Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor, United States Navy, distinguished himself through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Combat Advisor and Automatic Weapons Gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 29 September 2006. He displayed great personal courage and exceptional bravery while conducting
operations in enemy held territory at Ar Ramadi Iraq.

During Operation Kentucky Jumper, a combined Coalition battalion clearance and isolation operation in southern Ar Ramadi, he served as automatic weapons gunner in a combined SEAL and Iraqi Army (IA) sniper overwatch element positioned on a residential rooftop in a violent sector and historical stronghold for insurgents. In the morning, his team observed four enemy fighters armed with AK-47s reconnoitering from roads in the sector to conduct follow-on attacks. SEAL snipers from his roof engaged two of them which resulted in one enemy wounded in action and one enemy killed in action. A mutually supporting SEAL/IA position also killed an enemy fighter during the morning hours. After the engagements, the local populace blocked off the roads in the area with rocks to keep civilians away and to warn insurgents of the presence of his Coalition sniper element. Additionally, a nearby mosque called insurgents to arms to fight Coalition Forces.

In the early afternoon, enemy fighters attacked his position with automatic weapons fire from a moving vehicle. The SEALs fired back and stood their ground. Shortly thereafter, an enemy fighter shot a rocket-propelled grenade at his building. Though well-acquainted with enemy tactics in Ar Ramadi, and keenly aware that the enemy would continue to attack, the SEALs remained on the battlefield in order to carry out the mission of guarding the western flank of the main effort.

Due to expected enemy action, the officer in charge repositioned him with his automatic heavy machine gun in the direction of the enemy’s most likely avenue of approach. He placed him in a small, confined sniper hide-sight between two SEAL snipers on an outcropping of the roof, which allowed the three SEALs maximum coverage of the area. He was located closest to the egress route out of the sniper hide-sight watching for enemy
activity through a tactical periscope over the parapet wall. While vigilantly watching for enemy activity, an enemy fighter hurled a hand grenade onto the roof from an unseen location. The grenade hit him in the chest and bounced onto the deck. He immediately leapt to his feet and yelled “grenade” to alert his teammates of impending danger, but they could not evacuate the sniper hide-sight in time to escape harm. Without
hesitation and showing no regard for his own life, he threw himself onto the grenade, smothering it to protect his teammates who were lying in close proximity. The grenade detonated as he came down on top of it, mortally wounding him.

Petty Officer Monsoor’s actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. Of the three SEALs on that rooftop corner, he had the only avenue of escape away from the blast, and if he had so chosen, he could have easily escaped. Instead, Monsoor chose to protect his comrades by the sacrifice of his own life. By his courageous and selfless actions, he saved the lives of his two fellow SEALs and he is the most deserving of the special recognition afforded by awarding the Medal of Honor.

Biography
Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL)
Michael Anthony Monsoor
April 5, 1981 – Sept. 29, 2006

Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif. Michael grew up in Garden Grove, Calif., as the third of four children of George and Sally Monsoor. He has an older brother James and older sister Sara, and a younger brother Joseph.

Michael attended Dr. Walter C. Ralston Intermediate School and Garden Grove High School where he played tight end on the Argonaut football team and graduated in 1999. An incredible athlete, Mike enjoyed snowboarding, body boarding, spear fishing, motorcycle riding, and driving his Corvette. His quiet demeanor and dedication to his friends matched the “Silent Warrior” SEAL mentality that was to become his calling in life.

Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy March 21, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Quartermaster “A” School, and then transferred to Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Italy for a short period of time.

Petty Officer Monsoor entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, Calif., and subsequently graduated with Class 250 on Sept. 2, 2004 as one of the top performers in his class. After BUD/S, he completed advanced SEAL training courses including parachute training at Basic Airborne School, Fort Benning, Ga., cold weather combat training in Kodiak, Alaska, and six months of SEAL Qualification Training
in Coronado, graduating in March 2005. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to SEAL Team 3 Delta Platoon. He deployed with his platoon to Iraq in April 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was assigned to Task Unit Bravo in Ar Ramadi.

From April to Sept. 29, 2006, Mike served as a heavy weapons machine gunner in Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. During combat patrols he walked behind the platoon point man with his Mk 48 machinegun so that he could protect his platoon from a frontal enemy attack. Mike was also a SEAL communicator. On 15 operations, he carried a rucksack full of communications equipment in addition to his machinegun and full ammunition load-out.
Collectively it weighed more than 100 pounds. He bore the weight without a single complaint, even in the midst of the 130 degree Western Iraqi summer.

Mike and his platoon operated in a highly contested part of Ramadi city called the Ma’laab district. During their deployment, Mike and his fellow SEALS came under enemy attack on 75 percent of their missions. On May 9, 2006 Mike rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. He ran out into the street with another SEAL, shot cover fire and dragged his comrade to safety while enemy bullets kicked up the concrete at their feet. For
this brave action, he earned a Silver Star.

The enemy could not deter Michael and his SEAL platoon. They fought in 35 heated firefights; during these incidents Mike shot tens of thousands of 7.62 millimeter rounds to cover Delta Platoon’s movement through streets that seemed to be paved with fire. In the Ma’laab district, Michael perfected his skills as an urban machine gunner. Once he and his men established a sniper overwatch position, he deftly transitioned to his
role as a SEAL communicator calling in tank support and transmitting enemy situation reports to the 1-506 PIR Commander.

Delta Platoon executed a broad spectrum of combat operations in and around Ramadi. They patrolled bravely through the city streets engaging in firefights while on other occasions, they ambushed insurgent mortar teams near the banks of the Euphrates River. Mike and his fellow SEALs accounted for 84 enemy fighters killed in action and the detainment of numerous insurgents. Most notably, the Army Infantry, Navy SEAL and Iraqi
Army combined force helped to pacify the most violent city in Al Anbar province setting conditions for the Sunni Awakening.

Petty Officer Monsoor was subsequently awarded the Bronze Star as the Task Unit Ramadi, Iraq Combat Advisor from April to September 2006. His leadership, guidance and decisive actions during 11 different combat operations saved the lives of his teammates, other Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army soldiers.

Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House April 8, 2008. He will receive the award for his actions in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on Sept. 29, 2006. On that day, Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi Army (IA) soldiers. An insurgent closed in and threw a fragmentation grenade into the
overwatch position. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest before falling to the ground. Positioned next to the single exit, Monsoor was the only one who could have escaped harm. Instead, he dropped onto the grenade to shield the others from the blast. Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes later from wounds sustained from the blast. Because of Petty Officer Monsoor’s actions, he saved the lives of his 3 teammates and the IA
soldiers.

Though he carried himself in a calm and composed fashion, he constantly led the charge to bring the fight to the enemy. His teammates recall his sense of loyalty to God, family, and his team. He attended Catholic Mass devotionally before operations, and often spoke lovingly of his family – his older brother, a police officer and former Marine for whom he held great respect; his sister, a nurse; and his younger brother, a college football player.

Mike was one of the bravest men on the battlefield, never allowing the enemy to discourage him. He remained fearless while facing constant danger, and through his selfless nature and aggressive actions, saved the lives of coalition soldiers and his fellow SEALs. He was a loyal friend and exceptional SEAL, and he is sorely missed by his brothers in Task Unit Bravo.

Thanks to all the people who do get it, you are out there, keep spreading accurate information as most of us can agree we are not being shown the truth. So I will answer most of the shat that was coming at me in the following points, I will keep it simple so you can follow.

1. I did not create this video

2. Both Democrats and Republicans are guilty of legislating poor policies that negatively affect us for generations to come. Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and the Post Office are not doing well, they are on the verge of bankruptcy.

3. Anyone who is in the health care field understands why this reform is not going to do anything but grow the government and raise the cost of health care. Anyone who is not, thinks they know best.

4. Big government is not the solution as it is unsustainable. Government needs to be run like a business not a service, they need a reduction in force. Any company designed like our federal government would be long gone by now unless, of course, they had unlimited access to the taxpayer’s wallet.

5. Contrary to all who think that being "unenrolled" somehow prevents me from voting any way I would like, again, in my state I can.

6. Most of the absolute anger, death threats and name calling has come from the left, real grown up guys.

7. This experience has woken me up to the sad fact of how Obama got in office, you believe what you want and reject anything that paints your "man" in a negative light. As if "well, where were you when Bush was in office?" is a valid argument. Wake up!

8. Many of the Tea party goers I met were unhappy with the over-reaching hand of the government, regardless of political affiliation.

9. If you voted for Hope and/or Change, you should just stick to American Idol. There is a reason they call it "Chicago Politics"

10. They want us to be divided, as long as we are they will remain in power to do as they wish with our lives, our money and our freedom.

"The chess match between Col. Van T. Barfoot and the Sussex Square Homeowners’ Association continues.

Ozark Honor Flight

The Ozark Honor Flight was a perfect tribute for military veterans according to Morsey Saunders who wrote this article and submitted it to the Springfield, MO News Leader.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all who sponsored the Ozark Honor Flight to Washington, DC. to see all those wonderful sites. My favorite was observing the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It brought tears to everyone’s eyes.

Yesterday gave me a sense of gratification for being a fellow serviceman along with those who died for this country. Times pass, and we tend to store memories of those who did not come home. However, seeing all those memorial sites brought them flooding back. Memories of fellow men serving next to me will never be forgotten. Time can never erase such memories.

As a young man, I was eager to join the military to be a part of the men and women protecting our fine country. I tried to enlist while still attending school; however, the recruiter said no, I had to complete my schooling. Immediately upon graduation, I headed straight back to that recruiting office, where I was accepted. After my basic training, I was fortunate to become a Marine pilot. I flew aircraft from the Escort
Carrier Guadalcanal, as well as being stationed in Peking, China, where I flew missions over the Great Wall of China.

Thank you again for your consideration to me as a veteran. Also, to give appreciation to all who wrote thank-you letters to each of the veterans taking this flight. What a treat getting "Mail Call," as it was during the war.

Plus a special thank you to the guardians who volunteered to assist each of us.

This background on the Ozark Honor Flight was written by Paula Morehouse with KY3 News in Branson, MO

SPRINGFIELD — Just before 8 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, nearly 400 Japanese warplanes attacked the home port of the United States’ pacific fleet. Sixty-eight years later, from the banks of Lake Taneycomo in Branson, some of the survivors of that attack and other veterans of World War 2 listened to the National Anthem and remembered.

"If you want to feel like you were there, it was organized confusion and nobody knew what was going on," said Pearl Harbor survivor Al Collins.

From a VFW hall in Springfield more than six decades later, they read the old headlines and they remembered.

"The worst thing about it was the people that were burnt. They had hundreds of ‘em in the barracks there and nothing to ease their pain or nothing, it was terrible," said Pearl Harbor survivor Guy Piper. "I saw these three planes coming and I saw one get the California."

"Everybody was running every which way, and we didn’t know what to to run from," said Collins

When the smoke started to dissipate from the onslaught of bombs and bullets, more than 2,000 Americans died.

On this day, Americans across the country, including the Ozarks, pause to remember Pearl Harbor and our World War 2 heroes.

"It was total dedication. They volunteered to sign up the next day and went over there," said Chip Milner, who served in Vietnam.

The time to pay homage is fading. The number of World War 2 veterans left in the United States is fast disappearing, dying at a rate of more than 900 a day.

Those who fought, survived and are still able to tell their story said the lessons of the World War 2 should also be remembered.

"We ought to know what’s going on around us, instead of forgetting that it can happen," said Collins.

Last Nov. 17, a planeload of World War 2 veterans took part in the first Ozarks Honor Flight, which takes our heroes to Washington, D.C., to see the National World War 2 Memorial. The next Ozarks Honor Flight is tentatively scheduled for next April 13.

The veterans fly free, the guardians and volunteers pay their way. Donations are always welcome for future Honor Flights. You can send tax-deductible contributions right here to KY3.

We also have a special phone number to call and make a donation 417-268-3390.

Recent media reports, including a broadcast from the Mark Levin Show, uncovered a 90 year old Medal of Honor recipient, Col. Van T. Barfoot, who was ordered by his homeowner association last week to remove a flagpole from his yard, where he raises the American flag faithfully each morning. The HOA argued that the flagpole hurt the aesthetic value of the property.

"I was appalled to learn that one of our decorated Congressional Medal of Honor veterans was being prevented from proudly displaying the Flag of the United States of America in an honorable way," said Rep. McKeon.  "This reminds me of that famous quote by George Washington: ‘The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country.’  Our service men and women – especially those living with honors and distinction- should be allowed to fly the flag that represents the very freedoms they fought so hard to protect."

"It’s a sad day when a veteran of three wars is told he cannot fly the American flag on a pole outside of his home," said Republican Whip Cantor.  "Col. Barfoot made countless sacrifices, wore our country’s uniform with honor, and has earned the right to proudly display the American flag.  I thank Col. Barfoot for his service and support his patriotism and efforts, as well as those here in the House, to allow him to fly his flag." 

Additionally, Senator Mark Warner had his office issue this statement today:

"The Sussex Square Homeowners Association Board has agreed to withdraw legal action previously announced for Friday, December 11, 2009 at 5:00pm against Colonel Van T. Barfoot regarding the flagpole located on his property."

Once in a while the good guys do win.  American Valor, Dad, wishes to say a heartfelt thanks to all the individuals and groups who united to protect the rights and freedom of this American citizen, hero and Veteran!  Thank You!

The attack sank four U.S. Navy battleships (two of which were raised and returned to service later in the war) and damaged four more. The Japanese also sank or damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, and one minelayer, destroyed 188 aircraft, and caused personnel losses of 2,402 killed and 1,282 wounded. The power station, shipyard, maintenance, and fuel and torpedo storage facilities, as well as the submarine piers and
headquarters building (also home of the intelligence section) were not hit. Japanese losses were minimal, with 29 aircraft and five midget submarines lost, and 65 servicemen killed or wounded. One Japanese sailor was captured.

Col. Van Barfoot, 90, a World War II and Vietnam veteran, was ordered by the Sussex Square Homeowner’s Association to remove the flagpole 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," National Commander Clarence Hill said. "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."

PRESIDENT:
GLENN WILSON
11800 N Downs Sq
Henrico, VA 23238-3474
(804) 741-9160

DIRECTOR:
Evelyn L Wilson
(Address same as Glenn Wilson)

TREASURER:
Martha Middleton
11808 Rochampton Square
Richmond, VA 23238

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

Contact Information for Coates & Davenport, P.C.

Website:  http://www.coateslaw.com/

Their Contact Us form

5206 Markel Road, Suite 200
Richmond VA 23230
Toll Free: (800) 450-8311
Local Phone: (804) 285-7000
General Fax: (804) 285-2849
Real Estate Fax: (804) 285-3426

Alexandra “Sandra” D. Bowen
5206 Markel Rd
Richmond, VA 23230
804-285-7000
They already have a notice up on their home page saying the world is wrong and misunderstands the request of the HOA…

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

And if you would like to drop a note of support to Col Van Barfoot

Van T Barfoot

11815 Coat Bridge Ln,

Richmond, VA 23238

Dad salutes you Col. Barfoot.

Holiday Mail for Heroes is back!

There have been a flurry of emails floating around this year regarding the sending of greeting cards and gifts to our men and women in the service.  One such email has you sending your items to "Any Recovering Veteran".  This was at one point a valid movement but was not properly constructed and fell by the wayside.  Walter Reed Army Hospital and others will not accept shipment to "Any Recovering…"  They must be addressed to a specific individual.  However there is a program in place that is valid and that has been working.  Check this out:

In this season of hope and giving the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes, Inc. have joined forces to invite Americans to “send a touch of home” to United States service members and veterans across the country and abroad. In its third year, the Holiday Mail for Heroes program is an opportunity to share joy and thanks with our service members throughout the holiday season by way of a greeting card.

First, cards from across the nation must be sent to this address:

"The program has already generated a tremendous response in our community and this is our first year participating. Everyone who hears about Holiday Mail wants to be involved because it gives us all the chance to seek out service men and women and veterans and tell them just how special they are and how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice."

– Tammy, Smith County Red Cross Chapter Tyler, Texas.Please don’t forget to follow these guidelines while preparing your holiday greetings!

Do…

Recent live news coverage of Santa Claus asking Congress for a financial bailout of the North Pole – Present Giving Industry. If they dont approve his aid package, Christmas may be ruined.

The purpose of this traveling replica Liberty Bell is to carry on the work of America’s most recognizable icon. This is a working Bell, traveling throughout the land, ringing for Liberty and tolling to honor Our American Heroes.Today, the need to motivate men to rise to protect our inalienable freedoms is equally urgent. Sustaining this great nation requires the same dedication of sacrifice. The original Liberty Bell cracked
because of the demands of Liberty – another Bell has come to ring the sound of freedom. This exact replica Liberty Bell is carrying on the task and duties of Liberty today. This Bell tolls today for FREEDOM.

Terry was impressed with the store’s leadership role in adopting the Legion’s “two minutes of silence” initiative. He felt that the store’s contribution of educating the public to the importance of remembering was commendable.

When eleven o’clock arrived on that day, an announcement was again made asking for the “two minutes of silence” to commence. All customers, with the exception of a man who was accompanied by his young child, showed their respect.

commander of the 1943 Warsaw ghetto uprising against the

Germans, died Friday in Warsaw. He was 90.

A friend, Paula Sawicka, told The Associated Press that Dr.

Edelman had died “among friends, among his close people,” at her

home, where he had lived for the past two years. For many years he

lived in Lodz, Poland’s second largest city.

Dr. Edelman was one of a handful of young leaders who in April

1943 led a force of 220 poorly armed young Jewish men and women

in a desperate and hopeless struggle against the Germans.

He was 20 when the Germans overran Poland in 1939, and in the

months that followed he watched as they turned his Warsaw neighborhood into a ghetto, cutting

it off from the rest of the city with brick walls, barbed wire and armed sentries. By early 1942, as

many as 500,000 Jews had been herded into the area.

In worsening conditions of hunger and brutality, the ghetto residents, wearing the obligatory Star

of David armbands, were forced to sew military uniforms and produce other war materials.

Then, starting on July 22, 1942, the ghetto population began to shrink ominously. Each day,

armed Germans and the Ukrainians serving with them prodded and wedged 5,000 to 6,000 Jews

into long trains, which departed from the Umschlagplatz, a square at the southern end of the

ghetto. At times they lured people onto the trains with loaves of brown bread. The Germans said

the trains were going to factories where work conditions were better.

Marek Edelman and the young people with whom he had forged clandestine links knew that such

claims were lies and that the human cargos were in fact being taken to camps near Lublin, where

they were shot, put into boxcars with quicklime or forced into gas chambers. He and his

colleagues talked about armed resistance but had no weapons at the time.

He spent every day at the Umschlagplatz watching as trains were loaded and sent off. He was

there ostensibly in his official capacity as a messenger for the ghetto hospital, carrying

documents in his pocket that enabled him to pull people off the trains by designating them too ill

to travel. Since the Germans held to the fiction that the passengers were being sent to better

surroundings, they made a show of holding back the sick. In fact, young Marek used the passes

to save people who would be useful to the Jewish Combat Organization, then being formed.

“I was merciless,” he recalled many years later. “One woman begged me to pull out her 14-yearold

daughter, but I was only able to take one more person, and I took Zosia, who was our best

courier.”

On Sept. 8, when according to German records 310,322 Jews had been put on the trains and sent

to the death camps and 5,961 more had been murdered inside the ghetto, the liquidation was

suspended. There were some 60,000 Jews still in the ghetto. The leaders of the Jewish Combat

Organization were certain that the Germans would try to finish the liquidation, and for the next

six months the organization planned for armed resistance.

At 4 o’clock on the morning of April 19, 1943, as German soldiers and their Ukrainian, Latvian

and Polish henchmen marched through the ghetto to round up people, they came, for the first

time, under sustained fire. By midafternoon they were forced to withdraw without having taken a

single person.

The fighting continued for three weeks. On one side were 220 ghetto fighters, hungry and

relatively untrained youths deployed in 22 units. Each unit had a pistol, five grenades and five

homemade bottle bombs. They also had two mines and one submachine gun.

Ranged against them, on a daily average, were 36 German officers and 2,054 others with an

arsenal that included 82 machine guns, 135 submachine guns and 1,358 rifles along with

armored vehicles, artillery and air power used to set the ghetto ablaze.

Dr. Edelman buried his fallen comrades and used his knowledge of the neighborhood, where he

had grown up, to find escape routes for units that were pinned down. Many years later he would

say that no one ever established how many Germans they had killed: “Some say 200, some say

30. Does it make a difference?”

“After three weeks,” he recalled, “most of us were dead.”

At the end he found a way out of an encircled position, leading 50 others with him.

Eventually, he took part in the Warsaw uprising of 1944, when for 63 days Poles fought

valorously but unsuccessfully to liberate their capital from the Germans.

Once the war ended, he threw himself into his medical studies and became a doctor in Lodz. For

30 years he kept his memories and thoughts about what happened to himself, concentrating on

his medical work and becoming one of Poland’s leading heart specialists and the author of a

much-used textbook on the treatment of heart attacks.

Even after Poland’s anti-Semitic campaign of 1968, when he was demoted at the hospital and

most of the remaining Jews in Poland, including his wife and two children, emigrated, Dr.

Edelman stayed. He was unwilling, and perhaps unable, to tear himself away from the place

where East European Jewry had once thrived and then perished as he watched.

Then, in 1976, he suddenly spoke out, telling Hanna Krall, a Polish writer of Jewish origin, what

he had so carefully remembered. The recollections were stark and surprising. He challenged

those who claimed that there had been many more than 220 ghetto fighters. Most provocatively,

he insisted that it was not more meaningful or heroic to die with a gun in one’s hands than to

perish in apparent submission to an overwhelming and invincible evil.

“These people went quietly and with dignity,” he told Mrs. Krall, speaking of the millions killed

in the Nazi gas chambers. “It is an awesome thing, when one is going so quietly to one’s death. It

is definitely more difficult than to go out shooting.”

After the book appeared, Dr. Edelman was often sought out by visitors from around the world,

whose questions he would sometimes wave aside gruffly, saying that people who had not been

there could never understand the choices made in the ghetto.

He would cite the example of a nurse in the ghetto hospital who he said was greatly admired, and

deservedly so, for smothering newborn children to save their mothers the inevitable pain that

would come when the babies starved to death.

He would dispute the use of the word “uprising,” saying that it normally implied some slight

prospect of victory. In the ghetto, he said, there was no such prospect.

“It was a defensive action,” he would say, or, “We fought simply not to allow the Germans alone

to pick the time and place of our deaths.”

Marek Edelman was born on Sept. 19, 1919, the only son of a family that spoke Yiddish at home

and Polish at work. His father died when he was very young; his mother, who worked as a

secretary at a hospital, died when he was 14. While going to high school he was looked after by

his mother’s friends from the hospital.

Dr. Edelman was an early member of the Solidarity free labor union and was among those

Two years later he was asked to serve on the organizing committee for an observance of the 40th

anniversary of the ghetto uprising. He declined, saying that to do so “would be an act of

cynicism and contempt” in a country “where social life is dominated throughout by humiliation

and coercion.”

Eight years later he served as Solidarity’s consultant on health policy in the round-table talks that

led to democratic rule for Poland. In the first free elections, he ran for the Polish Senate, losing

narrowly. He kept working at the hospital in Lodz, dodging any suggestion that he retire. He held

an honorary doctorate from Yale.

Dr. Edelman’s wife, Alina Margolis-Edelman, a pediatrician, died last year in Paris. She had

worked as a nurse in the Warsaw ghetto. He is survived by their two children, Aleksander, a

biophysicist, and Ania, a chemist, both of Paris, as well as two grandchildren.

The Polish title of the book Mrs. Krall wrote about Dr. Edelman could be translated as “To

Finish Before God,” with the implicit idea being one of racing with God. But when the English

translation was published by Henry Holt and Company, it was called “Shielding the Flame,” a

reference to a passage in which Dr. Edelman explained his philosophy both in the ghetto and

later as a doctor.

“God is trying to blow out the candle, and I’m quickly trying to shield the flame, taking

advantage of his brief inattention,” he said. “To keep the flame flickering, even if only for a little

while longer than he would wish.

"Very few people were true Nazis,’ he said, ‘but many enjoyed the return of German pride, and many more were too busy to care. I was one of those who just thought the Nazis were a bunch of fools. So, the majority just sat back and let it all happen.  Then, before we knew it, they owned us, and we had lost control, and the end of the world had come. My family lost everything. I ended up in a concentration camp and the Allies destroyed my factories".

We are told again and again by ‘experts’ and ‘talking heads’ that Islam is the religion of peace, and that the vast majority of Muslims just want to live in peace.. Although this unqualified assertion may be true, it is entirely irrelevant.  It is meaningless fluff, meant to make us feel better, and meant to somehow diminish the spectra of fanatics rampaging across the globe in the name of Islam.  The fact is that the fanatics rule Islam at this moment in history. It is the fanatics who march. It is the fanatics who wage any one of 50 shooting wars worldwide. It is the fanatics who systematically slaughter Christian or tribal groups throughout Africa and are gradually taking over the entire continent in an Islamic wave.. It is the fanatics who bomb, behead, murder or honor-kill. It is the fanatics who take over mosque after mosque. It is the fanatics who zealously spread the stoning and hanging of rape victims and homosexuals. It is the fanatics who teach their young to kill and to become suicide bombers.

The hard quantifiable fact is that the peaceful majority, the ’silent majority,’ is cowed and extraneous.  Communist Russia was comprised of Russians who just wanted to live in peace, yet the Russian Communists were responsible for the murder of about 20 million people. The peaceful majority were irrelevant.  China ’s huge population was peaceful as well, but Chinese Communists managed to kill a staggering 70 million people.

 The average Japanese individual prior to World War II was not a war mongering sadist Yet, Japan murdered and slaughtered its way across South East Asia in an orgy of killing that included the systematic murder of 12 million Chinese civilians; most killed by sword, shovel, and bayonet.  And who can forget Rwanda , which collapsed into butchery? Could it not be said that the majority of Rwandans were ‘peace loving’?

History lessons are often incredibly simple and blunt, yet for all our powers of reason we often miss the most basic and uncomplicated of points: Peace-loving Muslims have been made irrelevant by their silence. Peace-loving Muslims will become our enemy if they don’t speak up, because like my friend from Germany , they will awaken one day and find that the fanatics own them, and the end of their world will have begun.

Peace-loving Germans, Japanese, Chinese, Russians, Rwandans, Serbs, Afghans, Iraqis, Palestinians, Somalis, Nigerians, Algerians and many others have died because the peaceful majority did not speak up until it was too late.  As for us who watch it all unfold, we must pay attention to the only group that counts; the fanatics who threaten our way of life.  Lastly, anyone who doubts that the issue is serious and just ignores this messagel without sharing it is contributing to the passiveness that allows the problems to expand. So, extend yourself a bit and share this as much as possible! Let us hope that thousands, world wide, read this and think about it, and share it before it’s too late.

The first thing the fanatics will do to the silent majority is to disarm them.  God Help America and the UK.  But I think it’s too late. . . . . . .I think the gate is all but closed and ready to be locked.