Free Republic

Vice President Kamala Harris told a Democratic Party dinner in Michigan on Saturday evening that she mourned the “innocent lives” lost among Palestinians in Gaza during an Israeli rescue mission that freed four hostages. Fox 2 Detroit reported: “Before I begin, I just say a few words about the morning which I know weighs heavily on all of our hearts,” [Harris] said.”On October 7th, Hamas committed a brutal massacre of 1,200 innocent people and abducted 250 hostages.” “Thankfully four of those hostages were reunited with their families tonight. And we mourn all of the innocent lives that have been lost...

President Biden on Monday mourned the loss of two Navy SEALs who are presumed dead after they went missing off the coast of Somalia earlier this month during a special covert mission to seize Iranian missile parts bound for Yemen. Biden said in a statement that the presumed deaths of the two SEALs were a “profound loss for our country.” “These SEALs represented the very best of our country, pledging their lives to protect their fellow Americans,” Biden said. “Our hearts go out to the family members, loved ones, friends, and shipmates who are grieving for these two brave Americans

Actor John Travolta highlighted his close relationship with Kirstie Alley in a touching tribute to the late actress after news broke Monday she had died from cancer. Travolta, who co-starred in a series of films with the stunning actress, posted two photos to Instagram Monday of Alley with a brief, but heartfelt message. “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had,” he wrote. “I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.” Alley, the two-time Emmy-winning star of the renowned sitcom “Cheers” was 71. Her death was announced by her two children. “We are...

President Biden on Wednesday mourned the victims of a shooting inside a Walmart in Chesapeake, Va., noting it took place during the week of Thanksgiving. Six people were killed when a gunman, who was an employee of the Walmart, opened fire on Tuesday night. The gunman also died from a self-inflicted gunshot. “Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, one of our most cherished holidays that brings us together as Americans and as families, when we hug our loved ones and count our blessings,” Biden said in a statement. “But because of yet another horrific and senseless act of violence, there are now even...

NBC’s medical drama series New Amsterdam mourned the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade in this week’s episode, using a maudlin montage set to an overwrought score to portray its characters’ devastation. Tuesday’s episode, which the network timed to air just one week before the midterm elections, opened with a teary-eyed Dr. Max Goodwin (Ryan Eggold) looking forlornly at his young daughter as he reads about the high court’s decision then drops his smartphone in despair. The dialogue-free montage depicts cast members in various states of panic, anguish, and shock before culminating at New Amsterdam Hospital where everyone gathers...

President Biden on Sunday mourned Orrin Hatch, calling the late Republican senator from Utah an “American original” who fought to make the country a better place. Hatch, the longest-serving Republican senator in history, died at the age of 88 on Saturday in Salt Lake City. Biden, who served for more than three decades in the U.S. Senate with Hatch, praised his former colleague in a statement, calling him a “fighter who carried with him the memory of his humble upbringing near Pittsburgh, who never humored a bully, or shied from a challenge.”

How did CNN senior editor of Middle East affairs Octavia Nasr celebrate July 4? By mourning the passing of Hezbollah's Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah. Here's what the CNN editor posted on her Twitter account: Sad to hear of the passing of Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah.. One of Hezbollah's giants I respect a lot..#Lebanon Fadlallah "famously justified suicide bombings," as the New York Times recalls in its obituary for him: In a 2002 interview with the British newspaper The Telegraph, he was quoted as saying of the Palestinians: “They have had their land stolen, their families killed, their homes destroyed, and...

PRESCOTT, Ariz. – Willard Varnell Oliver, a member of the Navajo Code Talkers who confounded the Japanese during World War II by transmitting messages in their native language, died Wednesday. He was 88. ... Oliver was part of an elite group of Navajo Marines who confused the Japanese during World War II by transmitting messages in Navajo. The Code Talkers took part in every assault the Marines conducted in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. Their work was declassified in 1968. Oliver, who grew up between Shiprock and Farmington, N.M., served in the South Pacific with the 2nd Marine Division...

Kristin Shinn recalls her son, Pfc. Collin Schockmel, who was killed in action in Iraq. Schockmel attended Buena High School until the 10th grade. (Ed Honda-Herald/Review) Herald/Review SIERRA VISTA — Collin Schockmel was a good boy with a wild animated sense of humor. That side of the 19-year-old was on display when he visited his family during the December holidays. Now his family is waiting for his return. But what Kristin Shinn, Collin’s mother, described “as an absolutely animated boy” will only be a memory. Army Pfc. Collin Schockmel died of wounds from a rocket-propelled grenade attack while on patrol...

NEW YORK - As he languished in a federal prison in 2003, John "Junior" Gotti had plenty to worry about. The jail, he told visitors, was crawling with informants. He had money problems. Old friends were getting indicted. Other members of the Gotti clan were stealing his money. But at the root of his troubles was this: The modern mob, he lamented, was losing its manliness. "Now are we men? Or are we punks or rats or weasels? You tell me," he angrily asked one friend while serving a racketeering sentence. Gotti's conversations were routinely recorded before his release from...

HADITHA, Iraq (April 27, 2006) -- Staff Sgt. Jason C. Ramseyer will be remembered for the countless sacrifices he made for his brethren Marines. His final sacrifice came when he was killed April 21, 2006, by an improvised explosive device while on a convoy in Haditha in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province. Ramseyer, 28, was honored by his fellow Marines during a memorial service at the Haditha Dam here April 23, 2006. The Lenoir, N.C., native was remembered as a committed leader and devout family man by those who served with him. “He was by far the greatest leader of Marines...

The Tohono O'odham Nation is grieving the death of a 20-year-old tribal member killed in action in Iraq. Pfc. Seferino Reyna, an Army combat engineer and father of two, died Sunday when his vehicle was hit by a homemade bomb near Taji, about 20 miles northwest of Baghdad. "This is a tragic loss for the Reyna family, and the entire Tohono O'odham Nation mourns," said Vivian Juan-Saunders, chairwoman of the nation. Reyna was the first O'odham member killed in Iraq. He is the 21st service member of American Indian or native Alaskan descent to die in Iraq or Afghanistan, according...

<p>The last time Steve Robinson rocketed to space, the nation and world paid attention.</p> <p>Sacramento's homegrown astronaut flew with John Glenn, the spacefaring pioneer who became, at age 77, the oldest man in orbit. That mission in 1998 carried an aura of wonder and celebrity.</p>

Australians have turned out in force for today's national day of mourning, honouring the victims of the Bali bomb blasts. Memorial services have been held across the country, while thousands gathered in Sydney's Domain for a ceremony of remembrance and celebration. People of all faiths and nationalities came together to both mourn and celebrate the lives of those killed in the October 12 attacks. In Canberra, the chief of the Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove, joined the Prime Minister, the British High Commissioner and the United States Ambassador to Australia for a memorial service. General Cosgrove spoke of his sadness....