They Watch Over Us

Does anyone remember or even give thought to our US Troops who have or currently are serving in the middle east or any where else in the world for that matter?

Do you even have the foggiest notion what our children, who have volunteered to serve, are doing and sacrificing to protect us and our value system?  Most of you out there have no idea of the horror, the ultimate fear of humanity that our children, now grown men and women over night, are facing on a daily basis to not only protect our freedom, but to protect the rights of those who spit on them and ridicule them.

They Watch Over Us Just Like In Viet Nam

I recently saw videos of some of the "Occupy Wall Street" demonstrations where they show young men and women half stripping in public only to defecate or urinate on the U.S. Flag.  This is not so terribly different from the "Hippy" movement of the 60′s and 70′s when we were in Viet Nam.  They wanted you to smell bouquets of flowers and love your enemy while our "Children" were being bombed and mutilated and burned alive for their freedoms. They condemned those who were man and woman enough to go forth and fight for their right to speak their minds and meet freely in public without being shot and killed like we have seen so often in other countries.

I recently saw on TV an editorial about a large group of South Vietnamese who had been captured by the Thais during the Viet Nam Conflict and put into slave labor camps.  Those very people and their children and grand children have recently been released by negotiation. 

They petitioned the U.S. Government to allow them to come to the United States.  They enrolled in Citizenship Classes.  They learned to speak the language enough to function within the society.  They have gotten jobs.  They pay taxes.  They are going to school.  They are productive to society and ask for nothing in return.  They are very grateful!

That my friends is how immigration works!  That is the history of our great country.  What a stark contrast to the millions of illegals in our country today that burn our flag, demand welfare and medical coverage and have our president believing that we owe them amnesty.  WOW!  This video, even thougha little dated, portrays our young men and women in service to their country as the true heroes that they really are.

Do you have a son or daughter in the service now?  or at any time in the past?  Then the only thing that needs to be said and should be said to them on a daily basis is: Thank you for saving and protecting me and my family!  Thank you for serving our country!  Thank You with all of my heart!

Veteran’s Day Tribute

On this hallowed day I would like to share with you some sobering facts about a period in history when all our troops could see was jungle, fire and death.  The Vietnam era.  A time when your enemy could be less than two feet away from you and you would never see them until it was too late.

Someday there will be a wall for the wars and conflicts in the middle east.  However, regardless of the name you put on the war, the statistics will always remain the same:  the people joining up will always be our proud and brave young children;  fearless, not yet able to visualize the true horror of war, bloodshed and the loss of those around them.  These proud young men and women, almost overnight, become seasoned warfighters, ready to do what ever is needed to protect our freedom.

If you are alive today and still speaking English, thank the men and women of the United States armed forces serving now, in the past and in the future!

Veteran’s Day Tribute to the Vietnam Wall

Some interesting and sobering items about the Vietnam Wall.

"Carved on these walls is the story of America, of a continuing quest to preserve both democracy and decency, and to protect a national treasure that we call the American dream."

Something to think about: Most of the surviving parents of the dead are now deceased themselves.

There are 58,267 names now listed on that polished black wall, including those added in 2010.

The names are arranged in the order in which they were taken from us by date and within each date the names are alphabetized. It is hard to believe it is 36 years since the last casualties.

The first known casualty was Richard B. Fitzgibbon, of North Weymouth, Mass., listed by the U.S. Department of Defense as having been killed on June 8, 1956. His name is listed on the Wall with that of his son, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Richard B. Fitzgibbon III, who was killed on Sept. 7, 1965.

There are three sets of fathers and sons on the Wall.

39,996 on the Wall were just 22 or younger.

The largest age group, 8,283 were just 19 years old 33,103 were 18 years old.

12 soldiers on the Wall were 17 years old.

5 soldiers on the Wall were 16 years old.

One soldier, PFC Dan Bullock was 15 years old.

997 soldiers were killed on their first day in Vietnam.

1,448 soldiers were killed on their last scheduled day in Vietnam.

Veteran’s Day Tribute Continues…

31 sets of brothers are on the Wall.

Thirty one sets of parents lost two of their sons.

54 soldiers on the Wall attended Thomas Edison High School in

Philadelphia…. Wonder why so many from one school?

8 Women are on the Wall — nursing the wounded.

244 soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War; 153

Of them are on the Wall.

Beallsville, Ohio with a population of 475 lost 6 of her sons.

West Virginia had the highest casualty rate per capita in the nation.

There are 711 West Virginians on the Wall.

The Marines of Morenci – They led some of the scrappiest high school football and basketball teams that the little Arizona copper town of Morenci (pop. 5,058) had ever known and cheered. They enjoyed roaring beer busts. In quieter moments, they rode horses along the Coronado Trail, stalked deer in the Apache National Forest. And in the patriotic camaraderie typical of Morenci’s mining families, the nine graduates of Morenci
High enlisted as a group in the Marine Corps.Their service began on Independence Day, 1966. Only 3 returned home.

The Buddies of Midvale – LeRoy Tafoya, Jimmy Martinez, Tom Gonzales were all

Boyhood friends and lived on three consecutive streets in Midvale, Utah on Fifth, Sixth and Seventh avenues. They lived only a few yards apart. They played ball at the adjacent sandlot ball field. And theyall went to Vietnam.

In a span of 16 dark days in late 1967, all three would be killed.

LeRoy was killed on Wednesday, Nov. 22, the fourth anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Jimmy died less than 24 hours later on Thanksgiving Day.

Tom was shot dead assaulting the enemy on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

The most casualty deaths for a single day was on January 31, 1968 ~ 245 deaths.

The most casualty deaths for a single month was May 1968 ~ 2,415 casualties were incurred.

For many Americans who read this they will only see the numbers that the Vietnam War created.

To those of us who survived the war, and to the families of those who did not, we see the faces, we feel the pain that these numbers created. We are, until we too pass away, haunted with these numbers, because they were our friends, fathers, husbands, wife’s, sons and daughters.

There are no noble wars, just noble warriors… "That we never forget"!

Thank you with all that I am or that I will ever be!  Thank you with a grateful heart from one who has served and understands.  Thank you!

God Bless Our Troops!!!

Thank You – A Hero Returns Home

Just got this note in today.  Please show this hero the respect she deserves and the welcome she has earned!

We have an Injured Hero returning on Sunday March 6th. Coming into OIA. Time is not known at this time. Will know within next 24hrs.

This Hero was injured on June 3rd of last year. A rocket attack hit the MOD in which she was housed in. Jenkins had 5 inches removed from one leg, because shrapnel was pressing dangerously close to many nerves. Much of the shrapnel still remains throughout her body, including her head.

She’s a single mom who lives in Palm Bay and recently returned from Kandahar Afghanistan, now stationed in Ft. Dix for medicals. Orlando is her In-processing city and then she returns with medical orders to her home.

Her 2 daughters and Mama will be staying with me the night before and together with ALOT of our city…. we will give this Hero the BIGGEST and BEST welcoming possible.

Please call me at 407 535 5924…. We want her AND her family to understand her Importance and that we love her and them for their sacrifices…. God Bless Mama T

LTC Allen West on Defeating Radical Islam

Ltc Allen West, was elected into Congress in 2010 as the freshman Republican from the state of  Florida. As he explains in his video, we are not opposed to the Islamic religion itself, nor its members.  But we must be opposed to and prepared to defeat the radical Islam. Radical Islam brought the war into our own backyard.  Current administration members have taken a posture that placates Europe and the Middle East while radical Islam continues it’s daily bloodbath throughout the world. They regularly detonate explosives that kill innocent children, women and men to further their movement and to cleanse the world of infidels, which has become anyone who disagrees with them.

Allen West is Not Against Islam, He is Against the Radical Islam

Allen West adds that we are constantly accused of “profiling” when we speak harshly of radical Islam. Yet, every time there is a massacre or a bomb blast in a crowded area or a news reporter getting his head cut off with a sword on “public TV”, there is quickly broadcast an Islamist taking “credit” for the radical action.  Bragging about it.  Announcing a Jihad on Americans.   As Ltc West replies to the reporter when asked; “…how do you fight an enemy who so blatantly wants to die?”…”you grant him his wish”.

Allen West

Watch his video now. American must defend her family, not placate the enemy.

Allen West Video

Thank you Allen West!

Happy New Year To Those Who Serve

Happy New Year to all of you! The past year and a half has been very prosperous for all of us in that we have renewed many, many old friendships.

I have a little sign taped just above my computer monitor printed in large, bold, deep purple letters.

Happy New Year Quest

As some of you know, especially the ones of you who go on Facebook, my son bought a combination business 4 1/2 years ago. It consists on a night club, restaurant/bar and a liquor store all under one roof. Certainly a drinking persons ideal combo. Now for that same 4 1/2 years I have helped my son out by volunteering Saturday nights working the liquor store. You meet many "interesting" people in that line of work and most of them are quiet, withdrawn, some angry, many sad for one reason or another. Well, it became my goal when I first started to say something pleasant to every person who comes in and to thank every person for doing business with us. It was a slow start with many people looking at me like I was crazy (boy if they only knew the truth, I am way beyond crazy, I am certifiable "Looney Tunes!). Some would half mutter, half whisper something back at me. Some would smile. Some made smart remarks about clerks are to be seen and not heard.

Well, fast forward and take a look at the same people and a lot of new ones, who now immediately upon entering the store will look over at me, wave and shout out a greeting…just like old friends. But this Thursday, before Christmas, I was helping someone and this young man comes in. Early twenties. We began talking. He was extra-clean cut, like recent military. So I asked him if he was in the
service and he told me he just got out a month ago. He was in to get some cold beer because four of his old buddies were home on leave and they were getting together to celebrate. He said they were all assigned to a marine sniper group. He went on to relate to me that when they got on the chopper to go to their target zone in Afghanistan their CO explained to them how deadly this area was. He told them that at least 70% of
them would be killed as soon as they jumped off and their feet hit the ground. It was their miracle day. They landed under heavy fire and took cover near by. After a few weeks had passed and they accomplished their mission, they were extracted and brought back to the main camp. Three and a half weeks in hell and 100% of them came back alive.

Happy New Year Gratitude

At this point in his story I said to him, “Thank you for serving. I deeply appreciate all that you have done for our country and all that you have done for me and my family!” The words had barely left my lips when he extended his hand to shake mine then pulled me in to a brotherly hug. He said, “No one has ever said that to me or any of my friends. It is like no one cares that we put it all on the line around the clock. I’ve had people spit on me in the airport, flip me the finger and call me all sorts of names that hurt deeply. You are the first person who has said that you care. Thank you sir.” His eyes were starting to water up at this point. He paid his bill and shook my hand again. As he turned to leave, he asked me if it would be OK with me if he brought his friends over to meet me when they got in town because they could use a kind word as well. I told him I would feel honored to speak with them. He smiled and left.

I won’t forget that conversation any time soon. It just re-enforces within me the quest to say something pleasant to everyone I have contact with. You never know when your kindness may make a big difference in someone’s life. My outlook on life is simple: When I wake up in the morning the very first thing I do before I even get out of bed is to take my pulse. If I have one, I go and have a really great day. If I don’t have one, I just roll over and go back to sleep. Either way I know I am going to have a really Happy New Year!

It is my love for you who serve and my country that has allowed me to spend so much time with you here on the site. This may be as close as I am ever able to get to you, but at least this way I know you are still kicking. So let me bring this to a close because I can see a couple of you on the back row are starting to nod off to sleep. I am eternally grateful to you folks who serve. I love you even more. I just want to take this time to say thank you! And to wish you a very merry Christmas & a Happy New Year and pray that God will touch each of your lives in 2011 in a very special way.

Allen Harp

aka “Dad” at American Valor with a Happy New Year Military Tribute

Once again, to all of the men and women who are now serving or ever have served in the military, please allow me to with you a very Happy New Year!

A Veteran’s Day Thank You

Good morning to each and every one of you on this glorious Veteran’s Day.

We have always been told that God works his wonders through mysterious ways.  Throughout the history of our great nation this has always been true but became blatantly obvious in times of war and conflict.

I suggest that one of the mysterious ways that God has chosen to protect this great country is through His skilled use and direction of our military armed forces throughout history.

We posted a tribute to our Vietnam Vets a while back entitled "Before They Go" and in that moving and saddening tribute, we pointed out that we are losing Vietnam era vets at the rate of one veteran dying every 3.75 minutes.  It went on to state that all Vietnam veterans could possibly be gone by 2015.

I do not want to seem disrespectful but all I have to say to the 2015 date is BULL BUNIONS!! We’ve already lost too many of our Jay brother’s and sisters. I do not want to lose any more.   There are too many fences to mend and friendships to rekindle and broken hearts to put back together.   There are grandchildren we need to see grow up and get married.  There are as yet unseen great-grandchildren that we need to enjoy.  We need to be busy letting each other know how much we care and appreciate one another before we let some calculated date get under our skins and ruin our futures.

I for one am not going down without a fight! Not only are those my words and thoughts, they are the words and thoughts of generations of American men and women who have proudly served their country in times of war and in times of peace.  Never once hesitating to give their all to protect that which they loved so dearly.

Today, as a veteran myself, I salute our brothers and sisters who have served this great nation in her times of need.  I give you my heartfelt thanks and appreciation.  You will always hold a special place of honor within my heart.

Now as a tribute to all who have, or currently are serving, I offer up the following three videos. Video 2 and 3 are moving tributes to those who have served.  Video 1 is a bit more controversial.  If you do your research properly, you will find that there is no "official meaning" to the individual steps during the flag folding ceremony.  But, like so many other things in our lives during times of great pain, we need reasons, we need a meaning for what has happened. The flag folding ceremony and the 21 gun salute are traditions that have developed throughout the history of our nation.  However, many years ago, someone, perhaps a military Chaplain, created the "meanings of each flag fold" to comfort the survivors of military heroes.

Myself, I like meaning. As a younger man in 1992, I remember sitting through my fathers military funeral.  Deep grief ran rampant throughout my body at the loss of someone so important and dear to me.  But as the flag was removed from his coffin and the soldiers began to fold it slowly and deliberately, the chaplain recited the same step by step meanings contained within this video. Nothing could ever take away the pain of the loss of this great man who served in WWII and Korea and a lifetime in the Missouri National Guard.  But, during this time of grief, the words of the chaplain sank deeply into my heart and somehow managed to push aside the feelings of loss and replace them with feelings of pride.  Those feelings were so strong they raised me to my feet, and to my surprise, I found my hand raising into the position of salute. Those words may not have been official but they were what I needed and they were very fitting to the loss of this great warrior.

So today I give thanks to my God and to the millions of men and women who have served or are serving our country! Thank you with all of my heart!

In the meantime, may God protect us always.  One Nation Under God, With Liberty and Justice for All!

Veteran’s Day Tribute Videos

What happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

So, take a few minutes, having enjoyed a fine, free 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It’s not much to ask for the price they paid.
Remember: freedom is never free!

This is a much needed update to an article we posted June 30, 2008 about Scott Truitt and the Gratitude Campaign. One of our readers wrote the following comment on April 20, 2010:

Just take a few moments today and give thanks for those who give so much for you.  The first two videos are2010 Memorial Day tributes to all our service members.  The third video is by Col Oliver North giving tribute to our men and women in the military.  While it was set for Veteran’s Day, it is still a fitting tribute to our men and women in the armed forces who give their all
every day for our freedom.

I received an email from a very close friend this morning that included a link to a YouTube video and a website hosted by the Veterans Appreciation Alliance, a group involved in ongoing military tributes.

I often tell young people that are against the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, or wherever, those young men and women are fighting for your right to disagree.  It is OK to be against the war, but direct your hatred for the war to the atrocity itself not to the men and women who are there serving their country. 

And so it was in another era some 40 years ago. A bunch of still wet-behind-the-ears young boys went to Vietnam.  Some volunteered, some were drafted, but they all went together facing the unknown. Sadly, not all returned home.  Those that did were not appreciated.   They were shunned, spit on, mocked, ridiculed, even hated by some.  It was as if they created the war themselves, as if they were the forces of evil.

It is not only scary, but sad as well when you look at the numbers.  2.9 million served – 58,000 were killed – 130,000 have committed suicide.  Approximately every 3.75 minutes a Vietnam veteran dies.  They estimate that by the year 2015 they will ALL be gone.

In recent years people have begun to "separate the war from the warrior. "  This movement has evolved into the "Before They Go" military tribute.

Jim Ward, a combat disabled Marine, is the heart pounding force behind this tribute. Jim is a life-long resident of Nevada. After graduating from high school in 1965, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. While in Vietnam, Jim was wounded multiple times by small-arms fire and shrapnel. As a result of his wounds he was permanently retired from the United States Marine Corps in 1970.

The battles of Vietnam still continue today as do the casualties, only now they live in the present, they live in the minds of those who survived, and within their families and communities. We have made monumental strides separating the war from the warrior; the Veterans of Vietnam however haven’t experienced that feeling of national pride…at least not yet.

At VAA, "Before They Go" is their way of bringing our country together. They believe a splintered conscious voice isn’t as strong as that of one collective voice.

Learn more about the Veterans Appreciation Alliance at their web site.

The Protect Us,
Now We Need to Protect Them!

This is from the post by Moe Lauzier at MoeIssuesoftheDay.blogspot.com/

We joined a hundred or more others at Gate 5 of the Norfolk Naval Base to demonstrate support for Navy SEAL Mathew McCabe. 

After the arraignment hearings, McCabe came out to meet his supporters.

And thank you, Mathew McCabe, for your service to our country!

Character is doing the right thing when no one is looking…

=====================================
Followup from USNavySeals.com:
March 04, 2010
=====================================

"Those who have been following the case of Navy SEALs Matthew McCabe, Julio Huertas and Jonathan Keefe may be interested in the news that Rep. Dan Burton (R – Indiana) and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R – California) are hosting a press conference that will call for their exoneration. The following details were provided by a post on the KokomoPerspective.com: that at 3PM Thursday, March 4, 2010, a press conference will be held at The Capitol Visitors Center, Room HVC-201 in Washington D.C.

Navy SEAL Matthew McCabe will also be at the March 4 gathering, according to CNSNews; Julio Huertas and Jonathan Keefe, however, are not expected to be there."

=====================================
Followup from USNavySeals.com:
March 13, 2010
=====================================

A key event took place Friday in the assault charges that were brought about against three Navy SEALs. In a previous post, we shared how the request for immunity of five potential witnesses who will give testimonies that will support Navy SEALs Matthew McCabe, Julio Huertas and Jonathan Keefe was denied.

On Friday, however, Cmdr. Tierney Carlos, the military judge who is hearing the case against Julio Huertas, said that the witnesses will be able to provide testimony that may place the allegations brought by a guard who said he witnessed McCabe punch Abed in doubt. Carlos ruled that “not granting them immunity… is either an attempt to gain tactical advantage over the defense or showed the government was overreaching”.

The five witnesses’ initial request for immunity was denied by Army Maj. Gen. C.T. Cleveland, the head of Special Operations Command Central. Cleveland was given until March 24 by Cmdr. Carlos to provide immunity to the five withnesses “he will abate the proceeding,” which is legalese for postponing the case indefinitely, according to a report by Kate Wiltrout of The Virginian-Pilot.

The potential witnesses are composed of four other Navy SEALs and a Navy Corpsman who were also present when the alleged “incident” happened, including the detachment commander. They dispute the claims made by the guard, and they requested for immunity as they had been told that they may also face prosecution.

Julio Huertas is charged with dereliction of duty, impeding an investigation and making a false official statement. Efforts are under way to have them exonerated, with Republican members of Congress rallying support behind their cause.

It happens every Friday. Did you know?

"These are our men, broken in body they may be, but they are our brothers, and we welcome them home. This parade has gone on, every single Friday, all year long, for more than four years."

Now you know, there really are people who care about our men and women in service to America.  Thanks to all of them and thanks to all of you who make a difference in the world.
 

Mark Mejia wrote to American Valor to point out that we had inadvertently referred to Michael Monsoor as a Navy EOD when in fact he was a US Navy SEAL.  This is no less of a distinction, no less of an honor.  It is simply an effort by all concerned to represent the facts as they actually were.  Thank you Mark.

What follows is the official Summary of Action, the Biography of Michael Anthony Monsoor as it has been corrected/recorded and a special tribute video created by American Valor especially for Michael, his family and his fellow SEALS.:

Summary of Action
Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor
For actions on Sept. 29, 2006

He is survived by his mother Sally, his father George, his sister Sara, and his two brothers James and Joseph.

They have rammed everything down our throats for almost a year with NO regard for us.  We are expendable.  We should just keep quiet and keep paying the outrageous bills.  There are always consequences.  Your consequences for the=is last year of performance?  In 2010 you WILL be voted OUT of office.  You do nothing but belittle and shame the American heritage that so many gave their lives for and you could care less.  You are all nothing more than a Chicago Mobster SCAM.  Out with you.

If you are smart enough to read the description before commenting, congratulate yourself, you are smarter than most liberals. I have stopped the comments on this video for many reasons, for example: racist rants, death threats, calling out for murder, accusing me of things that are just not true (as if you liberals somehow have ESP and know what I am all about.) Get over yourselves!

11. The fact that some members of Congress are breaking laws that would end us up in prison, should have you motivated to demand they step down, but you probably don’t even know who Charlie Rangell is.

To all of our Troops:\

Merry Christmas!  Happy New Year!

and most of all…

Thank You!!!

This comes from Sam Brock, Staff Reporter with the WTVR.com site in Richmond, VA.

Wilson explained the move in no way restricts the board from pursing legal recourse in the weeks ahead."

You can read the full article here.

That’s right George.  You made a foolish, self-centered, self-serving, WRONG decision in the fist place and you are just too arrogant to let it go.  You just might want to reconsider your losing position before you begin spreading implied threats of future litigation against Col Barfoot.  What is your real motivation?  What is it you are really trying to accomplish here? You probably could give a hoot whether the Col has a flagpole or not.  You probably have an underlying reason for acting the way you do.  Did someone offer you a book deal? 

You know, a book or movie deal is not out of reach here.  Think of the many times in past years that someone has committed a crime against a person.  The victim suffers.  Eventually the criminal is offered a movie or a book deal and someone makes money by sensationalizing a bad incident.  I can see the headlines now:  Virginia HOA President just inked a publishing deal to present his new book:  " How to Shame a MOH Hero for No Reason at All".  Let it go George.  Get on with your life. Stop with the implied threats under your breath.

Be it known that there is currently legislation before Congress that would allow MOH recipients to fly a flag anywhere, anyhow they desire as long as it complies with the Official American Flag Code.

Today, Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) and Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) introduced a resolution, H. Res. 952, allowing Congressional Medal of Honor recipients to properly display the United States flag on their property at all times.

 I bet the home values in the development soar now!

They said that during a Dec 7 press briefing the Chief spokesman for President Obama was asked if there was any support from the White House on this issue.  Gibbs replied with the comment..

"I think its silly to think that somebody that’s done that (referring to Barfoot’s military record) couldn’t have a flagpole…the president believes, I think all of us believe, that the least we can do is show our gratitude to someone who served our country so admirably."

In a letter last week, Virginia Senator Webb urged the Sussex Square HOA to "consider the exceptional nature of Col. Barfoot’s service when considering his pride and determination in honoring our flag."

The association sidestepped the issue in a statement that said the dispute is not about the American flag but the flagpole and how it ruins the aesthetics of the development..

The attack on Pearl Harbor (or Hawaii Operation, Operation Z, as it was called by the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters) was an unannounced military strike conducted by the Japanese navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on the morning of December 7, 1941. It resulted in the United States entry into World War II. The attack was intended as a preventive action to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from influencing the war the Empire of Japan was planning in Southeast Asia against Britain and the Netherlands, as well as the U.S. in the Philippines. The attack consisted of two aerial attack waves totaling 353 aircraft, launched from six Japanese aircraft carriers.

The attack was a major engagement of World War II. It took place before a formal declaration of war by Japan and before the last part of a 14-part message had been delivered to the State Department in Washington, D.C. The Japanese Embassy in Washington had been instructed to deliver it immediately prior to the scheduled time of the attack in Hawaii. The attack, and especially its surprise nature, were both factors which swayed U.S. public opinion from isolationism to support for direct participation in the war. Germany’s prompt declaration of war, unforced by any treaty commitment to Japan, quickly brought the United States into the European Theater as well. Despite numerous historical precedents of unannounced military action, the lack of any formal declaration prior to the attack led President Franklin D. Roosevelt to proclaim "December 7th, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy".

Col Van Barfoot was given a one week extension by the Sussex Square HOA before forcing him to remove his flagpole.

We will keep you up-to-date as news breaks.

In the meantime, we’ve located additional videos telling Barfoot’s story and giving him support. One of them is a follow-up from Mark Levin, whom we featured earlier with a rather explosive, emotional outcry against the HOA and their lawyers.  Today, he delivers the same message but has regained his composure.

Here is the statement presented by the American Legion in support of Col Barfoot.

The American Legion has joined the fight being waged by a Medal of Honor recipient against a Virginia homeowner association’s demands to remove a flagpole.

"What the association is doing is especially disgraceful given the fact that our president has ordered another 30,000 troops to Afghanistan in defense of our freedom," added Joseph Caouette, The American Legion’s Chairman of Americanism. "I wonder what they think of all of this."
 

The saga with Col Van Barfoot and the Sussex Square Homeowner’s Association continues today.  The col was originally given until 5:00PM EST today to remove the flagpole or face possible charges from the Association.  However, the Colonel’s plight seems to have garnered support from a number of people:

During his weekly radio address to the citizens of Virginia, Gov. Tim Kaine told his listeners that because of the great sacrifices Barfoot made for his country, he should be allowed special concessions regarding the flagpole display.  The Goverrnor went on to say that the whole position of the Association was just plain ridiculous.

Senator Mark Warner of VA. is hoping to come up with a solution that will appease both sides.

Maybe President Obama should call Col Barfoot "stupid" then invite him and the Association to the White House for a beer.

The following excerpt is taken from  dBusiness News.com

"The American Legion has joined the fight being waged by a Medal of Honor recipient against a Virginia homeowner association’s demands to remove a flagpole. Col. Van Barfoot, 90, a World War II and Vietnam veteran, was ordered by the Sussex Square Homeowner’s Association to remove the flag pole from his front lawn after he flew the U.S. Flag on Labor Day and Veterans Day. The association is claiming that the flag pole is not "aesthetically appropriate."

"The association underestimated the fight left in this elderly veteran and now they have to contend with the determination and persistence of Col. Barfoot’s 2.5 million friends in The American Legion," said National Commander Clarence E. Hill. "Col. Barfoot has hired legal counsel. The American Legion is prepared to help with the expenses and fight these disgraceful actions by the association. Where is the common sense here? Is this anyway to treat any American, much less a true hero like Col Barfoot?"

Fighting for the flag is not new to The American Legion, the nation’s leading authority on flag etiquette. Since 1989, The Legion has been fighting for a constitutional amendment that would grant Congress the authority to protect Old Glory from desecration.

"The flag is a symbol of our country," Hill said. "People should fly it proudly. That’s all Col. Barfoot wants to do. If he were desecrating the flag, instead, the association couldn’t do a thing to stop him. We proudly stand with Col. Barfoot and say enough already! Let him keep the flagpole and fly the flag as often as he wants. He certainly earned that right."

"What the association is doing is especially disgraceful given the fact that our president has ordered another 30,000 troops to Afghanistan in defense of our freedom," added Joseph Caouette, The American Legion’s Chairman of Americanism. "I wonder what they think of all of this.""

The following is directly from CMOH

The Citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 23 May 1944, near Carano, Italy.

With his platoon heavily engaged during an assault against forces well entrenched on commanding ground, 2d Lt. Barfoot (then Tech. Sgt.) moved off alone upon the enemy left flank.

He crawled to the proximity of 1 machinegun nest and made a direct hit on it with a hand grenade, killing 2 and wounding 3 Germans. He continued along the German defense line to another machinegun emplacement, and with his tommygun killed 2 and captured 3 soldiers.

Members of another enemy machinegun crew then abandoned their position and gave themselves up to Sgt. Barfoot. Leaving the prisoners for his support squad to pick up, he proceeded to mop up positions in the immediate area, capturing more prisoners and bringing his total count to 17.

Later that day, after he had reorganized his men and consolidated the newly captured ground, the enemy launched a fierce armored counterattack directly at his platoon positions.

Securing a bazooka, Sgt. Barfoot took up an exposed position directly in front of 3 advancing Mark VI tanks. From a distance of 75 yards his first shot destroyed the track of the leading tank, effectively disabling it, while the other 2 changed direction toward the flank.

As the crew of the disabled tank dismounted, Sgt. Barfoot killed 3 of them with his tommygun. He continued onward into enemy terrain and destroyed a recently abandoned German fieldpiece with a demolition charge placed in the breech.

While returning to his platoon position, Sgt. Barfoot, though greatly fatigued by his Herculean efforts, assisted 2 of his seriously wounded men 1,700 yards to a position of safety.

Sgt. Barfoot’s extraordinary heroism, demonstration of magnificent valor, and aggressive determination in the face of pointblank fire are a perpetual inspiration to his fellow soldiers.
 

Here is a video from outraged commentator Mark Levin.  I do believe Mr. Levin has become upset over this entire nonsense:

==========================

Contact Information for the Sussex Square Homeowners’ Association:

HOA SUSSEX SQUARE SERVICE
804-740-8795

How Holiday Mail works
We have established an extensive process to ensure all cards sent to our service members are safe and arrive in time for the holidays. Holiday cards will be collected through a unique P.O. Box address from Monday, November 2 through Monday, December 7*.

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Every card received will be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and distributed to participating Red Cross chapters nationwide. Once the cards arrive at the Red Cross chapters, they are sorted and reviewed by volunteers who then distribute them to service members, their families and veterans in communities across the country.

Sign all cards
Entitle cards “Dear Service Member, Family or Veteran”
Limit cards to 15 per person or 50 for school class or business group
Bundle groups of cards in single, large envelopes (there is no need to include individual envelopes and postage for cards)

Don’t…

Send letters
Include personal information such as home or email addresses
Use glitter – excessive amounts can aggravate health issues of wounded recipients
Include inserts of any kind as they must be removed in the screening process

Welcome to this year’s Holiday Mail for Heroes celebrity spokesperson – pop singer and songwriter Amy Grant!“I am honored and thrilled to be part of this program. The service that our military men and women provide this country year-round is invaluable and I feel it especially important to give thanks for their sacrifices during the holiday season.”
– Amy Grant.

Santa Claus Bailout Hearings

This is probably the most honest and realistic of all bailout hearings!

The Nation’s only traveling working Liberty Bell carries on in the tradition of the original sacred icon of 1753.

It is important to never forget the high price of Liberty and those patriots who have given their lives to protect it. The Liberty Bell travels all over the country to honor those who have paid the ultimate price to protect our Freedom. We are honored to inspire and encourage military families as well as those troops who are about to be deployed in the cause for Liberty. The Liberty Bell has an inscription, ” Proclaim liberty
throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof ” – Lev. XXV, v. x.As a free people it is our duty to Proclaim Liberty to those enslaved and longing to be free.

View the ProclaimLiberty Video Here

November 11, 2009. More than just another holiday – this is VETERANS DAY!

As you enjoy the day off, spend time with your family, even do nothing – you deserve it because those in uniform fight and die to protect those rights – EVEN THE RIGHT TO PROTEST…

There IS A GOD and He is aware of each and every soul on earth. War is never desired, it is sometimes essential. Please, this Veteran’s Day, walk up to a Vet and say, THANK YOU ! 

You are invited to comment on this video that I produced and performed the voice over for. I am an Honorably Discharged Veteran and I thank you for supporting our troops.  May God bless America.

In honor of Veterans everywhere, Thank you!

Here is a clip from 2008 of an event that is to be repeated again and again in coming years.  Service members were treated to a private plane flight, a free hotel suite and an all-expenses-paid extravaganza courtesy of Sheldon Adelson, chief executive officer of the Las Vegas Sands Corp.

Representatives for Adelson, a veteran himself, said the goal was to thank service members for their bravery and sacrifice.

In honor of ALL Veterans in all of history, we give our undying thanks and gratitude for your sacrifice.
Thank you!
A montage honoring U.S. war veterans from World War 1 to present day. Pictures and clips together with “America the Beautiful,” performed by Lee Greenwood.

SINK THE BISMARCK ~ sung by Johnny Horton

On November 11, 1999 Terry Kelly was in a Shoppers Drug Mart store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. At 10:55 AM an announcement came over the store’s PA asking customers who would still be on the premises at 11:00 AM to give two minutes of silence in respect to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.

Terry’s anger towards the father for trying to engage the store’s clerk in conversation and for setting a bad example for his child was later channeled into a beautiful piece of work called, “A Pittance of Time”. Terry later recorded “A Pittance of Time” and included it on his full-length music CD, “The Power of the Dream”.

Take a moment on Wednesday to fly your flag and shake a veteran’s hand.

Wednesday is Veterans Day. It is the anniversary of the Armistice that was signed in Compiegne Forest by the Allies and the Germans in 1918, ending World War I after four years of battles.

On Monday, Nov. 11, 1918, the day began with the laying down of arms, blowing of whistles, impromptu parades and the closing of places of business.

A year later, President Woodrow Wilson issued his Armistice Day proclamation — the last paragraph setting the tone for all future occasions:

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations."

For decades Armistice Day was commemorated until it was changed to Veterans Day by an act of Congress in 1954. President Dwight D. Eisenhower called on citizens of the country to observe the day by remembering the sacrifices of all who fought gallantly preserving the liberty of our country.

President Eisenhower referred to the name change to Veterans Day in honor of the servicemen of all America’s wars.

Read the full story from PittsburghLive.com