Free Republic

We've all seen the photo: But does it tell the whole truth? I'm as anti Obama as anyone but the fact is Obama did have his hand on his heart, just not at the last second of a long musical note. Let me explain: Here is the video. Look at 2:33-2:37 the video clearly shows he does have hand on heart and then the camera pans away. Camera returns at 2:56 and Obama still has hand on heart till 2:59 when camera pans away again. The problem is when do you put your hand back down? As can be clearly...

Some members of local veterans groups who attended an Every Day is Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 8 in Berwick, Maine, said they were surprised to find it was a kickoff for a new Maine affiliate of the national Oath Keepers organization, which has been described as part of a rebirth of the nation's right-wing militia movement. An August report from the Southern Poverty Law Center describes the parent organization as a "particularly worrisome example of the Patriot revival," involving groups with a virulent anti-government sentiment, though organizers of the newly formed Maine affiliate say they are far from being an...

If there are any doubts at all that the press is a willing enabler to bolster Obama's image as Commander in Chief, CBS Sunday Morning just erased them. For a Veterans Day tribute, a reporter for the New York Daily News just narrated his experience at Arlington when, coincidently (cough, cough) the President just happened to make his visit. He lovingly describes the heartfelt actions of Obama, his spontaneous (cough, cough) trip to Section 60, and his tender concern for the families and friends of the fallen. This heartbreaking scenario was told along with dozens spur-of-the-moment snapshots of our caring...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2009 – Generations of American servicemembers braved and survived the din, destruction and uncertainty of war to return home to enjoy the freedoms they helped to preserve for their fellow citizens. Retired Navy Rear Adm. Robert H. Shumaker is a famous U.S. military veteran who coined the term “Hanoi Hilton” when he was a prisoner of war from 1965 to 1973 in North Vietnam. Any person –- civilian or military –- who thinks they may have emotional problems should seek professional help, he said. DoD photo by Gerry J. Gilmore  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Yet,...

He didn't introduce himself. He didn't have to. President Obama simply stuck out his hand and asked for my name as he stepped toward me amid a bone-chilling drizzle in the Gardens of Stone. This was Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery. I wasn't there as a reporter, but to visit some friends and family buried there when Obama made an unscheduled stop - a rare presidential walk among what Lincoln called America's "honored dead" - after laying a Veterans Day wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. What I got was an unexpected look into the eyes of a...

BRANSON, Mo. -- They have come from every state in the union -- more than 50,000 veterans and their families. They are here to celebrate "Veterans Homecoming Week" in a city that "never forgets our heroes," where businesses proclaim to "hire veterans first" and entertainers proudly announce the units with which they served -- to the applause and cheers of fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardsmen and Marines. They come for reunions with comrades from campaigns in faraway places and to remember their shared sacrifice in long-ago battles. They come here because Tony Orlando's "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole...

Veterans listen to U.S. President Barack Obama speak during a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia November 11, 2009. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (UNITED STATES POLITICS MILITARY IMAGES OF THE DAY)

I can’t begin to imagine how hard it would be to leave my family for months at a time, especially if my destination were Iraq or Afghanistan. And I don’t know how I could deal with my wife being deployed overseas. These reunion videos—for me, at least—shed a tiny beam of light on how emotionally draining being a military family can be. They’ll also make you want a dog. To commemorate Veterans Day, here are some overjoyed dogs greeting returning soldiers.

We call it Veterans Day now, but it used to be called Armistice Day, and I can’t help wondering whether we’ve lost something by converting a holiday originally meant to celebrate the veterans of World War I into an omnibus holiday, to honor all veterans of all wars. When I was a kid, we celebrated Armistice Day at my elementary school, P.S. 35 in the Bronx. And it was a very special holiday. Ms. Barr, our principal, came from a family that knew General John “Blackjack” Pershing very well. That general was her hero and she wanted us to embrace...

Obama Speaks To Veterans Day Crowd: 'That Is Why We Fight' Obama addresses veterans and their families at Arlington National Cemetery. The holiday comes as the nation reels from the Ft. Hood shootings and the loss of U.S. lives in Afghanistan. November 11, 2009 Reporting from Washington - On a day when Americans acknowledge the service of veterans past, President Obama today told members of the military currently serving around the world that he will honor their work with a commitment to the "hard work of peace." Speaking to veterans and their families at a memorial service at Arlington National...

Wow. Somebody contact Google and applaud them for customizing their logo to honor veterans, and this after celebrating Sesame Street for the past week.  They dropped their usual PC party, for at least one day, to actually pay tribute to America's veterans with a touching logo involving a faceless veteran with a child at his feet, looking up, and saluting.Back on Lincoln's birthday, last year, they had to celebrate Darwin's birthday instead.  I was speechless until more inappropriate language came to mind.  And with subsequent custom logos that alert surfers to a special day, their left-leaning web artwork has advertised their values as...

To celebrate this year's holiday, Applebees Veterans Day gives a free meal to those men and women who are either on active duty or veterans. The offer is not for a specific time of the day but any time at the food chain's restaurants. To redeem the offer, anyone can just show their military identification or be dressed in uniform to receive the free meal. Thanks to the Applebees chain for honoring our men and women who give of themselves and their lives for the freedom of others.

(Nov. 11) -- At first, it seemed like a sick joke or, worse, some sort of scam. The caller from North Carolina was telling John Lenox that the wreckage of his father's plane had been located. Staff Sgt. Alvin Lenox had been dead for two weeks longer than his 66-year-old son, John, had been alive. The Army Air Force radio operator crashed with four others in a cargo plane flying a supply mission from Yantai, China, to Joraht, India, in August 1943. They went down in a treacherous mountain region known as The Hump, which swallowed about 600 U.S. planes...

What does Veterans Day mean to you?

An inscription on a WWII monument in Kohima, India fittingly describes the sacrifices that our soldiers make with their service to our nation. And on this Veterans Day it is also fitting to focus on it. The Inscription says: "When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today."What could be a more fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by our fallen loved ones, comrades, and servants? They gave their last full measure so we could enjoy the freedoms we are so fortunate to have today. They gave their lives for our benefit...

<p>Barack Obama's speech commemorating Veterans Day at Arlinton Cemetery this morning was received with stony silence by those in attendance.</p> <p>What should have been applause lines for Obama about caring for our veterans drew no cheers, no clapping and no 'hooahs'.</p>

The friendly crowd was fired up as the FOX Sports NFL crew arrive for their Sunday show in Afghanistan. VIDEO *** While in Afghanistan, Terry Bradshaw got to know some troops and find out what the main priorities are for the armed forces. VIDEO *** This is B-roll video footage of Fox NFL Sunday's pregame show participating in a combat airdrop of food, fuel and water to American service members on the ground in Afghanistan from a U.S. Air Force C-17. Tune in to FOX on Sunday, November, 8 to see the Fox team broadcasting from Afghanistan. Produced by...

On June 15, Richard Ramsey checked into Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol Township for major surgery. When he left three days later, Ramsey was no longer Richard, but Renee. Her first words to her doctor when she awakened after the operation were, "Now I'm the lady I always knew I was." Ramsey, a tall, lean woman, neatly turned out in black tailored pants and a lavender turtleneck sweater that used to be her wife's, is likely the oldest person in the United States to have surgery to change genders, experts say. She is 77. ... "I would have liked to...

Last Thursday as the country watched in horror the extreme cowardice of Major Nidal Hassan at the Fort Hood Army Base, I was reminded of the sacrifice that the men and women of our armed forces make each and every day. Since our great country’s inception, men and women have put their lives on the line for the cause of freedom. More than 1,314,000 lives have been lost in the 233 years since our forefathers declared their independence from tyranny. I have the honor of visiting Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center on a weekly...

I posted this yesterday, but I wanted to post it again on Veteran's Day. I just had to share this tribute to our Veteran's. This video is an encouragement for citizens to stand for freedom and to stand for those who stood for us throughout history- those who paved the way for freedom, and those who continue to give their lives to serve our Country. God Bless You. And please post your tributes and memorials to honor our Veteran's and all who are serving in our military. Click here to watch Cry Freedom: A Veteran Tribute

A remarkable transformation occurs when men and women don their military uniforms among civilians. They get handshakes and compliments and broad smiles. In airport lounges, they get free drinks; as they file aboard airplanes, passengers erupt into spontaneous applause. Of course, it can be quite a different story when they're out of uniform and unrecognizable as heroes. At least on Veterans Day, the luster of recognition is somewhat restored. "When I'm in uniform, I get a lot of 'Thank you for your service,' " said Lt. Col. Marvin Jones of the D.C. National Guard. "At Union Station, people will almost...

Lovely video tribute for Veteran's Day.

Thank you Veterans, for your service to our Nation. This song by the Kuhlmann Sisters really says it all: "You Are the Ones"(VIDEO TRIBUTE)

Zach Hamilton, 10, right, of Vicksburg, listens in awe on Nov. 10, 2007, before the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Oswalt Park, as Martin Hoehne, of VFW Post 5189, describes his experiences while serving with the United States Navy. Despite the wars the United States is fighting on two fronts and everything your father, mother and grandfather told you about military service, it seems impossible to muster the respect for Veterans Day that it deserves — let alone the service people it honors. In an effort to correct that, here are some things you should know, care of the folks...

In most of our cities and towns, you’ll see memorials to brave Americans – some in uniforms of wars from long ago – who defended freedom. If you look down at their inscriptions, you’ll see that they were dedicated by the mothers, fathers, wives and orphans of the veterans who gave all for their country. In distant lands across the globe, you’ll find silent fields of white markers with the names of Americans who never came home, but who showed their dedication to their country by where they died. Today we honor those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice,...

I've been asked by many to repost this for Veteran's Day. This is what I have so far. Happy Veterans day to vets and active duty military. We love you and are praying for you every day! God Bless You! Photos of my soldier in Iraq, enjoy...... 6-10-05 As many of you know, my daughter is in Iraq. Here's a photo essay detailing some of her activities there. I hope you all enjoy...... My daughter, left, and her Iraqi roommate before they left for Iraq. They are in the same platoon. A convoy... A baby goat... Nora, her 10 year...

Adm. Jeremiah A. Denton Jr. is a true American hero. The former senator, retired admiral and naval aviator spent almost eight years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, half of that time in solitary confinement. When forced by his captors to do a television interview in 1966, he blinked the word "torture" in Morse code. He's the kind of man Washington leaders might want to listen to more carefully than the average purveyor of foreign-policy wisdom.

This being my first real Vanity and my first Veteran's day on Free Republic, I wanted to post a something to my fellow vets and their families who are active on Free Republic.I am a combat vet of Operation Desert Storm where I served in the capacity as a Combat Engineer and in these years that I have been out of the service I have seen the country I love and believe in become something it is not. However, this does not discourage me. Everyday I come here and I see people both civilian and military who continually remind me...

In observance of Veterans Day, the University of Washington will dedicate a new memorial to eight UW alumni who have received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest honor for valor in battle.Earning a medal, of any sort, was the furthest thing from Bruce Crandall's mind on the morning of Nov. 14, 1965, as he repeatedly flew his Huey helicopter through a hail of enemy fire in Vietnam. Only this mattered: His comrades needed him. Likewise, John "Bud" Hawk wasn't looking for glory on Aug. 20, 1944, when he stayed exposed in a French orchard, taking a shot in the...

Starting this weekend (SIC: Past Weekend), restaurants across the country are honoring veterans for their service with special offers.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2009 – Deployed and hospitalized servicemembers are expected to make about 120,000 calls home this Veterans Day, and it won’t cost them one thin dime. The Veterans of Foreign Wars organization is once again offering “Free Call Day” through its Operation Uplink program. USAA, which offers financial services to servicemembers, is sponsoring the day of free phoning, which is expected to total some 1 million minutes. “We are very pleased to join forces with USAA, an association recognized as a devoted friend and advocate of the military community, to offer a special Veterans Day Free Call Day,”...

"All paid some, some paid all"

The Queen today lead the annual ceremony for Britain's war dead in the first Remembrance Sunday not attended by any veterans of World War I. As Big Ben chimed 11am, the queen joined thousands of troops, veterans and civilians in the traditional two-minute silence. The silence was broken by a single artillery blast and the sound of the Royal Marine buglers playing the 'Last Post'. Each year, thousands of poppies are placed in the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey to remember all those killed by the war. This year the field also has plots dedicated to those killed in...

Visit the website for a link to email an invite to vets/active duty you know, email friends, or share on facebook and twitter. Valid Veteran and Active Duty Identification to Obtain Free Entree: * U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card * U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card * Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) * Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW) * Photograph in uniform * Wearing uniform * DD214 * Citation or Commendation Available during business hours on November 11, 2009 at participating Applebee’s only. Dine-in from limited menu only. Beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active...

On the occasion of Veterans Day 2009, I pay honor to those who’ve served and/or paid the ultimate price in service to their country by publishing a series of war stories that holds a special value in my heart, because they were written by my father, Ted.

Despite protests, the city of Homestead said they won't ban the controversial symbol --- Over a century later, the Confederacy seems to have won. It's a small battle, of course, but it looks like Homestead's Veteran's Day Parade will happen, and, despite protests by the NAACP, organizers decided they could not ban the displaying of the Confederate flag, according to the Miami Herald. The controversy over the flag began last November, when black residents became outraged that the city allowed the symbol to fly during Veterans Day events. "I think the Confederate soldiers have always been in the parade. I've...

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The smartest president in U.S. history seems to have confused Memorial Day with Veterans Day: President Barack Obama saluted veterans and urged his countrymen to do the same this Memorial Day weekend, saying the nation has not always paid them proper respect. In his weekly radio and Internet address Saturday, Obama said people can honor veterans by sending a letter or care package to troops overseas, volunteering at health clinics or taking supplies to a homeless veterans center. He said it could also mean something as simple as saying "thank you" to a veteran walking by on the street. ****...

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama urged Americans to pay tribute to veterans on Memorial Day, saying the nation all too often has "failed to live up to that responsibility." In his weekly radio and Internet address Saturday, Obama said people can honor veterans by sending a letter or care package to troops overseas, volunteering at health clinics or taking supplies to a homeless veterans center.

The 3rd Annual Heroes of the Valley event is scheduled for May 24, 2009, beginning at 2PM. The event is free this year (tickets need to be purchased for the multimedia theater presentation and the tri tip barbeque). Inga Barks, of NewsTalk 580 KMJ, will again be emceeing the theater presentation which will include military ceremony, live music, and multimedia tributes to our veterans. Please visit the event website at http://www.heroesofthevalley.com for more information. Tickets for the theater and BBQ can be purchased online. The theater only holds about 500 people so to ensure a seat we recommend tickets be...

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.

Walter Reed - Week 187, November 14, 2008, Veteran’s Day Week A misty, damp, but mild and quiet evening at the front gates of Walter Reed. A fitting way to end Veteran’s Day week observances. Many, as I did, visited the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial and the Air Force Memorial, which overlooks the just dedicated Pentagon Memorial commemorating those who were lost there during the terrorist attack on September 11. But Friday night found us again at the front gates of Walter Reed honoring our service men and women, and supporting the wounded...

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 12, 2008 – A Veterans Day observance yesterday at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial here honored the contributions of women in uniform throughout the nation’s history. Retired Air Force Maj. Linda S. Schwartz, left, and Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Patricia D. Ruth attend the Veterans Day observance at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington, Va., Nov. 11, 2008. DoD photo by Gerry J. Gilmore  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, president of the Women’s Memorial foundation, hosted the annual event,...

The 2008 Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 17, 2008 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 1.8 million free meals and contributed over $2.53 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

This may be the perfect week to reflect on a Presidential election and the nature of America. Veterans Day is a somber reminder of the millions of Americans who have fought for freedom and the more than one million who have died for that cause. It is also a good time to remind ourselves that we are Americans first before we are Republicans or Democrats, conservatives or liberals. One of the reasons I feel this sense of being an American first is because of the example set by my father. Robert Gingrich spent 27 years in the United States Army,...

President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush flew to New York City to attend the rededication ceremony of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space museum You can read the transcript herePresident Bush visited the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum TranscriptVice President Cheney visited members of the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island

NOTE: Bringing this back from 2005. Our commander in chief, who endured unprecedented criticism, in the face of adversity and actual treason here at home, will be treated more kindly in history. President Bush, you did many things to really upset us, but as the commander in chief, you protected this great nation. America led the for those who wanted to live free. What will the community organizer Manchurian candidate do? God, help us. On this Veterans Day, God bless the vets who make our freedom possible. DFU SONG: Runaway Train (freedom will not be stopped) DFU SONGS | 4-2005...

Here is video of President George W. Bush's first interview since the election of Barack Obama as President. Bush was interviewed on CNN today prior to speaking at a Veteran's Day observance in New York. He talked about his meeting yesterday with President-elect Barack Obama at the White House, and what he believes the election of Obama means for America. . . . . (Watch Video)

We conservatives have learned that we can’t rely on anyone but ourselves, and we’ll have to recapture America from the ground up. Our “to do” list is long, but some things are more important than others. Supporting the Fisher House program is one of these things. Fisher House is a totally privately funded effort to support our recovering wounded warriors by helping their loved ones when they are most in need. When a wounded warrior is recovering state-side, most often the hospital or rehabilitation facility is hundreds of miles from those who dearly wish to visit and give their love...

90 years to the day after 11/11. 11:11, the second which officially ended World War I. For the first time not one member of the two huge armies, German and French, that clashed on the fields of Verdun , attendeded Armistice Day service in Verdun, and paid tribute to those who had died, as the last 4 survivors of World War I are all British. Earlier in London, three of the four surviving British World War I veterans attended a ceremony at the Cenotaph.Henry Allingham, 112, Harry Patch, 110, and Bill Stone, 108, represented the Royal Air Force, Army and...