New York Says Thank You Foundation donates Ground Zero flag to 9/11 museum

New York Says Thank You Foundation donates Ground Zero flag to 9/11 museum

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010 · 3 comments

Jeff Parness the founder of the New York Says Thank You Foundation is donating the 20-foot-by-30-foot flag recovered from Ground Zero, now known as...
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Col. Howard Laid to Rest at Arlington National Cemetery

"Today, we're fighting terrorism and the spread of tyranny. We're challenged by market upheaval, joblessness and perhaps hunger. But the human spirit is resilient and can withstand more than sometimes we are able to immediately comprehend."- Col. Robert L. Howard, March 25, 2009, in commemoration of National Medal Day.

"Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure"- Abraham Lincoln

On December 23, 2009, Medal of Honor recipient Col. Robert L. Howard succumbed to pancreatic cancer and died in a hospice located in Waco, Texas. Col. Howard is survived by three children and four grandchildren.

More here: Col. Robert Howard, Nation's Most Decorated Soldier, Falls to Cancer

Old Guard caisson bearing the casket of COL Robert L. Howard, recipient of the Medal of Honor. Photo credit: B275, Wiki Commons


On February 22, 2010, Col. Howard was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. He was wounded 14 times during 54 months of combat duty and five tours in Vietnam. Robert Howard retired from the Army as a full colonel in 2006 after 36 years of service, which includes more than 33 years on airborne status.

Click here to read Howard's biographical sketch, issued by the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne).

It's not often you'll find me quoting Brian Williams of NBC, but there is no argument with his description of Col. Bob Howard, “the toughest American alive when he was among us.”

Visit here to view video of Brian Williams' tribute to Col. Bob Howard.

Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Regiment "The Old Guard" render military honors during the funeral of Col. Robert L. Howard Feb. 22. Howard, a Medal of Honor recipient and one of America's most highly decorated Soldiers, was buried in Section 7A of Arlington National Cemetery.

Visit here to view images of the military honors at Arlington

Col. Howard is the only soldier in our nation's history to be nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor three times for three separate actions.

In 1971, President Nixon awarded Col. Robert L. Howard the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Col. Robert Howard’s Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Howard (then Sfc .), distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory in the Republic of Vietnam.
The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the initial engagement, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion.
1st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader.
As 1st Lt. Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer's equipment, an enemy bullet struck 1 of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant's belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition.
1st Lt. Howard momentarily sought cover and then realizing that he must rejoin the platoon, which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, he again began dragging the seriously wounded officer toward the platoon area.
Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fire on the encircling enemy.
For 3 1/2 hours, 1st Lt. Howard's small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters. 1st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely.
1st Lt. Howard's gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Sources: Embedded in content.

Col. Robert Howard, Nation's Most Decorated Soldier, Falls to Cancer

July 11, 1939- December 23, 2009


"Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure"- Abraham Lincoln

Two days before Christmas the nation lost a hero. Medal of Honor recipient Col. Robert L. Howard succumbed to pancreatic cancer and died in a hospice located in Waco, Texas. He is survived by three children and four grandchildren.

Wounded 14 times in 54 months of combat duty in Vietnam, Robert Howard was awarded 8 Purple Hearts, a pair of Distinguished Service Crosses (the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army), a Silver Star, Multiple Bronze Stars, the list marches on and Bob Howard is described as the nation’s most decorated soldier.

It's not often you'll find me quoting Brian Williams of NBC, but there is no argument with his description of Col. Bob Howard, “the toughest American alive when he was among us.”

Brian William's Tribute to Col. Bob Howard:



Robert L. Howard grew up in Opelika, Alabama and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1956 at age seventeen. He went on to rise above and beyond the call of duty in a manner that movies and video games are modeled after. There is no better inspiration than true-life heroes and Col. Howard fits that bill.

Col. Howard served 5-tours of duty in Vietnam and is the only soldier in our nation’s history to be nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor three times for three separate actions. The act of July 9, 1918, however, stipulates that no person could receive more than one MoH. In 1971, President Nixon awarded Col. Robert L. Howard the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Howard (then Sfc .), distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory in the Republic of Vietnam.
The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the initial engagement, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion.
1st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader.
As 1st Lt. Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer's equipment, an enemy bullet struck 1 of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant's belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition.
1st Lt. Howard momentarily sought cover and then realizing that he must rejoin the platoon, which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, he again began dragging the seriously wounded officer toward the platoon area.
Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fire on the encircling enemy.
For 3 1/2 hours 1st Lt. Howard's small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters. 1st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely.
1st Lt. Howard's gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

On March 25, 2009, in commemoration of National Medal Day, Col. Bob Howard wrote an article for the guest column in Stars and Stripes. Click here to read the full article by Col. Howard.

"Today, we're fighting terrorism and the spread of tyranny. We're challenged by market upheaval, joblessness and perhaps hunger. But the human spirit is resilient and can withstand more than sometimes we are able to immediately comprehend."- Col. Robert L. Howard

Sources:

http://rlhtribute.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_L._Howard#Awards_and_decorations

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=61552

A Time For Choosing

"History is usually interesting, but always relevant."- American Angle

Ronald Reagan was (is) a true leader, one that understood that it must always be country first. Friends, Patriotism is not fleeting it is not a convenience that only evokes pride when someone's husband is voted for.

Patriotism is not a mere symbol to be removed from ones chest because you don't like the war. True Patriotism is a constant never wavering support of your nation, an understanding that her symbols are never to be protested, but protected at all costs.

Our Republic is in dire need for all of her Patriots to stand up. Remember folks, titles do not make the Patriot; duty does.

You & I (not the government) with the knowledge that dissent, discourse, and the honor of duty are hallmarks of Freedom and the maintenance of the same can & will provide true hope & change.

It is up to us to ensure that America remains the “shining city upon a hill.”

Happy Birthday John William Finn

John William Finn, wiki commons

By Tony Vega

"Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure"~ [attributed to] Abraham Lincoln

In a society enamored with popular culture, far too often our American heroes are determined by the media that delivers such figures into our living rooms, the Michael Jackson coverage is a timely example.

The true American heroes of our time are often the unsung ones. There are indeed men and women that understand the value of a handshake and of service. There are moments when an individual will perform extraordinary feats of heroism that captures our attention and hearts.

This content is to illustrate one particular Defender of Freedom, Lieutenant John William Finn. Lt. Finn did receive accolades for his heroics during WW2 in the form of medals, but many haven't heard of this Great American. That's not their fault, for John William Finn did not win any MTV awards, nor did he earn the title “King of Pop.” No, John Finn earned the grade of Lieutenant in the United States Navy.

John William Finn was born July 23, 1909, today is his 100th birthday. Finn received the first Medal of Honor in WW2 for his action the day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. On December 07, 1941, Finn was actually at Kaneohe Bay, which was hit several minutes before Pearl Harbor.



Finn is the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient and is also the only living Pearl-Harbor-Day Medal of Honor recipient.

During the first attack by the Japanese, John William Finn was an Aviation Ordnanceman Chief Petty Officer and took control of a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on an a completely exposed section of the air station's aircraft parking ramp. He continued to fire on the attacking planes despite being hit by shrapnel 21 times.

"I got the hell shot out of me, but it didn't kill me. If you aint dead you can still manage to do something"- Lt. Finn [from video]

John William Finn lived on base and shared quarters with his lovely wife Alice. While Finn was defending his country on that fateful day, his wife, Alice was tending to life saving duties in her capacity as a nurse. In September 1942, Lieutenant John Finn was presented the Medal of Honor for his heroism.

"My deal was... is inconsequential the way I see it. Some of the guys [that made the ultimate sacrifice] you just cannot believe what they did, what they were fighting for, it was our Freedom. And our right to liberty and justice and love of God, whatever God you worship...to have that Freedom."- John William Finn, Lieutenant US Navy, retired. [Excerpted from video]

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Finn's decorations include the Purple Heart; American Defense Service Medal; Navy Good Conduct Medal with two bronze stars; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; and the Navy Occupation Service Medal.

Finn is the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as being the oldest living recipient. As of 2009, Finn is the only Aviation Ordnanceman Medal of Honor recipient in the history of the rate (US Navy utilizes "rates" not "rank"). In addition to all of this, Finn's Medal of Honor is the only medal of its kind with a citation on the back summarizing the events of heroism.

"Although painfully wounded many times, he continued to man his gun and to return the enemy's fire vigorously and with telling effect throughout the enemy strafing and bombing attacks and with complete disregard for his own personal safety. It was only by specific orders that he was persuaded to leave his post to seek medical attention. Following first aid treatment, although obviously suffering much pain and moving with great difficulty, he returned to the squadron area and actively supervised the re-arming of returning planes."- John William Finn's MOH citation

Mr. Finn currently resides in California, his birthplace. He reportedly resides alone since his wife's death in 1998.

Folks do yourself a service and view the video of John William Finn and listen to this Great American tell his story, his manner and style of speaking gives a hint to why that WW2 generation is the greatest generation this nation has ever seen.

On behalf of my family to Lieutenant Finn, Happy Birthday Sir and May God bless John William Finn and all our Defenders of Freedom.

Sources:

http://www.greatamericans.com/channels/military

http://www.geocities.com/ntchistory/finn/finn.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_William_Finn

America Discovers Christopher Columbus

Friday, October 12, 2007

Children across America are learning that Christopher Columbus was a vile, European interloper. OK not quite in those words, but you get the idea. Certain academics with a certain agenda will have us believing Columbus killed off the indigenous people via germ warfare and that he destroyed paradise in the pursuit of colonization.

Did Columbus and his crew spread sickness and disease?
Did Columbus commit atrocities?
Did Columbus build upon pristine land?

I am sure if you follow the evidence the three questions above can be answered in the affirmative.

At the risk of sounding like an apologist for Columbus, I will elaborate. Disease was spread through ignorance and germs were spread from foreign men and livestock. It was not introduced to the people via some Saddam Hussein like bio warfare.

In the pursuit of progress, nature sometimes takes a back seat to human advancement, i.e. adequate shelter and water closets that may house one's chamber pot; necessary advancements for a sustained civilization. I cannot fathom any justification for rape, murder, and/or slavery; that is the opposite of civilization and the epitome of savagery.

The problem is not full disclosure of history; it’s the viewpoint. History should not be viewed from the left or right angle. We should focus on the entire picture.

Spain battled Muslim forces for hundreds of years and by the year 1000, Spain was the most oppressed part of Europe. The Far East trade routes linking Spain from across the Middle East and North Africa was exploited and under consistent Muslim control. Through unity, bravery, and the dogged pursuit of Freedom the Christian forces were able to sustain and reconquest.

By the 13th century, Christian unity began to wane and the Muslim forces were able to stop the Spanish Reconquista. The divided were conquered. Spain endured the plague of invasion from the Moor dynasty, which included the Almoravids and then their replacements, the Almohads, who waged jihad on Christianity.

The approximate span of eight centuries of resistance finally saw Spain liberated as Muslim tyranny was ejected.

In 1492, remember it was late this year when Columbus set sail, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella forced out all Muslims including those claiming a re-conversion to Christianity. It was obvious that the king understood history and had a grasp of the consequences resulting from division.

King Ferdinand would not risk the fall of his people to radical Islam. With the zeal of extreme nationalism, there was no longer any room for non-Christians or Muslim sympathizers, suspected or otherwise, resulting in the expulsion of all Jewish people as well.

Let’s not forget the fall of Constantinople to the Muslims in 1453. This marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and cemented the power of the Ottoman Empire.

Christians had very bleak options under the guise of an alleged multi-ethnic and accepting Ottoman Empire: Convert (to Islam), Dhimmitude (a condition of inferiority, spoliation and humiliation), or death. In addition, trade routes to the East were closed. This devastated European trade, in which the typical overland route was no longer feasible.

39 years later, in 1492, There was a vision to bypass the Muslims altogether. This vision saw a route by sea making it possible for Europeans to reach India and continue the trade for spices, silk, and other goods. This visionary was Christopher Columbus.

With the procured commission of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, Columbus set sail for the ocean blue. This was not without serious challenges, for the Ottomans did have a naval presence.

The Vikings and others made expeditions to the Americas, but there was no notable gain until the crew of Columbus spotted the Bahamas. A link to the New World and the Old was established, this set in motion what we are enjoying today.

The mindset of a free Medieval nation, with a constant acknowledgment that extinction or subjugation is at hand in the midst of a warring world, must be one of survival and expansion at all costs. Again, I am not attempting to apologize or rather justify atrocities, for there is no justification. I am merely bringing to light the mindset of the period.

Christopher Columbus the man may be viewed as despicable and controversial even in the 1400’s. Christopher Columbus the symbol represents bravery, hope, the positives of capitalism, and yes, however ironic, the spirit of Freedom. It is difficult to separate the man from the symbol, particularly since America’s federal holiday on Oct. 12 bears his namesake.

To continue with irony, the only other American holiday bearing the name of a man is Martin Luther King Day. Dr. King represents the champion of human rights. Despite an overwhelming amount of support for this leader of American civil rights, the decision was still met with some controversy.

Hmm…imagine a world 500 years from now where the citizens in Iraq are all on holiday commemorating George Bush Day. In this futuristic Iraq, there is dissent amongst the free citizens in which there is much debate over the American George Bush a former president of the greatest country in the world. Oppressor or Freedom Fighter?

Perhaps, we should stay away from naming federal holidays after men, for it will be difficult to separate the sinner from the symbol.

Perhaps, folks, it’s the symbolism that is important; a symbol that represents our way of life and the obvious successes of a Free America; a place in which one can enjoy diversity and be enriched by multiculturalism rather than defeated by it; a place with a rich history and some ugly practices during the birth of a New World.

Yes, if you listen closely you can hear the rattling of skeletons in the closet of that new world.

Be thankful that we are Free enough to decry such dark practices and to ensure that: We the People, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.

God Bless America.
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“If you’re reading this thank a teacher, if you’re reading this in English thank a soldier.”