Message to the 'chickenhawkette' and her daddy

For the last couple of days I've been trying to put together my thoughts on the recent claims by one liz cheney, she don't deserve caps for name. But as this royally pissed me off when it first aired I kept getting madder and madder trying to write something, not being a writer adds to that, and I just had way to much hitting my mind to say to her and anyone else. But low and behold I found a piece by another Veteran that says allot of what I wanted and figured I can link to his while adding the links I wanted to.

This is what I first started out with and kept changing:

Did your dad threaten to remove you from his will, liz, and all that blood wealth reaped especially as he was second{?} in leadership of this Nation? You, like your dad, show how little you understand about our Military, and those that serve in it, as well as what National Security is! But you do seem to want, like your dad, to keep putting out those reminders for us who do understand both, especially those of us who have served and especially serving under failed policies by civilian and some military leaders, 'Nam '70-'71.

The Military personal, especially the NCO's and Grunts expect and cherish the one elected as their Commander - In - Chief to show them that he/she respects the service they do for Country and Constitution, that which we take an Oath to Protect, and that he/she really understands that service as he/she serves in the civilian capacity and not dodging the bullets of the wars they are sent to fight and occupy others countries especially as these occupations are of choice not need!

National Security does not mean invading countries, then occupying them, and killing tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, trying to force an ideology on them you want them to embrace. The killings and maiming's create hatreds and enemies of not only those ordering the invasions and occupations but the people of the country they lead, especially when those giving the orders say 'oops' by calling the tens of thousands of innocent children, women and men killed and maimed 'collateral damage' nothing to see here so lets keep moving on!

10.29.09 President Honors Fallen at Dover Arrival


This is what you, and now the other talking heads, like your buddy rush, are trying to use as your political salvo, pure political propaganda, against a Commander in Chief paying Honor and Respect to the returning caskets of those killed Fifteen Soldiers and Three DEA Agents on the worse casulty loss day in the worse casulty month during this still relative new Administration in Afghanistan, something your father and his puppet never did in the time of either Occupation they Ordered!!

LIZ CHENEY: I don't know why he went to Dover. I think that clearly it is very important for a commander-in-chief whenever he can, in whatever way possible, to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers, our fallen military, folks, but I think, you know, what President Bush used to do was to do it without cameras, and I don't understand sort of showing up with the White House press pool with photographers and asking family members if he can take pictures. I mean, that's really hard for me to get my head around. I think it's an honorable and important thing to pay tribute, there's no greater sacrifice people make to the nation. It was a surprising way for the president to choose to do it. I would also point out that the best way to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed is to win the war.

There's a simple meme I've used since I came back from 'Nam, that being my last year of my four serving in the U.S. Navy and doing so all on shore bases as a 'GunnersMate', that meme is 'nixonian verbal spitting' on military service members and veterans, following those who did so towards us as we returned and continues to this day, even by veterans who served with us then but hang with their denials. With just that statement above you unload that 'Verbal Spitting'! Right from that first sentence then moving quickly into using the, unfelt by you, expected double speak and spin meme's of fake support for those serving in the military and veterans of as you use them in your propaganda salvo spin.

Watch the video above, for you and your extremely bad fake journalist and so called expert friends, there isn't any White House Press Corps at this solemn show of Honor and Respect to the fallen, the pictures and that video are what everyone sees, it's then passed onto the press at the Parents of the Fallen's request, the ones that don't want their sons or daughters casket shown publicly Aren't!! Notice also, the lighting in the video is that found on the tarmac of the airfield, no flood lights, no stage lights to highlight who are assembled. This is what the Dover 'Old Guard' and Dover Command along with other Air Force Base duties.

Not only did your father and his puppet Never Meet A Returning Plane, with the caskets of those killed in their two occupations, this is what they were doing at the time as to others, Elected Representatives of The People { Back in '08 I put up a post after Senator Biden was chosen to run with Barack Obama as VP, this is part of that post with the pertinent links} :

Back a few years ago I went Absolutely Livid, have many many.................... times from the first beat of the War Drums, this time while watching the CBS 'Face the Nation' Sunday show. While the blood had rushed to my head I waited, impatiently, for the transcript to come up on their site. When it finally did, I quickly copied and pasted it to an e-mail and sent it out, but that didn't quell the Absolute Rage. I wanted more who hadn't seen it to get as Pissed as myself so I tried thinking of online News outlets, some just coming into being, to further trying to get this report out to as many eyes and minds as possible, one was a fairly new outlet, the Huffington Post. A few hours later, to my surprise, and still Royally Pissed at what was reported, I receive an E from the Huffington Post that they were going to run with it, saw very little that day and ensuing days from the MSM about this incident as told by Senator Biden to Bob Schieffer.


Huffington posted it on June 20, 2005 at 10:11 PM {you gotta love google, I didn't keep the story, but a quick search and there it was}


Sen. Biden: 'I'm Not Allowed To Be There When The Flag-Draped Casket Comes In' ...

On CBS News's "Face the Nation" yesterday, Senator Joseph Biden (D-Del.) told Bob Schieffer that the Defense Department policy forbids him from paying his respects to fallen soldiers as their coffins return to the US through the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Though no cameras and no press would accompany him, Biden said he had to receive express permission from the Pentagon to join a grieving family that had requested his presence as they met their deceased son who died in a car bomb in Iraq.

"I'm allowed in the military base. I'm not allowed to go to the mortuary," he said.

The CBS Transcript of that show in PDF, they don't have that video clip in their archives.

Now here's the piece from a brother veteran posted on October 30th '09 :

The following brought to you via Veterans Today: Military Veterans and Foreign Affairs Journal online website.

WINGNUT OF THE WEEK: LIZ CHENEY, How Dare You! Who are you anyway?

When dead American soldiers were brought back in secret, in shame, it was at the orders of Vice President Cheney. Cheney planned the Iraq invasion even before the election and well before 9/11. The Cheney's testimony before the 9/11 Commission is filled with things like, "We never thought anyone would attack America, we knew nothing, nothing, nothing....never expected anything at all."

Cheney ordered the phony intel that took us into Iraq. Cheney overruled the generals who told us the war would go on for years and cost thousands of lives Cheney sent troops to war with poor body armor, defective weapons and protected against IEDs by canvas doored Humvees. When our troops had poisoned water and were electrocuted in their barracks, it was Haliburton, Cheney's company that did it. When 5 years passed with too few troops, it was Cheney in control.

It was Cheney's war plan that brought America to the brink of total defeat in Afghanistan. Dick and Lynn Cheney, among the biggest war profiteers in American history are now pointing their blood stained fingers in blame at others. Now they have their pointless spawn playing attack dog too?..>>>Rest Found Here

When Gordan does a rant he really does a rant!!

By the way little liz, wasn't daddies fifth deferment, while we were serving in 'Nam, because of your mom being pregnant with you?

Being the woman? you pretend to be, meaning oh so tough and oh such an expert {why you even pop up on the fake news shows}, there's a series at the New York Times you should follow, I doubt you even have heard of it or if so haven't given it a thought, why, because it's Reality, you know that real world you don't live in:

A Combat Role, and Anguish, Too

For Vivienne Pacquette, being a combat veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder means avoiding phone calls to her sons, dinner out with her husband and therapy sessions that make her talk about seeing the reds and whites of her friends’ insides after a mortar attack in 2004.

As with other women in her position, hiding seems to make sense. Post-traumatic stress disorder distorts personalities: some veterans who have it fight in their sleep; others feel paranoid around children. And as women return to a society unfamiliar with their wartime roles, they often choose isolation over embarrassment.

Many spend months or years as virtual shut-ins, missing the camaraderie of Iraq or Afghanistan, while racked with guilt over who they have become.

Snip

Some psychiatrists say that women do better in therapy because they are more comfortable talking through their emotions, but it typically takes years for them to seek help. In interviews, female veterans with post-traumatic stress said they did not always feel their problems were justified, or would be treated as valid by a military system that defines combat as an all-male activity...>>>Rest Found Here

Women at Arms

A record number of women are coming home from war with post-traumatic stress disorder. Four years after leaving Iraq, Shalimar Bien explains her continuing struggle.

Women at Arms
The Psychological Scars

Articles in this series explore how the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have profoundly redefined the role of women in the military.
Previous Articles in the Series

A series many should visit and read.

I'll close with two heartfelt, and more reality, recent video's on your senseless, and certainly no feelings for the Fallen Soldiers or any for that matter, political propaganda salvo's, using the fallen soldiers with your fake concern for and with no honor nor compassion for them or their families!





Oh and could you do me a favor. When you read this, I know you won't but one of your little cult followers will, could you pass this on to another pure 'chickenhawk draft dodger' from our time, along with your dad, that being the mouth rush limbaugh, after all he's using your meme's and ramping them up to fill that empty airspace he takes up on that radio show of his.

President Honors Fallen at Dover Arrival

Earlier this morning:

Obama visits Dover AFB to honor fallen soldiers

President Barack Obama, right, salutes as an Army carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. Dale R. Griffin of Terre Haute, Ind., during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009.
(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

President Barack Obama made a midnight dash to this air base Wednesday to honor the return of fallen soldiers, absorbing the ultimate cost of war as the United States endures its deadliest month of the Afghanistan campaign.

On a clear fall night, Obama flew by Marine One helicopter to Dover Air Force Base to greet the flag-draped cases of 18 Americans killed in action this week...>>>Rest Found Here

Honor to Fallen on Arrival Home

Rest In Peace {UpDate}

Marine killed in Afghanistan served country in many ways

Marine Sgt. Bill Cahir was a public servant his whole life.

He served as a congressional staffer, as a journalist, as a political candidate and, finally, as a Marine reservist in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Snip

"There it was," Cahir wrote. "My last, best chance to serve."

Marine Sgt. Bill Cahir's Arlington funeral

Cahir served two tours of duty in Iraq, blending his military work with his journalism.

A year ago, Cahir bought a home in Pennsylvania and settled down to run for Congress, filing for the 5th Congressional District seat left open by the retirement of Rep. John Peterson.

Cahir was one of three Democrats in the race, and he faced criticism for living away from State College for so long. However, Cahir was quick to emphasize his roots, talking about the hospital where he was born, recalling his youth and greeting a former English teacher from the dais at a political forum.

On the stump, Cahir advocated a responsible exit from the war in Iraq and pushed for universal health coverage............Rest Here

Marine Sgt. Bill Cahir's first-person account of his training as a Marine

They spoke of his thoughtfulness and humor, of his integrity and sense of fairness.

But when Capt. Jason C. Brezler recalled his friend and colleague Bill Cahir, he honed in on Cahir's dedication to his comrades and country.

"On paper I was his commanding officer and team leader," Brezler said. "But his opinion mattered to me as much as any senior officer." ...........Read Rest Here

The Question 'Why?'

A Hero's Death in Afghanistan, and the Question 'Why?'

Bill Cahir joined the Marines after 9/11 to fight in Afghanistan, and he finally got there after two tours in Iraq. He was buried Monday at Arlington.

On Saturday, millions watched as Ted Kennedy made his final trip to Arlington National Cemetery. With rather less attention, Arlington's soil opened again Monday to accept the remains of one of Kennedy's former aides, 40-year-old Bill Cahir.

The deceased, an Alexandria resident, was unknown to most Americans, but he did no less for his country than his old boss -- and, gauged by the last full measure of devotion, he did even more. He went from his job working for Kennedy in the Senate to become, at various points, a Washington journalist and a failed congressional candidate. But it was the Sept. 11 attacks that inspired Cahir, at age 34, to get an age waiver from military recruiters in 2003 and enlist in the Marines...............

Rest In Peace with the rest of your, and those of us who preceded in our service to, brothers and sisters, the best of the best, who have fallen while in service to your country, right or wrong it's policies may be, the Noble Cause becomes the protection of those serving with you and they to you!

Maybe some day we will find this countries promised direction once more, that which we had pride once of what we said we were and in many ways showed that, maybe!

The above could be about any of the 5,149 who have fallen, and that continues, in these occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan, and while the Country was burying Sgt. Cahir at Arlington two more U.S. and two British troops were killed in Afghanistan, from the many cities and small towns around this country, but it's just one of the recent Honors given to those who serve with pride and honor, their country and constitution.

The pride and honor from many, in this country, seems more towards tearing it and the constitution apart, especially that coming from the extreme groups, and present and previous public servants, given the microphones and press to loudly condemn anything and everything and not backtracking and apologizing when caught in their many lies, just bringing on more!

UpDate: Statement From Rene

Cahir's widow: "Bill was a hero to me"

The following statement was issued Monday by Bill Cahir's widow, Rene Browne:

"While this is a time of incredible loss and sadness for our family, we are deeply grateful for the tremendous outpouring of care and support we've received since the news of Bill's death.

"He was a loved and cherished husband, son, brother and excited father-to-be, as well as a friend and colleague who touched the lives of so many. From across the globe, the shared prayers, tributes and stories have meant so much and will keep Bill's memory alive for all of us.

"Bill was a hero to me, and to his family and friends, long before he gave his life for his country. He acted with the courage of his convictions in every facet of his life. Although I will forever miss him, I am blessed for the years that we spent together and for the stories that I will be able to share with our children of Bill's ideals, bravery, love and compassion.

"Bill would also be grateful to see that his story helped to raise awareness of the untold sacrifices of the men and women serving their country around the world today. It is their sense of duty and patriotism that inspired Bill to serve and will be the legacy of honor and commitment that he leaves to our children, and to the rest of us."

Army Spc Justin Coleman Returns Home

Hundreds says goodbye as Army Spc. Justin Dean Coleman is laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery

As the doors of the hearse opened, revealing the flag-draped casket, a warm August wind caused the American flags at Florida National Cemetery to stand at attention.

A bagpiper heralded the arrival with Amazing Grace, and military pallbearers wheeled Army Spc. Justin Dean Coleman's casket along the crushed seashell sidewalk, the family trailing behind.

More than 200 mourners placed hands to hearts or stiff salutes to sweaty brows.

A prayer. Three volleys. Taps. And a folded flag for Spc. Coleman's young widow, his mother and his father...........Rest Here

Dignified transfer for the Fallen

The bodies of U.S. soldiers killed while serving in Afghanistan arrive at Dover Air Force Base July 8, 2009.



The service members are: Army Capt. Mark A. Garner of State Road, N.C.; Army Pfc. Nicolas H.J. Gideon of Murrieta, Calif.; Army Spc. Isaac L. Johnson of Columbus, Ga.; Army Sgt. Brock H. Chavers of Bulloch, Ga.; Navy Petty Officer Second Class Tony Michael Randolph of Henryetta, Okla.; Army Spc. Chester W. Hosford of Hastings, Minn.; and Army 2nd Lt. Derwin I. Williams of Glenwood, Ill.

Dover 'Old Guard': Honoring the Fallen

Dover 'Old Guard' team shoulders heavy burden

Honoring the Fallen

The return of the body of a U.S. servicemember was opened in April to the media for the first time since 1991.

Staff Sgt. Cody Reeves has survived harrowing conditions and stared down enemies on the battlefield during two tours in the military hotspots of Iraq. Now he is stationed near Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, trained to carry the remains of fellow soldiers who perished in that same conflict. Before,"it was all about catching the bad guy," Reeves said. "When you come here, it's all about honoring your brothers who are fallen for catching the bad guys, for their service."....Rest Here

Source: CNN | Added May 23, 2009

Real HONOR, Right or Wrong the Conflict

This is what the Country, the U.S., that Cheers on Invasions and Occupations, based on Lies, Doesn't Do!!

Real HONOR, Right or Wrong the Conflict

The bodies of five British soldiers from one regiment who were killed in Afghanistan have been flown to the UK.

They arrived at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire for a repatriation ceremony.

Final Salute

Remember this photo? I'm sure you've seen it a dozen times as it's made it's way around the web. Her name is Katherine Cathey and she's a mother, a mother of a son who never met his father Marine 2nd. Lt. Jim Cathey. Katherine mentions this photo in a video, of which I'll give you the link to in a moment, one you should view.

Recently NPR's Fresh Air aired an interview with journalist Jim Sheeler who won a Pulitzer Prize for his series about Marine Colonel Steve Beck and the families of the fallen soldiers. Katherine Cathey was one of those families that Col. Beck helped. The interview was called A 'Final Salute' to Fallen Marines and you can read abit at that link, as well as listen to, or you can click here to bring up the NPR player to listen in, it's abit over 31min. long and well worth the listen.

Jim Sheeler followed Beck for a year, writing about the experience in a Pulitzer Prize-winning Rocky Mountain News series Final Salute. Sheeler's new book, Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives, is a continuation of the series.

There's an excerpt of his book at the Fresh Air interview link. This aired on the 30th of last month, I passed it on to a few folks but didn't use it in a posting untill I caught a video, over at the News Week magazine website a few days ago.

The video is one you should view, it's short but very moving, the link is in the quote below:

Maj. Steve Beck was charged with notifying families that their loved ones wouldn't be coming home from Iraq. How one widow received the news.

Katherine Cathey is featured in Sheelers book, in the Video she makes this statement: "That's reality, there should be over 4,000 pictures like that that everybody has to look at!".

Once again the the link to the News Week Video

Katherines statement, in the video, is the reality that this country should be living as those who die in it's service are brought home, but these pictures are kept well hidden from an apathedic society that's easily controlled and brought to the fear level, and we seem to like it that way.

We should be viewing the over 4000 pictures of the flag draped coffins, with family members included, 4,075 confirmed as of today from Iraq, and the 499 killed in Afganistan to date.

But what about the hundreds, possibly thousands, of potential deaths that are directly related to these conflicts, suicides, related to physical and mental injuries from these theaters of occupations, unknown causes........................etc., they to, though not counted, should be embraced and remembered in our countries concious!

The physical and mental injuries don't just stop happening when those we send into Wars of Choice return, they continue taking there toll for the years left, not only for those military personal but also their families and those who live in the countries invaded who suffer the most!!

There was also a recent report at Stars and Stripes, Four names added to Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The names of four U.S. servicemembers who died years after they were wounded during the Vietnam War are being added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial this week.

Stoneworker James Lee holds the paper as Priscilla Mason makes a rubbing of her husband's newly-engraved name on the Wall. Lance Cpl. Raymond C. Mason, wounded in Vietnam in 1968, died of causes related to his wounds in 2006.
See more photos here

"I can't even put it into words," Priscilla Mason, from Riverside, R.I., said after watching Lee at work. "My first reaction was, he's finally home.
"They were able to put him chronologically where he would have been if he had died Feb. 28, 1968, when he was shot. My first thought was, I wonder how many of those names (on panel 41E) did he know.
"I'm sure he feels he's home, too."
Raymond Mason, confined to a wheelchair since he was wounded, died May 28, 2006.

There is a Video at the end of the report as 'Nam Brother Raymond Masons wife Priscilla speaks about him and his and her comfort in bringing him home to 'The Wall'!

And what about those who live in the countries invaded and occupied, we think even less of them than we do our own, some even consider All of them our Enemies, and in todays age some already are or will quickly turn into seeking the retaliation for what we've done.

Among Iraq’s Children, Orphans Suffer Most

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The number of Iraqi orphans increased in the last few years due to the war. According to official Iraqi government statistics released in December 2007, the number of Iraqi orphans had reached at least five million over the last three years. Many due to the Sunni-Shia conflict. There are several social organizations caring for a small number of these Iraqi orphans, such as Child Aid International. There are approximately 26 orphanages that Alive in Baghdad has been able to locate around Iraq. Eight orphanages are in Baghdad and another 18 are distributed all over Iraq and generally they accept kids between the age of 6 and 18 years old.

One of the biggest scandals that happened in the history of the Iraq conflict is the one that happened in Al-Hanan orphanage. There were many pictures distributed online and by television of Iraqi orphans lying on the floor naked, with no food for weeks, sick and nearly dying. After this the Iraqi government began to show more attention for the orphans, there were many stories being reported regarding Al-Hanan Orphanage, like sexual abuses and bad treatment of the kids living there.

Al-A’ssal House is one of the rare orphanages that still take care of the young children who have a dead father or who are orphans due to losing both parents. The house has a special method and it’s opposed to the toy guns due to Iraq’s situation and the reason behind it, which is the constant conflict that Iraq is undergoing. Another organization was also created by this house, and it’s called the Sazan organization. This organization is taking in orphans for free, with no payment at all. Also this house employs Iraq widows in order to help the Iraqi women support themselves during the war. Despite all their hard work, this orphanage has not yet received any funding from the Iraqi government or sponsorship by a bigger humanitarian aid organization while other orphanages such as Al-Hanan orphanage received funds from the Iraqi government without oversight.

Ask yourself, as I did,

this orphanage has not yet received any funding from the Iraqi government or sponsorship by a bigger humanitarian aid organization

with all the monies being spent, and the War Profitteers reaping, especially on our Private Merc Army and the rest of the No-Bid Contracts, Why The U.S. Is Not Funding This and Other Orphanages along with So Much More!

There's much more to feelings than title says, 'Final Salute'!

Not only for our Fallen but also for the Innocents who have lost so much and it will continue!!

And thinking of Burma as well!

Happy Mothers Day?

3901 with Today and Tomorrow till Month Ends

Sadly since posting this on the 24th, for Christmas Eve, there have been four more confirmed Deaths of American Military Personal in Iraq!

I was hoping that I wouldn't find a need to Update that original post after the month of December ends!

But I will with a heavy heart!

U.S. Deaths Confirmed By The DoD: 3901
Reported U.S. Deaths Pending DoD Confirmation: 0
Total 3901
DoD Confirmation List
Latest Coalition Fatality: Dec 26, 2007

This found at Huffington Post

December 29, 2007 07:34 PM EST

As of Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, at least 3,901 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes eight military civilians. At least 3,175 died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers.

The AP count is three higher than the Defense Department's tally, last updated Friday at 10 a.m. EST.

The British military has reported 174 deaths; Italy, 33; Ukraine, 18; Poland, 21; Bulgaria, 13; Spain, 11; Denmark, seven; El Salvador, five; Slovakia, four; Latvia, three; Estonia, Netherlands, Thailand, Romania, two each; and Australia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, South Korea, one death each.

In Honor:

1st Lt. Jeremy E. Ray 26 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment Houston, Texas Died of wounds suffered when an enemy attacked using a homemade bomb in Kanaan, Iraq, on December 20, 2007

Pfc. George J. Howell 24 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Infantry Division Salinas, California Died of wounds suffered when his vehicle was attacked by a homemade bomb in Riyadh, Iraq, on December 21, 2007

Sgt. Bryan J. Tutten 33 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division St. Augustine, Florida Died of wounds suffered when a homemade bomb exploded near his position during combat operations in Balad, Iraq, on December 25, 2007

Sgt. Peter C. Neesley 28 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan Died of an undetermined cause in a non-combat environment in Baghdad, Iraq, on December 25, 2007. The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.

I will add the above names to the original after the end of the month, and I Hope and Pray there will be No More To Add in these last two days, and even fewer in the coming months of the New Year!

New bush Mosaic

Artwork by Brian Stauffer/Log Cabin Studios.

The Nation's recent striking cover--already a classic--powerfully drives home the tragedy of Iraq. Featuring thumbnail photos of deceased US soldiers overlaid on the image of the man most responsible for their death, this graphic illustration of the cost of war was designed by Gene Case and Stephen Kling of Avenging Angels with an acknowledgment to Joe Wezorek.

Take this image, download and print it. Great for emailing too.

Click here to purchase

Click here to download a printable PDF. Adobe Acrobat Reader required.

Downloads for commercial use strictly prohibited. All non-commercial use strongly encouraged.

Today Is Gold Star Mothers Day

Gold Star Mothers Club

American Gold Star Mothers




A letter to the President from a 'Gold Star StepMom'

Today Is Gold Star Mothers Day


To the Honorable President George W. Bush:

The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936, has
designated the last Sunday in September as "Gold Star Mother's Day"
and has authorized and requested the President to issue a
proclamation in its observance.

This is stated on the back of the medal given to me due to Alex being
killed during combat.

In 1994, President Bill Clinton proclaimed that we should "honor
women whose sons and daughters have pledged their lives to securing
for all Americans the blessings of liberty. These mothers have made
tremendous sacrifices, the most painful being the loss of their
children, and deserve the respect and recognition of the nation."

Why do we not honor the fathers and siblings as well? I am but
a stepmother, yet due to my gender and not my blood, I am given this honor.
I had to request the medals for both my husband and son because they
were never considered to be honorable enough.

My husband and stepson Brian continue bereft and much more impacted
than the females of my family. As a gender, feelings stew inside of you
all causing deep harm either to yourselves or by directing agression outward
(i.e. by starting meaningless and purposeless wars).

In 2007, George W. Bush proclaimed "The gift of liberty is secured by
heroes who have answered the call to serve when America needed them
most. On Gold Star Mother's Day, we honor the mothers of the service
men and women who have given their lives in the defense of our great
Nation.

President Bush, you goad all Mothers with this supplemental day of honor.
This day has been given to us due to having our sons killed during combat.
I feel no joy at this recollection. I feel no honor in knowing that this nation
thrives on wars to move the wheels of its economy, where young men and
women are seduced by honor to spill blood.

The President continues his proclamation stating,
"America's Gold Star Mothers are remarkable patriots who serve their
communities by demonstrating good citizenship, providing support and
services to our troops and veterans, and helping comfort the families
whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their sense of
duty and deep devotion to our country inspire our Nation, and we
thank them for their compassion, determination, and strength. Though
they carry a great burden of grief, these courageous mothers help
ensure that the legacy of our fallen heroes will be forever
remembered. On this day, we offer our deep gratitude and respect to
our Nation's Gold Star Mothers; we honor the sons and daughters who
died while wearing the uniform of the United States; and we pray for
God's blessings on them, their mothers, and their families."

For your information, I pray for the day not just for the occupation of Iraq to end, I
pray for the day when no more of these pins are ever needed again. I pray for
an end to this oddly named and misunderstood club of females: Gold Star Mothers.
I hope that these misanthropic Gold Star Mothers soon go into extinction due to
an end to war. The grief is not golden. The pain at knowing that another Gold Star
Mother comes into being every half day or so is heartbreaking and maddening.

President Bush, I am a Gold Star Stepmother for peace. The DoD gave
me the little gold star pin with the purple border too. Yet, those in defense
of justice, peace and the constitution are constantly called traitors.
Which is it President Bush? Am I a patriot or not? This Catholic Sunday school
teacher, this volunteer for the Veteran's Administration, this community activist, and stepmother who believes you have committed impeachable offenses wants to know.

Sincerely, I urge justice and peace for all,
Melida Sharon Arredondo
Roslindale, MA
Gold Star Stepmother to
Lcpl. Alexander Scott Arredondo, USMC,
08/04/84 - 08/25/04
Born: Boston, MA
KIA: An Najaf, Iraq

And the proclamation for this day by the President:


From the White House:
Gold Star Mother's Day, 2007
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America








The photo's are just a couple taken at the 'Arlington South Memorial - Charlotte' yesterday, that was set up by a number of volunteers, on friday, for the 'First International Day of Non - Violence' and will be taken down tonight.

Update: Forgot to add the following:

Anyone interested in displaying the Arlington South crosses,in North Carolina or South Carolina, can email organizers at Statesville Memorial
Oroginally Summer Lipford, Gold Star Mom, wanted this Memorial to be able to be displayed in North Carolina or South Carolina by anyone interested. Well after we displayed it the first time, on Memorial Day Weekend in Statesvlle NC it has traveled to a few places, one is:

Arlington North

A tribute to the United States and Canadian soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan

In my old home state at one of the Ski Resorts.


Now you can also help another Gold Star Mom achieve her dream in Memory of her son and to Help Returning Veterans as well as other conflicts Veterans:

Sergeant Patrick Ryan McCaffrey Foundation for War Veterans

Please visit the Veterans Village.org for further information.


Mission

The mission of Patrick McCaffrey’s Foundation is to promote mental and holistic wellness and palliative care among veterans returning from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, especially those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), by providing a live-in retreat village, wherein with the help of trained professional staff and volunteers, veterans will find inner healing and an eventual re-entry into society. The Patrick McCaffrey Foundation, named after Sergeant Patrick R. McCaffrey, the first California National Guard, since WWII, (from the 579th Engineer Battalion from Petaluma), to lose his life in Iraq on June 22, 2004, is committed to bringing healing and hospice, as well as career counseling and training, to veterans returning from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its founding member and President, Nadia McCaffrey, mother of Sergeant Patrick McCaffrey, wants to carry on the work her son would have pursued had his life not been curtailed so prematurely. Patrick, who did not expect to be deployed to Iraq, decided to honor the commitment he made to help people by going to Iraq as a leader and Combat Life Saver, bringing healing and love to his fellow soldiers and the Iraqi children.

Arlington South Memorial - Charlotte NC

Any one in or near Charlotte North Carolina are welcome to come and observe and reflect on the True Costs of War!



A number of volunteers were very busy yesterday, 9-28-07, setting up the Memorial to the Fallen of both Iraq and Afganistan, with thoughts also of those who are not counted but their deaths are a direct result of having served in both theaters and experiancing the Hell on Earth man creates.



Thoughts and Sad memories are also embedded in the Memorial of the Tens of Thousands of Innocent Iraqi people with Code Pink setting up the 'Peace Ribbon' some of which carry the names of only a few.



The Arlington South Memorial of 4,000 Crosses is be set up in Charlotte on the first International Day of Non-Violence!



The crosses are being displayed at Independence Park (7th and Hawthorne) in Charlotte on the final weekend in September (28-30). We ask that any in or near Charlotte please stop by and visit the Memorial, especially if you can make it for the dedication ceremony at noon on Saturday Sept. 29.



The human cost of the war is enormous and increasing. This memorial is intended to be a place to mourn, reflect, contemplate, grieve, and meditate. 4,000 hand made crosses / Star of David/ Islam Crescents that honor and acknowledge those who have lost their lives and loved ones in Afghanistan and Iraq. We mourn the loss of all life – Military and Civilian, of Every Nationality!



Please join us, if you can, today, Saturday 9-29-07, or tomorrow, Sunday 9-30-07.