Tribute

The employees of Press a Print have put together a fine tribute and a reminder.

Keep the Kleenex handy.

They are still THERE and we are still with them. Every Single Minute.

Hat tip to Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler for the link.

Rumsfeld's Message to the Troops

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's Message to the Troops (July 4, 2003):

This Fourth of July marks the 227th anniversary of the birth of our nation, the day when brave and dedicated patriots made manifest their love of liberty and founded a nation based on freedom. And from that day to this, the world has never been the same. As Lafayette put it, "Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country." Indeed it does. For more than 200 years, America has stood for freedom.

So, on the Fourth of July we mark more than a birthday. We celebrate our God-given rights to liberty and life, and we honor all those who, over the centuries, have been willing to fight and die to keep our country free. Today we are engaged in a struggle as great as any America has faced throughout her long and honored history. It is a struggle every bit as much a fight for freedom as the war that was fought in 1776. Once again it is a battle for humanity, for the right of all people – not just Americans – to live in a world free of terror and fear.

You are the men and women who are fighting this new war. Your gallantry and courage in the face of evil has stirred the souls of all Americans. Day after day, week after week, they have seen your faces and read your stories. They have shared your sorrows and celebrated your victories. And in each one of you they see reflected their deeply-felt honor, pride and patriotism. Through your valor and sacrifice, our Republic has been strengthened and renewed.

So, as we celebrate the founding of our Nation, we honor you – the men and women of the U.S. military who volunteer to help make our freedom possible.

Through Operation Tribute to Freedom, Americans across the land are participating in hundreds of local activities and events, honoring their hometown heroes, and expressing their appreciation and support for your service and your sacrifice.

The global war on terror is far from over. While freedom has been restored to the people of Afghanistan and Iraq, dangerous threats remain – in those countries and across the globe. The transition from tyranny to a free society will take time to accomplish. As Thomas Jefferson so aptly described it, "We are not to expect to be translated from despotism to liberty in a featherbed."

Meanwhile the tyranny of terrorism continues, and so must the global war on terror -- until tyranny has been defeated wherever it threatens free men and women. As President Bush has said, the threat may be new, but America’s duty is familiar: to defend the safety and security of our people and the hopes of all mankind.

I thank you for volunteering to serve our country and the cause of freedom. May God bless and protect you and those you love, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.

And we thank you, Every Single Minute.

Care package tips, live from the sandbox

Lt Smash has some useful hints for those of us sending care packages to the troops in the Middle East:

Think about the person or group receiving the package, and consider their working environment. Do they work inside or outside? If outside, think suscreen, lip balm, and baby powder. Everyone needs moisturizer. Are they on their feet all day? Maybe some insoles for their boots.

Want to send food? Several individual size packages are better than one large one. Think pocket size. Don't send stuff that melts or crumbles. Trail mix, or non-chocolate sports bars are good choices...

Books are a good item, as well. Paperbacks are preferable. Or magazines. But stay away from "adult" material -- it will most likely be "confiscated" by local customs authorities.

There's more information here. Thanks, Lt Smash -- for everything.

Simple Truths

To all those who said this was a war for domination and the conquering of a weak people, for all those who said this was a racial war, for all those who opposed this war, this is your answer of why we fight: Morality.

Jordan and Rummy at Center Court

As told at Blogs of War:

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2003 -- It was a memorable, symbolic night at the MCI Center here April 14 as Michael Jordan played the last home game of his legendary and illustrious basketball career. But it would be more than about a game between two NBA teams.

Fans sensed excitement even before game time when a thunderous standing ovation vibrated through the whole coliseum. But it was not because "His Airness" had brought his offensive play to the court. Rather, the raucous applause was for appearance of defense – as in Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld at center court, representing American military patriots serving worldwide and sacrificing their lives for freedom.

After minutes of genuine applause, a voice sounded through the noisy decibel level to announce that Rumsfeld would present Michael Jordan with a flag. Again, seizing upon this outpouring of patriotism and gratitude, this wasn't just any flag. It was one flown over the Pentagon Sept. 11, 2002, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks.

Rumsfeld, with a grin, pointed to Jordan, who on cue walked onto the court to meet the secretary. The two men gripped in a firm handshake evoking great and mutual admiration. They exchanged words, heard only between them, yet understood by all who watched.

The drama of the night extended further beyond the two men: The two teams took to the court, representing cities victimized by the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Washington and New York reflected the very fabric of a courageous country, symbols of the nation's relentless campaign against global terror and the quests for homeland security.

They're Comin' Home!

It's Party Planning Time!

Two Navy Battle Groups to Leave War Zone

WASHINGTON - Two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and the ships in their battle groups will leave the Persian Gulf this week and return to their home ports, a U.S. defense official said Monday.

The departure of the USS Kitty Hawk and the USS Constellation reflects a winding down of the air campaign, although the Pentagon is still sending more ground forces to Kuwait and Iraq.

The Kitty Hawk will return to its base at Yokosuka, Japan, and the Constellation will return to San Diego, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

washingtonpost.com

Millions of Americans-Thank Jessica Lynch for her heroism!

The Millions of Americans.com website is producing a card to send to PFC Jessica Lynch.

Thank you, Jessica!

Dear Private First Class Lynch,

You have earned the gratitude of all Americans for your selfless service in Iraq.

You are a true American hero. For your willingness to serve... for your devotion to duty...for your courage in the face of evil. You have shown the best of what is America to the people of Iraq and the world.

more

Kim du Toit - News From the Front

The latest from Captain Steve is up at Kim's site.

This picture from the AP says oodles about how important those messages from home can be:

From The Sandbox XVI

The Ville

Brent over at The Ville has some great photos he took at the Pro America rally in DC:

The Mall at The Capitol, Washington D.C. April 12, 2003

I was very fortunate to be in attendance at this incredible tribute to our troops and celebration of America - sponsored by Citizens United. I estimated the attendance at 6,000 to 7,000 patriotic Americans. As promised, here are the pictures from the event.

There are more pics on his site, but this one touched me.


Follow the link to see more.

Vietnamese-Americans support our troops

TRIBUTE

For all you've done over the last two hundred and twenty-seven years, for all the parts of the world you've made free, for all the American citizens here at home that have been saved, and for always following the moral compass your parents instilled in you; Thank you.

Your courage, dedication, patriotism, and sheer heroism under fire have done amazing things history will never forget. We honor you and all you stand for, because while we sleep soundly at night, worried about things such as bills and tight schedules, you sleep in foxholes, trenches, and tanks guarding us and keeping our families safe. We could not, and would not, exist without you and the life you lay on the line every day. We are indebted to you; for you have proven that you are mostly certainly above us. From the bottom of our hearts and the depths of our souls; Thank You.

APOLOGY

Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online has a great article posted today titled "Making Amends." His first paragraph rings out true:

President Bush should apologize to the Iraqi people. No, he shouldn't apologize for any of the things the antiwar crowd thinks he should apologize for. He shouldn't apologize for the bombs or any of that. In fact, he shouldn't apologize for anything he's done at all. He's pretty much done everything right. No, he should apologize for what his two predecessors did - or rather, for what they didn't do.

This is a great point. Goldberg goes on to talk about how this war was, in a sense, cleaning up the first Gulf War's leftovers, although how we handled ourselves back then was reasonable and understandable.

Regardless, I am very thankful that it was this president who pursued this course. I can't imagine Clinton, or, God forbid, Al Gore, handling the matters of a war against Iraq, either diplomatically or militarily. There's no doubt that we would've won the war regardless of who was in charge, our military is just that great. However, who is in charge can have a profound impact on how the war is fought, and what the possible gains and losses will be.

Dubya pursued a very sophisticated course that in end will protect the American people and our allies, produce the absolute minimum of US military and Iraqi civilian casualties, produce a new and stronger Iraq, and it will make a strong assertion by the American people that the US is a noble force not to be reckoned with.

Despite what we should’ve done a long time ago, I'm glad it was this leader, and this military (brave as you are) that got the job done.

Trying Times For Our Soldiers In Iraq

Combat Wears On American Troops' Nerves

The above article piqued my interest as the solider interviewed is from Northwest Arkansas, where I live. Lance Cpl. Jack Self describes what it's like for soldiers in Iraq, who haven't had baths or a decent night's sleep in weeks and are surviving on pre-packaged rations.

For the Marine from Bentonville Ark., the worst part isn't physical hardship: It's the incessant anxiety of being in an unfamiliar land among people who may smile at you one second, then shoot at you the next. "I always have one thumb on the trigger ... Never take my thumb off the trigger," he said Thursday - the first day of relaxation he has had since entering Iraq with the 7th Marine Regiment.

In addition to the stress of always being on their guard, our soldiers must also deal with a language barrier.

Self spoke of the frustration of wanting to warn civilians to steer clear of danger, only to be hampered by the language barrier. "There's times when I want to talk to somebody. ... Hey look, tell your friends, tell your family to go in their houses, don't drive around, don't be coming out here. ... I want to tell them that. All I can really do is have guys standing out there using hands signals," he said. He said there's no way of knowing if a person approaching you is a friend or an enemy. Giving the benefit of the doubt can be fatal.

But despite the stress and the hardships our brave soldiers are facing 24 hours a day, they still think fondly of home.

When the soldier thinks of home, it isn't really about a good meal or a hot bath. "It's the people I love, that's the main thing."

We love you too, Corporal, and all of the other brave men and women of the Coalition who are sacrificing so much. I personally wish you a speedy and safe return to your family here in Northwest Arkansas.

Anonymous Gifts

I just heard this story and had to share right away (from Tim Rice):

Another great story: Yesterday my Mom noticed a note on her windshield...

She thought someone had hit her car (it's pretty old). It turned out to be a $40 Marie Callendar's gift cert with a note:

Tell your daughter thanks. (Mom has a "my daughter's in the Navy" sticker)

Sis is in Kuwait City right now...Mom was crying tears of joy.

Sis is aboard the USS Tortuga, and has been out to sea since last August with the 24th MEU on board!

I love America. Thanks to Tim for sharing the story.

Iraqi U.N. Ambassador: 'The Game Is Over'

An Iraqi man kisses an American soldier in downtown Bagdhad on Wednesday, April 9, 2003.

The photo essay (Day 21) is wonderful.

An Iraqi civilian cheers the arrival of U.S. Marines in downtown Bagdad on Wednesday, April 9, 2003.

Samantha Sheppard, a soldier with the 2nd Light Tank Regiment, smiles as she receives a flower from an Iraqi man on the streets of Basra.

U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilains topple a statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad on Wednesday, April 9, 2003.

Fox News

A Tribute to PFC Lynch (And All the Rest of You!)

Not that I want to diminish the loss and sacrifice that each and every one of our incredibly brave and noble soldiers and their families are facing every day, but PFC Lynch, to me at least, has become a symbol of what ALL of you are.

She has become of a symbol of courage and determination in the face of death, a symbol of ordinary Citizen Soldiers becoming beacons and examples for all of us without even seeking that exalted status.

Until recently, you were just ordinary folks trying to make a living, proud to serve your country and getting by day by day.

Yet all the time, without any of us, even you, realizing it, you each and every one of you carry the potential to become so much more than most people can ever aspire to.

And you have risen to the challenge and continue to do so every day.

Without anything but the values you hold so dear in your heart, without anything but a sense of duty, without anything but a band of brotherhood stronger than the strongest alloy, without anything but what each and every one of us carry in his or her heart, you have become a shining example to us all.

I can never properly express the admiration and gratitude I feel towards each and every one of you and I KNOW, having been one of you myself, that you'd most likely just be embarrassed and tell me to knock it the Hell off if I tried.

But therein lies your true greatness.

You are not seeking fortune and fame (G-d knows that there's not a fortune to be made in the Service!), you're just doing what you feel is right and doing so for ALL of us.

So this image, to me, is a tribute to all of you, not just PFC Lynch.

It is a tribute to all that you are, the very flower of our youth, the embodiment of the very best of our nation.

It is a tribute to loyalty, sacrifice, courage and a determination to never, EVER, leave a comrade behind!

I salute you!