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ARLINGTON, Nov. 18, 2009 – Character was the focus as Scouting saluted the military yesterday. U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton of Missouri told about 500 people from Boy Scouts’ National Capital Area Council that the values of Boy Scouts and the military are constant and that both organizations seek to serve something greater than themselves. This was the first Scout dinner saluting the military. Retired Navy Capt. Scott Gray, who now works with event sponsor General Dynamics, said he hopes to make the event an annual affair. The Crystal Gateway Marriott – a stone’s throw from the Pentagon – hosted the...

RABBI FIRST U.S. VICTIM OF JIHAD KAHANE CEREMONY OFFENSIVE TO OBAMA thelastcrusade.orgAny commemoration in the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) of the anniversary of Rabbi Meir Kahane's assassination would be harmful to the peace process, the American Embassy told The Jerusalem Post.The American comments came after the Jerusalem Post obtained e-mails in which an embassy official told Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin's office that any plans for such a ceremony was "something that Senator [George] Mitchell and his team are following with concern."The e-mails also implied that such a ceremony would be frowned upon by President Barack Obama who is attempting to...

Britain sparked controversy yesterday by sending its second most senior diplomat in Tehran to the ceremony at which Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, officially endorsed President Ahmadinejad’s hotly disputed re-election. Iran’s opposition leaders, who say the election was rigged, boycotted the event. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) sent Patrick Davies, the British Embassy’s deputy head of mission, even though the regime has repeatedly accused Britain of fomenting the turmoil that has engulfed Iran since the ballot, arrested Iranians working for the Embassy and expelled the BBC’s Tehran correspondent. The FCO said that it sent Mr Davies to the...

Until last summer, Jennifer Gray of Columbus, Ohio, considered herself "a weak Christian" whose baptism at age 11 in a Kentucky church came to mean less and less to her as she gradually lost faith in God. Then the 32-year-old medical transcriptionist took a decisive step, one that previously hadn't been available. She got "de-baptised". In a type of mock ceremony that's now been performed in at least four states, a robed "priest" used a hairdryer marked "reason" in an apparent bid to blow away the waters of baptism once and for all. Several dozen participants then fed on a...

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2009 – Bright blue skies above the National Mall today belied the solemnity of the ceremony commemorating the first two American combat casualties of the Vietnam War. U.S. Army Master Sgt. Chester Ovnand and Maj. Dale Buis were the first two U.S. servicemembers killed in the Vietnam War. Their sacrifice was honored in Washington, D.C., Jyly 8, 2009, in a ceremony commemorating the 50th Anniversary of their deaths. DoD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “On this date 50 years ago, two men lost their lives...

The National Day of Prayer Task Force, which is run out of the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colo., has been eagerly awaiting word from the White House about plans for next Thursday's National Day of Prayer. Specifically, the group wants to know if President Obama will issue a proclamation observing the National Day of Prayer next Thursday and whether he'll host a formal White House event to mark the day—the latter being the practice of the Bush White House. The White House tells me that there will be a proclamation but no White House...

The Kung Fu pupils in the opening ceremony of the Olympics have spent the last year cooped up in a military camp outside Beijing. Conditions have been bad. "They weren't even given enough food," says their trainer. This news adds to the criticism of the Beijing Organizing Committee. Viewers from around the globe marvelled at the Opening Ceremony last Friday. One of the most spectacular features was the martial arts display by 2008 pupils from the famous Shaolin Centre in Henan province. With coordinated movements, they showed the Tai Chi variant of Kung Fu; a popular way to relax for...

On Thursday 17 July 2008, the Holy Father was formally welcomed to Australia by the Governor General, the Prime Minister and other officials. He delivered the following address. Your Excellencies, Dear Australian Friends, It is with great joy that I greet you today. I would like to thank the Governor-General, Major-General Michael Jeffery and Prime Minister Rudd for honouring me by their presence at this ceremony and for welcoming me so graciously. As you know, I have been able to enjoy some quiet days since my arrival in Australia last Sunday. I am most grateful for the hospitality that has...

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A boycott of Olympic ceremonies by world leaders over China's crackdown in Tibet would be an evasion of responsibility and less effective than quiet diplomacy, the U.S. national security adviser said on Sunday. The remarks by White House adviser Stephen Hadley come as a challenge to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has said she will not attend the opening ceremony of this year's Beijing Olympics, and to those calling for President George W. Bush and other leaders to do the same. "I think unfortunately a lot of countries say 'well, if we say we are not going...

UNITED NATIONS - The U.N. secretary-general has told China's government that he may not attend the August's opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, a spokeswoman said Thursday. Asked later whether Ban Ki-moon would not be attending the Olympics, spokeswoman Marie Okabe said in a news conference, "Yes. That's correct." "The secretary-general had conveyed to the Chinese government some months ago that he may not be in a position to accept the invitation to attend this important event due to scheduling issues," Okabe said. Ban is planning "a substantive visit to China" instead, Okabe said. Human rights campaigners have called on...

BAGHDAD, Feb. 3, 2008 – Civilians and servicemembers gathered at Al Faw Palace here Feb. 1 to reflect on the cost of war and pay their last respects to fallen warriors during a Multinational Corps Iraq end-of-tour memorial ceremony. The ceremony honored those killed and wounded while the U.S. Army’s 3rd Corps was the maneuver command element from December 2006 to February 2008. Multinational Corps Iraq Commander Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno said the ceremony was a time to reflect on the bravery and selfless service of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq. “These individuals are...

Third Brigade Combat Team Soldiers waved Chemlights while singing Christmas carols during a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Dec. 8, at Forward Operating Base Hammer. Photo by Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs. FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) attended a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Dec. 8, at Forward Operating Base Hammer to welcome a Christmas season spent with their Army family. “I enjoyed the ceremony. It was very motivating and very uplifting,� said Staff. Sgt. Derrick Mears, from Richmond, Va., a communications non-commissioned officer in Headquarters...

FORT HUACHUCA — Christmas and the holidays are a family affair, Maj. Gen. John Custer said Thursday night. As he spoke outside the main chapel on the fort, the commander of the fort and the Intelligence Center said this time of the year “is a time of renewal.” With Christmas dedicated to the celebration of the birth of Christ and his message of peace, the holiday is bittersweet for many families, as soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines “are deployed in harm’s way.” It hurts that fathers and mothers cannot be with their loved ones this time of year, Custer said....

NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2007 – Americans who offer extraordinary support to the nation’s servicemembers got the red-carpet treatment yesterday during a luncheon held in their honor at the famous Rainbow Room restaurant here. Cast members from the FX show "Rescue Me" congratulate Army Maj. Todd Schmidt during the Microsoft Above and Beyond Awards ceremony in New York City, Nov. 12, 2007. Schmidt, a member of the headquarters Army staff at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., received the award for providing school supplies for children in Afghanistan. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Adam M. Stump, USAF  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution...

Released detainees sit to hear words of encouragement from Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki during today’s detainee release ceremony at Camp Liberty. Nearly 500 men were released after the Combined Review and Release Board determined they are no longer a threat to Iraqi or Coalition forces, or the security of Iraq. Photo by Maj. Elizabeth Robbins, Multi-National Force-Iraq Public Affairs. CAMP LIBERTY — A detainee release ceremony here today at Forward Operating Base Constitution highlighted the expanded capacity of the Government of Iraq and Multi-National Force-Iraq to release detainees from Coalition Force custody. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki oversaw the...

ExclusiveChannel 7 to cut 9/11 memorial coverage By RICHARD HUFF and CORKY SIEMASZKO DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERSThursday, September 6th 2007, 6:46 PM   The city's top-rated TV station will slash its coverage of the Sept. 11 memorial ceremonies by dropping the most emotional part - the reading of the names of the victims. WABC-TV says it's running "Live with Regis & Kelly" instead, and will follow it up with "Rachael Ray" and "The View," while every other broadcast station in town will cover the ceremony start to finish.It marks the first time one of New York's local broadcast stations...

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was greeted by a crowd of thousands Friday with something he doesn't usually hear - a booming chorus of boos. The icy reception came as Villaraigosa took part in a welcoming ceremony for the newest member of the Los Angeles Galaxy - soccer superstar David Beckham. But when the mayor was introduced, the crowd estimated at 5,000 turned on him with jeers and howls as if he was a member of an opposing team, while the moment was recorded by a vast array of international media. It might have been payback. At a 2005 match...

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Va., May 21, 2007 – A black and white photograph with Arlington National Cemetery as the somber yet sublime backdrop captures a lone mourner kneeling before a headstone among seemingly endless rows of pale grave markers. Stones, flowers and other symbols of remembrance grace the grave of Army Sgt. Michael J. Bordelon, who died in May 2005 during a combat operation abroad. Photo by David Burnett, used by permission  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. This poignant image and others are spread across the pages of “Where Valor Rests: Arlington National Cemetery,” a new book that...

MIAMI, May 4, 2007 – Scores of young people raised their right hands and joined America’s armed forces during a joint enlistment ceremony here yesterday. Left to right: Floridian recruits Angeline Medina, 17, from Miami Gardens; Jorge Lainez, 18, from Miami; and Frank Giro, 18, from Hialeah, are sworn in as new Marine enlistees during a joint oath of enlistment ceremony at Miami’s Opa Locka Airport on May 3. The ceremony inducted 120 young people into the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy or Coast Guard. Photo by Gerry J. Gilmore  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The mass enlistment,...

WERETH, Belgium, May 1, 2007 – During the early stages of World War II’s Battle of the Bulge, 11 black U.S. soldiers assigned to the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion were tortured and executed by German SS officers. Though they have been gone for many years, their spirits live on in this tiny village located in eastern Belgium. Army Sgt. Edward Murray, Spcs. Clint McKinley and Terrence Hicks, and Pfc. Kevin McPherson, assigned to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, in Germany, served as the color guard for an April 28 ceremony in Wereth, Belgium. The ceremony commemorated 11 black soldiers assigned...

SAN DIEGO, April 5, 2007 – The United States gained 59 new citizens here yesterday, as 59 servicemembers took the oath of citizenship aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Cleveland. Army Sgt. First Class Jose Vargas, center, joins 58 sailors and Marines in taking the oath of citizenship aboard USS Cleveland in San Diego, April 4. U.S. Navy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. With retention and recruitment at the highest levels in recent history, officials said the Navy can now afford to focus on shaping the force to ensure the best-qualified, most diverse candidates are challenged to...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2007 – About 160 family members of U.S. troops killed during the Persian Gulf War gathered at an Army officers’ club at Fort Myer, Va., today as part of an annual observance to remember fallen loved ones. Marine 1st Sgt. Bobby Barnett accompanies Lujaine al-Habib, daughter of a Kuwaiti diplomat, as she places the U.S. Marine Corps’ flag onto a tablet of remembrance at the Fort Myers Officers Club, Fort Myers, Va., today as part of an annual observance ceremony honoring U.S. servicemembers who died during the 1990-91 Persian Gulf War. Defense Dept. photo by Gerry...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2007 – He has proudly called himself an American soldier for more than a year, and now he can finally call himself a citizen of the country he serves. Army Spc. Sherif Z. Shalaby, a translator aide with the 15th Sustainment Brigade, was one of the more than 85 servicemembers to gain their U.S. citizenship during a Feb. 11 naturalization neremony here. Shalaby said words can’t describe the wealth of pride and excitement he felt as he raised his hand to take the oath of allegiance. "It was really a great moment," the Egyptian native said....

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2007 – U.S. soldiers assisted in the removal of a makeshift bomb near Baghdad after Iraqi police seized the devise along with a weapons cache during a raid on Jan. 13, U.S. military officials reported. The weapons cache included 60mm mortars, 81mm mortars, a 60mm mortar launcher, rocket-propelled grenade launchers and nine rockets, explosive formed charges, a 120mm artillery round, 107mm rockets, blasting caps and timers, officials said. Also on Jan. 13, a ceremony was held in recognition of Ramadi Iraqi police graduates. A total of 58 Iraqi police officers graduated from their weeklong advanced training...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2006 -- A trio of organizations with a long history of military support recognized 12 volunteer groups today for their programs that contribute to servicemembers’ quality of life. Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife Lynne, congratulate Clare Lanigan, 15, Kids Serve Too youth co-chair, for winning a $7,500 grant during the 2006 Newman's Own Award ceremony at the Pentagon Aug. 11. Kids Serve Too, in partnership with Warner Brothers, spearheaded "A Thousand Thanks to Military Children," sending letters of thanks signed by a wide range of children's...

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2006 – President Bush participated in the naturalization ceremony for three soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here today. The three men are recovering from wounds suffered in combat in Iraq. "Through the generations, our nation has remained strong and free because men and women put on our uniform and defend this country, and defend our beliefs," Bush said before the swearing-in. "The three men we honor today have brought honor to America. Like those who have come before, each of these men chose to protect our country because they love what America stands for." Army...

The Patriot Guard Riders need help on the afternoon/evening of Wednesday July 12th for a PGR SPECIAL MISSION in Oak Grove, KY for the Ft. Campbell Eagle Remeberance Ceremony. There is a possibility that protestors may try to show up but PGR really wants to do a tremendously positive display at the front gate that will honor America's fallen heroes and they are requesting help.DETAILS FROM THE PGR WEBSITE: "Ft. Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division are holding the monthly Eagle Remembrance Ceremony to honor all 101st Airborne Division soldiers who have been killed in the previous month. July's...

It started as a swearing in ceremony to put badly needed cops back on Detroit streets, but it turned into a swearing out ceremony when Chief Ella Bully-Cummings decided to stop the event at the very last moment. The 25 police academy students were ordered back to class after one of the students failed a pop quiz by Chief Bully-Cummings. According to Richard Weaver, Detroit Police Officers Association, the chief asked one of the students for her assistant chief’s job description. When the student didn’t know, Weaver said the chief was "highly upset," had their badges stripped and sent all...

MANITOWOC, Wis. (NNS) -- Families of crew members who served aboard the World War II submarine USS Lagarto (SS 371) gathered here May 6 to honor the men whose submarine went missing six decades ago and was only recently located by divers. Lagarto was last seen May 3, 1945, in the southern Gulf of Thailand while preparing to strike an enemy convoy. Japanese records later indicated that the minelayer Hatsutaka reported sinking a U.S. submarine on that date. Last May, nearly 60 years to the day after Lagarto was lost, British diver Jamie MacLeod reported finding Lagarto sitting upright in...

MIAMI, May 5, 2006 – As part of Fleet Week USA and 2006 McDonald's Air and Sea Show festivities in South Florida, five services welcomed new recruits here yesterday. A total of 144 recruits - 25 from the Army; 30, Navy; 50, Air Force; 36, Marine Corps; and three, Coast Guard - were sworn in by Navy Vice Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, commander Second Fleet and Strike Fleet Atlantic, in Miami May 4. The ceremony was part of a day of recognition that included family, friends and employers and the Tuskegee Airmen. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution...

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2006 – Not far from the city that bears his name, George Washington reposes in his crypt at Mount Vernon, the Virginia estate he retired to after serving as America's first president and commander in chief of the armed forces. George Washington, commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and the first president of the United States, originated the Purple Heart Medal. After the American colonists had won their freedom from England, the medal was discontinued until it was revived in 1932. Photo by Gerry J. Gilmore  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Yesterday,...

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2006 – As the Army Reserve observes its 98th birthday this weekend, the commander of U.S. Army Reserve Command today took the opportunity to honor the only U.S. soldier who remains listed as captured in Iraq, Army Reserve Sgt. Keith "Matt" Maupin. Army Lt. Gen. James Helmly noted the contributions and sacrifices Army Reservists are making in support of the global war on terror during a birthday commemoration here at the Pentagon. The Army Reserve was established on April 23, 1908. More than 150,000 Army Reserve soldiers have been mobilized since Sept. 11, 2001, and more than...

MOUNT VERNON, Va., April 20, 2006 – Top DoD and Army leaders gathered here at the home of the country's first war hero today to honor soldiers wounded in Iraq. Army Capt. Robert Klinger shakes hands with Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England after being presented with the Purple Heart Medal during an award ceremony on George Washington's Mount Vernon estate, in Mount Vernon, Va., April 20, 2006. Defense Dept. photo by William D. Moss  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. "I feel very lucky, very lucky. It's nice being married to your own personal hero," Mollie Borders, the wife...

BALAD, Iraq, April 16, 2006 – Iraqi soldiers assumed control of part of Iraq's Salah al Din Province from the U.S. Army's 1-8 Combined Arms Battalion in a transfer of authority ceremony yesterday at an Iraqi Army outpost near here. The 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, is assuming control of an area of responsibility that encompasses Balad, Duluyah and Yethrib, as well as the smaller villages surrounding these cities. "We're not pulling out of here right away; we're out here to be by their sides," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Dailey, command sergeant major, 1-8 CAB,...

Ceremony Transfers Base Control to Iraqi Army Iraqi troops assume control of Forward Operating Base Hope, reflecting the increasing responsibility for the Iraqis as their army gains control of more battle space throughout the region. By U.S. Army Pfc. Paul David Ondik 506th Infantry Regiment 101st Airborne Division FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq, March 10, 2006 — The Iraqi army’s 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, assumed control of Forward Operating Base Hope during a transfer of authority ceremony March 9. "We work side-by-side with the dedicated soldiers of the [Iraqi Security Forces] every day. The [2nd...

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, March 8, 2006 – Fort Sam Houston commemorated the 96th anniversary of the first military flight March 2 at the base's main flagpole, the same site where U.S. Army Lt. Benjamin Delahauf Foulois boarded the "Signal Corps 'Aeroplane' No. 1" and circled the fort. Air Force Gen. William Looney III, commander of Air Education and Training Command at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, and Lt. Col. Sandra Miarecki, chief of flight operations at Brooks City-Base, Texas, place a memorial wreath during the March 2 ceremony commemorating the 96th anniversary of the first military flight. Photo...

ARLINGTON, Texas (March 6, 2006) -- Marines from Recruiting Station Fort Worth participated in a recent ground breaking ceremony for a military veteran’s memorial to be constructed at Veterans Park in Arlington, Texas. The recruiting station provided a color guard, including members Sgts. Fernando Duran, William Lemoir, Chris Simms and Robert Bell. All four are recruiters assigned to the station. Also on hand for the ceremony were RS Fort Worth’s Commanding Officer, Maj. William Gray and Sgt. Maj. Mitchell Nared. The memorial project is scheduled to be completed in late spring 2006.

Iraqi army soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, stand tall during a transfer of authority ceremony March 2, 2006 at Forward Operating Base Constitution. The Iraqi army brigade assumes the security responsibilities from U.S. Army 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jason Thompson Transfer Ceremony Marks Accomplishments U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division hands over operations to 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. By U.S. Army Pfc. Jason Jordan 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mtn. Div. CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq, March 3, 2006 — “We are comrades. The Iraqi army and the American...

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 26, 2006 – In a biting cold wind, families and dignitaries gathered at Arlington National Cemetery here today to remember American servicemembers who gave their lives in operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Provide Comfort. Officials conducted the ceremony at section 60 of the cemetery, where most of those killed in the Persian Gulf War are buried. The Persian Gulf War ended with the liberation of Kuwait on Feb. 28, 1991. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, remembered the hundreds of U.S. servicemembers killed in the conflict. He said American servicemembers remember...

SIERRA VISTA — His Army outfit thought he was dead, but Al Waller survived five months in a prisoner of war camp in Germany during World War II and was on hand Sunday afternoon to help hoist a POW/MIA Flag, along with a U.S. Flag that once flew over the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. About 50 people gathered for a sun-drenched ceremony in the parking lot of the Sierra Vista Elks Lodge for a ceremony honoring the new flags. Waller was a guest speaker. Sierra Vista Mayor Tom Hessler, commenting on what he considered a small turnout noted...

Renovation on a new bank was completed in Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 18, 2005. The $69,000-plus project was funded by Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Phillip Chang Ceremony Highlights Kabul Bank Renovation The project will help support the Individual Salary Payment program, which provides secure facilities for financial transactions between the government and Afghan citizens. By U.S. Army Sgt. Phillip Chang 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 21, 2005 — A dedication ceremony was held Dec. 18 for the completion of a new branch of Da Afghanistan Bank here. This is the third bank to...

Bulgarian contingent duty in Multinational Division Central South came to an end Dec. 17. Multi-National Force - Iraq CAMP ECHO, Iraq, Dec. 19, 2005 — Bulgarian contingent duty in Multinational Division Central South (MNDCS) came to an end Dec. 17. During the farewell ceremony, MNDCS Commanding General Maj. Gen. Piotr Czerwinski thanked Bulgarian soldiers for their outstanding duty in MNDCS. "I would like to thank you personally and all Bulgarian soldiers who served so far in Iraq," said Czerwinski. "Your commitment has always been contributing to the success of the Multinational Division." During the ceremony, Bulgarian soldiers were awarded by...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2005 – President Bush remembered America's deployed servicemembers who he said are "serving the cause of peace" during the Dec. 1 Christmas Pageant of Peace and lighting of the national Christmas tree here. "We ask for God to watch over our men and women in uniform who are serving overseas," Bush said during the ceremony on the Ellipse. "Their families miss them, hold a seat open for them and pray for their safe return." America's men and women stand for freedom and serve the cause of peace, he said. "Many of them are serving in distant lands...

BANGKOK, Thailand - Farmer Amphol Wangboon was hesitant to give up his beloved Thong Khaow for marriage until he found her the perfect match and a dowry he couldn't refuse: truckloads of fresh grass, hay, maize and $2,400. So Thong Khaow and her new mate, Thong Kham — a pair of rare dwarf Brahman cattle — were married Sunday morning in a traditional Thai ceremony featuring a banquet for more than 2,000 human guests in central Sa Kaew province. The animals wore silk outfits and jasmine garlands. Other beasts, including goats, also attended the wedding. Amphol said Thong Kham's owner,...

Members of the Cordova Church of Christ in Rancho Cordova, California, said goodbye to members Janice Rogers Brown and her husband, Dewey Parker, on Sunday, July 3, before their departure this week for Washington, D.C. The Parkers were honored by minister Chris Goldman and the elders of the 700-member congregation, on the couple's last Sunday at the church where she had been a member for more than 20 years. The shy and modest jurist was presented with a huge bouquet, and given hearty applause and a standing ovation which brought tears to the eyes of many members. Janice Rogers Brown...

Air America star Al Franken had a meltdown Friday night while accepting the Freedom of Speech Award at Talkers Magazine's New Media Seminar, before being forced to leave the stage by the event's sponsor. The liberal yakker launched into a 20-minute tirade against his conservative colleagues, taking shots at Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Bill Bennett, according to WWRL host Steve Malzberg, who witnessed the ugly outburst. "It was the most bizarre thing I've seen in a long time," Malzberg told NewsMax. "Franken was as obnoxious and arrogant as could be." After blasting the top talent in his...

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. - Fort Huachuca will honor America's veterans and salute fallen service members during its annual Memorial Day ceremony, 11:30 a.m., May 30, at the post cemetery. This year's event pays tribute to the U.S. military's fallen comrades from past and present conflicts. Fort Huachuca will remember the brave service members who sacrificed their lives in World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Maj. Gen. Barbara G. Fast, commanding general of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca, will speak. The Widowed Support...

Airborne wings, the Green Beret and the numbered combat knife now given to every Special Forces soldier who wins his tabs all came from one man — retired Lt. Gen. William P. “Bill” Yarborough of Southern Pines. A volunteer committee of friends and admirers is raising funds to do something seldom done: honor a hero while he lives to hear the praise. They have commissioned a bust of the famed Army leader to be placed in the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville. “We are very appreciative of the support of Sandhills Kiwanis Club for allowing us to...

Last Soldier Killed in Civil War to Receive Military Head Stone Private John Jefferson Williams, Company B 34th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was killed at Palmito Ranch, Texas on May 13, 1865 while fighting against the Confederate cavalry, known as Giddings Regiment, thus becoming the last recognized casualty of the Civil War. Now 140 years later, a special ceremony will be held to unveil his military head stone at his final resting place. The ceremony will be held Saturday, May 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the cemetery located on the grounds of the Jay County Retirement Center on County Road 200N,...

Yesterday, in Georgetown, KY, I had the distinct honor of enjoying fellowship with several of my heroes, one whom I just met at this event. Most Americans rarely have the privilege and honor of being in the company of several decorated war Veterans at the same time, yet alone befriending them and sharing a patriotic moment with them. That is what I did yesterday. As much as I do these things, I never take them for granted. Mike and Kathy Ford, proud Americans and Task Force Omega of KY members, had this event at their newly built and quite beautiful...