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Tomb of Unknown Soldier Abused

Posted on 01/18/2009 8:20:19 AM PST by seenenuf

Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden are getting trigger happy for the spot light. They are seen this morning in a surprise ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary, laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Not only is that the duty of the President on Memorial Day, it is an encroachment of the solemn respect earned by what the tomb represents. I resent it being used for a photo-op by two Senators who have voted against funding military.


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; History; Military/Veterans; Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: arlington; obama; obamaflag; photoop; wreath
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To: seenenuf

“With the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals, this great Nation will never tire … never falter … and never fail.”

President Bush standing on the rubble with a firefighter right after 911. This wasn’t a photo op but rather it was a genuine expression of gratitude to the courageous workers who were there.
Thank you Mr. President: Farewell and Godspeed.


41 posted on 01/18/2009 9:10:27 AM PST by Mountain Mary
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To: seenenuf
When a politician lacks character, substance, principal and accomplishments in any endeavor outside of politics - they MUST achieve attention or admiration by playing roles in front of cameras. One does not arrange for video cameras when one wishes to play personal homage to our heroes.....

The “politicians” in our current Congress and State Capitals are perhaps the least accomplished or deserving of the office that ANY in our history.... Most are there, because they couldn't compete in private industry where personal ability and contribution is required...

42 posted on 01/18/2009 9:10:43 AM PST by river rat (Semper Fi - You may turn the other cheek, but I prefer to look into my enemy's vacant dead eyes.)
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To: seenenuf
Tradition and respect for our Nation's symbols--that silly stuff is just for conservatives:


43 posted on 01/18/2009 9:13:43 AM PST by beaversmom
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To: seenenuf
I resent it being used for a photo-op by two Senators who have voted against funding military.

For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!"
But it's "Saviour of 'is country," when the guns begin to shoot;
An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please;
But Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool - you bet that Tommy sees!

44 posted on 01/18/2009 9:16:08 AM PST by Grizzled Bear ("Does not play well with others.")
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To: Ancient Drive

I wonder who will be the first to report on the millions that have their TVs OFF this week.


45 posted on 01/18/2009 9:17:07 AM PST by dandiegirl
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To: silverleaf
My thoughts as well. This is a long drawn out weekend of showmanship and that is all..the obscene train trip costing thousands..now this..surprise my butt...someone had to make up that wreath. There was only one motive..to win the hearts and minds of the military personnel so we would just say aw isn't that special..
46 posted on 01/18/2009 9:17:36 AM PST by celtic gal
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To: river rat

Thank you #42 - you put the best words to this disgraceful act. I’m surprised at my own anger and you helped me
recognize the true immortal words of MLK - you know, about
the color and character of men - real men!
I’m out of here for the next 3 days - taking a vacation from the media. Why not shop,, it’ll help the economy, ha.


47 posted on 01/18/2009 9:18:30 AM PST by seenenuf ( "Global warming" = Mom Nature's temporary hot flash.)
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To: Venturer; joesbucks
And they go through he$$ for the honor of doing it. HOURS and HOURS of preparation everyday - not just when on duty.

I was at the tomb many years ago when a young soldier appeared to be having physical difficulty. He could not focus and was walking a crooked line. A WW2 vet went up and asked him if he could march with him - - way out of protocol. The young soldier did not respond as is the custom. The Vet marched with him gently holding his free elbow until an emergency changing of the guard could arranged. I later heard the kid had a high fever and probably a terrible case of the flu and was admitted to Walter Reed.

It was a very cold and windy day in January on the Potomac. Kid had sand.

48 posted on 01/18/2009 9:18:41 AM PST by mad_as_he$$ (Government only does one thing well - WASTE MONEY!)
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To: Venturer

Longtime lurker, first time poster.....

just a fact check....the ability to lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknowns is not a presidential privilege and is actually governed by Federal law.

to quote:

” Also marked by a high degree of ritual and joint service participation are wreath layings that occur during state visits. A visiting head of state will pay formal respects to the sacrifice of America’s veterans in foreign wars by placing a wreath before the Tomb. Similarly, other foreign ministers may also include a wreath laying here as part of their official itineraries.

Include wreath layings by various other public figures and organizations — at the Tomb or at the scores of other memorial locations throughout the cemetery — and the number expands significantly, although most are not marked with the same ceremonial pomp of the state events.

These might be annual observances by veterans groups whose unit has dedicated a tree and plaque along one of the lanes that winds through the cemetery or an organization like No Greater Love, which has made certain that the victims of terrorist acts or other mass casualties are not forgotten. They can also be special events, such as at the dedication of a marker or the centennial or other major anniversary of a battle. And they might take place at such locations as the John F. Kennedy Grave, the Confederate Memorial, or the Memorial Amphitheater. “

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/ceremonies/wreath_layings.html

If, as some here have stated, this should only be reserved for the President, it would also restrict various Veterans groups from the practice as well. I think that would be a great shame.

I spent 12 years in the service and regardless of how you feel about BOB, I personally have no problem with anyone who comes to pay his respects to our honored dead.

and just for the record, no I’m not a democrat


49 posted on 01/18/2009 9:19:04 AM PST by Unshriven
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To: joesbucks

The Army guards the Tomb of The Unknowns.


50 posted on 01/18/2009 9:22:09 AM PST by celtic gal
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To: shove_it

Thanks for this useful link.


51 posted on 01/18/2009 9:25:22 AM PST by celtic gal
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To: seenenuf
My sentiments exactly.

Leni

52 posted on 01/18/2009 9:27:12 AM PST by MinuteGal
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To: beaversmom

Where be da whities wid teers of joy in their eyeball sockets.


53 posted on 01/18/2009 9:27:33 AM PST by MaxMax (I'll welcome death when God calls me. Until then, the fight is on)
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To: seenenuf

Get used to the fluffy photo-op’s, planned events and all other phoney surprises with regards to “The Chosen One” but don’t expect much of anything worth much except increases in taxes, decrease in services, terroists invited to the White House for tea with the Chosen One for chats of understanding and a lot more phoney actions.


54 posted on 01/18/2009 9:28:18 AM PST by chiefqc
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To: seenenuf
My sentiments exactly.

Leni

55 posted on 01/18/2009 9:30:19 AM PST by MinuteGal
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To: MinuteGal
Pardon the double post.

My contempt for the Great Pretender is double today, and it's showing, I guess.

Leni

56 posted on 01/18/2009 9:31:21 AM PST by MinuteGal
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To: seenenuf

Never Forget.
Obama opted for the gym over visiting the wounded at Landstuhl RMC-
specifically because he couldn’t turn it into a sleazy photo op.


57 posted on 01/18/2009 9:33:59 AM PST by Wild Irish Rogue
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To: mad_as_he$$
Thank you for that story
58 posted on 01/18/2009 9:39:51 AM PST by Roccus (I am a RINO...............I am a Conservative.)
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To: Roccus

You are more than welcome. My wife says I need to tell it more often.


59 posted on 01/18/2009 9:46:49 AM PST by mad_as_he$$ (Government only does one thing well - WASTE MONEY!)
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To: mad_as_he$$

Listen to your wife!!!!!!!


60 posted on 01/18/2009 9:55:08 AM PST by Roccus (I am a RINO...............I am a Conservative.)
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