Patriotic Potpourri

America Celebrates U.S. Constitution

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:59:00 +0000

James Waldrop Chapter DAR Promotes Constitution Week Awareness in Fayette County

Friday, September 17, 2010, begins the national celebration of Constitution Week. The weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document is one of our country’s least known official observances. Our Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those unalienable rights to every American.

The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, the Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into Public Law #915 on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The aims of the celebration are to (1) emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity; (2) inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and (3) encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.

The United States of America functions as a Republic under the Constitution, which is the oldest document still in active use that outlines the self-government of a people. This landmark idea that men had the inalienable right as individuals to be free and live their lives under their own governance was the impetus of the American Revolution. Today, the Constitution stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world.

"We must remember and teach that those who wrote the Constitution believed that no government can create freedom, but that government must guard freedom rather than encroach upon the freedoms of its people" stated Merry Ann T. Wright, President General of the DAR. "The Constitution by itself cannot guarantee liberty. A nation’s people can remain free only by being responsible citizens who are willing to learn about the rights of each arm of government and require that each is accountable for its own function. Therefore, Constitution Week is the perfect opportunity to read and study this great document which is the safeguard of our American liberties. We encourage all citizens across the country to take time this week to guard that which is committed to us by our forefathers... our freedom."

DAR has served America for 120 years as its foremost cheerleader. In 1928, the Daughters began work on a building as a memorial to the Constitution. John Russell Pope, architect of the Jefferson Memorial, was commissioned to design the performing arts center, known as DAR Constitution Hall. Today, DAR Constitution Hall is the only structure erected in tribute to the Constitution of the United States of America.

Known as the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world, DAR has over 165,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 11 foreign countries. The DAR has long promoted patriotism through commemorative celebrations, memorials, scholarships and activities for children, and programs for new immigrants.

The James Waldrop Chapter DAR in Fayetteville, Georgia, has spoken to over 1300 students in the Fayette County Schools on the history of the Constitution over the last three years. For more information on the James Waldrop Chapter DAR, contact jameswaldrop.fayettevillega@yahoo.com.

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The Bill of Rights Institute Celebrates Constitution Day, September 17, 2010 with Free Resources for Teachers

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:18:00 +0000

(Vocus) On September 17, 2010, the Bill of Rights Institute will celebrate Constitution Day with new educational materials for teachers across the country.

The Bill of Rights Institute’s newest resource, Life Without the Bill of Rights? is a click-and-explore activity that puts your students in control asking them to consider how life would change without some of our most cherished freedoms. Life Without the Bill of Rights? invites your students to understand the significance of their constitutionally-protected rights including freedom of religion, speech, and press; freedom from unreasonable search and seizure; and the rights of private property.

Other free resources include an Interactive Module that allows students to “travel through time” to converse with the Founders and report on the Constitutional Convention. Students will also match quotes to Founders who said them, and complete a constitutional crossword puzzle.

Available for download is a 12-page Celebrate the Constitution: Why Do We Have a Constitution? activity booklet. The free booklet features interactive games and content that informs readers about constitutional principles such as freedom of speech, federalism, how a bill becomes a law, and the history of the Constitution and Constitutional Convention.

“We are truly grateful to our supporters and the teachers we have worked with for helping us reconnect young Americans to our Founding principles,” said Dr. Jason Ross, Bill of Rights Institute Vice President of Education Programs.

All materials and more FREE resources can be found on our Constitution Day Resource Page.

Use #ConDay to follow the conversation about Constitution Day on Twitter.

The Bill of Rights Institute, founded in 1999, is a nonprofit educational organization. The mission of the Bill of Rights Institute is to educate young people about the words and ideas of America's Founders, the liberties guaranteed in our Founding documents, and how our Founding principles continue to affect and shape a free society.

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Privacy and the Constitution

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:41:00 +0000

American colonists fought, sacrificed, and died to establish and preserve the freedoms now guaranteed to us by the Constitution of the United States. The right to privacy has come to the public's attention through various controversial Supreme Court rulings. Privacy is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, but over the years the Supreme Court has made decisions that have established that the right to privacy is a basic human right and as such is protected by virtue of the 9th Amendment.

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution reminds all Americans to study the Constitution, know your rights, and know what it says and does not say.

The James Waldrop Chapter DAR is chartered in Fayetteville, Georgia.

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Clayton State Sets Schedule for Constitution Week

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 02:55:00 +0000

Constitution Week 2010 is Monday, Sept. 13 to Friday, Sept. 17, and Clayton State University, in the persons of its Civic Engagement Council is preparing for its annual observance.

Highlighting the week-long series of events will be the Wednesday, Sept. 15, keynote address by Eric Segall, professor of Law at Georgia State University, who will be speaking on “How the Supreme Court Decides Cases.” Segall’s address will be in room 272 of the James M. Baker University Center, and will run from 2 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.

As is always the case, Clayton State is making use of the resources of the nearby National Archives at Atlanta for Constitution Week. The National Archives will display documents related to the 14th Amendment from Tuesday, Sept. 14 through Friday, Sept. 17 on Main Street on the second floor of the Baker Center. Civic Engagement Council Chair Dr. Joseph Corrado notes that Clayton State professors are encouraged to take their classes to see this exhibit.

Also running throughout the week is another standard feature of Constitution Week at Clayton State, the voter registration drive. From Monday through Friday, voter registration and citizenship tests will be administered on Main Street in the Baker Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 13, will also have the First Amendment Lunch and Learn in Ballroom C of the Student Activities Center, starting at 11:30 a.m. Dr. Barbara Goodman, chair of the Clayton State Department of English, will be a part of the panel for this discussion.

Tuesday, Sept. 14 will have three Constitution Week events. The first is a Volunteer Fair in the Student Activities Center Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Next is a constitutional debate, moderated by Associate Professor of Philosophy Dr. Alexander Hall and Associate Professor of Communication Dr. Felicia Stewart at the Amphitheatre by Swan Lake, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. The committee has come up with three provocative debate issues:

1) Should the 14th Amendment be repealed in order to stop children of illegal immigrants from becoming U.S. citizens?

2) Could Arizona’s bill 1070 be enforced without the use of racial profiling to determine who is suspected of not being a U.S. citizen?

3) Should 1st Amendment protections be abridged due to 9/11 sensitivities?

Finally, State Representative Mike Glanton will be speaking in a “Lead the Way” discussion in the Student Activities Center ballroom at 6 p.m.

The day following Segall’s keynote, the first “New York Times Talk” of the semester will be held on Thursday, Sept. 16, in room 322 of the University Center, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “Technology and Our Brains” will be facilitated by Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Barbara Musolf. Lunch will be provided for free by the New York Times.

Also on Sept. 16, Clayton State Vice President of External Relations Robert L. “Steve” Stephens, a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, will give another Lead the Way Discussion in room 268 of the Baker Center, starting at 11:30 a.m.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

Liberty Central Launches Online 'Get Your Liberty On' Video Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:09:00 +0000

/PRNewswire/ -- As part of its ongoing effort to renew and deepen appreciation of liberty in America, Liberty Central opened a video contest this week giving its 200,000 activists the opportunity to win an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. to join Liberty Central staff, including President and CEO, Ginni Thomas, at the 2nd Annual March on D.C. on September 9-12, 2010. Activists have until August 29, 2010 to submit a video no longer than 90 seconds that creatively portrays how they, along with family, friends, and colleagues, experience liberty in America or are expressing love for their liberty.

"We're getting our liberty on here at Liberty Central, and we're anticipating cool, creative videos from American citizens celebrating the joys of this important gift from our Founders," said Thomas.

Activists are encouraged to channel singer-songwriter Scott Leigh, who wrote and produced a song for Liberty Central entitled "Get Your Liberty On" to kick off the contest. Scott's video exemplifies why creative expression--one of the many blessings of liberty--is so important. Watch his video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqcDy_gjJ20.

Liberty Central lends several freedom-inspiring illustrations to help stir ideas, including a home video of a family's trip to our nation's historical sites, a concerned citizen at a town hall asking tough questions and demanding accountability from his representative, a new American citizen explaining her feeling of newfound liberty, and a testimonial from a military veteran about fighting for liberty. Liberty Central hopes that the contest will inspire activists to tenaciously defend this precious gift from our Founding Fathers, along with the principles of free enterprise, national security, limited government, and personal responsibility, at the 2010 March on D.C. events and beyond.

After the contest closes on August 29, the winner will be announced on September 2 via email and on www.libertycentral.org/. The winner will receive a roundtrip ticket from his or her hometown to Washington, D.C., a hotel room for September 9-12, Patriot Passes to all March on D.C. events from Sept 9-12, including the Remember the Ladies Banquet (open to men and women), the Liberty XPO & Symposium and VIP reception, and $200 for purchasing food, tips, and other incidentals. He or she will also march with the Liberty Central staff down Constitution Avenue to VIP seats at the March on D.C. rally following a memorial ceremony on September 11. Videos must include the spoken or written phrase "Get Your Liberty On" and direct viewers to www.LibertyCentral.org.

Liberty Central, Inc. is a non-profit organization that equips citizen leaders to lobby for liberty.

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Secretary of State Kemp Announces Capitol Exhibit of Georgia’s Declaration of Independence and Charter

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:59:00 +0000

Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today announced that Georgia’s recorded copy of the Declaration of Independence will be available for viewing at the State Capitol on Friday, February 12, 2010, in honor of Georgia Day. The document will be available for viewing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Royal Charter that made Georgia a colony in 1733 will also be on display.

“The Secretary of State’s Office is proud to offer our citizens this opportunity to view Georgia’s founding documents,” said Secretary Kemp. “We invite all Georgians to the Capitol to celebrate Georgia Day and learn more about our great State’s history.”

The Georgia Archives has limited public viewing of its copy of the Declaration in order to mitigate the fading, deterioration and other damage caused by frequent exhibits.

On January 18, 1777, the Continental Congress met in Baltimore, Maryland and ordered that copies of the Declaration of Independence be printed and sent to each of the 13 states. The States were directed to make the Declaration a part of their official records. Georgia’s copy was officially entered into the records on March 2, 1777.

“Some states entered the Declaration into their official records by pasting the printed copy in their record books. Other states, including Georgia, created an official record by hand-copying the Declaration into the state’s record book,” said David Carmicheal, Director of the Georgia Archives.

Today, the Declaration is protected with Georgia’s other “birth documents”: the Royal Charter that created the colony in 1733, and Georgia’s 1788 ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the document that made Georgia a state. All are kept in a high security vault where a constant temperature and humidity are maintained to ensure their long-term survival.

Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.
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National Park Foundation Invites Americans to Honor Veterans Day by Supporting The Flight 93 National Memorial Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:11:00 +0000

/PRNewswire/ -- The National Park Foundation is inviting all Americans to honor Veterans Day 2009 by supporting the campaign to complete the Flight 93 National Memorial. The memorial will honor the 40 passengers and crew of United Flight 93, who overtook the 9/11 terrorists aboard their flight and presumably thwarted efforts to launch a further attack on Washington, D.C.

A groundbreaking ceremony at the crash site marked the beginning of the construction process, as the campaign to support the memorial continues. To date, roughly one-third of the money needed has been raised to complete the Flight 93 Memorial. To make a contribution to the Flight 93 Campaign, visit: www.honorflight93.org. A video of highlights from the emotional groundbreaking ceremony was also released today on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CXjMgtDlYw.

"All of America should be helping on this effort because they were heroes for all of America," said Secretary of Interior, Ken Salazar at the groundbreaking ceremony. "Our nation's capital belongs to everybody in America, and if this plane, Flight 93 had hit its intended target who knows what the consequence would have been to the entire planet."

"Veterans Day is a time when we celebrate and honor the selfless men and women who have served the nation in times of need. The story of Flight 93 clearly resonates with the thousands of veterans who have visited the temporary memorial," said General Tommy Franks, honorary co-chair of the Flight 93 Campaign. "American Veterans are known for their commitment to getting hard jobs done. We are going to follow their example and complete the fundraising for the Flight 93 Memorial in time for the tenth anniversary of 9/11."

Many veterans who have visited the Flight 93 Crash Site have left tributes including a pair of combat boots, a Purple Heart, dog tags, and a brick from an Iraqi compound.

In a weekend editorial in the Washington Post about the groundbreaking, Gov. Tom Ridge, who is an honorary chairman of the Flight 93 Campaign, and Gov. Rendell wrote that, "The story of Flight 93 is a parable for our times that calls on each of us to be our best selves -- and to value and respect that spark in one another."

The National Park Foundation is running the campaign to complete the Flight 93 Memorial. To support the effort, please visit www.honorflight93.org.

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Veterans Day Call to Action

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:54:00 +0000

/PRNewswire/ -- This Veterans Day, Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) is urging everyone to honor all veterans in every community across the nation.

"We encourage all Americans to take time out of their busy schedules to do something good for all generations of veterans and their families," said Paralyzed Veterans national president Gene A. Crayton. "And beyond Veterans Day, please take a minute to think about other opportunities to make every day a day for veterans. Thank you America for always caring about us."

Here are some suggested activities for this Veterans Day and beyond:

-- Everyone: Thank veterans for their service. It means more than you
might think. And please volunteer for veterans year round.
-- Leaders: From the President and Congress to our mayors, always use
your leadership to help empower veterans and their families.
-- Architects: Include wheelchair accessibility in your designs. This
improves everyone's quality of life.
-- Employers: Hire more paralyzed veterans. By doing do, veterans get
good jobs and careers in a tough economy, and employers get great
employees.

Sixty-three years ago, Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded by a band of spinal cord injured service members who returned home from World War II to a grateful nation, but also to a world with few solutions to the challenges they faced. These veterans from the "Greatest Generation" made a decision not just to live, but to live with dignity as contributors to society. They created an organization dedicated to veterans service, medical research and civil rights for people with disabilities. And for more than six decades, Paralyzed Veterans of America and its 34 chapters have been working to create an America where all veterans, and people with disabilities, and their families have everything they need to thrive. (www.pva.org)

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Restored Vietnam Memorial Unveiled on Veterans Day

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:51:00 +0000

/PRNewswire/ -- The newly restored Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial (PVVM) at Penns Landing will be unveiled on Veterans Day, Nov. 11 at noon at Front and Spruce streets.

The unveiling concludes two years of fund-raising for the $500,000 project necessitated by 21 years of wear and damage from the weather, general use and vandalism. "In many ways, this effort by the PVVM Fund Board of Directors has resulted in virtually a brand new Memorial that will ensure the preservation of this important monument to the sacrifice of 646 Philadelphians," noted PVVMF president Terry A. Williamson.

The ceremony will feature an unveiling of the wall of names by the Vietnam history class of LaSalle College High School and raising of the Armed Services flags by an active duty member of each branch of service. The keynote speaker is PA Justice Seamus P. McCaffrey and remarks will be delivered by Mayor Michael Nutter.

The reconstruction represents the first phase of the "Duty to Remember" Campaign for the preservation of the Memorial. Improvements include the replacement of paving material, restoration of damaged granite, new lighting, a refurbished "wall of names," the installation of flagpoles to honor POW/MIAS and for each of the Armed Services, and other improvements.

One of the exciting improvements is a web-based 24/7 camera system, which just became operational last week, to permit individuals to visit our web site at www.pvvm.org to view a live video feed of the Memorial.

"Unfortunately, the restoration will not halt the vandalism and desecration that has marked the site since its dedication," Williamson said. "We believe the only way to do that is to open the Spruce Street side of the secluded Memorial to expose such acts to the public. That's why we have launched the second phase of our campaign to raise $500,000 for this purpose."

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This Obama Czar needs to be gone, gone, gone

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:44:00 +0000

Just adding my 2 cents worth to the growing mass trying to oust this guy. This is the caliber of person that the President wants working with our children's education??? Sick.

Gotta Love the National Anthem

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Here's an awesome video on the history of the National Anthem. You'll be in awe and truly appreciate "our" song. Just make sure you swallow the lump in your throat before you listen to the Peachtree City students sing.

The JC Booth Middle School 8th grade chorus recently performed the Star Spangled Banner at an Atlanta Braves game. This was the fourth year these talented Fayette County singers have wowed the crowds. Enjoy.

Sing it loud and sing it proud!

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Superstar's Memory Honored by James Waldrop DAR in Fayetteville

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Pictured are (l-r) James Waldrop DAR Member and Speaker Phyllis King, Regent Betty Harrah, Georgia State Society DAR Regent, Barbara Blakely Chastain, and James Waldrop Chapter DAR Commemorative Chairman Susan Sloan.

Do you know the significance of September 3rd in the history of America? What about September 6th?

If you answered with the end of the American Revolution and a Frenchman's birthday, you're right! The Treaty of Paris, which was signed on September 3, 1783, formally ended the American Revolution between Great Britain and the American colonies. Among the points made in the Treaty of Paris was the acknowledgement of the 13 colonies to be free, sovereign and independent States.

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution saluted this day in American history as well as the birthday of the Marquis de Lafayette, who was instrumental in the colonies' fight against the English crown by hosting a dinner in Fayetteville to celebrate these two events. The featured speaker was Phyllis King, DAR member and Fayetteville resident, who spoke about Lafayette's Superstar status after the American Revolution was over.

King said, "In the summer of 1824, cities and towns across the 24 States of the Union began plans and preparations for the visit of the last surviving General of the Revolutionary War, Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette. The New Republic was dear to him and the feeling was mutual. For 13 monthes he was celebrated almost daily with speeches, banquets, balls, long processionals and gun salutes. The"Nation's Guest " laid cornorstones for monuments and buildings, greeted old comrades, and reviewed militias.

His superstar status led 26 states to name 18 counties, 36 cities, a military fort and a mountain in his honor and his face appeared on more currency, second only to George Washington. During his stay he met with the President, visited Congress, dined with former Presidents, met with many governors and mayors as well as citizens and Native Americans. Congress awarded him $200.000. After all, he paid his way here in 1777 at age 19, took a commision with no pay and outfitted his first command with uniforms and weapons. In 1779 he convinced Louis XVI to loan money, send Rochambeau and 5000 French troops, and a naval squadron to aid the colonies in their struggle for independence.One author, Alan Hoffman, writes of Lafayette, "He was the noblest, most consistent, most principled, most modern of the Founding Fathers. He was one of the Greatest men of his time, a 19th century "Superstar".

"On his visit through Georgia, he landed in Savannah on March 19, 1825 and laid the cornerstone for monuments to Casmir Pulaski and Nathanial Greene. He traveled on to Augusta and Milledgeville where he found a man who had helped carry him off the field of battle at Brandywine. In his last days in Georgia, traveling through Macon and Marion County he met and visited with Creek Chief William McIntosh's son. His travels continued through all states and he returned to Boston in time for the 50th anniversary of Bunker Hill."

"On his return to France." she continued," he would carry soil from Bunker Hill which would cover his grave after his death in May of 1834 at age 76. In Lafayette's speech to Congress, he summed up his beliefs and his life, "I have stayed faithful to the American principle of liberty,equality,true social order to which I have been devoted since my youth, and which til my last breath will be a scared duty to me."

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Unknown Soldier Recovered from Franklin Battlefield

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:48:00 +0000

/PRNewswire/ -- A construction project in the area where the calamitous Battle of Franklin was fought on Nov. 30, 1864, has disturbed the resting place of an unknown soldier who was buried in a shallow grave 145 years ago during the tragic last days of the Civil War in Tennessee.

The City of Franklin's Battlefield Task Force, along with local historians and government officials, led the recovery of the soldier's remains and will direct a funeral ceremony to re-inter his body at the Historic Rest Haven Cemetery in downtown Franklin, where other brave veterans - both Union and Confederate - were laid to rest.

It is not known for which army the unknown soldier fought. A coffin containing his remains will lie in state at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 510 West Main Street in Franklin - the circa 1827 sanctuary which served as barracks for Federal troops during their occupation of the town in 1864 - from 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8 until the funeral ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. One Union and one Confederate honor-guard sentry will be posted at the front doors of the church during the 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. visitation period each day, and prior to the ceremony on Saturday morning.

The soldier will receive full military honors from re-enactors representing brothers-in-arms from both the Union and the Confederacy. On Saturday morning, a Union and a Confederate Chaplain will conduct a brief funeral service in the church. Following the service, the casket will be borne from the church by uniformed pallbearers (Union and Confederate) and placed on a waiting, horse-drawn caisson in front of the church. Accompanied by a color guard, honor guard, and Civil War-era bagpiper, the caisson will move north on Main Street, crossing Fifth Avenue, circling the Square, proceeding north on Third Avenue, and then west on North Margin Street to the Rest Haven Cemetery gates.

As the procession leaves St. Paul's and continues up Main Street, townspeople and visitors are invited to fall in behind the ranks of the marching re-enactors.

After arriving at Rest Haven Cemetery, a brief eulogy will be delivered by the chaplains, and will conclude with period-appropriate military honors including a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps" by a uniformed bugler.

A Monument to The Unknown Soldier who died on the Franklin Battlefield will be unveiled as part of the ceremony. Active participation in the ceremonies at Rest Haven and at St. Paul's will be restricted to uniformed re-enactors only, but the public is invited to view the ceremonies from designated areas.

Any re-enactment unit that wishes to participate is encouraged to contact Robert Huff at (615) 500-8211, or via email at rghuff123@aol.com.

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Historic Brandywine Battlefield Falls in Tough Times of the Economy

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:40:00 +0000

PP Note: Although the Americans lost this famous battle which lasted only one day in September 1777, it was a turning point for patriots. The battle at Brandywine demonstrated the resolve of the Americans and gave inspiration that they could wage war and defend their beliefs. Out of the estimated 26,000 troops who fought in the battle, the Americans lost some 1200 patriots.

Thomas Paine said of this battle, "Those who expect to reap the blessings of Freedom, must... undergo the fatigue of supporting it. The event of yesterday is one of those kind of alarms, which is just sufficient to rouse us to duty, without being of consequence enough to depress our fortitude. It is not a field of a few acres of ground, but a cause that we are defending, and whether we defeat the enemy in one battle, or by degrees, the consequence will be the same."

History is important, and we should all do our part to preserve our American heritage.
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The following article is from Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter and is copyright by Richard W. Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Information about the newsletter is available at http://www.eogn.com.

Brandywine Battlefield Park May Close

This appears to be a very sad "sign of the times."

The state park at the site of the largest land battle of the Revolutionary War, fought on September 11, 1777 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, is about to close for lack of funding. How can a National Historic Landmark be in jeopardy?

The future of the Brandywine Battlefield is being threatened by the loss of state funding needed to keep the gates open and the site functioning. The Revolutionary Times battle event has been cancelled for 2009. This event brings reenactors to the park along with others who establish camps, display crafts and recreate life in colonial times. This event has been the centerpiece of the Battlefied's calendar for years.

The rest of the park is expected to close soon and all employees there will be laid off.

A website has been established as a grass roots campaign to keep the Brandywine Battlefield open and bring back the Revolutionary Times battle event. Donations and other assistance are being solicited.

You can find the Save Brandywine Battlefield Park web site at http://www.savebrandywinebattlefield.com.

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Fayette: Freedom Walk, Patriot Day and Amy Grant Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:24:00 +0000

2009 PTC Patriot Day Held at Frederick Brown Amphitheater

Patriot Day and the Freedom Walk in Peachtree City will be held in conjunction with the Amy Grant concert on September 11th this year.

The city is holding the 3rd annual “Freedom Walk” along with Patriot Day on Sept. 11, 2009. The walk will begin at 6:45 p.m. Towne Club at the intersection of Peachtree Parkway and Crosstown Drive in Peachtree City. The one-mile walk will end at The Fred Amphitheater where the Patriot Day celebration takes place prior to the opening act at approximately 8 p.m. Following will be a Concert by Amy Grant at 9 p.m. Discounted ticket prices are available for those who join the Freedom Walk.

The “America Supports You Freedom Walk” was started in 2005 by Pentagon employees to commemorate the terrorist attack on that Washington D.C. building and to honor all lives lost Sept. 11, 2001, to honor our veterans past and present and renew our commitment to freedom and the values of our country. What began as a small gesture became a new national tradition.

Those interested in walking can register their name and how many will be attending with them by email at: ptcfreedomwalk@yahoo.com. Individuals who would like to help in other ways can also go to that email or call Caitlin Dillon 770-880-8239 for more information.

Boehner Statement on the 50th Anniversary of the First U.S. Combat Losses in Vietnam

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:29:00 +0000

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement on the loss 50 years ago today of U.S. Army Master Sergeant Chester Ovnand and Major Dale Buis, who were killed in a Vietcong ambush in Bien Hoa. They served as part of the Military Assistance Advisory Group, originally deployed in 1950 by President Harry Truman. Theirs are the first two names listed on the Vietnam Wall.

“America’s involvement in Southeast Asia began not long after the dawn of the Cold War and lasted a quarter century. Ultimately, 58,261 American troops gave their lives in Vietnam defending freedom in the long struggle against totalitarian communism. The heroism and dedication displayed by American and allied forces in Vietnam are a profound and unique testimony in the history of military arms. America’s success in the Cold War and our ongoing success in the War on Terror are directly attributable to the military, logistical, and technological advancements made by our war fighters deployed in Vietnam. Their sacrifices in the jungles, battlefields, and skies over Vietnam ultimately gave the U.S. military a superior edge in every facet of combat arms.

“The freedom and liberty Americans enjoy today were secured in Vietnam no less than in any of our other military conflicts. As we mark today this solemn milestone of the loss of Master Sergeant Ovnand and Major Buis, let us always remember the courage and bravery of all those lost in Vietnam and honor the service of every Vietnam veteran who volunteered or answered their nation’s call.”

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Celebrate America - June 27 at the Rock Ranch

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:19:00 +0000

This event features family fun attractions, amazing live shows, a rubber duck derby to benefit charity, a live musical concert, great food and a fireworks extravaganza. Admission is only $20 per vehicle (regardless of the number of occupants), or $30 per bus. Admission includes unlimited use of attractions.

Family fun attractions include: locomotive train rides, hay rides, the cow train, a rock climbing wall, inflatables, the giant jumping pillow, family bicycles, pony rides, family dodge ball, the watermelon cannon, the petting zoo, paddle boats, cane pole fishing, and much more.

There will be activities provided by the Atlanta Braves, Hawks and Thrashers, a reptile show by Jason Clark of Animal Planet, master puppeteer Peter Hart, story teller Harvey Wilson, a paintball shooting range presented by paintball-outfitter.com, a cow milking exhibition, an antique tractor display and the America I Am - African American Imprint (traveling American history museum).

The presentation prior to the fireworks will include a live concert by national Christian recording artist Andrew Carlton who will sing some patriotic tunes in addition to his own hit songs (http://www.andrewcarlton.com).

Gates will open at 2pm and the fireworks extravaganza will begin at dark. No pets and no outside food or drinks are permitted. However, a variety of great food options will be available to purchase. Food choices include Chick-fil-A sandwiches, Chick-fil-A Ice Dream, funnel cakes, hamburgers and hot dogs, Bar-B-Q Pork, ribs, pizza, cotton candy, sno cones, popcorn, ice cold lemonade, boiled peanuts and more.

Another exciting addition to the 10th annual presentation of Celebrate America is The Great American Duck Derby presented by Stepping Stones Educational Therapy Center. Thousands of rubber ducks will race down Hopeful Beaver Creek at The Rock Ranch and the owner of the winning duck will be awarded $5,000.00 (with a chance to win a million). Ducks may be adopted for $5 each on site or they may be pre-purchased on-line. (Click here to adopt a duck) Contestants in the duck derby do not have to be present to win and all proceeds from the duck derby benefit Stepping Stones (an educational therapy center that serves special needs children).

We invite your family to be a part of this event. Join us as we assemble to celebrate this land, our freedoms as Americans and those who fought and are fighting to preserve those freedoms; to 'Celebrate America'.

For more information click this link to visit www.therockranch.com.Click here for a printable flyer about Celebrate America at The Rock Ranch that you can share with friends and family - and click here for a complete 2009 schedule of events.
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Obama Remarks at D Day 65th Anniversary Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 01:05:00 +0000

HE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. Thank you, President Sarkozy, Prime Minister Brown, Prime Minister Harper, and Prince Charles for being here today. Thank you to our Secretary of Veterans Affairs, General Eric Shinseki, for making the trip out here to join us. Thanks also to Susan Eisenhower, whose grandfather began this mission 65 years ago with a simple charge: "Ok, let's go." And to a World War II veteran who returned home from this war to serve a proud and distinguished career as a United States Senator and a national leader: Bob Dole. (Applause.)

I'm not the first American President to come and mark this anniversary, and I likely will not be the last. This is an event that has long brought to this coast both heads of state and grateful citizens; veterans and their loved ones; the liberated and their liberators. It's been written about and spoken of and depicted in countless books and films and speeches. And long after our time on this Earth has passed, one word will still bring forth the pride and awe of men and women who will never meet the heroes who sit before us: D-Day.

Why is this? Of all the battles in all the wars across the span of human history, why does this day hold such a revered place in our memory? What is it about the struggle that took place on the sands a few short steps from here that brings us back to remember year after year after year?

Part of it, I think, is the size of the odds that weighed against success. For three centuries, no invader had ever been able to cross the English Channel into Normandy. And it had never been more difficult than in 1944.

That was the year that Hitler ordered his top field marshal to fortify the Atlantic Wall against a seaborne invasion. From the tip of Norway to southern France, the Nazis lined steep cliffs with machine guns and artillery. Low-lying areas were flooded to block passage. Sharpened poles awaited paratroopers. Mines were laid on the beaches and beneath the water. And by the time of the invasion, half a million Germans waited for the Allies along the coast between Holland and northern France.

At dawn on June 6th, the Allies came. The best chance for victory had been for the British Royal Air Corps to take out the guns on the cliffs while airborne divisions parachuted behind enemy lines. But all did not go according to plan. Paratroopers landed miles from their mark, while the fog and clouds prevented Allied planes from destroying the guns on the cliffs. So when the ships landed here at Omaha, an unimaginable hell rained down on the men inside. Many never made it out of the boats.

And yet, despite all of this, one by one, the Allied forces made their way to shore -- here, and at Utah and Juno; Gold and Sword. They were American, British, and Canadian. Soon, the paratroopers found each other and fought their way back. The Rangers scaled the cliffs. And by the end of the day, against all odds, the ground on which we stand was free once more.

The sheer improbability of this victory is part of what makes D-Day so memorable. It also arises from the clarity of purpose with which this war was waged.

We live in a world of competing beliefs and claims about what is true. It's a world of varied religions and cultures and forms of government. In such a world, it's all too rare for a struggle to emerge that speaks to something universal about humanity.

The Second World War did that. No man who shed blood or lost a brother would say that war is good. But all know that this war was essential. For what we faced in Nazi totalitarianism was not just a battle of competing interests. It was a competing vision of humanity. Nazi ideology sought to subjugate and humiliate and exterminate. It perpetrated murder on a massive scale, fueled by a hatred of those who were deemed different and therefore inferior. It was evil.

The nations that joined together to defeat Hitler's Reich were not perfect. They had made their share of mistakes, had not always agreed with one another on every issue. But whatever God we prayed to, whatever our differences, we knew that the evil we faced had to be stopped. Citizens of all faiths and of no faith came to believe that we could not remain as bystanders to the savage perpetration of death and destruction. And so we joined and sent our sons to fight and often die so that men and women they never met might know what it is to be free.

In America, it was an endeavor that inspired a nation to action. A President who asked his country to pray on D-Day also asked its citizens to serve and sacrifice to make the invasion possible. On farms and in factories, millions of men and women worked three shifts a day, month after month, year after year. Trucks and tanks came from plants in Michigan and Indiana, New York and Illinois. Bombers and fighter planes rolled off assembly lines in Ohio and Kansas, where my grandmother did her part as an inspector. Shipyards on both coasts produced the largest fleet in history, including the landing craft from New Orleans that eventually made it here to Omaha.

But despite all the years of planning and preparation, despite the inspiration of our leaders, the skill of our generals, the strength of our firepower and the unyielding support from our home front, the outcome of the entire struggle would ultimately rest on the success of one day in June.

Lyndon Johnson once said that there are certain moments when "¼history and fate meet at a single time in a single place to shape a turning point in man's unending search for freedom."

D-Day was such a moment. One newspaper noted that "we have come to the hour for which we were born." Had the Allies failed here, Hitler's occupation of this continent might have continued indefinitely. Instead, victory here secured a foothold in France. It opened a path to Berlin. It made possible the achievements that followed the liberation of Europe: the Marshall Plan, the NATO alliance, the shared prosperity and security that flowed from each.

It was unknowable then, but so much of the progress that would define the 20th century, on both sides of the Atlantic, came down to the battle for a slice of beach only six miles long and two miles wide.

More particularly, it came down to the men who landed here -- those who now rest in this place for eternity, and those who are with us here today. Perhaps more than any other reason, you, the veterans of that landing, are why we still remember what happened on D-Day. You're why we keep coming back.

For you remind us that in the end, human destiny is not determined by forces beyond our control. You remind us that our future is not shaped by mere chance or circumstance. Our history has always been the sum total of the choices made and the actions taken by each individual man and woman. It has always been up to us.

You could have done what Hitler believed you would do when you arrived here. In the face of a merciless assault from these cliffs, you could have idled the boats offshore. Amid a barrage of tracer bullets that lit the night sky, you could have stayed in those planes. You could have hid in the hedgerows or waited behind the seawall. You could have done only what was necessary to ensure your own survival.

But that's not what you did. That's not the story you told on D-Day. Your story was written by men like Zane Schlemmer of the 82nd Airborne, who parachuted into a dark marsh, far from his objective and his men. Lost and alone, he still managed to fight his way through the gunfire and help liberate the town in which he landed -- a town where a street now bears his name.

It's a story written by men like Anthony Ruggiero, an Army Ranger who saw half the men on his landing craft drown when it was hit by shellfire just a thousand yards off this beach. He spent three hours in freezing water, and was one of only 90 Rangers to survive out of the 225 who were sent to scale the cliffs.

And it's a story written by so many who are no longer with us, like Carlton Barrett. Private Barrett was only supposed to serve as a guide for the 1st Infantry Division, but he instead became one of its heroes. After wading ashore in neck-deep water, he returned to the water again and again and again to save his wounded and drowning comrades. And under the heaviest possible enemy fire, he carried them to safety. He carried them in his own arms.

This is the story of the Allied victory. It's the legend of units like Easy Company and the All-American 82nd. It's the tale of the British people, whose courage during the Blitz forced Hitler to call off the invasion of England; the Canadians, who came even though they were never attacked; the Russians, who sustained some of the war's heaviest casualties on the Eastern front; and all those French men and women who would rather have died resisting tyranny than lived within its grasp.

It is the memories that have been passed on to so many of us about the service or sacrifice of a friend or relative. For me, it is my grandfather, Stanley Dunham, who arrived on this beach six weeks after D-Day and marched across Europe in Patton's Army. And it is my great uncle who was part of the first American division to reach and liberate a Nazi concentration camp. His name is Charles Payne, and I'm so proud that he's with us here today.

I know this trip doesn't get any easier as the years pass, but for those of you who make it, there's nothing that could keep you away. One such veteran, a man named Jim Norene, was a member of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Division of the 101st Airborne. Last night, after visiting this cemetery for one last time, he passed away in his sleep. Jim was gravely ill when he left his home, and he knew that he might not return. But just as he did 65 years ago, he came anyway. May he now rest in peace with the boys he once bled with, and may his family always find solace in the heroism he showed here.

In the end, Jim Norene came back to Normandy for the same reason we all come back. He came for the reason articulated by Howard Huebner, another former paratrooper who is here with us today. When asked why he made the trip, Howard said, "It's important that we tell our stories. It doesn't have to be something big¼just a little story about what happened -- so people don't forget."

So people don't forget.

Friends and veterans, we cannot forget. What we must not forget is that D-Day was a time and a place where the bravery and the selflessness of a few was able to change the course of an entire century. At an hour of maximum danger, amid the bleakest of circumstances, men who thought themselves ordinary found within themselves the ability to do something extraordinary. They fought for their moms and sweethearts back home, for the fellow warriors they came to know as brothers. And they fought out of a simple sense of duty -- a duty sustained by the same ideals for which their countrymen had once fought and bled for over two centuries.

That is the story of Normandy -- but also the story of America; of the Minutemen who gathered on a green in Lexington; of the Union boys from Maine who repelled a charge at Gettysburg; of the men who gave their last full measure of devotion at Inchon and Khe San; of all the young men and women whose valor and goodness still carry forward this legacy of service and sacrifice. It's a story that has never come easy, but one that always gives us hope. For as we face down the hardships and struggles of our time, and arrive at that hour for which we were born, we cannot help but draw strength from those moments in history when the best among us were somehow able to swallow their fears and secure a beachhead on an unforgiving shore.

To those men who achieved that victory 65 years ago, we thank you for your service. May God bless you, and may God bless the memory of all those who rest here. (Applause.)

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Senator Bob Dole Travels to Normandy as Guest of President Obama

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:13:00 +0000

/PRNewswire / -- Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, special counsel in the Washington office of the law firm Alston + Bird, has been invited by President Obama to travel with him to France this week for the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the allied invasion of the Normandy coast on June 6, 1944.

President Obama invited Senator Dole to represent the World War II generation in recognition of his wartime service, his long and distinguished career in public service, and his continued commitment to veterans.

Senator Dole was chairman of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., helping raise nearly $175 million for its construction, almost all through private contributions.

He continues to be active as a volunteer for the "Honor Flight" program, which flies World War II veterans from across the U.S. without charge to view the memorial on the national mall. He personally greets almost all of the flights.

"It is an immense honor to take part in saluting and remembering all those who gave their lives at Normandy," Senator Dole said. "D-Day was the beginning of the end of World War II, and the sacrifices of so many brave soldiers that day will forever be burned in my memory and, I believe, of all Americans and all peace-loving and freedom-loving peoples throughout the world."

Senator Dole was seriously injured in World War II in the Italian campaign. He had enlisted in the U.S. Army from his native Kansas in 1942 and rose to the rank of second lieutenant, serving in the Tenth Mountain Division and fighting in Italy's Po Valley.

In 1945, he was leading his platoon through heavy enemy shelling when his radioman was struck. He crawled from his foxhole to help rescue the injured man, only to be hit himself by Nazi machine-gun fire. His lifelong injuries were so severe he was evacuated to the U.S. for three years of recovery in hospitals.

Senator Dole was decorated three times for heroism, receiving two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with Combat V for Valor.

Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and then to the U.S. Senate, Senator Dole served as Senate leader longer than any other Republican in history. He was instrumental in passage of numerous veterans bills and successfully sponsored the Americans with Disabilities Act, along with other legislation assisting veterans and others with injuries. President George W. Bush appointed Senator Dole as co-chair of the Commission on Care for America's Returning Veterans.

Speaking at the dedication of the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at Kansas State University, Senator Dole said: "No honor that has come my way has surpassed the pride I felt in wearing my country's uniform."

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West Georgia Honor Flight honors America’s Veterans

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:27:00 +0000

Reprinted from http://www.wgahonorflight.org

West Georgia Honor Flight exists to help honor America’s veterans for all their sacrifices. Our goal is to fly veteran heroes from Columbus, GA, and surrounding counties to Washington, D.C., to reflect at their national memorials for a one-day free visit.

On May 29, 2004, the World War II Memorial was dedicated to honor “The Greatest Generation.” Regrettably today, very few of these elderly veterans have the funds, knowledge or strength to complete a conventional trip to Washington, D.C., via commercial airline, car or bus.

It is our mission to honor as many of these selfless “ordinary people who saved the world” as we can by providing them an all expenses paid trip to visit their memorial in Washington, D.C.

Our program operates only on donations from corporate donors, local civic organizations and individuals from Columbus and the West Georgia area.

Our volunteer guardians pay their own way for the honor of personally accompanying the veterans throughout the day, including escorting them on and off the aircraft and buses as well as to the WWII Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and any other stops along the trip.

The flights, deluxe tour bus service, t-shirts, wheel chairs, oxygen and meals are FREE to our Veterans. We pledge to continue to do this as long as funds and volunteers are available.

To apply to be a part of one of our flights, please click on the appropriate link for application information and downloadable applications.

For more information about how you or your group can be a part of our effort, please contact the West Georgia Honor Flight, (706) 507-WWII (9944) or http://www.wgahonorflight.org .

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WWII Veterans Compete in National Veterans Golden Age Games

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:38:00 +0000

/PRNewswire / -- Forty World War II Veterans are reuniting at the world's largest sports and recreational competition for senior Veterans June 1-5 in Birmingham, Alabama, at the 23rd National Veterans Golden Age Games. The Games are open to all U.S. military Veterans age 55 or older who receive care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility. More that 700 Veterans have registered to compete.

"The Golden Age Games continue to grow every year, and the athletes who participate are testimony that the spirit of competition, camaraderie and commitment to an actively invigorating lifestyle," Marilyn Iverson, director of the Veterans Canteen Service, said. "This spirit not only helps to prevent illness, it strengthens the hearts and rejuvenates the soul."

The Games give participants the opportunity to compete in ambulatory, visually-impaired and wheelchair divisions, according to their ages. Events include swimming, bicycling, bowling, croquet, air rifle, golf, shuffleboard, horseshoes, discus and shot-put.

The Golden Age Games are co-sponsored by VA, Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) and Veterans Canteen Service (VCS). This year's event is hosted by the VA medical center in Birmingham.

The Games are designed to improve the quality of life for all older Veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Through a partnership with the National Senior Games Association, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Games serve as a qualifier for the National Senior Games, held every other year.

"HHV is extremely pleased to continue its support of this wonderful therapeutic program," Mike Lynch, executive director of HHV, said. "The Games continue to demonstrate VA's commitment to offer programs that help Veteran patients in their health recovery and to send the message that Americans support their service to our country."

The majority of the competitive events for the Golden Age Games, including opening and closing ceremonies, will be held at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center. The opening ceremony took place at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 1. The competition began with golf on Tuesday, June 2, at 8 a.m., at Highland Golf Course. Closing ceremonies will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 5, at the convention center.

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Volunteering To Assist America's Veterans

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:08:00 +0000

(NAPSI)-For centuries, the men and women of the U.S. armed forces have volunteered to protect the United States. But did you know that thousands of veterans are now volunteering to assist other veterans to receive the benefits they have earned.

Approximately 140,000 volunteers annually give more than 13 million hours in service to veterans through the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. And among those volunteers is a group that has already given on the battlefield: the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH).

The MOPH is made up entirely of veterans wounded in combat and who, for their sacrifice, received the Purple Heart medal. Last year, almost 700 volunteers from the group donated some 83,000 hours at 97 medical facilities providing assistance to other veterans. Its Ladies Auxiliary donated an additional 18,000 hours to the VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) program.

Jeff Roy, the group's National Commander, intends to increase his organization's role even further. He's set a goal of boosting its volunteer hours by 15 percent and has helped develop a Youth Scholarship Program to reward young people who volunteer.

If you'd like to help a veteran in the area, here's what you should know:

The Role Of Volunteers

Volunteers play a number of roles within the VA. They can work in hospital wards, at nursing homes and pharmacies, and in veterans outreach centers. Some volunteers serve as drivers who help bring patients to and from medical appointments. Some participate in recreational activities, birthday celebrations or holiday events. And some simply visit with veterans, helping improve their overall quality of life.

Making A Difference

You can donate time, money and even a car to help veterans. In fact, over 500,000 people have made a vehicle donation to the MOPH since the inception of the program. You may also contact Del "Bulldog" Turner, MOPH National VAVS Director, by phone at (256) 891-0592 or by e-mail at dplusk@aol.com. For more information on the MOPH VAVS program or to join in our other volunteer efforts, visit www.purpleheart.org.

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1988: President Reagan at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Sat, 23 May 2009 12:31:00 +0000

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PBS' National Memorial Day Concert: A Tribute to the Sacrifice of America's Servicemen and Women

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:45:00 +0000

/PRNewswire / -- On Memorial Day weekend, PBS will unite our nation with an evening that has become an American tradition. The multi award-winning National Memorial Day Concert honors the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country. The 2009 event commemorates 20 years on air as the nation's memorial service, offering viewers a time to remember, to heal and bring our country together. The program is co-hosted by Gary Sinise (CSI:New York) and Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), two acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to veteran's causes and supporting our troops in active service. The top-rated show will be broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on PBS Sunday, May 24 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET (check local listings) before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops around the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Network.

"For 20 years, a remarkable group of distinguished performers and television veterans have come together to create a moving remembrance and tribute to those who have been wounded or given their lives for our country," said executive producer Jerry Colbert. "Together with our audience, we have become a community of care and support for our troops. And, every year, we receive a growing number of e-mails and letters from those who still suffer their own personal and painful losses -- from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and now Iraq and Afghanistan -- for whom this concert is truly a healing and uniting experience."

Joining co-hosts Sinise and Mantegna is an all-star line-up of dignitaries, actors and musical artists including: distinguished American leader Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); renowned film, television and stage actress Katie Holmes; Emmy Award-winning actor Laurence Fishburne; double Academy Award-winning actress Dianne Wiest; recording artist/actress Katharine McPhee; country music superstar Trace Adkins; Tony Award-winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell; celebrated Broadway star Colm Wilkinson; acclaimed opera star Denyce Graves; classical music superstar Lang Lang; and Grammy nominated violin virtuoso Robert McDuffie with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of maestro Erich Kunzel.

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Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home to hold Memorial Day ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Front Page.com) — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:31:00 +0000

The Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 9 a.m. Monday, May 25 in the courtyard. Regimental Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Barr of the U.S. Army Signal Center at Fort Gordon will be the guest speaker.

Fort Gordon’s U.S. Army Signal Corps Band and Post Ceremonial Detachment Color Guard also will be featured.

The Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, operated through an interagency agreement between the Medical College of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Veterans Service, is located at 1101 15th St. For more information call 706-721-2531.

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