We'll never know how many of them have given their lives for this long mission. I can't help thinking of Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell and Seal Team 5, and all they suffered and gave for us.
So many of our finest killed, mutiliated and desperately wounded at the hands of the cultists following bin Laden's dark and perverse ideology. Their families will never again be whole, but they have a small measure of relief today.
Thank you, God bless you, President Bush, for your relentess pursuit of bin Laden during your watch and for transforming the military to deal with these new assymetric threats.
Credit to Mr. Obama .. for not flinching when the prize appeared to be near .. and for giving the approval for our magnificent professionals to achieve this nearly decade long goal.
Justice has been done.
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Interesting, that earlier today, one of our FReepers noted an increase in military base security. So word of this was in the scuttlebutt this morning.
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I am an American Special Forces soldier. A professional! I will do all that my nation requires of me.
I am a volunteer, knowing well the hazards of my profession. I serve with the memory of those who have gone before me: Roger's Rangers, Francis Marion, Mosby's Rangers, the first Special Service Forces and Ranger Battalions of World War II, the Airborne Ranger Companies of Korea.
I pledge to uphold the honor and integrity of all I am - in all I do.
I am a professional soldier. I will teach and fight wherever my nation requires. I will strive always, to excel in every art and artifice of war.
I know that I will be called upon to perform tasks in isolation, far from familiar faces and voices, with the help and guidance of my God.
I will keep my mind and body clean, alert and strong, for this is my debt to those who depend upon me. I will not fail those with whom I serve.
I will not bring shame upon myself or the forces. I will maintain myself, my arms, and my equipment in an immaculate state as befits a Special Forces soldier.
I will never surrender though I be the last. If I am taken, I pray that I may have the strength to spit upon my enemy. My goal is to succeed in any mission - and live to succeed again.
I am a member of my nation's chosen soldiery. God grant that I may not be found wanting, that I will not fail this sacred trust.
"De Oppresso Liber"
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How blessed we are to have such brave heroes amongst us. God bless and protect all who serve, and hold in a special place all who innocently lost their lives on American soil and around the world, at the direct order of this despicable monster and killing beast.
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Travel Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
WORLD WIDE
May 1, 2011
The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan.
Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations.
U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. This Travel Alert expires August 1, 2011.
Travel information is also available at www.travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
For information on “What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis,” please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at www.travel.state.gov.
For further information on specific countries, U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information pages, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings at www.travel.state.gov as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ page on Facebook as well.
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God bless and protect those selflessly serving out there for us in sometimes brutal conditions on the frontlines, defending freedom and the USA, and God bless us all. Situational awareness for all, at all times, is now extremely critical.