Posted on 05/30/2005 2:35:37 PM PDT by snugs
Today is Memorial Day President Bush commemorated this solemn event by taking part in the ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery along with the Secretary of Denfense Donald Rumsfeld.
For further details of this event and Arlington Cemetery in general visit http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/
Yesterday 29th May 2005, Secretary of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld addressed a Memorial Day Rolling Thunder veterans rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, May 29, 2005. Earlier in the day, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Richard Myers had led thousands of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle riders into Washington for their 18th annual 'Ride for Freedom' and rally for veterans
The history of Memorial Day
Each year, on the last Monday in May, the USA celebrates Memorial Day. For many, this day carries no special meaning except perhaps an extra day off from work, a beach barbecue, the start of the summer travel season, or for merchants, the opportunity to hold their annual Memorial Day Weekend sale.
In reality, the holiday is observed in honor of the nation's armed service personnel who were killed in wartime (in the UK this is the 11th November – Remembrance Day at which on the 11th hour of the 11th month we have a minutes silence all over the Britain).
The custom of honoring the graves of the war dead began prior to the end of the Civil War, but the national Memorial Day holiday (or "Decoration Day," as it was originally named) was first observed on May 30, 1868, on the order of General John Alexander Logan for the purpose of decorating the graves of the American Civil War dead. With the passage of time, Memorial Day was extended to honor all those who died in service, from the Revolutionary War to the present. It continued to be observed on May 30th until 1971, when most states changed to a newly established federal schedule of holiday observance.
Confederate Memorial Day, once a legal holiday in many southern states, is still observed on the fourth Monday in April in Alabama, and the last Monday in April in Mississippi and Georgia. A National Moment of Remembrance
May of 1997 saw the start of what is becoming an American tradition recognized by the President and Members of Congress -- to put the "memorial" back in Memorial Day. The idea of a National Moment of Remembrance was born a year earlier when children touring Lafayette Park in Washington, DC were asked what Memorial Day meant and they responded, "That's the day the pools open!"
The "Moment" was initiated by No Greater Love, a Washington, DC-based national humanitarian organization. For the first time in U.S. history, on Memorial Day 1997 "Taps" was played at 3 p.m. in many locations and at events throughout America. This effort was repeated again in subsequent years.
The objective of the "Moment" is to raise Americans' awareness of the honorable contributions made by those who died while defending our nation and to encourage all Americans to honor those who died as a result of service to this nation by pausing for one minute at 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Memorial Day.
This History of Taps
http://www.west-point.org/taps/Taps.html
Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island which today a tribute to Memorial Day
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Taken from the President’s remarks at the Memorial Day Commemorations at Arlington National Cemetery today 30th May 2005
QUOTE
Across the globe, our military is standing directly between our people and the worst dangers in the world, and Americans are grateful to have such brave defenders. (Applause.) The war on terror has brought great costs. For those who have lost loved ones in Afghanistan and Iraq, today is a day of last letters and fresh tears. Because of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, two terror regimes are gone forever, freedom is on the march, and America is more secure. (Applause.)
At our National Cemetery, we take comfort from knowing that the men and women who are serving freedom's cause understand their purpose -- and its price. Marine Captain Ryan Beaupre of St. Anne, Illinois, was killed in the first hours of the war. He wrote his mom and dad a letter that was to be opened only in the event he didn't come home. He wrote: "Realize that I died doing something that I truly love, and for a purpose greater than myself." Army Sergeant Michael Evans of Marrero, Louisiana, felt the same way. He was killed on January 28th while on patrol in Western Baghdad. In his own farewell letter to his family, the 22-year-old reminded those he left behind to stay strong. He said: "My death will mean nothing if you stop now. I know it will be hard, but I gave my life so you could live. Not just live, but live free." (Applause.)
For some of our young heroes, courage and service was a family tradition. Lance Corporal Darrell Schumann of Hampton, Virginia, was a machine gunner for the Marines, but his parents were Air Force. He liked to say, "Air Force by birth, Marine by choice, and American by the grace of God." (Applause.) Corporal Schumann was among the first to enter the battle against insurgents in Fallujah, and he was proud of what he -- what we are achieving. He later died in a helicopter crash. In his last letter from Iraq, he wrote, "I do wish America could see how awesome a job we're doing."
These are the men and women who wear our uniform. These are the men and women who defend our freedom. And these are the men and women who are buried here. As we look across these acres, we begin to tally the cost of our freedom, and we count it a privilege to be citizens of the country served by so many brave men and women. (Applause.) And we must honor them by completing the mission for which they gave their lives, by defeating the terrorists, advancing the cause of liberty, and building a safer world. (Applause.)
A day will come when there will be no one left who knew the men and women buried here. Yet Americans will still come to visit, to pay tribute to the many who gave their lives for freedom, who liberated the oppressed, and who left the world a safer and better place.
UNQUOTE
Photo of the Day
President Bush's motorcade drives past gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery upon arrival for a ceremony marking Memorial Day Monday, May 30, 2005
Dose going up please wait to post or re-post photos until the all clear is given
The transcript of the President speech at Arlington Cemetery today can be found at:-
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/05/20050530.html
Ping as promised
Hi snugs!
Bless you for taking on Mondays, too! Appreciate today's edition.
Toaster winner think of what you want while I post the photos it may be a while there are quite a few.
G'day snugs! Looking forward to today's dose of sanity!! Hope you are well.
Hi, snugs! Not #1 but at least on the first page maybe! I look forward to all the pictures!
A Vietnam veteran holds a flag near the Vietnam Veterans Wall Memorial in Washington, D.C., May 29, 2005. Men and women, young and old, gathered in the nation's capital to watch as hundreds of thousands of motorcycle riders took part in Rolling Thunder 2005. The annual ride which began in 1988 pays tribute to those killed in Vietnam and remembers those missing from all conflicts
Donald Rumsfeld, is surrounded by bikers before speaking during the annual Rolling Thunder memorial ride at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Sunday, May 29, 2005. The Rolling Thunder event, coinciding with the Memorial Day weekend, has been focusing attention on POW-MIA issues since 1988. Riders also advocate for veterans' rights.
Donald Rumsfeld is surrounded by bikers before speaking during the annual Rolling Thunder memorial ride at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Richard Myers, right, delivers the keynote address Sunday May 29, 2005 at the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally in front of the Lincoln Memorial
Rolling Thunder member Bill Pucin provides security as US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld addresses the 18th annual Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom in Washington, DC. Tens of thousands of motorcycle-riders from across the United States, including many Vietnam veterans, converged on Washington Sunday for the annual 'Rolling Thunder' commemoration
A biker stands guard as Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, rear, speaks during the annual Rolling Thunder memorial ride at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington Sunday, May 29, 2005. The Rolling Thunder event, coinciding with the Memorial Day weekend, has been focusing attention on POW-MIA issues since 1988. Riders also advocate for veterans' rights.
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld addresses a Memorial Day veterans rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, May 29, 2005. Earlier in the day, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Richard Myers had led thousands of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle riders into Washington for their 18th annual 'Ride for Freedom' and rally for veterans.
Donald Rumsfeld is applauded as he addresses a Memorial Day weekend veterans rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, May 29, 2005
Donald Rumsfeld poses with an unidentified Vietnam veteran after making a speech at the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally in front of the Lincoln Memorial, Sunday, May 29, 2005
singer Nancy Sinatra performs 'These Boots Are Made For Walkin',' Sunday, May 29, 2005, as part of the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.
Donald Rumsfeld exits after addressing a Memorial Day veterans rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington
I am fine thank you hope you are too
Good evening
I keep thinking of how much you have set yourself an extraordinary task, something I could not duplicate if attempted in reverse: to cull the day's top presidential news for a foreign country, to understand what's important and what's not, to interpret, when necessary, what the events mean, and to post it for a foreign audience.
It amazes me every time I consider it, and try to put myself in the shoes of an American attempting to return the favor to a British audience.
You are good!
Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, US Air Forces in Europe vice commander, speaking to a group gathered at the Lafayette Escadrille Monument in Marnes-la-Coquette, France, Sunday May 29, 2005. The general was at the monument as the U.S. military keynote speaker for their Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday.
Maj. Gen. Bob D. DuLaney, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Air and Space Operations director, as he visits one of the 24 graves of unknown soldiers killed in World War II and buried at the Suresnes American Cemetery in Suresnes, France, Sunday May 29, 2005. The general was at the cemetery as the U.S. military keynote speaker for their Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday.
U.S. Air Forces in Europe Elite Guard, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as they prepare to present the colors at the Arc de Triomphe in downtown Paris, France, during the Memorial Day ceremony Sunday May 29, 2005.
U.S. Air Forces in Europe Elite Guard, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, along with their French counterparts, as they await the arrival of the official party at the Arc de Triomphe in downtown Paris during the Memorial Day ceremony Sunday May 29, 2005. The Elite Guard visited different locations in the Paris area - the Arc De Triomphe, Suresnes American Cemetery and the Lafayette Escadrille monument.
A U.S. Air Force man walks past a marble wall with engraved names of those who were missing in action during World War II as they commemorate the 60th anniversary of World War II at the Manila American Cemetery in suburban Makati on Monday May 30, 2005. The memorial day is one of nine key Philippine Campaign commemorative events scheduled this year.
U.S. Airforce personnel stand beside a wall with the names of those missing in action during World War II as they commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Liberation of the Philippines at the American cemetery in Makati's financial district in Manila May 30, 2005. The Memorial Day ceremony is one of nine key Philippine campaign commemorative events schedule this year.
U.S. soldiers line up to get the lunch food during the Memorial Day at a military base in Kabul, Afghanistan Monday, May 30, 2005. Memorial day was officially proclamed on May 5 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic and was first observed on May 30 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
U.S. soldiers line up to participate in a ceremony for marking the Memorial Day at a military base in Kabul, Afghanistan Monday, May 30, 2005.
U.S. soldiers participate in a ceremony to mark the Memorial Day at a military base in Kabul, Afghanistan Monday, May 30, 2005
A Filipino soldier stands in the middle of U.S. servicemen during the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of World War II at the Manila American Cemetery in suburban Makati Monday May 30, 2005. The memorial day is one of nine key Philippine Campaign commemorative events scheduled this year
U.S. Air Force honor guards stand at attention during the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of World War II at the Manila American Cemetery in suburban Makati Monday May 30, 2005. The memorial day is one of nine key Philippine Campaign commemorative events scheduled this year.
Wonderful Memorial Day pictoral reminders! Thanks for them! I believe you are more patriotic than a lot of Americans that I come in contact with, who have no idea what Memorial Day is for except for BBQ's!
Thank you I appreciate your kind words
I am learning fast from what I can make out it is the same or very similar to our Remembrance Day in November.
President George. W. Bush stands with U.S. Army Major General Galen Jackman as he lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day May 30, 2005
U.S. President George W. Bush (L) is escorted by Army Major General Galen Jackman as he prepares to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, May 30, 2005
President Bush, left, lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier marking Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery Monday, May 30, 2005
U.S. President George W. Bush lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 30
President Bush bows his head after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier marking Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery Monday, May 30, 2005
President Bush is accompanied by Army Major Gen. Galen Jackman, right, after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier marking Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery Monday, May 30, 2005
U.S. President George W. Bush holds his hand over his heart during the playing of the National Anthem at Arlington National Cemetery, May 30, 2005
President Bush places his hand over his heart during the playing of the National Anthem at a ceremony marking Memorial Day at the amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery Monday, May 30, 2005 outside Washington. Bush honored America's 'brave defenders' Monday in a dual Memorial Day salute to the dead and missing in action from wars of yesteryear and those on the front lines of today's war against terrorism
President Bush, right, and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, left, and put their hands to their hearts during the playing of the National Anthem at a Memorial Day ceremony at the amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery Monday, May 30, 2005 
U.S. President George W. Bush (R), joins Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, as Air Force General Richard Myers, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, salutes during the playing of the National Anthem at Arlington National Cemetery, May 30, 2005
Thousands stand for the National Anthem during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 30, 2005
President George W. Bush, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard Meyers participate in a Memorial Day ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery amphitheatre in Arlington, Va., May 30, 2005
Probably very much the same, if yours is all about remembering all the fallen heroes of all the wars we have had to fight--no offence, from the Revolutionary War onward! I would imagine you guys have a lot of centuries of remembering to do there in England!
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
U.S. President George W. Bush speaks at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day May 30, 2005
President George W. Bush speaks during a Memorial Day ceremony at the amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery Monday, May 30, 2005
U.S. President George W. Bush (C) delivers a Memorial Day address at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, May 30, 2005. U.S. Air Force General Richard Myers (L), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld (2nd L) also addressed the gathering
President Bush pauses during his speech marking Memorial Day at the amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery Monday, May 30, 2005
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