Frankly, My Dear…

There is a very pretty site related to the 4th of July here:

http://www.grace24u.org/july4th.html

Enjoy the day and don’t forget the troops who are working so hard in far away countries to keep us free!

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of
country that inspire every American.  On Military Spouse Day, we pay
tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America’s
Armed Forces during times of war and peace.

The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were
fighting for independence.  Martha Washington boosted the morale of her
husband’s troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded.
Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation
accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and
families.

While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country’s
founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live
with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long
periods raising children alone.  Many military spouses are also
committed volunteers, serving other military families and local
communities.  Our Nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military
families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and
leadership.

On Military Spouse Day and throughout the year, we honor the
commitment spouses have made to freedom’s cause.  To learn about ways to support our troops and their spouses and families, I encourage all
Americans to visit www.americasupportsyou.mil.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2008, as
Military Spouse Day.  I call upon the people of the United States to
observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and by
expressing their gratitude to the husbands and wives of those serving in
the United States Armed Forces.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Launched and built in Mobile, AL!

Marine Gunnery Sgt William “Spanky” Gison, 37, has redeployed to Iraq. Not unusual these days but the difference is he went back without one of his legs.  He was on a foot patrol in May, 2006, when a sniper’s bullet hit his left knee, destroying it.  He tried to get up but the bullet also severed a major nerve and his femoral artery.

Back at home, his leg wouldn’t heal and he begged to have it cut off so he could get out of the hospital.

He learned to ski and run and trained for triathalons. At the triathalon from Alcatrez a Marine General asked him if there was anything he could do for him and he said he wanted to go back to Iraq.

He’s only one of a very small group but they are very much admired!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/24029144/

But it was fun to point out to JP that the PBS Frontline show about the Bad VooDoo Platoon was going to be on April lst! I think it comes on around 9 PM. Be there!

Army Spc Brown was the second woman to receive the Silver Star since WWII, and the first in Afghanistan. The 19 yr old medic saved the lives of several soldiers after a roadside bomb tore through a convoy of humvees. She ran through insurgent gunfire to tend to the wounded soldiers.

She said she didn’t have time to be scared.

His death didn’t get the coverage that Anna Nicole’s did, but it should have. He was a Navy Seal whose family will recieve the Medal of Honor on April 8th, at the White House. In May of 2006, he won a Silver Star for pulling a wounded soldier to  safety while bullets fell all around. Four months later, he threw himself onto a grenade and saved several soldiers who were with him.

http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,116817,00.html

What a contrast to be willing to give your life for your country and others who can’t find anything good about it!

Mark April 1st on your calendars to watch JP and the Bad VooDoo Platoon on PBS! Some of the soldiers were given video camers earlier to record their experience in Iraq and now it will be on Frontline. The trailer is up on JP’s site:

http://milblogging.com/

And the post I did about JP is:

 http://bama2.itsapundit.com/2007/06/13/jp-voodoo-daddy/

Also read the post about the WaPo’s incorrect article giving American soldiers credit for attacking a busload of Iraqi civilians. Toby Nunn of Northern Exposure did a post about it also. He is a member of Bad VooDoo Platoon.

http://tobynunn.typepad.com/

H/T: Blackfive