Like Lincoln, Obama Will Ride the Rails To D.C. Washingtonn Post
Barack Obama has evoked Abraham Lincoln ever since launching his campaign at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill. Now he plans to arrive in Washington the same way that Lincoln did in 1861, with a train trip that will include stops, speeches and crowds along the way.
On Jan. 17, Obama and his family will start the day with an appearance in Philadelphia, where they will board a chartered Amtrak train. The train will stop in Wilmington, Del., where the Obamas will be joined by Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. Then comes a stop in Baltimore before the group’s arrival that evening in Washington.
“He’s replicating the last leg of Lincoln’s inaugural journey to Washington,” said historian Harold Holzer, author of “Lincoln President Elect: Abraham Lincoln and the Great Secession Winter 1860-1861.” “This guy’s reverence for Lincoln has no bounds.”
Lincoln had left his home in Springfield on Feb. 11, 1861, for a 12-day journey east to Washington, during which he made 101 speeches. Philadelphia and Baltimore were his last stops before the nation’s capital. Obama’s plans, announced by his Presidential Inaugural Committee, set the tone for the many activities leading to the swearing-in at noon Jan. 20 at the Capitol. The official Washington events are scheduled to begin Jan. 18, most likely with a large-scale event on the Mall in which Obama makes an appearance.
Details about the Washington events, as well as those in other cities, have not been made public. Even as they scrambled for information, officials in the other locations celebrated the news.
The last leg of Lincoln’s trip began in Philadelphia. He was greeted with a fireworks display and spoke outside Independence Hall, where he declared: “I would rather be assassinated on this spot than to surrender it.”
He was also photographed there — the first-ever photograph of a president-elect, Holzer said.
From Philadelphia, Lincoln’s journey took him to Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania state capital, back to Philadelphia, then on to Baltimore and Washington. Holzer noted that in Lincoln’s day railroad travel was state of the art.
Yale historian David Blight, who suggested last month that Obama retrace Lincoln’s inaugural train trip, said: “I think it’s a great idea. . . . I’m amazed they’re going to do it.”
He noted that American history is filled with images of whistle-stop presidential candidates speaking from the back of train cars.
“In Lincoln’s case, he had to sneak into Washington,” Blight said. “In this case, Obama can come in triumph, one would assume.”
Wild Thing’s comment……….
This guy’s reverence for himself has no bounds.
Obama is a megalomaniac. First the Olympian/Greek stage, the speech in Europe he made, and now the rail line? He is nuts.
“The official Washington events are scheduled to begin Jan. 18, most likely with a large-scale event on the Mall in which Obama makes an appearance.”
Just unbelievable!
When he goes to Israel is he going to ride in to Jerusalem on a donkey ????
An example of Chicago Public Schools: ( Students with disabilities not getting busing )
Obama Education Secretary For Gay High School Townhall
Head of Chicago Schools Arne Duncan recommended the creation of gay high school in October 2008. President-elect Barack Obama’s nominee to become Secretary of Eduction has supported specially designated high schools for gay, lesbian and transgendered teens.
“If you look at national studies, you see gay and lesbian students with high dropout rates…Studies show they are disproportionately homeless,” Duncan said at a October 2008 event where he recommended the gay school be built. “I think there is a niche there we need to fill.”
As Chicago’s Head of Public Schools Arne Duncan recommended the School for Social Justice Pride Campus, Chicago’s first school for gay youth. Moreover, educators at this school believe it could be a model for a national program for educating gay teens.
Advocates for the school ultimately expect 600 children will attend Pride Campus, which was scheduled to open in 2010 until members of the design team called off a critical vote on it in November, over conflicts between Chicago clergy members and school planners.
Wild Thing’s comment…….
The Chicago machine rolls onward……the last person to leave Chicago… please turn out the lights!
“As Chicago’s Head of Public Schools Arne Duncan “….
Well let’s see what kind of a job he did …….
Source : http://www.schooldigger.com/go/IL/city/Chicago/search.aspx
Out of 842 cities, Chicago’s public schools are ranked at 778th
What a mess Obama is creating with his choices. This guy Arne Duncan should not get anywhere near a school.
Obama ‘proud’ to have homosexual band march in inaugural parade Christian Telegraph news
President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden have officially invited the Lesbian and Gay Band Association to march in the Inaugural Parade. One of the association’s web sites reports that the group will also march in September 2009 as part of the homosexual “Southern Decadence” festival infamous for its public lewd acts. The Lesbian and Gay Band Association (LGBA) is a network of lesbian and gay bands comprised of concert and marching bands from various American cities.
According to a December 10 press release from the Presidential Inaugural Committee, the group’s appearance in the Inaugural Parade on January 20 will mark the first time an “openly LGBT group” has been invited to participate.
“I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade,” said President-elect Obama.
“These organizations embody the best of our nation’s history, diversity and commitment to service. Vice President-elect Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade.”
The main web site of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association hosts a YouTube video reportedly showing 250 of its members marching in the 35th Annual Village Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village in New York City.
The YouTube video, titled “Male Witch Marching Band – Halloween NYC 08,” shows a glamorously dressed man followed by two people wearing fairy costumes. They lead a band of people dressed as witches who play the song “Gimme Some Lovin’.”
The marchers were attendees at the LGBA’s 2008 conference, titled “Deliciously Wicked.”
“The weekend more than lived up to its name,” the web site states, noting the conference’s receptions, parades, performances, and costume ball.
As of Wednesday morning, the web site for the LGBA’s 2009 conference in New Orleans, lgba2009.org, describes conference plans, saying “We will also be marching in the Southern Decadence Parade on Sunday, September 6th.”
The web site reports that the LGBA conference will be held as part of Southern Decadence and Decafest. The site links to the Southern Decadence festival, which has often been targeted for protest because of its extreme indecency. In 2003, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that it had “become routine” for men to flash their genitals and perform public sex acts at the event, which bills itself as “the Gay Mardis Gras.”
“The city’s wildest neighborhood gets even crazier as the French Quarter is packed for the entire event,” the Southern Decadence festival’s current web site says. In its Frequently Asked Questions section, the web site tells those with “an interest in the adult film business” that a pornographic filmmaker will be in attendance.
In a statement on its web site, the LGBA said its participation in the Presidential Inaugural will be “truly our chance to make history.”
Organizations wishing to participate in the parade reportedly submitted an application to the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee, which assisted the Presidential Inaugural Committee in reviewing applications. Experienced military musicians evaluated the presentation skills of marching bands, musical acts, and drill teams.
In total, 1,382 organizations applied to participate in the Inaugural Parade. Many of the groups approved to march in the parade are high school bands.
Wild Thing’s comment……. “the group will also march in September as part of the homosexual “Southern Decadence” festival infamous for its public lewd acts.”
Can’t really add more to that. He’s tarnishing the office even before he takes the oath.
I remember when Bill Clinton became President at one of the many parties ( dances ) for his Inauguration they had Clinton’s Inaugural Dance (gay and lesbian) Dance that Bill and Hillary did not attend personally but sent a video taped message to thanking them.
There were all kinds of freaks at that dance. Men in formal ball gowns and elegant earrings. Sickening.
The White House at Christmas always has had several Christmas trees decorated inside the White House, with different themes.
During the Clinton Presidency at Christmas time, there was the Clintons’ “x-rated” tree with decorations that were nothing but sex and drug paraphernalia . It was told about in the book Gary Aldrich wrote called ” Unlimited Access: An FBI Agent Inside the Clinton White House”. Sweetness & Light posted about the Clinton tree etc. back in 2007. The post there has snipets from the book about it.
……Thank you RAC for sending this to me. RAC has a website that is awesome.336th Assault Helicopter Company 13th Combat Aviation Battalion – 1st Aviation Brigade – Soc Trang, Republic of Vietnam
Patty Compean (left), Monica Ramos (right) and children (photo: Ramos, Compean families)
Monica Ramos embraces her husband, former U.S. Border Patrol agent Ignacio Ramos, two days before he was sentenced to 11 years in prison
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President Bush thinking of border agent pardons? wnd
By Chelsea Schilling
As president, George W. Bush has pardoned or commuted sentences for 32 drug dealers, 12 thieves, seven embezzlers, an arsonist, an armed bank robber and eight Thanksgiving turkeys, among others – but U.S. Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean remain in prison this Christmas, praying for their release.
“It’s pretty much salt in the wound,” Ramos’ wife, Monica, told WND. “But we have a lot of hope. My husband has quite a bit of faith, and we pray a lot. We are hoping the outpouring of support that we have here from people all over the nation is going to help us.”
Ramos and Compean are serving 11- and 12-year prison sentences, respectively, for shooting at a fleeing illegal alien drug dealer while he smuggled nearly 750 pounds of marijuana across the border. They were convicted of assault, discharge of a weapon in the commission of a crime of violence, tampering with an official proceeding and deprivation of civil rights. U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton’s office gave the smuggler, Osbaldo Aldrete-Davila, full immunity from prosecution for agreeing to serve as the government’s star witness and testify against the border agents. A ruling, from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of appeals, affirmed all convictions except for tampering with an official proceeding, which it vacated and remanded for resentencing.
Wild Thing’s comment………
It would take so little for Bush to do the right thing. Especially since he has already being giving pardons and even more importantly since these men should NEVER have gone to prison.
What a glorious Christmas these two families would have if Bush would just do the right thing.
Russian warships head for Cuba
December 16, 2008 Breitbart
Russia said on Monday it was sending a group of warships to Soviet-era ally Cuba in its latest defiant naval move around US waters, part of a drive to revive old Cold War ties with Latin America. The warships will visit Havana on December 19-23, the navy said, continuing a tour that has already taken in US foes Venezuela and Nicaragua and seen the ships pass through the Panama Canal for the first time since World War II.
“This will be the first visit to Cuba by Russian warships since the Soviet era,” the Russian naval headquarters said in a statement.
The destroyer Admiral Chabanenko and two other ships already held exercises with Venezuela’s navy in the Caribbean Sea last month.
The naval manoeuvres close to US waters are seen as a riposte to Washington’s own moves in Russia’s Soviet-era sphere of influence, including in the Black Sea.
US officials have said they see no military threat from Russia’s naval manoeuvres but continue to keep a close eye on the situation. The naval visit to Cuba, scene of a dramatic 1962 stand-off between Moscow and Washington over nuclear missiles, comes as tensions over US missile defence plans in eastern Europe have prompted talk of a renewed Cold War among some analysts.
Last month Russian President Dmitry Medvedev made a tour of Latin America where he visited Cuba and Venezuela and met former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, part of efforts to revive what he called “privileged relations” from Soviet times.
Last week he also received Argentinian President Cristina Kirchner, another Latin American critic of the United States.
Nicaragua’s leftist President Daniel Ortega is to visit Moscow on Thursday, after he risked Washington’s wrath this summer by following Russia in recognizing two Moscow-backed rebel regions of Georgia as independent.
The Russian moves in Central and Latin America follow heightened tensions over Russia’s military onslaught in Georgia, a close US ally.
Russia strongly objected to US naval deployments off Georgia’s Black Sea coast, accusing the United States of covertly rearming Georgia, a charge Washington denied.
On Monday the Russian navy avoided direct reference to the United States, saying that visits to Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela signified “long-term prospects for developing cooperation among these countries’ navies in the interest of building stability and trust on the world’s oceans.”
During the Cuba visit, residents will be welcomed aboard the Russian ships and Russian officers will lay flowers at a memorial to Cuban campaigner for independence and critic of US expansionism Jose Marti, the navy said. Last week the navy said it was sending ships from its Pacific Fleet to join ships from the Northern Fleet for exercises with India’s navy and in parallel would continue anti-piracy operations off Somalia.
Despite the growing Russian assertiveness, defence experts have said Russia’s navy remains severely weakened following years of post-Soviet neglect.
That impression was reinforced by the inadvertent fatal poisoning last month of 20 people aboard a Russian nuclear-powered submarine that was undergoing tests off the Pacific coast.
Wild Thing’s comment……….
Well I am glad our Navy is not worried about this. But just in case I think I might just be a little concerned about the attitude of Russia this last year. I really think Putin misses his KGB and all the Soviet Union of the past.
Caroline Kennedy was a strong supporter of President-elect Barack Obama during his presidential campaign
Caroline Kennedy has decided to pursue Hillary Clinton’s U.S. Senate seat
New York Times
The decision follows weeks of speculation that the early supporter of Barack Obama would trade in her otherwise private life in order to seek an appointment by New York Gov. David Paterson to the seat once held by her uncle, Robert F. Kennedy.
The Times reported that Kennedy will ask Paterson to consider her for the job. The daughter of former President John F. Kennedy is known as an education advocate, and would face likely competition for the post from other more familiar faces in New York politics.
Among the pool of potential candidates is state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, son of former Gov. Mario Cuomo. Some Democrats have questioned whether Kennedy would bring more than name recognition to the job.
Wild Thing’s comment………..
Hmmmmmm well here we have a great example once again of the double standard. The Democrats and some rino’s persecuted, bashed, slandered Gov, yes that is GOV. Sarah Palin for not having any experience to be VP on the ticket.
And now we see that Caroline Kenney is just fine and dandy with the Democrats and there is no problem with her NON experience. ION fact I heard a few Democrats today on TV say Caroline Kennedy had experience and would be perfect for the job of US. Senate seat from N.Y.
Bottom line is…….She is a democrat. She does not need any experience and also the double standard rule that Democrats cling to.
To compare the experience Sarah Palin has had and this Kennedy is so vast it would be hard to know where to begin.
Now if we were to compare her to Hillary when Hillary ran for the Senate…….Hillary, she is related to someone who was once president, and she has previously lived in the White House. What more experience could you ever need?
Now there is a match up. hahha
I say, NO more Kennedy’s ever anywhere near any government!!!!!!!!
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)
Presidential electors have formally elected Barack Obama the nation’s 44th president.
Electors gathering in state capitols across the country have pushed Obama above the 270 electoral votes needed to win, according to a tally by The Associated Press. Obama’s election will not be complete until Congress tallies the outcome of Monday’s Electoral College vote at a joint session in January.
November 4, 2008 – General Election: The voters in each State choose electors to serve in the Electoral College. As soon as election results are final, the States prepare seven or nine original “Certificates of Ascertainment” of the electors chosen, and send one original along with two certified copies (or three originals, if nine were prepared) to the Archivist of the United States. December 15, 2008 – Meeting of Electors: The electors in each State meet to select the President and Vice President of the United States. The electors record their votes on six “Certificates of Vote,” which are paired with the six remaining original “Certificates of Ascertainment.” The electors sign, seal and certify the packages of electoral votes and immediately send them to the President of the Senate, the Archivist of the United States and other designated Federal and State officials. December 24, 2008 – Deadline for Receipt of Electoral Votes: The President of the Senate, the Archivist of the United States, and other designated Federal and State officials must have the electoral votes in hand. January 8, 2009 – Counting Electoral Votes in Congress:
Public Law 110-430 changed the date of the electoral vote in Congress in 2009 from January 6 to January 8. This date change is effective only for the 2008 presidential election.
The Congress meets in joint session to count the electoral votes (unless Congress passes a law to change the date).
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Wild Thing’s comment………
Who is this guy? He is a subversive mole. the front man for a nefarious organiztion that understood how to pull off the biggest scam we’ve ever seen, and convince the sheeple part of the population that he is a good thing. The armies of the Night have won a major victory, but not the war.
I cannot believe what is happening to our country, how we got stuck with this lightweight socialist poseur with no real accomplishments in public life, etc.
I’ll treat him like the marxist he is, regardless. But I will not acknowledge his existence as POTUS , he can’t even show respect for our Constitution and prove he is eligible with a valid birth certificate. He will NEVER Be my president. Dec. 15th , Monday, yesterday was the 217th Birthday of the Bill Of Rights. How ironic. it that!
Supreme Court refuses 2nd challenge to eligibility wnd
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a second challenge to the presidency of Barack Obama, announcing today it denied an application for a stay or an injunction in a case from Connecticut.
The case brought by Cort Wrotnowski had been distributed for review by the court and apparently was considered during a conference of the justices Friday.
As is its custom, the Supreme Court made no comment other than to post its decision.
There was also a campaign that sent more than 60,000 letters by overnight delivery to the U.S. Supreme Court when one case contesting Obama’s eligibility for the Oval Office was pending.
“Should Senator Obama be discovered, after he takes office, to be ineligible for the Office of President of the United States of America and, thereby, his election declared void,” argues the Alan Keyes case pending in California, “Americans will suffer irreparable harm in that (a) usurper will be sitting as the President of the United States, and none of the treaties, laws, or executive orders signed by him will be valid or legal.”
Other news items on this:
Dr. Orly Taitz, the constitutional lawyer involved in the California Case brought by Alan Keyes, and the Lightfoot v Bowen case now under consideration for hearing by SCOTUS Justice Kennedy.
Taitz’ reaction to today’s news was “very concerned”. She’s filing another lawsuit on behalf of our military, petitioning the court on the basis that our military is put in an unlawful position taking orders from an imposter commander in chief. Another bit of news:
The Donofrio v. Wells (NJ) case is still pending and this is probably the reason why.
SCOTUS has not denied Donofrio’s NJ case, only his request for a stay while they confer over the Wrotnowski, CT case, Dec. 12
source: Investigating Obama
Article about the USSC cannot rule on any COLB case until the senate certifies the EC vote.
Perhaps the electoral must vote as directed in the following: http://www.ballot-access.org/2008/100108.html#5
Judge Alsup wrote, “Mechanisms exist under the Twelfth Amendment and 3 U.S.C. 15 for any challenge to any candidate to be ventilated when electoral votes are counted, and the Twentieth Amendment provides guidance regarding how to proceed if a president elect shall have failed to qualify. Issues regarding qualifications or lack thereof can be laid before the voting public before the election and, once the election is over, can be raised as objections as the electoral votes are counted in Congress. Therefore, this order holds that the challenge presented by plaintiff is committed under the Constitution to the electors and the legislative branch, at least in the first instance. Judicial review if any should occur only after the electoral and Congressional processes have run their course.” Timing is everything… you maybe the only one able to raise an “objection”
Wild Thing’s comment………
The Wrotnowski case is still pending from what I can understand from reading about it several times, the application for “Stay” and “Injunction” are denied. Not sure if that leaves much hope or only a slight window of possibility.
Once Barack Hussein Obama takes the oath of office he has officially committed fraud and violated the Constitution. He will have knowingly violated it.
Up to now it has all been about Barack Hussein Obama. But since two of these cases have been denied by the SCOTUS since Nov. 4th. And others before Nov. 4th not forgetting there are still more cases out there and more coming in to the SCOTUS. I think the direction of this whole thing has changed.
Now imo it has become about the SCOTUS will they or won’t they. Again imo respecting and following the Constitution overrides all else.
God save the Republic!
Actor Gary Sinise shows his Presidential Citizens Medal outside the White House in Washington, DC after receiving the medal from US President George W. Bush for his work supporting American soldiers on December 10, 2008.
Sinise: A man for all services The Washington Times Since war became a geographically distant but very real way of life after Sept. 11, 2001, no Hollywood star has stepped up to support active duty U.S. military personnel and wounded veterans like Gary Sinise. There is no close second. And quietly, as is in his nature, he is becoming something akin to this generation´s Bob Hope.
One step in conferring this worthy title on the award-winning actor, director and producer occurred last week when President Bush bestowed on him the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second highest civilian honor awarded to citizens for exemplary deeds performed in service of the nation. Previous recipients include Henry “Hank” Aaron, Muhammad Ali, Colin L. Powell and Bob Dole.
While the White House ceremony flew under the radar of most of the media, most notably the entertainment press, word has trickled out to many of his countless admirers in and out of the military. And on the occasion of him receiving the award, they want America to take in their words of praise for, as Sharon Tyk in the USO of Illinois put it, this “gallant American patriot.”
Michael Yon, a Special Forces vet and the pre-eminent war journalist of our time, communicated his admiration in a dispatch from Bahrain: “Gary is a true friend of the American soldier. He does not hesitate to travel into war zones to express his admiration and personal support for those who defend us. He visits wounded soldiers, some of whom I personally know. All love him.
“Soldiers from privates to generals admire Gary for his dedication to a cause greater than any of us. Gary’s dedication went much further. He personally supported sending millions of dollars worth of school and clothing supplies to Iraqi children. I saw this effort with my own eyes. Gary Sinise is a Great American.”
In 2004, “Seabiscuit” author Laura Hillenbrand with Mr. Sinise founded Operation Iraqi Children, a nonprofit group dedicated to helping the U.S. military distribute school supplies in the war-stricken country.
“For a lot of celebrities, charitable work equals photo opportunity and nothing more,” Miss Hillenbrand wrote in an e-mail. “For Gary, giving of himself, and giving to his country, is what makes life meaningful and joyful. It is perhaps the most essential part of his character, and it is his passion.”
Mr. Sinise not only “supports the troops,” but he champions their mission as well.
“I have seen Iraqi kids climbing on our soldiers and hugging them and kissing them,” Mr. Sinise said. “I have seen their smiling faces and their attempts to say ‘I love you’ in broken English. The folks I saw had hope in their eyes and gratitude in their hearts for what was done for them.”
Mr. Sinise, who currently stars in “CSI: New York,” is best known for his Oscar-nominated turn as Lt. Dan Taylor in “Forrest Gump,” which won the best picture Academy Award in 1994. Lt. Dan – the iconic character who lost his limbs in the Vietnam War – created a connection between Mr. Sinise and veterans that reached far beyond the big screen.
“His superb performance brought awareness of the lifelong sacrifice of disabled veterans into the public consciousness in a remarkably positive way,” said retired Maj. Gary Weaver of the U.S. Marine Corps and national director of communications for Disabled American Veterans.
In 2004, Mr. Sinise, wanting to do more, formed the Lt. Dan Band, a jam band created almost exclusively to entertain the troops in and out of war zones.
“It´s very important that you know we are grateful,” the bass guitar playing Mr. Sinise recently said while performing at the Pentagon. “The sacrifice you and your families make – you are not forgotten.”
Miss Tyk recalled their first performance: “There were only about 30 of us present – at tops – at the Great Lakes Naval Base. I said to my colleague, ‘Oh, another actor band.’ Then the magic happened. During the break, Gary took the microphone and addressed the troops from the heart. He spoke about his commitment to them, to our country and how much he appreciated their willingness to protect and fight for our freedoms. That is the moment I knew he was the ‘genuine article.’ You could actually feel his love for them.”
Miss Tyk recalled another memorable experience with Mr. Sinise.
“We picked up Gary at 5 a.m.,” she wrote. “I felt somewhat crabby because I had to get up very, very early to get him to the CBS studios. There he was in front of the residence waiting for us with a smile on his face eagerly waiting to help. I thought to myself, Sharon you need to learn a lesson from this man. Look at him, he´s honored and thrilled to help and he´s not even getting paid to do this and you are! His love for the mission that day completely changed my thought process. He is the perfect example of ‘you teach what you live.’ ”
Lt. Col. Scott Rainey concurred: “If I have learned anything from over 25 years of being around troops it is that they are among the most perceptive of souls. It is virtually impossible to ‘pull the wool over their eyes.’ Insincerity and falseness are immediately recognized for what they are and those who demonstrate these characteristics are quickly marginalized and ignored. What I learned within the first 10 minutes of meeting Gary Sinise at a dusty airbase in Kuwait last July was that these character flaws are completely absent in this patriotic and selfless man.”
Spc. Jason M. Hale, who encountered Mr. Sinise at Camp Ramadi, e-mailed: “He was the only celebrity that came to take pictures with us where we worked on base, and you had the feeling that if he could, he would have grabbed a weapon and gone on patrol with us. That’s how much he connected with the troops. He’s one of those Hollywood guys who doesn’t act like he’s from Hollywood, and to those who are living in the desert, putting their lives on the line, that’s quite refreshing.”
To get a sense of the scope of what Mr. Sinise means to soldiers like Spc. Hale, filmmaker and Army 82nd Airborne veteran Jonathan Flora followed him and his band to Afghanistan and Iraq in 2008. He recounts one time when he witnessed one of Mr. Sinise´s typical interactions with the troops.
“It was hot, Iraq hot when we stopped at a check point before entering an FOB (Forward Operating Base). Gary began speaking with a soldier through the window and soon we were all standing outside so he could have his picture taken with him and a few of his buddies. Soon there were at least fifty guys around him and he greets each one as he always does. This is an unscheduled stop and we are being urged to move on so as to be on time for his next stop, but Gary, still, meets with each one and gives them their time. Finally, we have to move on as he says good-bye to the last soldier.
“As we are about to get into the vehicle we hear the guys yelling and in the distance is one more soldier. He is dressed in full battle-rattle humping as fast as he can in this unbearable heat to get to Gary before he leaves. He had just been relieved from his point and heard that Gary Sinise had stopped by the check point, and he was determined not to miss him. Gary without hesitation stopped and waited and he greeted this young man as if he was the first man in line, full of enthusiasm and appreciation.
“When we did finally get into the vehicle I mentioned to Gary how I observe how he makes each and every man or woman feel special and appreciated, he paused in thought before answering, as he often does, and then says with a heavy heart, ‘It’s because we don’t know what the next hour holds for them. As tired as I might get sometimes, and I do, it is nothing compared to what they go through day-after-day with the price they are so readily willing to pay.’ ”
Fox News will be broadcasting Mr. Flora´s one-hour special in prime time on Jan. 10.
Deb Rickert of Operation Support our Troops said it best about Mr. Sinise, the recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal.
“In an age when the public often lavishes epitaphs of greatness on celebrities merely because they are famous, the military community bestows the simple title of friend on Gary Sinise truly because that is what he is to us.”
VIDEO of Lt. Dan at Great Lakes Naval Base
In the video at the beginning part of it Gary introduces Kimo Williams Guitar. Kimo is a Vietnam Veteran.
Kimo Williams first worked with Gary as composer for a Steppenwolf production of Streetcar Named Desire. After learning of Gary’s talents on the bass, Kimo encouraged him to do more playing, and over the years they enjoyed the occasional jam session. As Gary began what has turned out to be an extraordinary commitment to the USO, these jams eventually led to gigs in the Chicago area, gathering local talent and performing for troops and their families.
Following one of his many trips overseas to visit those serving our country, he decided it was time to bring the band with him! With Kimo’s help a talented group of musicians came together to form “The Lt. Dan Band”.
“Lieutenant Dan” is the character Gary portrayed in the 1994 film Forrest Gump, a role for which he earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. As Gary began visiting troops around the world, people (even little kids) who didn’t know him as Gary Sinise, the actor, would recognize him as “Lt.Dan”. Those in the military also seem to identify strongly with the character. And so the name for his group was an easy choice: Lt. Dan Band!
Wild Thing’s comment……….
Gary is for real and a low key person, a lot like Nicholas. He takes life seriously but will not be the one to brag about his accompolishments or even this award. It will mean a lot to him, a tremendous thing, but Gary is not the type to blow his own horn. I think the troops see that too in the kind of person Gary is and that he is serious about his support for them. Just like the article says.
Bob Hope was like that as well . His home was filled with awards on the walls and sitting on end tables. He was very grateful for them but was not one to brag about getting them. Unless a person went to his home, few would have known the countless awards he received. He truly loved the troops as well. I love that Gary was compared to Bob Hope like the article has done.
I have posted about Gary several times and the troops reaction to him. It has been with a huge smile on my face and my heart smiling too to see someone that truly cares about our awesome troops, also the injured at the hospitals and our Veterans. He has been all over the world to see our troops. Iraq, Belgium (SHAPE military base), Ramstein AB, Germany, Afghanistan, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, etc.
The Presidential Citizens Medal is well deserved by Gary Sinise for his support of our military and the Operation Iraqi Children program.
Gary also was given the Catholics In Media Award (CIMA) Humanitarian Award in 2005 for his work in Iraq. During his speech, this very humble man spoke about how his wife was the catalyst behind everything he does. He thanked her for everything. He is the man he is because of her. Then he thanked his partner in the relief efforts and said that it was because of her that they were so successful.
……Thank you RAC for sending this to me. RAC has a website that is awesome.336th Assault Helicopter Company 13th Combat Aviation Battalion – 1st Aviation Brigade – Soc Trang, Republic of Vietnam
….Thank you Mark for sending this to me.
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