GraniteGrok

TILTON, NH – The annual American Legion “Spirit of the Eagle” POW/MIA Vigil will be held in the American Legion Park at the New Hampshire Veterans Home (NHVH) in Tilton from Saturday, September 6 to Sunday, September 7, 2008. The opening ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday and the closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 AM on Sunday.

Chuck Lewis, past Department Commander of the American Legion for New Hampshire and a member of the NHVH Therapeutic Recreation staff, says, “The purpose of the POW/MIA Vigil is to honor the commitment and the sacrifices made by this nation's Prisoners of War and those who are still Missing in Action, as well as their families. We have the highest regard for their service and we want to make sure they are never forgotten.”

The American Legion for New Hampshire coordinates the event and seeks volunteers to stand watch throughout the 24 hours of the vigil. “Each watch is only 15 minutes long,” explains Lewis, “but sometimes it is difficult to get people to volunteer for a shift in the middle of the night. It’s pretty impressive to see some of our residents standing out there or sitting in their wheelchairs in honor of their fellow soldiers.” Lewis adds, “This event is open to the public and we would love to have more people attend and stand watch.” People can contact Chuck Lewis at (603) 455-5047 if they have questions or would like to volunteer.

The New Hampshire Veterans Home was established in Tilton in 1890 as the Soldier’s Home for Civil War Veterans.  One of just four New Hampshire nursing homes to win the 2007 Quality of Life Award from the NH Department of Health & Human Services, the modern facility is home to 200 men and women who have served their country and fellow New Hampshire citizens.  The mission of NHVH is to provide high quality, professional long-term care services to the Granite State’s elderly and disabled veterans.  NHVH is the only long-term care facility in the Granite State that is dedicated exclusively to veterans.

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Program Information Officer

NH Veterans Home

139 Winter Street

Tilton, NH 03276

(603) 527-4847

www.nh.gov/veterans

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From our friend Karen Thurston:

The New Hampshire Blue Stars have recently joined with New Hampshire Veteran’s groups and many other donors to complete the final steps in erecting a Reflection Fountain on the Memorial Walkway at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.  The Reflection Fountain will be dedicated by the generosity of many donors to the NH Blue Star, NH Gold Star and POW/MIA Families. 

The Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen is the final resting place for many Veterans and conveys peace through its natural beauty and is the source of pride to all the Veteran's families.  Many ceremonies throughout the year are held here to acknowledge all Veterans, even those not interred here.  All these veterans, by their service, gave the title of "Blue Star Families" to their loved ones.  It is so fitting that the bonds that military service creates will be reflected in this fountain. 

The area with the fountain will provide a place for all families, Blue, Gold and POW/MIA, to sit and reflect on the great sacrifice that has been made by our Veterans. You may ask, "Am I part of this family?" ~ Yes, if you have had someone in your family who has served or is currently serving in any branch of our military.

The Reflection Fountain belongs to all of us ~ a place where spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts and uncles, and fellow veterans will find a source of comfort.
 
The funding for the first phase of the fountain is complete.  The final phase of funding will cover the site preparation for the fountain, the addition of granite benches, granite pavers, a plaque for dedication of the Fountain to New Hampshire Blue Star, Gold Star and POW/MIA Families. Any additional monies will be held for the maintenance of this fountain, as well as offsetting an outstanding balance on the Prisoner of War Monument that is located on the Memorial Walkway. 

Continue reading "Donations Needed to Finish the Job..." »

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Marc Alan Lee
First Navy SEAL killed in Iraq 8-2-06

Are You Leaving Your Mark?

by Debbie Lee

Aug 2, 2006 is a day that changed my life forever. Many of you have those days that you remember that were life changing. For most of us we remember our graduations, the day we married the love of our life, and the birth of our children. These events will always bring a smile to our face and joy to our hearts. Our lives were greatly impacted and the overall impact has been a blessing. Not that our jobs don't bring frustrations and headaches at times, our spouses at times cause us to question our sanity, and our teenage children sometimes cause us to yearn for the empty nest, but overall we reflect and remember the good times especially on the birthdays or anniversaries.
 
The anniversary that I remember today isn't one that your first response is that of blessings and laughter, trust me I've already shed many tears today. Today I remember 2 years ago when I recieved a visit from a Navy Chaplain bringing me the most dreadful news I have ever recieved. When you have children serving in the military you know that a visit from a Chaplain only means one thing, death. The loss of child's life according to the experts is the hardest death to deal with. I have lost a Father, a husband, and a son and I will agree dealing with the death of my son has been the hardest by far.
 
I have spent the morning looking back at pictures from Marc's arrival home in his flag draped coffin, his funeral at Fort Rose Crans, his memorial service in Hood River, his pictures in Iraq, and his pictures growing up. While I mourn those two years without his smiling face, his bear hugs, his contagious life and playful antics, I am thankful and remember the 28 years that his life engraved on my heart and left his mark. How many of us can say we left our mark on this world? My Marc left his mark on every life that he met. :O)
 
As I looked through the pictures this morning I was reminded of all of the people who have touched my life during the past 2 years since Marc's death. God has been soooooooooooooo faithful to me and used so many of you to touch my life in such a special way. I am so grateful for everyone of you whether your impact has been great or small. Whether you are the President, a General or a new born child. I'm not even going to try to list all of you or how you have impacted my life as this letter would go on forever. Some of you have been their daily and others may have been a one time encounter. Many of you have prayed faithfully! I know that the way you have touched my life has helped me get through another day, week, month or year. I am so very thankful!
 
As we reflect on Marc today lets remember what he gave. Marc gave his laughter, his love, his smile, his faith, his determination, his love for this country, his humor, his love of life, his support, and Marc gave his life.
 
I know most of you have probably read Marc's last letter home, but I feel it is fitting to include it again today as we reflect on the two year anniversary of his death. There are also several memorial videos on you tube just type in Marc Alan Lee. If any of you have special memories of Marc I would love it if you would email those to me so that I can remember them forever.
 
We are a blessed nation to have men and women just like Marc who are willing to give it all for you, for me, for this nation. Those are the heroes of our nation that need to be honored. As I remember Marc today I also remember all of those who have served in our military, and those who gave it all. God Bless those mighty warriors, my heroes!
 
Counting my blessings,
Debbie Lee
 
PS:Thank you Marc for giving it all! Your are home son, and I will see you when I get there!
 
Marc's last letter home:

Continue reading "Guest Post: "My Marc left his mark on every life that he met..."" »

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As regular readers know, the Eldest Son served in the Marines, making me a proud Semper Fi Dad (although it was hard when he first left for boot camp).  Although he exhibited some of the traits graphically shown below, this picture I found over at Blackfive brought it all together (and yes, the Marines "enhanced" those traits!):

God bless'em all!

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Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word

“Sorry seems to be the hardest word…”  Elton John was singing about lovers, but today Rep. John Murtha could take a lesson from the ballad.

 As of right now 7 of the 8 Marines facing charges in the Haditha incident have been cleared.  One was tried and found to be not guilty and the other six have been completely cleared, charges dropped.

 These are the same Marines to whom Murtha referred in these words: “Our troops overreacted because of the pressure on them, and they killed innocent civilians in cold blood."

 An elected representative of the people, with no knowledge of the circumstances, publicly denounced the protectors of our freedom as cold-blooded murderers.

 He was wrong.

 He should apologize.

 And where, by the way, is NH Rep. Paul Hodes as these brave Marines are cleared of any wrong doing?  Is he fighting to bring a full service Veterans Hospital to New Hampshire?  Is he fighting for expanded benefits and easier access to healthcare for veterans and active duty military?

 Since taking office Rep. Hodes has disrespected the Moms of Fury, he has denounced General Petraeus without even listening to his testimony, he has voted against funding our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, including soldier pay, armored vehicles, weapons and military health programs, and he used a tax-payer funded trip to Iraq as a campaign photo-op and an opportunity to once again disparage the efforts and progress of our troops.

 John Murtha was wrong.  So is Paul Hodes.  They should both apologize to the men and women who have fought and died to protect and defend our freedom and to their families as well.

 Then they should fall to their knees and thank God above for the service and sacrifice of every member of the United Sates military – and hope like hell that Marines don’t hold grudges.

Jennifer Horn is a candidate seeking the Republican nomination for NH's Second Congressional District seat. Visit her website at  http://www.jenniferhorn.org/ 

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“Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing in the streets. There’ll be swinging swaying laughing, playing…” 

Freedom Rally '07

In addition, there will be some serious business going on as well. Because, as we set about enjoying summer, we can’t forget that the only reason we’re able to do so is due to the efforts and sacrifices on the part of the American soldier and his/her family. Be they past or present, whether at sea, land, or in the air, at the end of it all, it is those who serve that first attained, and now protect and defend, the freedoms we take for granted. Republican or Democrat, there is no denying that quite often during our Nation’s history we were threatened and, whether everyone agreed to the true nature of the threat and the appropriate response or not, there was the American soldier, fulfilling the assigned duty.

Whether the conscripts of days past, or the volunteers of today, we should all be thankful for their service, and, most important of all, must never forget those who did not return. To do otherwise is to dishonor their ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the rest of us. Just imagine… in a way, they died so that we might live. Who else, save for occasional random heroic acts of individuals in some situation and, of course, Christ Himself, has done this?

It is for these men and women that we must take time from swinging, swaying, and laughing. Oh, we should be in the streets, but not dancing. Oh no—it’s time to take to the streets with a clear purpose and cause: remembering those who haven’t come home. And I’m not just talking about those who died… I’m also talking about those who literally have not yet come home—those that are both prisoners of war, and missing in action. While death is hard enough, just imagine being a family member of a soldier who is lost altogether—not knowing whether their loved one is indeed passed on, or maybe out there, somewhere… alive.

It is for these people, both soldier and family, that we take to the streets this summer. For those held prisoner, or missing: known by most people as America’s POW/MIAs.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of America’s longest and oldest continuous weekly POW/MIA vigil, held every Thursday night at New Hampshire’s official memorial at Meredith’s Hesky Park. Additionally, this summer marks the 15th anniversary of the Freedom Ride. Started in 1994 by a local motorcycle club, the ride is held in conjunction with the POW/MIA Vigil as a way of bringing both attention and participation to the issue.  It was modeled after “Rolling Thunder” which takes place every Memorial Day in Washington D.C.

Continue reading "Mark your calendar: POW/MIA Freedon Ride Thursday" »

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While the man seeking to have the Court force the town of Wolfeboro, NH to remove the American flags adorning the lighted street poles throughout town might have backed down, the legions of enraged military families and veterans have not.

Saturday is Flag Day. Every June 14th since 1916, Americans have commemorated the anniversary of the adoption of the flag of the United States by the Second Continental Congress on that same date in 1777. In his 2001 proclamation (done by the president every year since 1949), President Bush stated,

The Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of our young republic on June 14, 1777. Describing the new flag, the Congress wrote, "White signifies Purity and Innocence; Red, Hardiness and Valor; Blue signifies Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice."

Which, as we learned with a certain cranky Wolfeboro resident named Claude Roessiger, when displayed in an "excessive and unusual" fashion apparently, in his mind, "constitutes the expression of a political opinion on public property and upon public space, and this cannot be supported."

Rubbish!

As noted at the top of this post, the military families and veterans and supporters have not backed down on this. In fact, The Blue and Gold Star Families, veterans, and supporters will stand in support of that town’s defending its right to fly Old Glory this Saturday, Flag Day (June 14). The gathering starts at 1:00pm at Mathew Stanley’s bench located at Brewster Academy Field.

Additionally, some enthusiastic motorcyclists from the American Legion have decided Flag Day is an appropriate day and time to operate a Patriotic Flag Ride through Wolfeboro, to show support for the town and their Patriotic Spirit. The American Legion Post at the Alton Circle, has offered to host any riders for this event, and the American Legion Riders Post from Rochester has offered to lead the ride through Wolfeboro. The ride will start and end at the American Legion Post. Assembly time is 1 PM.

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Got the following email exchange from our friend, Blue Star Mother Sue Peterson, who describes it as "A first-hand account of the situation in Iraq from the son of a friend.  The son is a grunt (11B) down in the trenches doing a fantastic job with our other soldiers and marines." We reprint it here with permission.

Hey y'all,

I got a myspace message from Brander last night.  As you will read below he is safe and doing well.  I send this on to let you all know how he is doing and as an illustration of the strength of character found in our young men and women we are supporting and praying for. May God continue to bless and protect Brander and all of those serving this great nation.

Love
Bill

Jun 3, 2008 2:13 PM
Subject:  greetings and sal-u-tay-tions

Hey Dad,

All is well. I just wrote a letter to Colleen and Collin thought I should share a portion with ya'll. If you could tell Andy to check his myspace for me too next time you talk to him. I would be thankful. The weather is heating up and things are hectic. Sorry to hear about all the road time. As for me I'm trying to remind myself that life is about the journey not the destination. Well I love you send my best to the rest.

I love you,
Brander

The fighting over here has stopped. We found out just recently that all the bad guys we've been having such a hard time finding fled the country months ago. We spend our time now organizing grants from the Iraqi gov. for local people to create jobs and boost the economy, overseeing public works (that are decades behind) to insure quality and weed out corruption, sitting down for dinners and meeting with the once warring fractions to settle differences, talking to the key leaders to advise them on how to keep corruption and terrorists from coming back into the city and trying to rebuild and reestablish the education system, and sometime I dance and sing with the kids.

As a special project we take it upon ourselves to check up on the child households and widows in are area. I wouldn't recognize the city I showed up in and the one I live in now as the same. The trash is cleaned out of the streets and canals. The streets are full of children laughing, playing, and moving to and from school. The markets, once barren alleys with boarded up shops, are now jam packed with people haggling and shopping. There are even a few soccer teams that started up with uniforms'n'all.  I have no idea who started them but we stopped and watch a game with a crowd of fans. Wedding parties fill the now clean court yards on a regular basis with dancing and singing long into the nights. All the once vacant houses have been filled with the happy faces of the former owner.

People are no longer afraid to talk to us in public, but go out of their way to seek us out and offer us there gratitude and hospitality. We have made this city our home and the people in it our friends and neighbors. In doing so, we have changed the lives of those around us forever and given them the tools to dream again. Thank you for supporting me in being apart of this. All of you back home have been the answer to my prayers and that is what gives me the strength to be the answer to theirs.

This is really good news. It seems that things have really changed over there. Brander's first-hand description of the work our fine troops are doing over there and the palpable progress being made further demonstrates the folly of a pullout at this time. I hope Senator Obama and the rest of the naysayers in Congress get to read Brander's message of REAL hope...

Iraqi children playing soccer. (Found on the 'Net)

[UPDATE: Here are more stories straight from the ground. H/T: What Bubba Knows]

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As noted in this previous post, The Moving Wall made a stop here in Central NH this Memorial Day weekend. Following up our MTNP radio interview (podcast here) with one of the event's organizers, David Dube, we got to meet him face to face when we paid a visit Sunday evening. During our brief chat, he noted that over 20,000 people will have visited by the time it's all said and done today at 6PM. More importantly, he told us that a large number of vets had made connections with those listed on the memorial which, he said in some cases can bring a degree of healing to decades-long scars. We personally witnessed the outpouring of emotion displayed by one of the visitors while we were there.

Here are a few more pics:

Continue reading "A visit to The Moving Wall..." »

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Are You Sleeping?

by Debbie Lee

Military helicopters vandalized in Pennsylvania, recruiting offices attacked in over 42 cities, funding denied for our troops, Code Pink sending 600,00.00 to the enemy. How many more treasonous acts need to occur before we stand up and say enough is enough?
 
Spineless, gutless, Politicians who are using our troops as pawns in their political power struggle playground repulses and disgusts me. They are willing to jeopardize and put our troops in the crosshairs of the terrorists by there lack in funding our troops.
 
They are more concerned with getting their own way and proving who is in charge of Congress instead of allowing every Senator and Representative to be part of the process on the Hill. They by passed the Appropriations Committee and didn't allow the Republicans to be part of a serious matter like funding our troops. I'm sure you could hear them loudly singing a very prideful rendition of "I did it my way."
 
I'm sure the troops, including my son who gave up their lives, would love to have done it their way. They knew the attacks on our nation on 9-11  required that the right way was to fight for our freedoms and defend America. In the most unselfish act any American could give they sacrificed their own lives for the freedoms of a nation, for you, for me.
 
They gave their tomorrows, their futures, so that we could have our today. Everyone of our brave men and women serving know that the same price could be required of them too. What did the leadership on Capitol Hill do with their today? What gratitude did our liberal politicians show them? They yank their funding and play political suicide with the funding bill by attaching the ag amnesty bill to it.
 
What kind of games are they playing with our the lives of our brave men and women serving? Yet they'll be the first to say they "Support our Troops."
 
It's time for us to reclaim America and clean house from the self-centered egotistical politicians who have lost there love for America. Our founding Father's would rise up from their graves if they could to smack some sense into these politicians to get them to remember the basic principles this nation was founded on. Certain members of Congress are acting like jealous children fighting to get the most attention.
 
I have had it with the traitors in America who continue to do acts that are Anti-American and are destroying our Nation. It's time we hold them accountable and prosecute them for their treasonous acts. We have become a nation that is so tolerant of everything, that we stand for nothing. We have become a spineless nation with no moral compass to direct us to make wise and selfless decisions. We are so myopic and "me" focused that we can't see we are handing this nation to our enemies on a platter.
 
It is time for us as Americans to flood the switchboards of Capitol Hill with our demands to fund our troops. The must prepare a clean bill with the involvement of both parties and through the proper channels.
 
We also need to demand that strong measures be taken to arrest and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who are committing acts of treason during a time of war by inciting lawless actions.
 
Your today has been paid for by those who gave up their tomorrows. What will you do with your today to honor those who gave it all?
 
Debbie Lee
 
Remembering His Sacrifice
Marc Alan Lee
First Navy SEAL killed in Iraq 8-2-06

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Come show your support for our troops - Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard!

Bring a poster and show off your soldier, airman, guard, marine, or seaman!  Bring your Flags, lawn chairs and voices to Support Our Troops!
 
 
Also,   The Moving Wall is coming to New Hampshire!   The dates are May 22 thru May 26th and will be located at Constitution Park  On Route 25 East  in Center Ossipee.

Since they have limited funding, a donation is sincerely requested.

If you have any questions feel free to contact:

David Dube via e-mail 603-539-7697 (home) or 60539-3340 (work).

Thank you in advance for your support.

Posted by Skip at 9:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Heh!

Since they're in our house, the Marines Recruiting Center, we're coming to their house which is here in Albany," said George Newkirk, Marines Motorcycle Club.

"But they're not here today," said ABC7's Pamela Tom.

"Yeah, I look at that as the enemy always runs when the Marines have landed," said Newkirk.

Background here.

Marines don't retreat. 

Liberals hate having their own tactics used against them.  Add?  Bikes are louder!

Semper Fi, gentlemen!

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Update!    

My apologies to the Ambassador - it is Crocker; I had his name in the Post headline as Crockett

------------------------------------------------- 

I received this from one of our NH Senators - John E. Sununu, concerning his thoughts of Petraeus and Crocker as they walked into the Lions' Den called the Senate.  It was good to see that Sununu is behind these folks and the surge and is seeing what I am seeing.  Iraq has become better and progress is taking place.  No, not from the top down as what was originally thought but from the bottom up.  And we all know that bottom up change always lasts longer and the results better than when issued from on high.

Kudoes!

SUNUNU STATEMENT ON PETRAEUS, CROCKER TESTIMONY

WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senator John Sununu (R-NH) today (4/8) released the following statement regarding the testimony of General David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker on the Iraq War before the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee:

“No American should serve a day longer in Iraq than is absolutely necessary, but an immediate withdrawal of all coalition forces would leave behind an unstable and dangerous environment.

“Over the past year, our men and women serving in Iraq have performed bravely and exceeded every expectation.  Security has improved significantly, the Iraqi military has taken on greater responsibilities, and the government has enacted vital legislation for debaathification, reconstruction, and sharing power among the different regions.

“General Petraeus has provided outstanding leadership throughout this time, placing us on a path to bring home 30,000 soldiers and working with Ambassador Crocker to press Iraqi political leaders for more progress.

“Now, we need to let General Patraeus and his commanders on the ground finish the job. They should be given the chance to evaluate the situation, set goals for bringing home the rest of our troops safely, and leave behind a more secure region.”

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WASHINGTON – Today the RNC released a new Web video, titled “Politics vs. Petraeus.”  The video highlights Senators Clinton and Obama’s politicization of the War on Terror and complete disregard for the facts and the warnings made by General David Petraeus during his last congressional hearing on September 11, 2007. 

 After consistently promising to “always listen to our commanders on the ground,” Barack Obama has blatantly ignored Gen. Petraeus’ recommendations and pledged to enact an immediate and dangerous withdrawal of U.S. forces in Iraq if elected President.  And despite warnings from Gen. Petraeus that “a premature drawdown of our forces would likely have devastating consequences,” Senator Clinton has promised to begin a precipitous withdrawal of American troops within 60 days.

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This is very cool. Spread the word!

A new way to say "thanks" to our soldiers, even when you're across the room, or across the street:

The Gratitude Campaign

According to the website, this is how it started:

For the past several years as I've been traveling around the country, I've been approaching soldiers in the airports and thanking them for serving for us. On several occasions I have noticed that it felt a little awkward for both of us. There are several reasons, some of which I am even just now learning as I produce this film and talk to more soldiers. But they have always appreciated being thanked, and I have always felt better having expressed my gratitude.

I started to think that it would be nice if civilians had a gesture or sign that they could use to say "thank you" quickly and easily without even having to approach. I did some research and found the sign that we are now using.

Is this limited to the military? Not at all. If you look around you I'm sure that you'll find lots of people who are serving their communities, from local to global. If you appreciate their service, give them a sign. Say "thank you."

Click here to learn how...

[H/T The Scamman Family]

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As this post announced, I went to SamSphere last weekend.  There, I met a wonderful bunch of folks who love this country and love the fact that it has been, and will continue to be, the rugged individualism, free markets, and a belief that people, and not government, that hold the singular key to America's continued success.  A country not conceived by ethnicity or religious ties, but one of ideas and ideals - chief of which is that all men are created equal and that all men yearn for freedom.  Here, above all others in the world and history, that exceptional idea has made us the shining light on the hill even now.

Many, like us, fight the good fight to keep government to play its correct role (but not more).  You'll hear more of that as we kick off our GAB segment on Meet The New Press tomorrow with Maggie Thurber of Thurber’s Thoughts.  

In another, more sobering way, was how alike I am to some others.  When the Oldest went off to Marine boot camp, it made an impression upon me that really didn't sink in until I saw this over at Op-For. That forced me to write "At the end of the driveway"; my son had grown up and was willingly accepting the call of his country.  I then was forced to acknowledge that time had made me older; a chapter had opened for him and another was closing for me.

Well, another new friend from SamSphere, the Blue Collar Muse, mentioned that his Oldest was coming home from Army AIT (Advanced Infantry Training) tonite.  He, too, had written a post about his thoughts: In The Company of Men. 

Take the time to read it.

Take a hanky with you.

To his Oldest: Thank you for your service, sir.  Godspeed. 

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Thanks to our friend Blue Star Mother Sue Peterson, who wore his POW/MIA bracelet, the story of missing soldier Matt Maupin was known to us. Last April 9th, we noted the third year of his capture with a short letter written by Sue asking readers to remember Matt and his parents in their anxious time of waiting.

Sadly, Sue passed along a note this evening pointing us to this story reporting that Matt's Dad Keith

said at a news conference in suburban Cincinnati that an Army general told him DNA testing had identified the remains of his son, Sgt. Keith Matthew Maupin, or "Matt" as he was commonly known.

We agree with Sue who writes,

May God bless the Maupins and give them peace knowing that Matt dwells in the house of the Lord forever!

 

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Today is NH Gold Star Mothers' Day.

During the First World War, in May 1918, President Woodrow Wilson approved the suggestion of the Women's Committee of National Defenses recommending that American women should wear a black band on the upper left arm adorned with a gold star. Each star representing a family member who had given his or her life for their country. President Woodrow Wilson first used the term "Gold Star Mother" in his Letter to the Women's Committee. Grace D. Seibold, who lost her son, 1st Lieutenant George Seibold, in France, is recognized as the first “Gold Star” mother.

The mothers of New Hampshire’s fallen heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice for human freedom, and we owe them the most profound debt of gratitude.  More than anyone, they bear the deep emotional burden and loss of those who have laid down their lives for the cause of liberty.  New Hampshire owes these dignified and graceful mothers of freedom our deepest admiration and our promise that the sacrifice of their children will never be forgotten. 

The official legislation creating NH Gold Star Mothers' Day provides that the Governor shall "urge the citizens of the state to observe this day with appropriate events."

And that is certainly the case this year. First, earlier this week we saw the official unveiling of NH Gold Star license plates in a special ceremony in Concord. In a moving event, NH Gold Star Mothers received their plates, reminding them that the Granite State honors them, their sacrifice, and the memory of their children who died in service to our Country.

NH Gold Star Mothers License Plates

Slideshow of NH Gold Star Moms receiving their special license plates.

Today at noon, NH's own Gold Star Mothers Chapter becomes a reality as its first slate of officers gets inducted at a ceremony at the New Hampshire National Guard Armory in Manchester. Also happening today, the NH Gold Star Mothers Memorial Association (not affiliated with NHGSM) will break ground for its memorial statue in Manchester's Stanton Plaza.

While certainly no amount of memorials and ceremonies can bring back those who have been lost, at least for those left behind, especially the Mothers, there is solace in the fact that NH's citizens have not forgotten...[UPDATE: Our buddy, 2nd CD candidate Grant Bosse attended both events and has pictures posted at his blog here.]

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Blue Star Moms & friends honoring the troops

The following was written by Johanne Duchesne. She is a brand new member of the Blue Star Mothers of NH and attended this past weekend's Gathering of Mothers in Concord in support of the troops in the face of the demonstrating antiwar protesters.

This word PEACE seems to have many meanings these days. 

When one hears, “Rest in Peace” you would think that it is something being wished to someone who has passed away – wishing them an eternal rest, in PEACE. 

But, then you have these “PEACE” activists who in their efforts to make a point about the casualties of war have stripped our soldiers of their dignity and of their eternal rest in PEACE.  I am referring to a recent demonstration on the front walk of our State Capitol on March 15th.  A Peace Activist group without permission from the families of our fallen soldiers saw fit to attach their names to pairs of boots and placed them in the walk to the front steps of the Capitol. 

As a member of the Blue Star Mothers organization, I was there with other Blue Star Mothers, including two Gold Star Mothers and veterans in a show of support for our troops.  The Activist’s demonstration caused the Gold Star Mothers much distress and anguish.  One Mom in her grief ripped the tag from the boots and the other took the boots with her son’s name and carried them with her as we walked. 

We were told that if the Mothers did not want the names of their sons or daughters included in their demonstrations that they would have to contact the organizer to have the names removed.  By what right do these people have to use these names anyway?  Oh yes, I guess that would fall under our right to free speech –which by the way is one of the privileges as Americans that our troops have fought and so many have lost their lives to defend.  Ironic, isn’t it? 

Johanne's son, Jonathan, enlisted into the Army in 1999 and served 3 years with the 82nd Airborne.  He is now in civil service as a patrolman with the Manchester Police Department.

Antiwar peaceniks dishonoring their memory (GG file photo)

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Imagine my surprise when I flipped on NewsNine WMUR TV Sunday morning to have to watch reporting on the antiwar protesters gathered in Concord, and hear that there were no counterprotesters on the scene because, well, it's just not true. Sorry Newsnine, you really blew this one! Our friend Blue Star Mother Sue Peterson sent the following pics and notes:

Doug - Here are some of the pictures..as soon as I get the rest, I will send them to you.  FYI - The one with us behind the flag - shows Denise holding the boots - they are the ones that she picked up from the sidewalk - the sidewalk was lined again with the boots and the soldier's names attached.  We had 4 Gold Star Moms with us yesterday....Jeb Bradley...Grant Bosse....and several Blue Star Moms and a few vets...It was a great time - and I am so thankful for those that were there....

Blessings,

Sue 

This was the very last picture - so there were 8 people that had left...Also, the white tag that Lynn is holding is her son Matt Stanley's name - she took it off the boots and threw them out in the snow.
 
We need to help educate the people of NH as to what these peace people do...they line them with shoes to represent the dead Iraqis - and when I asked "you mean those killed by Saddam," they could not answer me... they just want to make our soldiers look like baby killers.

More pics:

Continue reading "Moms on a mission. Mothers gathered, despite what NewsNine says." »

Posted by Doug at 8:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Remember this?

Today, it's time to do it all over again!

The Blue and Gold Star Mothers of
New Hampshire

Gathering of Mothers Call to Arms

"… An eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks. The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it." ~An unknown author~

Bring your flags! Join us as we walk around the State House in support of the Eagles in DC. 

At home for every man or woman who defends and ensures our liberty and protects the shores of America are the mothers who nurtured them into adulthood.  We are mostly the silent majority who just encourage and support our military sons and daughters.  We are extended by mothers whose blue stars turned gold when their son or daughter gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms ALL Americans enjoy.  We are the Blue and Gold Star Mothers of NH.  Together we support our troops as they head towards Victory in the battles they encounter to protect the people and the borders of America.

On Saturday, March 15th, from 10:30am to 12:30pm we will assemble in front of the LOB with veterans, past, present and future who have served in the armed forces of these United States of America in support of the Americans Standing Up: CAll to Arms is to stand in solidarity with our armed forces in harm's way today. 

In the words of Lt. Col. Steve Russell, USA retired, we should make no apologies.  “What shall we say?  What more can we give to our nation than the type of sacrifice we have already given?  What words can we the soldiers use to convince Americans at home that the biggest mistakes being made in this war are on the home front, not the battlefront?  What will be the value of temporary civilian comforts and the illusion of national safety when a giant shadow of Islamic terrorism is casting itself onto our shores?  What will be the meaning of the rhetoric and the political debate when we sift through the rubble of a workplace, a shopping mall or public transit—digging out American bodies targeted for no other reason than because of our way of life and who we are as a people?  It is a scene that every soldier who has witnessed it abroad will fight with all his might to keep away—but we never thought that our own people would betray our efforts.”

We the Blue and Gold Star Mothers say YES to supporting our troops to Victory.

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Frequent readers of the 'Grok know that Doug and I believe in our Troops, are thankful for their sacrifice, and know that their mission is correct and necessary. 

We are also thankful to the Blue and Gold Star Mothers that we have met along our blogging way here at the 'Grok and on Meet The New Press.  We salute you all.

We also honor those that have completed their service and thank them for it. 

One gentleman (and his lovely wife) served his country well, and continues to do so now in civilian life in the Lakes Region fighting the good fight once again to make our democracy fairer for the residents of his town - we thank him doubley for his service!  Dr. Col Richard Juve, USMC (Ret.) passed the following along to me; please read it. 

My son served in Iraq in the USMC; this lady spoke for me and my son as well.

I was sitting alone in one of those loud, casual steak houses that you find all over the country. You know the type--a bucket of peanuts on every table, shells littering the floor, and a bunch of perky college kids racing around with long neck beers and sizzling platters.
 
Taking a sip of my iced tea, I studied the crowd over the rim of my glass. My gaze lingered on a group enjoying their meal. They wore no uniform to identify their branch of service, but they were definitely 'military' - clean shaven, cropped haircut, and that 'squared away' look that comes with pride.
 
Smiling sadly, I glanced across my table to the empty seat where my husband usually sat. It had only been a few months since we sat in this very booth, talking about his upcoming deployment to the Middle East That was when he made me promise to get a sitter for the kids, come back to this restaurant once a month and treat myself to a nice steak. In turn he would treasure the thought of me being here, thinking about him until he returned home.
 
I fingered the little flag pin I constantly wear and wondered where he was at this very moment. Was he safe and warm? Was his cold any better? Were my letters getting through to him?

As I pondered these thoughts, high pitched female voices from the next booth broke into my thoughts. 'I don't know what Bush is thinking about. Invading Iraq . You'd think that man would learn from his old man's mistakes. Good Lord. What an idiot! I can't believe he is even in office. You do know, he stole the election.'
 
I cut into my steak and tried to ignore them as they began an endless tirade running down our president.

Continue reading "The battle is always first fought on the home front" »

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