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November 11, is the day when a number of countries around the world remember their war dead and past and present military service men and women. The video below is a wonderful and stirring pice of art focussing on the significance of this day. Here is one person's description of the story behind the video: 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 of the premises at 11:00 am to give two minutes of silence...

Talk radio bomb thrower Rush Limbaugh ripped President Obama Sunday for his ego, health care reform effort - and a "photo-op" with the casket of a U.S. soldier killed in Afghanistan. "It was a photo-op precisely because he's having big-time trouble on this whole Afghanistan dithering situation," Limbaugh told "Fox News Sunday." "He can create the impression that he has all this great concern," Limbaugh charged. Obama said his overnight trip to view the returning flag-draped caskets of 18 Americans killed in Afghanistan at Dover Air Force Base Thursday will "bear on how I see" the war. He is expected...

FOR nearly three decades, I’ve felt conflicted about presidential salutes. After all, my United States Marine Corps instructors drilled into me the idea that “you never salute without a cover” which, in civilian, meant without a hat. My fellow Marines and I were also informed, in no uncertain terms, that we weren’t to salute out of uniform. (I don’t think that presidential blue suits, white shirts and red ties quite qualify.) So whenever I saw a president stepping off a helicopter and bringing hand to brow, my drill instructor’s unambiguous words came back to me with much of their original...

Which civilian official rate a salute from our military personal? I know the that the POTUS is the Commander in Chief and thus should be saluted. What about the Vice President? I just a video of Joe Biden being saluted and returning the salute. That surprised me. Who else? The Secretary of State? The Secretary of Defense? The Speaker of the House (Please tell me no)? It was always my understanding the salutes should not be rendered to or from personal not in uniform. This does not seem to be the case with the Commander in Chief or the VP.

The raised fist (also other names, including clenched fist) is a salute most often used by political and social activists of a leftist, anti-fascist, or simply anti-capitalist orientation, such as Marxists, anarchists, communists, pacifists, trade unionists, and black nationalists. Generally the fist is regarded as an expression of solidarity, strength or defiance. Photo at the website http://www.stealthfusion.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4162

This is an e-mail I was given. Many may have received it, but the media will not do its job, so it is up to us. This is an inspiring story about a true hero who was buried at Ft Rosecrans, a beautiful resting place for some of our best....... PO2 (EOD2) (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Mike Monsoor, a Navy EOD Technician, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for jumping on a grenade in Iraq, giving his life to save his fellow Seals. (Notice: Mike was not a Navy SEAL, he was EOD. He gave his life to save...

http://www.rlcil.org/2009/02/08/an-open-letter-to-the-editor-of-the-concord-monitor-mr-president-please-salute-fdr-did/ Dear Editors – I was taken aback when I read the ill-informed piece in The Concord Monitor, headlined, “No Salute, Please.” This Jan. 22, 2009 piece claims that President Reagan initiated the Presidential salute — i.e. returning the salute of a uniformed military officer of enlisted man. Contrary to the myth-making by the article’s author, the salute by the president is not of recent provenance. Indeed, liberal hero President Franklin Delano Roosevelt — whom many of today’s Obammysoxers see in their American idol – was known to salute the troops. He was, after all, their commander-in-chief, during a war....

KAILUA, Hawaii – He’s not the commander in chief yet, but was President-elect Barack Obama briefly practicing his salute on Sunday? On the first morning of his vacation here, Mr. Obama arrived at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii for his daily workout. As he walked out of the Semper Fit Center, his gray T-shirt soaked in sweat, he lifted his right hand and gave a quick salute to two Marines in fatigues who were standing in the distance. The brief moment was not captured by cameras. Photographs and video were not permitted to be taken on the military base, according...

My wife and I were watching C-Span recap of Veteran's day wreath layings and saw an absolute travesty at Chicago. The chosen one laid a wreath, at a Chicago memorial, with a female veteran who had prosthetic legs. After laying the wreath, she smartly saluted. The chosen on glanced her way then rendered the most half-a$$ed salute I have ever witnessed.

Obama’s “SIGN OF PROGRESS”: Obama followers demonstrate the Sign-of-Progress Salute: “Hitler’s hands as he speaks of the unity of the National Socialist and socialist ideas.” [Read about the Obama Sign of Progress here, and the photo of Hitler here.]

What is it with these thin-skinned sniveling little weasels? When someone pokes fun at them, they pout and walk away sobbing. Yesterday the AP reported that McCain's ads taunting Obama as a vapid celebrity are "bugging" Obama, and The Messiah can't figure out how to hit back. Today, the artist who designed the new Cult-of-Obama hand gesture, a.k.a. The Jerk's Circle, thinks all the ridicule is reeeally mean.

Public Law 110-181, Section 594: SEC. 594. CONDUCT BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS OUT OF UNIFORM DURING HOISTING, LOWERING, OR PASSING OF UNITED STATES FLAG. Section 9 of title 4, United States Code, is amended by striking ``all persons present'' and all that follows through the end of the section and inserting the following: ``all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces [[Page 122 STAT. 139]] and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand...

BETHESDA, Md., May 28, 2008 – Professional golfer Tiger Woods understands the sacrifices military families make and the importance of acknowledging those sacrifices. Tiger Woods, professional golfer and host of the AT&T National golf tournament, laughs at a question from the media during a news conference at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., on May 27, 2008. Woods is joined by Bret Hart, president of Congressional, where the July tournament is held, and Greg McLaughlin, president of the Tiger Woods Foundation. Defense Department photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “I was raised in a...

INDIANAPOLIS, May 18, 2008 – While race car drivers sped around the track trying to bump slower competitors out of next week’s 92nd Indianapolis 500 lineup, 55 military recruits took a step to shift their lives into high gear. Mindy Andrews, right hand raised, takes the oath of enlistment from U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana during a ceremony at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Andrews was one of 55 Hoosiers to take part in the annual "Bump Day" tradition. Defense Dept. photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Coinciding with “Bump Day,” the last day...

Each Candidate perform a salute at the next debate.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2007 – It may be just a dress rehearsal for Clara, the toy soldiers and the Sugar Plum Fairy, but for servicemembers and their families in the audience, it’s a big “thank you” from the cast of “The Nutcracker.” For the past four years, the Community Ballet Association of Huntsville, Ala., has recognized the sacrifices of servicemembers past and present with a special performance of the holiday classic. Originally a night reserved for a full-dress rehearsal, the association closed the performance and dubbed it “Military Night.” “The Huntsville community is comprised of thousands of military and...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2007 – Nearly 100 U.S. Naval Academy graduates from the class of 1995 are dedicating their participation in the Oct. 28 Marine Corps Marathon to the memory of six fallen comrades. Left to right: Dr. Mike McClung and his wife, Dr. Re McClung, and Suzanne Kristensen, with her husband, retired Navy Rear Adm. Edward Kristensen, discuss their departed children, Marine Maj. Megan M. McClung and Navy Lt. Cmdr. Erik S. Kristensen at the “Run to Honor” reception in Washington, D.C., Oct. 25, 2007. Photo by Gerry J. Gilmore   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. About...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2007 – The San Diego Padres Major League Baseball team kicked off Fleet Week San Diego 2007 with a game honoring members of the city’s military community. San Diego Padres pitcher Jake Peavy (center) relaxes Sept. 17, 2007, with six Marines wounded in Iraq who are recovering at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Bank of America, an official sponsor of Fleet Week San Diego 2007, arranged the meeting as part of the festivities. Courtesy photo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “The Padres understand and have great respect for what our dedicated men and women in...

DALLAS, Sept. 9, 2007 – More than 50 servicemembers not only enjoyed front-row seats at a Brooks and Dunn concert here last night, but also were guests at a backstage reception where they got a handshake and the personal thanks of the country music giants. Members of the 14th Marine Artillery Regiment stationed at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base in Texas and Donald Esmond, senior vice president of Toyota and host of a party to honor America's troops, pose for a picture in Dallas, Sept. 8, 2007. They are from left to right in the front...

WASHINGTON, June 22, 2007 – In celebration of Independence Day, “America’s Legendary Music Hall” will offer a patriotic salute to servicemembers and their families. On July 3, nearly 500 servicemembers and their families will fill the Birchmere Music Hall here for an appreciation dinner and an “America Supports You” concert featuring Jenny Boyle, according to a Birchmere news release. America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. “The Birchmere and Jenny Boyle are stalwart supporters of the troops, and as a way of saying thanks,...

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2007 – Elementary school students in Missouri are building their character through activities designed to salute the troops. A non-profit group called “Salute the Troops” aims to support servicemembers and veterans through character education and school and community events, Carrie Fain, the group’s executive director, said. “We believe in the importance of our kids looking up to real role models of character,” she said, referring to servicemembers. “They are the true examples of honor, respect, responsibility, self-discipline and integrity -- (qualities) that we are hoping to instill in future generations.” With the cooperation of school counselors...

Dear American Soldier in Iraq: There are a few things you should know about how tens of millions of us back home feel about you and the fight you are waging. These things need to be said, especially now, given the fact that the head of one of America's two major political parties has announced that the war in Iraq is lost. This war has not been lost. What has happened is that many Americans, for all sorts of reasons -- some out of simple fatigue, some because they do not believe that war solves anything, some out of deep...

PEORIA, Ariz., April 15, 2007 – Servicemembers stationed in Baghdad got an earful – and an eyeful – yesterday from about 4,000 supporters who gathered here to show their appreciation during the third Cyclerides.com “Hearts to Heroes” motorcycle ride. Riders are seen in the side mirror of a Hearts To Heroes ride participant as the group made its way around the Phoenix International Raceway. The ride, the third Cyclerides.com has hosted, is held to honor the troops and benefit troop-support organizations. Defense Dept. photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. A two-way video connection, provided...

HAMPTON, Va., Feb. 22, 2007 – The Defense Department recognized 11 African-American servicemen and women for their service in the global war against terrorism at a ceremony held at Hampton University here yesterday. Left to right: Air National Guard Lt. Col. Mary-Thom Williams, Francis L. Horne, and Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Cleveland Wiltz pose for a photo at the Defense Department’s African-American History Month observance at Hampton University, Va., Feb. 21. Photo by Gerry J. Gilmore  '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The servicemembers received certificates signed and presented by Clarence A. Johnson, DoD’s principal director and director...

***USN SPECIAL OPERATIONS*** ANCHORS AWEIGH my boy,Anchors Aweigh,Farewell to foreign shores,We sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay.Through our last night on shore, Drink to the foam,Until we meet once more,Here's wishing you a happy voyage home. The Mediterranean Sea (Mar. 27, 2003 The "Air Boss" observes flight operations from primary flight control as an S-3B Viking of the "Checkmates" of Sea Control Squadron Two Two (VS-22) launches from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The "Boss," the Air Department Head on a carrier, oversees all aircraft operations on the flight deck, the hangar, and the operations of the various maintenance...

America Supports You: Veterans, Family Members Feted at Airport ‘Salute’By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2006 -- The director of the National Security Agency stepped uncharacteristically into the spotlight here today to join the United Service Organizations in honoring veterans, who he said set the example for today’s troops, and the family members who stand by them. Army Lt. Gen. Keith B. Alexander (left), director of the National Security Agency at Fort Meade, Md., chats with Army veteran and USO volunteer Frank Viscardi Nov. 2 at the third annual "Salute to Veterans and Military Families" at...

FORT HUACHUCA — The final journey of Cpl. Casey Lee Mellen begins today with a noon funeral service at the Main Post Chapel on Fort Huachuca, followed by his burial at the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 2 p.m. Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano has ordered all flags in the state to be lowered to half staff today to honor Mellen. On Tuesday, the flags were ordered to half staff by the governor to honor Army Lt. Col. Douglas Mann, of Sierra Vista, who was killed in an accident in San Antonio, Texas, as he was preparing for deployment to...

Honey, you need to sholder the weapon. That's what the buttstock on that M-16 is for...

The History of the Middle Finger Salute NO OFFENSE TO ANYONE, I HOPE! Very interesting and now you'll know for certain what is implied by this gesture. The History of the Middle Finger Before the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the French, anticipating victory over the English, proposed to cut off the middle finger of all captured, English soldiers. Without the middle finger it would be impossible to draw the renowned English longbow and therefore they would be incapable of fighting in the future. This famous English longbow was made of the native English Yew tree, and the act of...

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 28, 2006 – Some of the country music stars that write songs honoring the nation's troops and travel the world to bring them a taste of home performed at the Grand Ole Opry this Memorial Day weekend. Country music singer, songwriter and lead guitarist Rockie Lynne responds to the audience at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., May 27 during an All-American Salute Signature Show featuring tributes to America's men and women in uniform. The audience, which included many military veterans, waved flags and gave Lynne a standing ovation after he sang "Red, White &...

Stop To Salute On Memorial Day by Capt. John Rasmussen, EAGLE BASE, Bosnia and Herzegovina It was raining "cats and dogs" and I was late for physical training. Traffic was backed up at Fort Campbell, KY., and was moving way too slowly. I was probably going to be late and I was growing more and more impatient. The pace slowed almost to a standstill as I passed Memorial Grove, the site built to honor the Soldiers who died in the Gander airplane crash, the worst redeployment accident in the history of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Because it was...

America Supports You: USAA to Salute Military By Tech. Sgt. Elaine Wilson, USAF American Forces Press Service SAN ANTONIO, May 24, 2006 – "America Supports You" corporate partner USAA will honor military members and their sacrifices tomorrow during a Memorial Day observance at the company's headquarters in San Antonio. America Supports You is a Defense Department program that spotlights efforts to support the men and women of the nation's armed forces. The USAA program will be broadcast live for the company's 22,000 employees in six cities, and then aired on the Pentagon Channel at 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. and...

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2006 – Nearly 1,500 Arizona bikers rolled their Harleys through Glendale, Ariz., recently to honor the nation's servicemembers and back a local troop support organization, an event organizer said. The second Hearts to Heroes Ride, sponsored by Cyclerides.com, benefited Packages From Home, a nonprofit group that ships packages to troops deployed overseas, said Dave Whitten, director of marketing and media relations for Packages From Home. Cyclerides.com is an information Web site for the Glendale-area motorcycle community, sponsored the event. Packages From Home is a member of the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program, which highlights efforts by...

Austria: Muslim Soldiers Refuse to Salute Flag From the desk of Paul Belien on Tue, 2006-03-21 13:18 Last week three Muslim conscripts of the Austrian army refused to salute the Austrian flag because this was incompatible with their faith. The Austrian paper Die Presse (18 March) reported that three soldiers of the Maria Theresia barracks, where most of the 1,000 Muslim soldiers serve, refused to salute the flag at a parade and instead turned their backs on it. The soldiers were not disciplined. However, an imam was summoned to issue a fatwa stating that Muslims are allowed to salute the...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2006 – A radio station is saying thanks to a few lucky troops by interviewing them on the air and giving them a romantic night on the town this Valentine's Day. Howard University Radio, which reaches almost a half million listeners around the nation's capital, began the program of interviews yesterday, said Renee Nash, WHUR's director of information and public affairs. "We wanted to do something a little differently this year for Valentine's Day," Nash said. "We thought, 'What greater way to let the troops know that we are thinking about them and that we love and...

The origin of the Hand Salute is uncertain. Some historians believe it began in late Roman times when assassinations were common. A citizen who wanted to see a public official had to approach with his right hand raised to show that he did not hold a weapon. Knights in armor raised visors with the right hand when meeting a comrade. This practice gradually became a way of showing respect and, in early American history, sometimes involved removing the hat. By 1820, the motion was modified to touching the hat, and since then it has become the Hand Salute used today....

SAN ANTONIO (Army News Service, Jan. 7, 2006) -- The Army's top chief for human resources paid tribute to two Army veterans, a Soldier's wife, and a Soldier's parent during a Freedom Team Salute presentation at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel here Jan. 6. John P. McLaurin, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, conducted the Freedom Team Salute pinning for two members of the legendary "Titans" football team, as well as the spouse of an All-American Bowl Soldier hero and parent of a Soldier supporting the war on terror. Two Army veterans, both members of the...

Pakistan censors poetic salute to Bush By Isambard Wilkinson in Islamabad (Filed: 05/12/2005) A poem in a school textbook has been removed by embarrassed education officials in Pakistan after it was found that the first letters of each line spelt out "President George W Bush." The 20-line anonymous poem, The Leader, lists the qualities of "a man who will do what he must" and bears a passing resemblance to Rudyard Kipling's If. "Ever assuring he'll stand by his word/Wanting the world to join his firm stand/Bracing for war, but praying for peace/Using his power so evil will cease", run typical...

Military Salute, a 34-minute Windows-XP video honoring America’s Armed Forces, past and present, is available online. Visit the Military Salute home page at http://condocat.home.att.net for contents and other information. Individuals, non-profit groups, and organizations with DSL or cable access can view or download the video at no charge from http://www.soldiergifts.com/Military-Salute.html or http://www.rollingsportsman.com/Military-Salute.html. Five disabled Vietnam-era Veterans distribute Military Salute, providing it to active-duty Military units, Veterans groups, family support groups, public safety organizations, church groups, school districts, and students working on patriotic projects. The group, known as The Minnesota Platoon, also participates in fundraising projects that benefit America’s Veterans and...

NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2005 – Servicemembers, veterans and supporters of the people past and present who have worn the nation's uniform packed the historic Roseland Ballroom here Nov. 11 for a night of music and a celebration of freedom. The American Freedom Foundation's 2nd annual American Freedom Festival brought together a variety of entertainers who donated their talents to raise money and awareness for veterans organizations. The foundation places special emphasis on the welfare and education issues facing those wounded in action, amputees, and the families and children of servicemembers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Retired Sgt. Maj. Of...

The U.S. Army initiated the Freedom Team Salute program six months ago to recognize and honor year-round the Army’s more than 11 million veterans, and those who support Soldiers today. This Veterans Day, Freedom Team Salute is expanding so that U.S. Army veterans may be nominated by anyone wishing to recognize their service, and more individuals are made aware of the program through a new nationwide FTS Ambassador Program. “Army veterans have served this Nation with honor and dignity,” said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker. “Freedom Team Salute is a way to recognize our veterans and show...

A wonderful salute to veterans. I searched and did not find it already posted. Some of the pictures are a little fuzzy, but then my vision became a little fuzzy after listening and watching.

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Nov. 4, 2005) -- A retired captain in the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps now shares something in common with Georgia Power Company president and CEO Michael D. Garrett. Both have been recently recognized with a Freedom Team Salute Commendation, thanking them for their service to the U.S. Army and the critical role they play as members of the Army family. “In these demanding times, we are all Soldiers for freedom,” said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker. “Army veterans have served this nation with honor and dignity, and Freedom Team Salute is a way...

Injured Marine defies attackers BY C. DAVID KOTOK WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RAMADI, Iraq - Once Marine Gunnery Sgt. Michael Burghardt realized he could wiggle his toes and fingers, he had one message for the insurgents who wounded him - defiance. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Michael Burghardt signals defiance at his Iraqi attackers after being injured by an improvised explosive device near Ramadi. Attending to the Marine were Nebraska 167th Cavalry members Spc. John Adams (far left, in front) of Hastings, Neb., and Pfc. Darin Nelson of Fremont, Neb. Burghardt, of Huntington Beach, Calif., started his third tour in Iraq trying...

I'm very proud to be a soldier of the U.S. Army because of the war on terror and our missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. I'm not alone either. I'm surrounded by soldiers who are re-enlisting and volunteering to go to units that are deploying. In fact, despite all the negative news and protests, I see everyday that our military is actually doing very well.

The FTS program provides Soldiers with a means to recognize their supporters: spouses, parents, and employers of National Guard and Reserve Soldiers. Honorably discharged veterans may likewise nominate themselves for recognition under this program. Nominees will receive an Army lapel pin, an Army decal, a certificate and letter signed by the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army thanking them for their support.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2005 – President Bush praised Boy Scout values of patriotism, integrity and citizenship July 31 at the organization's 16th National Jamboree held at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. The 30,000-plus scouts attending the jamboree from around the world "are carrying on a tradition that dates back almost seven decades," Bush observed, noting that President Franklin Roosevelt came to the first jamboree in 1937. Over the years, millions of Americans have recited the Scout oath, which begins, "On my honor, I'll do my best," said Bush, who was a Cub Scout during his youth Midland, Texas. Bush said he...

President George W. Bush saluted US military personnel, particularly those who died in the line of duty, as the nation kicked off its Memorial Day weekend celebrations.(AFP/File/Jim Watson) Memorial Day : A soldier carries US flags during the annual flags-in ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. (AFP/Brendan Smialowski) Two U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq when their helicopter crashed after being shot at north of Baghdad, the U.S. military said in a statement on May 27, 2005. Two helicopters came under small arms fire near Baquba 60 km (40 miles) north of Baghdad on Thursday night, the U.S....

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world. A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in...

Most of you know the drill. Get your first cup o' coffee and head on over to your PC or laptop. Maybe you wait until you get home from work and grab your favorite beverage. OR you log on at work in between... You fire up Free Republic. Check your messages and freepmails with your good buds. Then strap yourself in for the fireworks -- oh, I mean that in a good way. Then lock and load for threads on your favorite issues. Launch a few salvos. Have a few laughs. Commisserate. Vent. Love. Hate. Learn. (And learn humility --...