion. A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave, And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. (The fourth stanza, a pious hope for the future, should be sung more slowly than the other three and with even deeper feeling): Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's desolation, Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven - rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, for our cause is just, And this be our motto --"In God is our trust." And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. I hope this will help you to look at the national anthem with new eyes. Listen to it, the next time you have a chance, with new ears. Pay attention to the words. And don't let them ever take it away ... not even one word of it.

So back to my question: Is there anything more precious than young children earnestly reciting the words on which your country was founded.

My answer? Yes - there sure is. More precious than the recitation, is the teaching ALL our children what love of country means. Concepts like loyalty, honour and duty to one's country seem to be in short supply in some schools these days.

But I suggest to you that it is critical today, that we each read, re-read words like this, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Not just read, or mouth the words, but really understand, feel and taste the importance of what our founding fathers gave us.

Now it is imperative that we stand firm at the gates. Now - as parents, educators of the precious young minds we are charged with moulding, it is vital that we instil in every child what 'country' means. Today, just as throughout our history, we must remind ourselves what we stand to lose if we are negligent in OUR duty. We dare not abdicate our responsibility for our young ones. We MUST teach our children well.

RIP Cpl Frank Buckles: An original Every Day Hero

RIP CPL Frank Woodruff Buckles - Pershing's Last Patriot

CPL Frank Woodruff Buckles, 110, of Charles Town, West Virginia, last surviving U.S. veteran of World War I, died at 12:15AM, 27 FEB 2011. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetary at a date to be determined, with special Honors from the French and United Kingdom. President George W Bush signed a bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, WV, for the burial at Arlington in 2008.

(More at War on Terror News here.)

Cpl Frank Buckles was one of the first Every Day Heroes I profiled over at Tanker Bros.

Meet Corporal Frank Buckles:

Last surviving U.S. World War I vet honored by president

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Frank Woodruff Buckles was just 15 years old when he joined the U.S. Army. Soon, he was deployed to war and headed overseas on the Carpathia -- the same ship used in the rescue mission of the Titanic.

World War I veteran Frank Buckles entered the Army at age 15. "I didn't lie," he said with a laugh this week.

He drove ambulances in Britain and France for soldiers wounded during World War I.

A few decades later, Buckles was in the Philippines as a civilian, on December 7, 1941, the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. He was taken as a prisoner of war for 39 months in Manila, eating his meals out of a single tin cup.

More than 60 years later, he still clings to that cup, the one that sustained his life. Weathered with age, the cup has flecks of white paint chipped off. He keeps it as a reminder of his sacrifice for the country he so loves. He also still has his dog tags.

At age 107, there's not much the war veteran, POW and West Virginia farmer hasn't seen. But this week, this quietly accomplished man was humbled.

Buckles, the last known surviving World War I U.S. veteran, met the president of the United States and received a standing ovation at the Pentagon.

"I didn't lie; nobody calls me a liar," he said with a chuckle, referring to how he became a soldier at just 15....

Go here to read the rest of the story about this amazing man being recognised, acknowledged by President Bush.


107-year-old Corporal Frank Woodruff Buckles of West Virginia met with President Bush in the Oval Office yesterday. Buckles had fudged his age to join the Army. (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)

Did you know that WW1 veterans still have no national memorial in America? I did not, until I read the following story:

Pentagon honors last American veteran of WWI

Corporal, 107, joined in 1917

WASHINGTON - World War I veterans still have no national memorial. There has been no Hollywood blockbuster in recent years to bring their story to life. But they still have Frank Buckles.

More than 90 years after he fudged his age to join the Army, Corporal Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, came to the Pentagon yesterday to represent the more than two million "doughboys" who braved the trench warfare and gas attacks of the "The Great War."

"It is an honor to be here to represent the veterans of World War I. I thank you," the 107-year-old Buckles, of Charles Town, W.Va., told a packed auditorium. Buckles spoke softly but clearly, and shared stories - including a meeting with General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates unveiled portraits of Buckles and eight other veterans who were photographed over the past 18 months - but seven have since died, and the eighth served with Canadian forces.

At 16, Buckles sailed from Hoboken, N.J., in December 1917 on the HMS Carpathia, the ship that saved Titanic survivors five years earlier. He drove an ambulance in England and France and later guarded German prisoners...

Be sure to go read the rest of this story here. And, please watch part 2 of the above Outlook programme:




What an amazing hero! And yes, you KNOW the President had something to say to Cpl Buckles:

President Bush Meets with World War I Veteran Corporal Frank Woodruff Buckles
Oval Office

THE PRESIDENT: Sitting next to me is Mr. Frank Buckles, 107-years-young, and he is the last living Doughboy from World War I. And it has been my high honor to welcome Mr. Buckles, and his daughter, Susannah, here to the Oval Office.

Mr. Buckles' mind is sharp, his memory is crisp, and he's been sharing with me some interesting anecdotes. I asked him where he lived, and he said, that reminds me of what General Pershing asked me. And he told the General that he was raised on a farm in Missouri. And the General said, well, you know, as the crow flies, it's 40 miles from where I was raised.

And so Mr. Buckles has a vivid recollection of historic times. And one way for me to honor the service of those who wear the uniform in the past and those who wear it today is to herald you, sir, and to thank you very much for your patriotism and your love for America.

So we're glad you're here. Thanks for coming. (Bratnote for 28.2.2011: The source for this was on the White House official site. Quelle surprise, or maybe not, but this page is now designated "404. Page not found")

America is blessed to have such men as Cpl Frank Buckles in their midst. Thank YOU for your service, Sir! (all originally written on March 16, 2008)

Rest in Peace, Sir! America is the poorer for your passing.

Black History Month in the US Military:

February is Black History Month in America, and the US military has a few resources to honour and recognise the important contributions of the many African Americans who have served.

Black History Month actually started as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson. The goal of Black History Week was to educate the American people about African-Americans' cultural backgrounds and reputable achievements. All these years later, there is still (sometimes acrimonious) debate as to whether we need a month set aside to remember the struggles of African Americans to be integrated into the mainstream military society.

Be that as it may, it is undeniable that African Americans have always served honourably in the US military, and Military.com has a section devoted to first person accounts of those patriotic Americans who determined to serve in uniform. One interesting historical perspective:

Ghosts of Our Past

By MST1 Chris Kimrey, U.S. Coast Guard
Marine Safety Unit Lake Charles

Throughout history, the United States has seen its share of battles. Most were waged on foreign shores, and some, here at home. The battle of segregation and racism, however, is alive today as it was forty years ago, as it was one hundred years before that. Recently, I had the opportunity to hear a recording of the speech of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. The day would become legendary; the man, a symbol of freedom and the price paid, and the words of Rev. King's speech would resonate through history:

[...]

On the steps of the Lincoln memorial, Rev. King spoke of an "inextricably bound freedom." That freedom was demonstrated one hundred years prior as a result of President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. The signing of the Proclamation paved the way for the 54th infantry, which was formed out of Massachusetts by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, and consisted of an all-Negro contingent, a first of its kind, which included as recruits the sons of Abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Although it was said by many that blacks wouldn't fight, black soldiers went on to be awarded sixteen Medals of Honor by the end of the Civil War, including the first Medal of Honor to be awarded an African American, William H. Carney of the 54th Infantry. His response to his actions in battle: "I was just doing my duty." His duty spoke volumes to blacks and whites alike. Young black men continued for the next hundred years to exemplify themselves in battle as demonstrated by the Buffalo Soldiers, and the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. Although blacks have fought alongside whites throughout history in every U.S. war, the fight for integration lasted for over 100 years, and on some levels, still continues today. ...

[...]

The soldiers who gave their lives for the freedom we as Americans enjoy today, undoubtedly saw no color on the battlefield. Their ghosts live on in our great memorials on the Mall in Washington. There is no color to the Vietnam Memorial, or to the WWII Memorial. No color adorns the soldiers of the Korean War memorial or the memorial of Iwo Jima. These ghosts saw only the soldiers they fought with, and heard only the common call of duty....

And so it still is today. Read the rest of this great piece on Military.com here. On that site, you will also find profiles of inspirational heroes of the American military. Men like General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr, the first African American to be a General. Brig. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Sr.
Brig. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Sr.Brig. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Sr.
Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis Senior, was another trailblazer. Born in 1877, BG Davis led the way for what is today 10,000+ African American officers.


Rear Admiral Lillian Fishburne blazed the way for not just African Americans, but also women. To read the story of her rise through the ranks, is to be inspired.

Lt. Col Harriet West Waddy is another hero who overcame many obstacles in her zeal to serve her country:

First Officer Harriet M. West, as she was then known, was criticized for remaining in uniform while her sister soldiers suffered. In a 1943 radio broadcast, Waddy addressed her detractors, saying that joining a segregated military "which does not represent an ideal of democracy" was not "a retreat from our fight" but a contribution to realizing the ideal....

Go read the rest of her determination, her tenacity, here.

At Military.com here you can find the recorded histories of Americans who were determined to demand equal roles in service to their country. Go read them all, and meet some true American heroes.

Back in 2007, I wrote a column - at Tanker Bros blog - on the occasion of President George W. Bush belatedly honouring Tuskegee Airmen. Because I know that TB is now inaccessible without
a password, I am taking the liberty of re-posting it here, in its entirety, because it IS an important story:

Thursday, May 03, 2007

GOOD NEWS FRIDAY (B*N*S*N) Tuskegee Airmen Honoured - finally!








Last month, in a special ceremony at the US Capitol, , members of the Tuskegee Airman were given the Congressional Gold medal. At this ceremony, President Bush told these heroes (in part):

“I would like to offer a gesture to help atone for all the unreturned salutes
and unforgivable indignities."

If it was just unreturned salutes these brave servicemen had suffered, this would be nothing new, but for the Tuskegee Airmen, the unforgivable indignities were far worse. So who are the Tuskegee Airmen?

The Tuskegee Airmen were dedicated, determined young men who enlisted to become America's first black military airmen, at a time when there were many people who thought that black men lacked intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism. They came from every section of the country,...Most were college graduates or undergraduates. Others demonstrated their academic qualifications through comprehensive entrance examinations. No standards were lowered for the pilots or any of the others who trained in operations, meteorology, intelligence, engineering, medicine or any of the other officer fields. Enlisted members were trained to be aircraft and engine mechanics, armament specialists, radio repairmen, parachute riggers, control tower operators, policemen, administrative clerks and all of the other skills necessary to fully function as an Army Air Corps flying squadron or ground support unit. [source]

Four hundred and fifty of the pilots who were trained at TAAF served
overseas in either the 99th Pursuit Squadron (later the 99th Fighter
Squadron) or the 332nd Fighter Group. The 99^th Fighter Squadron
trained in and flew P-40 Warhawk aircraft in combat in North Africa,
Sicily and Italy from April 1943 until July 1944 when they were transferred
to the 332nd Fighter Group in the 15th Air Force.

A highly qualified and accomplished group, these Airmen were the targets of discrimination, based ONLY on the fact that they were black African Americans. In particular, those airmen who did not go overseas, and who trained as Bombers in Selfridge Field, Michigan, were denied access to the base officers' club, in direct contravention of the Army regulations. The group was moved to Godman Field, Kentucky where unfair treatment and outright hostility continued. In 1945 the group was then moved to Freeman Field, Indiana where the racial discrimination finally erupted.

When black officers tried to enter the Freeman Field Officers' Club, against direct orders for them to stay out, one hundred and three officers were arrested, charged with insubordination and ordered to face court martial. The court martial proceedings were quickly dropped against one hundred of the officers; two officers eventually had their charges dropped and one officer, Lt. Roger "Bill" Terry, was convicted. Fifty years later, on August 12, 1995, at the Tuskegee Airmen National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, fifteen of the original one hundred and three officers that were arrested received official notification that their military records had been purged of any reference to the Freeman Field incident. Also, Mr. Terry's court martial conviction had been reversed and his military record cleared. The remaining officers received instructions for clearing their records. [source]

In 1945 when WW2 was over, the Airmen were still subjected to racism and bigotry upon their return to the US. This despite their outstanding service. Because of segregation, those who elected to remain in the service found their options limited. Even as the white units found themselves woefully understaffed, and in desperate need of qualified people, the Tuskegee Airmen were restricted to

...the 332nd Fighter Group or the 477th Composite Group, and later to the 332nd Fighter Wing at Lockbourne Air Base, Ohio. Opportunities for advancement and promotion were very limited and this affected morale. Nevertheless, black airmen continued to perform superbly. In 1949, pilots from the 332nd Fighter Group took first place in the Air Force National Fighter Gunnery Meet at Las Vegas Air Force Base, Nevada.

It was 1948 before President Truman enacted Executive Order Number 9981. This order directed that equality of treatment and opportunity for all be enforced. Only then did integration begin. It is suggested that it is only after the success of this integration within the military, did racial desegration start to be accepted within the larger society in America.

And so it is that six decades on these brave Airmen are being recognised for their service. Who are these individual Airmen? You can find thumbnail sketches over at the RedTail project here. This project is determined to make sure that these men's history is never forgetton, and that their service will ALWAYS be honoured. On their 'front' page they say this:

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African Americans to be trained as WWII Military pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps. This was a time when being black was more of a crime then being the enemy. Never in our nations' history has the idea of enemy lines been so blurred or has patriotism been so clearly defined. The Tuskegee Airmen challenged America's racist attitudes with the willingness to give their lives to a country not willing to serve them.

And so it is that on March 29, 2007, the remaining Tuskegee Airmen and their families were at the US Capitol.“It’s never too late for your country to say that you’ve done a great job for us,” Ret. Col. Elmer D. Jones, 89, of Arlington, Va., said in an interview this week. Jones was a maintenance officer during the war.........

Ret. Lt. Col. Walter L. McCreary, who was shot from the sky during a mission in October 1944 and held prisoner for nine months in Germany, said it hurt that the group’s accomplishments had not been honored years earlier.

“We took it in stride. It’s a recognition long overdue,” said McCreary, also 89, of Burke, Va.

President Bush greets Tuskegee Airmen Dr. Roscoe Brown, center, and Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, left, on Thursday in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, during the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for the Tuskegee Airmen. [photo: Susan Walsh AP]

As the Tuskegee Airmen site says:


"The outstanding record of black airmen in World War II was accomplished by men whose names will forever live in hallowed memory. Each one accepted the challenge, proudly displayed his skill and determination while suppressing internal rage from humiliation and indignation caused by frequent experiences of racism and bigotry, at home and overseas. These airmen fought two wars - one against a military force overseas and the other against racism at home and abroad.


President George W. Bush salutes members of the Tuskegee Airmen during ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol Thursday, March 29, 2007, honoring America’s first African-American military airmen with the Congressional Gold Medal. The President told the men, “I would like to offer a gesture to help atone for all the unreturned salutes and unforgivable indignities. And so, on behalf of the office I hold, and a country that honors you, I salute you for the service to the United States of America.” [source]

"The Tuskegee Airmen helped win a war, and you helped change our nation for the better. Yours is the story of the human spirit, and it ends like all great stories do -- with wisdom and lessons and hope for tomorrow. And the medal that we confer today means that we're doing a small part to ensure that your story will be told and honored for generations to come. " - President George W. Bush March 29, 2007 [full transcript here]

That these men served in WW2 with great honour is now formally recognised. That they had to wait over 60 years for this day is a disgrace. You can read much more on their service and their lives by going to any of the links here. Their stories should be taught in every high school in America. We need to teach our kids that any American who steps up to fight for the land they love, deserves all respect, dignity and HONOUR we have to give - no matter what colour they are on the outside. Let us ALL learn from the Tuskegee Airmens' history.

Brat

Harry Reid loves our troops

(courtesy DBKP)


NOT! Anyone paying attention knows very well what Harry Reid (D-Nevada) really thinks of his country's troops. Long before Obama demonstrated disdain for our military (except when needed for another photo-op,) members of the military watched as Reid showed - time and again - how little respect he has for our fighting men and women, our heroes.

Back in April 2007, I wrote a public missive to Dingy Harry over at Tanker Bros:

Sunday, April 22, 2007

"Let's Be Personal"

(Picture taken from here)

Dear Harry:

I feel I can be this personal and informal with you, because over this last week I feel like I have come to know the real you. With your few words of "the war is lost," you showed us all exactly who you are. Now we all see your true colours (yellow? naaaaah, that's way too easy for me. lol) But Harry, I have to tell you, I have taken what you said about MY troops - OUR troops, - VERY personally.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit I AM a foreigner. Yep, 'tis true, but nevertheless I AM part of the Coalition that is fighting this 'losing' war as you declared so foolishly.

BUT, because of your foolishness, (and yes, you really ARE a fool, and worse, but I'll get to that in a minute) I owe you a HUGE debt of gratitude. Why, you may ask? Oh in so many ways, Harry. First, because of your few words I have learned so much more than I already knew about your great country. As I was reeling from your most un-American behaviour, and your gall in declaring this war 'lost' while MY troops are giving their all, and by the way gaining victories every single day, I have been following all the commentary from your countrymen and women. Because of the proud Americans who were so outraged right along with me, at your cavalier pronouncement, I have learned more about the political system, and the history of your great country, than I knew before, and I thank you for that.

One of the first things I learned this week? That by aiding and abetting the enemy, you have committed treason - not just by the definition of the American codes, but by international standards. Yes, I learned the price for free speech can be a high price to pay for opening your mouth and proving you are an ignorant moron. It's called treason. Oh, I am sure you didn't think for a moment that your words would reverberate as far as they did, but it seems that the old saying "What happens in Vegas (or the Senate) stays in Vegas" doesn't hold true anymore. Since you opened your mouth, our enemies have been gleefully playing, ad nauseum, clips of you declaring that we have "lost" this war. Well done, Harry. It seems to me that your knowledge of statemenship, diplomacy and even military history and strategy is about as great as my knowledge of US geography. Dismal at best. And yes, I am being too kind. It seems to me that you are going to need all the kindness you can find. Maybe try Iraq or Iran - you seem to be their new best friend.

So we have you pegged at treason. Oh, and if you really have no clue what that means, I suggest you try any number of sites, just as I did this week. It seems that "ordinary" Americans (and no, to me not one of them is actually 'ordinary', but I digress) have a far greater understanding of your great country, and it's laws, than you do. For instance, over at WakeUpAmerica, after a post on your behaviour, someone commented thus:

I cannot state it any better than this vet has:

As a retired Marine officer, I am shocked at the blatant treasonous statement made by an elected "leader" of this country.

The definition of treason is:

1. Violation of allegiance toward one's country or sovereign, especially the betrayal of one's country by waging war against it or by consciously and purposely acting to aid its enemies.

2. A betrayal of trust or confidence.

His words can have a very harmful affect on the troop's morale in the field and clearly will embolden the enemy.

Can anyone imagine if a "leader" gave the signal to the world that the United States is giving up during any engagement in WWII and endorsed a surrender strategy even before a plan was allowed to be executed?

It is not only unpatriotic, and cowardly, but it is treasonous! He may be directing his hatred at the President but clearly his words aid the enemy.

God help this country! [This was a reader on Michelle Malkin's site who I will get to in a minute.]

OR THIS ACTIVE MILITARY SOLDIERS:

I am an active duty Army National Guard officer serving with the 55th Civil Support Team, Minnesota’s WMD response team. I have not deployed to OIF/OEF yet but spent two tours in Croatia and Bosnia with Operation Joint Forge. Here is my short, concise email to Senator Reid:

USC Title 18, Part I, Chapter 115 § 2381. Treason

Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.

What more is needed to be said?

Since YOU are not an active military soldier Greg, you cannot speak to how Reids public words, being the majority leader in the senate, is making them feel....only THEY can.

And they are.

spree

And yes, Spree has much more to say over there, about what America means. Spree in just two posts, shows a respect, a love, of your country and its citizens, that you apparently lack. I know you will have lots of spare time very soon, so I suggest you go educate yourself here.

I read a lot this past week, and discovered what a great history your country has. Thanks for that, Harry. I am so proud of our troops, always, but not surprised, given the fine history they come from.

Take a while and maybe learn a thing or two about your great country. While you are there, read all the comments from your "fellow Americans" that clearly say exactly what they think of your treasonous behaviour. Eloquent, and to the point. I am ashamed for them, because of YOU, Harry.

This letter, Harry, is entitled "Let's be personal" for more than one reason. Those words originally were used by another Canadian (a journalist...lol) who was horrified and outraged at the way your politicians "lost" the war in Vietnam for your fellow countrymen. So outraged was he that he dashed off a two page script that resounded around the world, much as your words have this past week. BUT Mr Gordon Sinclair was ashamed for your countrymen. He is dead now, but I imagine he would have the same harsh words for you that he had back then for your predecessors.

It is a long and powerful piece of work, and I suggest you return to WakeUpAmerica here to read it all, but some of it really resonated with me:...

I had a lot more to say to - and about Harry Reid (as well as writing lyrics for his very own song!) - and included some personal comments from American servicemembers. You could say I was on a Brat Rant here.

A friend of mine sent me a Reid campaign ad the other day that reminded me what Reid truly thinks of our military. In these few weeks left before the November midterms, even a casual observer of the shenanigans can smell the fear arising from the Democrats.

From Senate Conservatives Fund comes this gem, an attack ad on Sharron Angle:

(H/T Mike)

Be sure and watch VERY closely, especially around the 10/11 second mark:

"...sick of ...greedy veterans and their fancy pants health care..."

Excuse me? 'Paid for by friends of Harry Reid'...

It is well known that I am not as knowledgeable as many of my American friends about your politicians, but I know a slap in the face when I see one. I also know that Harry Reid does not - has NEVER - supported our troops.

Harry Reid, along with his 'friends', smells a big defeat coming in November. As we get closer to the 2nd, expect to see more desperate ads like this, where YOUR employees show their true colours.

PAY ATTENTION!

Sgt Eddie Jeffers: Still soaring through the Heavens

There is a special banquet being held in Florida this evening:

3rd Annual Hope Rides Alone Family Reunion Banquet
Saturday, September 18 · 6:00pm - 11:00pm

Come join us as we celebrate the life of Sergeant Eddie Jeffers on the 3rd anniversary of his death. Debbie Lee of America's Mighty Warriors is the keynote speaker. You will not want to miss this joyous and patriotic event. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Eddie's favorite charity.

As I recently wrote to Eddie's dad, David, there are not many days go by that I do not think about his precious son Eddie. On September 20, 2007, Flag Gazer wrote this:

Thursday, September 20, 2007

SGT Eddie Jeffers ~ Farewell, and Walk with God

"Blessed be the Lord my Strength,

who teaches my hands to war,

and my fingers to fight."

Psalm 144:1

Wednesday evening - I had just popped dinner in the oven and sat down at the computer to check my email. Up pops a message from David Jeffers, Eddie's father. It was titled Hope Rides Eternal. I expected a new essay from Eddie - a follow up to Hope Rides Alone. Sadly, that was not to be. I was not prepared for the sad news. This is what my email read:

It is with great personal sadness but joy in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that I announce the death of my son Eddie Jeffers. Eddie was killed around 7 am Iraqi time from an accidental vehicle roll-over. Although our personal loss is traumatic, we know he is in a better place. All of you have been so wonderful to my son and my family and he was so blessed and humbled by your love for him. He told me this past summer after the wonderful gift you gave his wife and him that he didn't understand why people were so generous and kind to him. You see to Eddie, he was just doing his job and what he believed was his life mission from God....

There was more, including links to three amazing pieces of writing from Eddie as he was deployed. But Flag Gazer ends with this:

I write this tonight with a heavy heart and great sadness for the loss to the spirit of our country. Eddie was so special to so many of us who never had the honor of knowing him, but whose hearts he touched with goodness and honor. He was a hero to so many of us. We felt fortunate to be able to show our appreciation for what he gave to so many of us... honesty, faith, hope and the American spirit...

Go read the rest of Flag Gazer's beautiful tribute to her friend here.

I heard about Eddie's passing through a different route, and the following Monday I wrote a public letter to this new Angel over on Tanker Bros blog:

Monday, September 24, 2007

Dear Eddie,

You didn't know me in the 23 years you were here, but I have been thinking a lot about you the last few days. Really, I have. This is not the first time I have thought of you, been aware of you. I remember back when your piece "Hope Rides Alone" became famous all over the internet. I know that piece of fine writing from the sandbox gave insights to many of how amazing all of you are, who are fighting today. I remember. I remember smiling because your words put the lie, yet again, to the notion that all soldiers are just killing machines, ignorant hick Rambos gone wild. And you kept fighting, and you kept writing, as the rest of us went on about our everyday business, doing whatever it is we all do, that is SO (sarcasm here) important.

And now? This last week has seen your work, again, all over the internet, and there has been much weeping and sorrow. I have read a lot of the stuff written about you and I feel as if I know you. I read with great sadness that you had died in Iraq. This human heart was heavy. But, as I have talked to people, re-read your writing, I have been so grateful to have been given a glimpse of you.


[...]

I came across another comment, on another post about you, these last few days: "words matter." Don't ask me where I found that, but this is a belief I have long held. And I know you have too. These last few days many people have been reading your words.... I know, from all I have read, that you... have been raised, and believe in living a life according to the scriptures. I know that your favourite verse is:

“Blessed be the Lord my Strength, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.” Psalm 144:1

I know this because I found that on your dad's site. I also know that you believed in what you were doing for the children, the future of Iraq. ...

[...]

And so it is, through the power of the internet, from Freedom Feels Good (here), to The Real Deal in Ramadi (here), you shared your heart with us, and showed us what is really happening for families in a land far, far away from the comforts of your own family and home. I don't know if you were aware then - even as you surely must be by now - how many hearts you opened with your words. Words matter - and your words reach across time and space - will continue to do so - just as those other Words still resonate for a lot of us. Your words remind us all that OUR mission is not over yet, even as you embark on your new mission. Those of us left here get to renew, again, our commitment to this mission which you began. Yes, we do weep that you have gone on ahead, but as your dad says on his blog site:

...Although our personal loss is traumatic, we know he is in a better place....He told me this past summer...You see to Eddie, he was just doing his job and what he believed was his life mission from God....(source)

I also know you are in a far better place, Eddie. I do. And as I have thought about you these last few days, over and over in my mind - unbidden - have come the words:

Do Not Weep For Me Do not weep for me, for I have lived... I have joined my hand with my fellow's hands, to leave the planet better than I found it. Do not weep for me, for I have loved and been loved by my family, by those I love who loved me back. For I never knew a stranger, only friends. Do not weep for me. When you feel the ocean spray upon your face, I am there. When your heart beats faster at the dolphin's leaping grace, I am there. When you reach out to touch another's heart, as now I touch God's face, I am there. Do not weep for me. I am not gone. - Anon (another prolific writer here)

Oh Eddie, so many hearts you have touched and changed. "Your spirit will live forever/it lives in the laughing eyes of children/ who are free from want and oppression."...

On Wake Up America there was also a column about Eddie:

Thursday, September 20, 2007

In Honor of Sgt, Eddie Jeffers--RIP

This is from an email I received from a frequent reader of Wake up America, Michelle.

I am sending you a link to a letter (if you google Eddie Jeffers you can read all his letters) written by a solider in Iraq. Eddie Jeffers is…..ah, …was a friend of a friend of mine. He died two days ago.

Eddie was an Army Infantryman serving in Ramadi.

Please honor this young man and his undying love of his country. He deserves nothing short of a memorial in his honor, and we are working on one here.

Thanks,

Michelle

Letter from Sgt.Eddie Jeffers:

I stare out into the darkness from my post, and I watch the city burn to the ground. I smell the familiar smells, I walk through the familiar rubble, and I look at the frightened faces that watch me pass down the streets of their neighborhoods. My nerves hardly rest; my hands are steady on a device that has been given to me from my government for the purpose of taking the lives of others.

I sweat, and I am tired. My back aches from the loads I carry. Young American boys look to me to direct them in a manner that will someday allow them to see their families again...and yet, I too, am just a boy....my age not but a few years more than that of the ones I lead. I am stressed, I am scared, and I am paranoid...because death is everywhere. It waits for me, it calls to me from around street corners and windows, and it is always there.

There are the demons that follow me, and tempt me into thoughts and actions that are not my own...but that are necessary for survival. I've made compromises with my humanity. And I am not alone in this. Miles from me are my brethren in this world, who walk in the same streets...who feel the same things, whether they admit to it or not.

And to think, I volunteered for this...

And I am ignorant to the rest of the world...or so I thought.

But even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi, Iraq, the cries and screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me. In a year, I will be thrust back into society from a life and mentality that doesn't fit your average man. And then, I will be alone. And then, I will walk down the streets of America, and see the yellow ribbon stickers on the cars of the same people who compare our President to Hitler....

And there is much more over here, including a beautiful poem in the comments which is a must read.

And then there is this beautiful video tribute I found:

jeffers221 | September 24, 2007

From little boy to mighty warrior, Sergeant Eddie Jeffers lived his 23 1/2 years to its fullest. He emptied himself completely.

Sgt. Eddie Jeffers: ALWAYS remembered and honoured.