This was posted on the Buglers Across America website. This has absolutely nothing to do with President Obama, but it is an inspiring story and felt it should be shared. Please do not misconstrue the policy at Arlington to be a slight by our President on the veterans - it is not. The policy was instituted by the U.S. Army and has been in place for decades. Now, for the "rest of the story..."
I promised a friend of mine, Len Cowherd, that I would sound Taps for his son, Leonard Cowherd III, somewhere and sometime on May 16th, the 5th anniversary of Leonard's death in Iraq, where he was killed by a sniper. (You can learn more about Leonard at www.cowherd.org)
I did not anticipate going to Arlington, where Leonard is buried (Section 60, No. 7983), but Pam and I decided that it was the only right thing to do.When we arrived at Arlington National Cemetery, I fealt that I should receive permission first to sound Taps for Leonard. Disappointedly, I was told that it was not allowed. That made me very upset, but I acknowledged their decision.
Pam and I proceeded to find Section 60, and Leonard's gravestone. After a few minutes of searching the thousands of gravestones up to 7983, we found Leonard. We placed a flag next to his stone. There were only a hand-full of visitors in the area, and I knew that they were very saddened to be there, so I was apprehensive about doing anything. A veteran came up to us and expressed his sorrow for our loss. We explained to him that we were there on the behalf of the Cowherd family and would like to sound Taps for their son/brother. After an extended conversation with Cpt. Edward Liu, of the Army National Guard, he stated that "no one is going to object to your sounding Taps for Leonard".
I went back to Leonard's gravesite, and, after a few moments of prayer, sounded Taps for 2nd Lt. Leonard M. Cowherd, US Army, who died in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was born on August 16, 1981, and died May 16, 2004. He was a recent graduate of West Point Academy.
From this experience, all I can say is do not hesitate to show your patriotism. With what is going on this day in age, we must stand up and say "No, I am going to honor this hero, whether it is allowed or not. It must be done".
If you don't, chances are, no one else will.As Sgt. Will Mock said (who was also killed in Iraq) "Strength and Honor" "Honor and Strength"!!! IE: Do not fear, and do not hesitate to honor!!!!!
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Showing posts with label Iraq. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iraq. Show all posts
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Barack Obama in Iraq Channels George W. Bush
by Mark Whittington
www.associatedcontent.com
President Barack Obama traveled to Iraq from Turkey in a "surprise visit" that was speculated would happen, since Obama was "in the neighborhood." To hear Obama talk, one would have thought that George W. Bush had taken over his body.
Barack Obama had spent most of his campaign for the Presidency decrying the war in Iraq and promising a unilateral withdraw should he become elected. However, between then and now the surge strategy, which Obama opposed as a candidate, has all but broughtBarack Obama in Iraq Channels George W. Bush victory to Iraq. President Obama found that a unilateral withdraw from Iraq was not going to work. One of Obama's many night mares has him listening to Sarah Palin or Bobby Jindal or Mitt Romney denouncing him for blowing the war in Iraq, with victory having been in our grasp.
Barack Obama also has strained relations with the US military, whose budget he proposes to slash. The visit to Iraq was a way to mend fences and to reassure our servicemen that he really does appreciate their service. Obama also took the time to present some medals during his brief visit at Camp Victory, the main US base near Baghdad. The troops greeted him with enthusiasm.
"You will be critical in terms of us being able to make sure Iraq is stable, that it is not a safe haven for terrorists, and we can start bringing our folks home," Obama told troops gathered at Camp Victory, a sprawling U.S. base near the airport.
This is a marked change from the Obama of the campaign and a useful example of how a politician must adapt to changing facts. Left unsaid that the strategy that made it possible to leave behind a stable Iraq which will not be a safe haven for terrorists was executed by Obama's processor, George W. Bush, whom Obama rarely misses an opportunity to criticize. Left also unsaid that if Senator Obama had his way, President Obama would be confronting an entirely different Iraq, an Iraq that would resemble South Vietnam in 1975, with the last American helicopters leaving the Green Zone as Baghdad burned.
A more gracious man than Barack Obama would have acknowledged the debt he and the country owes President Bush and would admit that he had been wrong. But Barack Obama may make apologies for the country of which he is President. He has never, publically at least, apologized for himself. Hence the Twilight Zone spectacle of Barack Obama in Iraq celebrating victory and congratulating the troops that helped to bring it about, no thanks to him. Sphere: Related Content
www.associatedcontent.com
President Barack Obama traveled to Iraq from Turkey in a "surprise visit" that was speculated would happen, since Obama was "in the neighborhood." To hear Obama talk, one would have thought that George W. Bush had taken over his body.
Barack Obama had spent most of his campaign for the Presidency decrying the war in Iraq and promising a unilateral withdraw should he become elected. However, between then and now the surge strategy, which Obama opposed as a candidate, has all but broughtBarack Obama in Iraq Channels George W. Bush victory to Iraq. President Obama found that a unilateral withdraw from Iraq was not going to work. One of Obama's many night mares has him listening to Sarah Palin or Bobby Jindal or Mitt Romney denouncing him for blowing the war in Iraq, with victory having been in our grasp.
Barack Obama also has strained relations with the US military, whose budget he proposes to slash. The visit to Iraq was a way to mend fences and to reassure our servicemen that he really does appreciate their service. Obama also took the time to present some medals during his brief visit at Camp Victory, the main US base near Baghdad. The troops greeted him with enthusiasm.
"You will be critical in terms of us being able to make sure Iraq is stable, that it is not a safe haven for terrorists, and we can start bringing our folks home," Obama told troops gathered at Camp Victory, a sprawling U.S. base near the airport.
This is a marked change from the Obama of the campaign and a useful example of how a politician must adapt to changing facts. Left unsaid that the strategy that made it possible to leave behind a stable Iraq which will not be a safe haven for terrorists was executed by Obama's processor, George W. Bush, whom Obama rarely misses an opportunity to criticize. Left also unsaid that if Senator Obama had his way, President Obama would be confronting an entirely different Iraq, an Iraq that would resemble South Vietnam in 1975, with the last American helicopters leaving the Green Zone as Baghdad burned.
A more gracious man than Barack Obama would have acknowledged the debt he and the country owes President Bush and would admit that he had been wrong. But Barack Obama may make apologies for the country of which he is President. He has never, publically at least, apologized for himself. Hence the Twilight Zone spectacle of Barack Obama in Iraq celebrating victory and congratulating the troops that helped to bring it about, no thanks to him. Sphere: Related Content
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