America Celebrates U.S. Constitution

James Waldrop Chapter DAR Promotes Constitution Week Awareness in Fayette County

Friday, September 17, 2010, begins the national celebration of Constitution Week. The weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document is one of our country’s least known official observances. Our Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those unalienable rights to every American.

The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, the Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into Public Law #915 on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The aims of the celebration are to (1) emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity;  (2) inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and (3) encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.

The United States of America functions as a Republic under the Constitution, which is the oldest document still in active use that outlines the self-government of a people. This landmark idea that men had the inalienable right as individuals to be free and live their lives under their own governance was the impetus of the American Revolution.  Today, the Constitution stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world.

"We must remember and teach that those who wrote the Constitution believed that no government can create freedom, but that government must guard freedom rather than encroach upon the freedoms of its people" stated Merry Ann T. Wright, President General of the DAR. "The Constitution by itself cannot guarantee liberty. A nation’s people can remain free only by being responsible citizens who are willing to learn about the rights of each arm of government and require that each is accountable for its own function. Therefore, Constitution Week is the perfect opportunity to read and study this great document which is the safeguard of our American liberties.  We encourage all citizens across the country to take time this week to guard that which is committed to us by our forefathers... our freedom."

DAR has served America for 120 years as its foremost cheerleader.  In 1928, the Daughters began work on a building as a memorial to the Constitution. John Russell Pope, architect of the Jefferson Memorial, was commissioned to design the performing arts center, known as DAR Constitution Hall. Today, DAR Constitution Hall is the only structure erected in tribute to the Constitution of the United States of America. 

Known as the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world, DAR has over 165,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 11 foreign countries. The DAR has long promoted patriotism through commemorative celebrations, memorials, scholarships and activities for children, and programs for new immigrants.

The James Waldrop Chapter DAR in Fayetteville, Georgia, has spoken to over 1300 students in the Fayette County Schools on the history of the Constitution over the last three years.  For more information on the James Waldrop Chapter DAR, contact jameswaldrop.fayettevillega@yahoo.com.



-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Privacy and the Constitution

American colonists fought, sacrificed, and died to establish and preserve the freedoms now guaranteed to us by the Constitution of the United States. The right to privacy has come to the public's attention through various controversial Supreme Court rulings. Privacy is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, but over the years the Supreme Court has made decisions that have established that the right to privacy is a basic human right and as such is protected by virtue of the 9th Amendment.

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution reminds all Americans to study the Constitution, know your rights, and know what it says and does not say.

The James Waldrop Chapter DAR is chartered in Fayetteville, Georgia.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Local Rosies Honored as Women in History by Fayetteville DAR

Pictured (l-r) are James Waldrop Chapter DAR American History Chairman Phyllis King with Fayette County Rosies Sybil Hill, Dot Miller and Betty Dodds.

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in Fayetteville recently honored three Fayette County women with the Woman in American History Award 2009.

During World War II, six million women joined the workforce , shattering myths of a woman's place and paving the way for future generations to become viable workers in the job market.

They were collectively called "Rosie, the Riveter" but performed many jobs. Three million women were Red Cross volunteers and Civil Defense workers. Two million were clerical workers, and one million were hired by the federal government.

In the 1943 issue of Newsweek magazine, those jobs were listed as work in shipyards, lumber mills, steel mills, and foundries. These women were the first generation to break out of the mold as homemakers as they became mechanics, boilermakers, and operated streetcars, buses, cranes, and tractors. They served as police officers, taxi drivers, lawyers, and journalists. They ran farms, planted crops, tended animals, and sewed uniforms.

The efforts of these women's wartime production included 296,429 airplanes, 102,351 tanks, 372,431 artillery pieces, 47 tons of artillery ammunition, 87,620 warships, 44 billion rounds of small arms ammunition, not to mention countless numbers of documents and material.

Even though considered ordinary, they pulled together to perform an extraordinary service to their country and America's full might was realized during a time of great need.

Betty Dodds had just moved to Fargo, North Dakota, in 1944 after graduating from High School, when she received a letter from the Federal Government asking her to come for an interview with the Office of Price Administration. At the tender age of 18, she went to work typing letters in answer to questions about quotas, pricing and rationing. She recalls the noise of many typists as they worked and the huge volumes of catalogued restrictions used to find the answers to questions.

After graduation in 1944, Sybil Hill of Mansfield, Georgia, moved to Atlanta to seek work. She found work in a defense plant on Sawtell Ave. across from the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. While at the defense plant she riveted and bucked the rivets in PBY plane wings. She was small and could climb inside the wing to buck the rivet more easily than some women. She remembers making $27-28 dollars a week in comparison to $17-18 a week in other jobs.

Dot Miller grew up in College Park, Georgia, and at age 19 went to work for the Immigration and Naturalization Service at 101 Marietta St. in Atlanta, Georgia. Her job was to fast track the citizenship applications of foreign born service men who wanted to go overseas to fight for the USA. If these immigrants had been captured fighting for the USA, their acts would have been considered treasonous to other countries and would be executed.

The contributions of these women and all the women who left the shelter of staying at home full time to serve their country were the beginnings of the woman's movement in America. No longer were women satisfied to sit at home. These women proved to themselves and the world that they, too, could have a positive impact in the workplace.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

Veteran's Christmas Tree Ornaments Available in Fayetteville

A Veteran's Christmas Tree is being erected in Fayetteville, Georgia, in front of the American Legion on Main Street. Members of the Frankie Lyle Chapter of United Daughters of the Confederacy are selling ornaments which will be personalized for American veterans. Veterans may be from the time of the American Revolution up to today.

The tree, decorated in red, white and blue, was donated by the Fayette County Civitan Club. As each individualized ornament is made, a prayer will be said for the veteran and for our country.

Each ornament is $10 and can be ordered from:

Frankie Lyle Chapter No. 2074
Mrs. Linda Robinson
Recorder of Military Service Awards
250 Newhaven Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30215.

Please include the veteran's name, rank, branch of service, and dates served.

If desired, arrangements can be made for your patriot's ornament to be picked up after Christmas.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Fayetteville DAR Honors Veterans on Veterans Day

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution placed a wreath at the Peachtree City Veterans Memorial on Veterans Day. Regent Betty Harrah of Fayetteville stated, "Today is November 11, 2008, Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all the men and women who have served this country from the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to the battlefields of today. Often times we might forget what these soldiers have gone through to ensure the freedoms we have today. Where would we be without their sacrifices."

"They left their families, homes, jobs, farms to serve and protect our country," she continued. "Today marks the 90th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I, the 11th hour, 11th day, 11th month, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Armistice Day, November 11, 1919. It was changed to Veterans Day when President Dwight Eisenhower signed it into law on May 26, 1954 to honor all veterans. When we see someone who has served our country, not just on Veterans Day, but every day, be sure and say "Thank You". There is a quote: "If you can read, thank a teacher; if it is in English, thank a veteran". We love you, we respect you and we thank you."

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Sears Invites Americans to Celebrate Veterans Day and Give Back

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In honor of its long-standing commitment to military servicemen and women on Veterans Day, Sears will kick-off its Heroes at Home Wish Registry today, to fulfill wishes for deserving military families and personnel this holiday season. Sears created the Heroes at Home Wish Registry to help make the wishes of members of the military come true for the holidays and enable Americans to provide a direct 'thank you' to them.

This fall, more than 29,000 active military members registered to participate in the Wish Registry at Sears.com. Sears heard from U.S. Service members around the world -- ranging from one soldier just wishing to spend the holidays with his family, to another wishing for simple items after his family's home was destroyed in a fire. One soldier wrote:

"When I met my wife for the first time it was love, romantic love like in the movies. Army life hasn't been easy on my wife or kids. I'm currently on my third tour in the Middle East. My family has sacrificed so much, and while material things could never replace being home for Christmas, just knowing they had a good one and were smiling on Christmas is a gift enough for me."

"The Heroes at Home Wish Registry enables all Americans to recognize and celebrate the commitment our military makes on behalf of our country everyday," said Don Hamblen, Sears' chief marketing officer. "The stories are touching and show how selfless these military families are and Sears couldn't be more proud to offer a program that helps make their holidays brighter."

The Heroes at Home Wish Registry works similar to a bridal registry. Now through Dec. 24, consumers can go to Sears.com, read the military families' stories, what they're wishing for, and may choose to donate to the Wish Registry. Upon making a donation, consumers can include a note to the families and wish them happy holidays. Donations made to the Wish Registry are not tax deductible and will be used to purchase Sears Gift Cards that will be equally distributed to all registered families, up to a maximum gift card amount of $550 per family. In the event that all registered families receive the maximum amount, all remaining sums will be donated to the United Services Organization (USO).

Sears partnered with the USO to help communicate the Wish Registry to military members, and will also make a $250,000 donation to support USO programs and services around the world. Active service personnel who participate in the Heroes at Home Wish Registry will remain anonymous to ensure compliance with the military's standards of conduct regulations.

Last year, Sears Holdings launched the Heroes at Home program to provide support to service members, veterans and their families through joint efforts with various nonprofit organizations, including Rebuilding Together, Inc. Since the program's inception, Sears Holdings has helped to rebuild or renovate more than 200 homes and has raised more than $5 million through the Heroes at Home program for Rebuilding Together. Coming up Nov. 15, the program will complete one of its many builds in Crestline, CA to assist disabled veteran Jeremy Wiessmiller.

Also on Veterans Day, My Network TV will feature a two-hour Heroes at Home special at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT. Hosted by Howie Long (host of FOX NFL Sunday), the Heroes at Home special introduces viewers to six service members, from California to Connecticut, who share their personal experiences of service in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The military families share their struggles in their daily lives, the challenges they and their loved ones face, and how Sears and MyNetworkTV have helped fulfill some of their holiday wishes, and helped to make their transition back home more seamless.

Chris Strickland, a disabled army veteran from Connecticut, will share how Heroes at Home helped provide modifications throughout his home to make it more accessible for him. (Check local listings for specific channel or visit http://www.mynetworktv.com/. The channel may be listed with MY in front of channel number.)

Sears has actively supported this country's servicemen and women with pride and respect since the company was founded more than a century ago. In 2005, Sears Holdings received the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, which publicly recognizes American employers who provide exceptional support to their employees who voluntarily serve the nation in the National Guard and Reserve. In 2006, Sears Holdings also was honored with the Military Officers Association of America's Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of the company's support of associates in the Guard and Reserve and military families nationwide.

To find out more about the Heroes at Home program, make a donation, or to refer a military family or veteran to the home renovation program through Rebuilding Together, visit http://www.sears.com/ or call 1-800-473-4229. Sears Holdings' ongoing commitment to assisting troops and their families includes several recruiting and employment programs, as well as a military pay differential to Sears associates employed (full time) who are reservists serving on active duty. Reservists who are employed full-time are allowed to continue participating in life insurance, medical and dental programs.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Fayette County WW II Veterans Say “Thanks” on Veterans Day

World War II veterans Calvin Graves (left center) and Gibbs Ramsey (right center) lead the student body in the Pledge of Allegiance along with Gail Sparrow and assistant principal Ron Plauche.

Students at JC Booth Middle School in Peachtree City have worked hard to help some very special veterans. On Veterans Day, some of those who benefitted from their generosity came to the school to say thanks.

Collectively, the student body has raised over $1,400 for Honor Flight Fayette, a nonprofit organization that flies World War II veterans, at no cost, to see their memorial in Washington, DC. The organization is able to provide the free one-day trips through monetary donations that are used to cover the travel costs.

The Booth students have raised enough money to send five veterans to the memorial. Calvin Graves was one of the first veterans sponsored by the school and was part of the inaugural flight on May 14, 2008.

“I was honored to do what I did for my country and I was proud of my service but I have never been more honored than when 70 of us old guys went to see the WW II memorial. Thank you,” Graves said to the nearly 1,000 students who had packed into the gym to see and hear from the veterans they had helped.

Joining Graves was Gibbs Ramsey, the grandfather of the school’s reading teacher, Courtney Bremer. Gibbs, another veteran sponsored by the school, is going on the Honor Flight scheduled for November 12, the day after Veterans Day. He served in the US Navy during the war and said that he had only one regret.

“We had a great time. I enjoyed every minute of it. My only regret is that I didn’t stay in the Navy,” he said.

Former Fayette County teacher Gail Sparrow, who has been instrumental in heading up Honor Flight Fayette, was also in attendance to thank the students for supporting a cause that is near and dear to her heart.

“Your generosity has sponsored five veterans so that they could go and see their memorial. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do for these veterans,” Sparrow said.

Honor Flight Fayette accepts donations from individuals and groups throughout the year. To learn more about the program, visit www.honorflightfayette.com.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Honor Flight Fayette at World War II Memorial

Pictured at the Georgia portion of the World War II monument are (l-r) veteran William Jackson, guardian Allen Smith and veteran John Dailey.

On October 8th, Honor Flight Fayette completed its 2nd day trip to Washington, D.C. with a precious cargo of WWII veterans. Because their memorial was completed less than 5 years ago, many veterans felt they would never see it due to medical or financial reasons. Honor Flight Fayette took care of those concerns by covering all expenses for these members of the greatest generation as well as providing guardians and medical assistance for them throughout the day. The guardians each paid their own way and medical personnel raised the money needed through donations.

This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization will not accept any money from the veterans and 100% of money raised is used totally for the trip. There is a board of directors to guide this effort and each one of them, as well as guardians, medical personnel and volunteers, gives generously of their time and talents to keep this project going as we are losing these vets at the rate of over 1,400 each day.

The vets started the day at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church with Chick-fil-A biscuits, had box lunches under tents close to the memorial and finished with a catered meal at the USO facility at Reagan Airport.

Fayetteville First Methodist Church and First Baptist Church of Fayetteville provided buses to get everyone to the airport, and the group traveled in comfortable motor coaches around the nation's capitol.

The veterans especially enjoyed the reception they received everywhere they went as crowds of airline employees, travelers and active military personnel greeted them with cheers, hugs and salutes. However, they also were excited to meet Sen. Bob Dole, who was instrumental in getting the WWII monument built and who comes to meet as many honor flight groups from around the country as possible.

"Mail call" on the flight up to D.C. was a favorite also as the veterans read letters written especially to each of them by members of Jo Springer's 5th grade class at Huddleston Elementary school. Many of the vets said they planned to write back to the students and tell them how much their letters meant to them.

If you would like to learn more about this worthwhile organization, be of assistance or donate toward this cause, please check honorflightfayette.org or call 770-719-1024.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Hunley Men Remembered

HH Note: The 145th anniversary of the second fateful sinking of this new type of warfare was October 15. This entry was written by the author of Geni-Tales, a genealogy blog on the Fayette Front Page. With permission, we have included here.

The discovery of the Hunley and its crew continues to amaze genealogists, history buffs and the general public. Recently, I visited the Hunley Memorial at Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston, SC, where our family placed wreaths in memory of all sea faring men who have perished in the service of their country.

It was eerily quiet in the cemetery. We followed the signs to the memorial. While on our way down the long paths, we found many beautiful old tombs from the time of the Civil War. Magnolia Cemetery is the final resting place of many an early Charleston family. You can easily follow the history of the area just by looking at the many names.

It was a surprise to learn the Hunley had three crews which had perished in her history. As the 145th anniversary of the loss of the second crew has just been observed within the last week, I find it fitting to remember the crew.

Horace Hunley was aboard this training mission of the Hunley on October 15, 1863, when it sank. Once again, the Confederacy raised the Hunley from the ocean, only to have it sink again in February 1864.

The story of the Hunley is fascinating. To learn more, click here.


-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Honor Flight Fayette Veterans Witness Sea of Support in Washington

Veterans on the October Honor Flight Fayette trip to see their memorial in Washington, D.C., were greeted by current members of the United States military. Bystanders who heard the veterans were arriving wanted to show their appreciation as well.

The veterans were surprised and visibly moved by the cheering crowd, and many later said that this was one of the highlights of the trip for them. After the war ended, the majority of the soldiers returned home without fanfare to seek jobs and adapt to civilian life, so this recognition may have been delayed but was much appreciated. Unfortunately, we are losing these members of the "Greatest Generation" at the rate of over 1,400 per day.

Honor Flight Fayette is preparing for their 3rd flight on November 12th, which will bring to over 200 the total number of veterans who have been taken to D.C. this year at no charge to them. Funds are raised through contributions from caring and generous businesses and citizens, and 100% of these monies are used for the flights.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Honor Flight Fayette has a board of directors to guide the effort and keep it on track. Board members, guardians and volunteers consider this project a labor of love, dedication and determination, and they donate their time and talents as often as needed to make these flights a success. In fact, guardians pay their own way just to be of service to 2-3 veterans during the entire day trip to insure their safety and enjoyment.

If you would like to be part of this most worthwhile service, obtain more information or make a donation please contact honorflightfayette.org or call 770-719-1024.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Fayetteville DAR Speaks to Inman Elementary about Constitution

James Waldrop Regent Betty Harrah pledges her support to U.S. Constitution with Inman Elementary School Principal Louis Robinson.

Over 200 4th and 5th grade students of Inman Elementary School in Fayetteville recently learned about the U.S. Constitution in a presentation by the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. After the presentation, the students added their signatures pledging their support of the Constitution to the over 1000 pledges already gathered by the chapter in visits to Fayette County Elementary Schools in September . The U.S. Constitution, the world's oldest document of its kind still in existence, just celebrated 221 years of its framing.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Honor Flight Fayette Day Proclaimed October 8

At their September 25th meeting, the Fayette County Commissioners honored the upcoming and 2nd flight organized by Honor Flight Fayette to send World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., at no charge to them, to visit their memorial and share memories with their comrades in arms from that war.

Plans have been in the works for this trip literally since the return of the inaugural flight of HFF last May. Board members, guardians, medical personnel and volunteers have worked consistently to raise the necessary funds needed to make this trip a memorable one for the veterans, who will be provided with plane tickets, meals, snacks, and motor coach transportation. Also, a guardian will be assigned 2-3 veterans for the day, and their job is to make sure that each and every need of the vets is being met.

The public is encouraged to participate in this exciting day by either seeing the veterans off at 7:00 a.m., or welcoming them back about 10:00 that evening at the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. The veterans from the May trip were very touched by those who came out to honor them, in their own community, by cheering and waving flags and banners.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization led by a dedicated board of directors, Honor Flight Fayette is committed to this labor of love and determination to take as many veterans as possible as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, we are losing these brave men and women at a rate of over 1,400 per day, so time is definitely of the essence. And we must ask ourselves, "at what cost did they secure my freedoms and how can I repay them?"

If you would like to know more about this organization or make a donation toward the next flight, please visit honorflightfayette.org or call 770-719-1024.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia

Senator Chance Reflects on Constitution and Georgia for Fayetteville DAR

Pictured (l-r) are Georgia Senator Ronnie Chance, Regent Betty Harrah and Linda Robinson.

"I am a servant of the people in your Senate," said Georgia Senator Ronnie Chance as he recently spoke to the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution on the US Constitution and Georgia government. Senator Chance was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation for his ongoing support of the Constitution in both his personal and government service roles.

On display at the dinner meeting was the 2007 National Award Winning Constitution Week Notebook as well as bells used in the Bells Across America Ceremony. The James Waldrop Chapter DAR is chartered in Fayetteville, GA.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Patriotic Kick-Off Continues

Photos: Starr Mill High School Choral Students and 8th Grade Chorus members from Rising Starr Middle School

For the fifth year in a row the Starr’s Mill High School football home opener commenced with a patriot expression by the school’s chorus members.

Under the direction of Dr. John Odom and Ms. Julia Lotti, members of the SMHS Chorus sang an acappella version of our National Anthem; The Star Spangled Banner, from the football field end zone.

The high school students were joined by future Panther vocalists; 8th grade chorus members from Rising Starr Middle school. Unfortunately the Panther’s lost the game against the Tri-Cities Bulldogs 13-14, but they won the hearts of local patriots who attended the game.

Starr's Mill High School is located in Fayette County, Georgia.

---
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Civilian Leaders Make Emotional Pentagon Memorial Visit

Civilian leaders in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference wrapped up the first day of their Pentagon visit here today with an emotional walk through the new Pentagon Memorial dedicated less than two weeks earlier to honor victims of the 9-11 Pentagon attack.

Dusk was beginning to settle over Washington as the business, civic, community and academic leaders from around the country walked among the 184 benches, each bearing the name of a man, woman or child lost in the attack.

They paused to reflect on the granite and stainless steel benches, 59 facing the Pentagon to represent the passengers killed on hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 and 125 facing the opposite direction to represent those killed in the building.

Several of the benches had flowers on them left by earlier visitors.

The stop at the Pentagon Memorial after a full day of briefings and tours was particularly meaningful for some of the JCOC participants.

David Burke, managing director of DEPFA Bank in New York, was in a building next to the World Trade Center the morning of the 9/11 attacks. He remembers going out onto the street and seeing the disaster all around him – fires burning, sirens wailing and people jumping out of windows to escape the chaos.

Burke counts himself lucky, knowing just one person personally who perished in the attack.

Walking through the Pentagon Memorial brought back painful memories of the losses of 9/11, but also memories of the kind of heroism he witnessed firsthand. "It makes you think about all the people here that day who rushed toward catastrophe when everyone else's instinct would be to rush away from it," he said, a tear in his eye.

Like Burke, Judge Carol Hansen of the Oklahoma Court for Civil Affairs, felt a personal connection to the Pentagon Memorial. She and her neighbors in Oklahoma City experienced what until 9/11 had been the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil on April 19, 1995.

Hansen reflected on the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum that honors the 168 people killed in that attack, and said she hopes the Pentagon Memorial helps bring solace to those who lost loved ones there. "But how do you ever really find solace after something like that?" she said. "It's something none of us can really say we understand, because we just can't."

Other JCOC participants who walked among the memorial called it a fitting tribute to the memory of those lost on 9/11. "It's meaningful and it's elegant. It's a good place to reflect," said Alan Bersin, chairman of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority in California. "This is really extraordinary."

Earlier in the afternoon, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England told the participants it's critical that the United States stand up to violent extremists who attacked on 9/11 and have every intention of attacking the United States again.

"Do you know why 3,000 people died that day?" he asked. "We lost 3,000 people that day because the guys who did it didn't know how to kill 30,000 or 300,000 or 3 million. But they would have if they could have."

England said the only way to confront the terrorist threat is head-on. "I am absolutely convinced that if we ever get off the side where we are no longer on the offense, we will be in serious trouble," he said. "When [extremists] are on the offense and we are on the defense, we lose. You cannot play defense, not in the United States of America."

The JCOC participants visited the Pentagon today before beginning a weeklong trip through U.S. European Command to observe military operations aimed at stopping terrorists and other threats.

The first U.S. defense secretary, James V. Forrestal, created the JCOC in 1948 to introduce civilian "movers and shakers" with little or no military exposure to the workings of the armed forces. Nearly six decades later, it remains DoD's premier civic leader program.

Participants are selected from hundreds of candidates nominated by military commands worldwide and pay their own expenses throughout the conference. JCOC participants are selected from hundreds of candidates nominated by military commands worldwide and pay their own expenses throughout the conference.

This is just the second year that the conference has included visits to U.S. installations overseas.

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
---
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Honor Flight Fayette Takes Off on October 8th for Washington

Standing (l-r) are guardians Col. Doug Pearson, Sue Memmer and Medical Coordinator Linda Payne. Seated (l-r) are Honor Flight Fayette President Gail Sparrow reviewing plans with Guardian Dan Lorton.

Preparations are in the works to take a 2nd group of World War II veterans from Fayette County to Washington, D.C., free of charge to them, on a one day trip to see their memorial on October 8th.

After a successful inaugural flight last May, and positive feedback from the veterans on that flight, excitement is building as final arrangements are being made by board members, guardians, volunteers and supporters.

Many veterans stated that this was a trip they never thought they would get to make and were so grateful to have gone, and some shared stories they had never spoken of before the trip. Likewise, guardians for the veterans said it was a moving experience that they would never forget, in part because of the many stories they heard from the veterans. However, all agreed that it was a day unlike any other that they still speak about often, with excitement and gratitude.

Honor Flight is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose only mission is to say thank you in a small way to the men and women of the "greatest generation" who made our way of life possible at enormous cost to them.

If you would like to be a part of Honor Flight Fayette as a guardian, volunteer or to make a donation, please visit honorflightfayette.org or call 770-719-1024.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia

Patchwork Quilt Salutes Fallen U.S. Military Women

Photo: (Left to right) Donna J. Birtwistle, Mavis Olsen, Marlene Wallace and Penny Eakin stand before their patchwork quilt at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, Sept. 17, 2008. The quilt honors military women who've died during the global war on terrorism. Defense Dept. photo by Gerry J. Gilmore

A red, white and blue patchwork quilt commemorating the 113 U.S. military women who've died during the global war on terrorism was unveiled for public view at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial today.

The hand-sewn quilt features a stars-and-stripes motif that displays the names of the fallen within the stripes. It was crafted by 10 women from several small communities in the Pacific Northwest, with additional support provided by another 16 women, also from Oregon or the state of Washington.

Fourteen of these women traveled to Arlington National Cemetery to attend the unveiling ceremony held inside the women's memorial. The quilt will be displayed inside the memorial until January or so, when it will be taken for display at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals.

Retired Army Staff Sgt. Donna J. Birtwistle, a former military nurse from Moro, Ore., said she began thinking of making the quilt this spring after attending a military veterans group meeting. Then, she said, her community was saddened by the loss of Army Cpl. Jessica A. Ellis, who died in Iraq on May 11. Ellis was from Bend, Ore., about 135 miles south of Moro.

Birtwistle, who sews, found a sponsor to provide the quilted material and solicited volunteers from across the area to cut and sew the cloth. Work began June 10 and the quilt was completed about a month later. Birtwistle eventually contacted the women's memorial to see if the quilt could be displayed there.

The colorful quilt "is all hand-made," Birtwistle said proudly. It's important to honor military women who've fallen in conflict, she said, because they, too, serve in harm's way alongside their male counterparts.

"They are just as tough and just as hardy as the men are," Birtwistle said of military women.

Mary Anne Macnab from Wasco, Ore., said the quilt also was created to comfort grieving families and "to honor these women who've made the ultimate sacrifice."

Other women involved in the quilting project who attended the ceremony included Mary Lou Massie and Marlene Wallace of Wasco; Sharon Simantel, Mavis Olsen, Sheila Weber and Marylea Sanders of Moro; Elizabeth Hazel, Camille Hurd and Linda Simkus of Goldendale, Wash.; Penny Eakin of Grass Valley, Ore.; and Julie Cordahl of Cle Elum, Wash.

Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, president of the Women's Memorial Foundation, thanked the women for the quilt and for their efforts on behalf of military women.

"We are just grateful that your towns had the foresight to let all of you come who have worked on this quilt, so that you could be here and see it go on display here," Vaught told the women.

Vaught then introduced Army Brig. Gen. Loree K. Sutton, a long-time supporter of the women's memorial. Sutton is the director of the Defense Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Sutton saluted the quilters' efforts to honor fallen military women.

"Let us renew our dedication to making their sacrifices count," Sutton said. "We shall always remember."

---
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Bells Across America in Fayette County

Carolyn Balog and James Waldrop Chapter DAR Regent Betty Harrah

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution joined in the Bells Across America Celebration on September 17 as the country celebrated the 221st anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution. Over 2 dozen local citizens, DAR members and SAR members rang bells for two minutes in honor of the signing. A 6 foot long scroll with over 500 names of local citizens who have pledged support of the Constitution over the last month was on display. The Marquis de Lafayette Chapter Sons of the American Revolution provided a musket salute.

The James Waldrop Chapter DAR is chartered in Fayetteville, GA.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2008

Note: Today is the 221st anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.
____
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Americans are united by the ideals of equal justice, limited government, and the rule of law. On Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and during Constitution Week, we remember the vision and determination of the Framers to build a free society, and we celebrate the historical document they created to achieve that goal.

More than two centuries ago, our Founding Fathers gathered in Philadelphia and produced a charter that would promote justice and preserve the liberty of all our citizens. The Founders established three separate branches of Government with a system of checks and balances among them. Ours is the oldest written constitution in the world, and the American experiment remains the world's best hope for freedom.

The Constitution forged the American creed of liberty and equality and has lifted the lives of countless individuals. Whether they are citizens by birth or by oath, Americans share a great tradition of enjoying liberty protected by a constitutional government of their choosing.

On Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and during Constitution Week, Americans come together and recognize the blessings bestowed upon our great Nation. On this occasion we celebrate the courage of the Constitution's drafters and recommit ourselves to making the United States a more perfect union.

In recognition of the signing of the Constitution and of Americans who strive to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, the Congress, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952 (36 U.S.C. 106, as amended), designated September 17 as "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day," and by joint resolution of August 2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. 108, as amended), requested that the President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as "Constitution Week."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 17, 2008, as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and September 17 through September 23, 2008, as Constitution Week. I encourage Federal, State, and local officials, as well as leaders of civic, social, and educational organizations, to conduct ceremonies and programs that celebrate our Constitution and reaffirm our rights and responsibilities as citizens of this great Nation.

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

GEORGE W. BUSH

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone

Fayetteville Intermediate School Learns About the Constitution from DAR

The fourth and fifth graders at Fayetteville Intermediate School learned about the Constitution from the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in a special Constitution Week program. To conclude the presentation, the children read the Preamble to the Constitution and waited in line to pledge their support to the Constitution, which turns 221 years old on September 17.

Pictured (l-r) are Regent Betty Harrah and Carol Key of Fayetteville.

_____
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page