U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Celebration

/PRNewswire/ -- The Golden Knights, the U.S. Army's official parachute demonstration team, kicked off their 50th anniversary today during a special ceremony that celebrated the team's half century of serving the country as Army ambassadors while also representing more than one million American Soldiers.

"Fifty years ago, the Golden Knights were established to compete in the sport of parachuting," said Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, Commanding General of U.S. Army Accessions Command. "Today, they are just one example of the many unique and interesting career opportunities available in the U.S. Army. The Golden Knights illustrate how the U.S. Army can help you achieve your goals with over 150 different career specialties - whether it is to become a doctor, an engineer, or even a computer technician. The Golden Knights of the Army Parachute Team represent the best of our Army: noncommissioned officers, technically superior soldier-athletes who daily demonstrate the Army values. In the Army's 'Year of the NCO,' it is fitting to celebrate 50 years of sustained excellence by our Golden Knight NCOs and their officers."

Formed in 1959 as a Strategic Army Corps Sport Parachute Team, the Golden Knights' initial purpose was to compete in the then communist-dominated sport of free-fall parachuting. The team performed so well that on June 1, 1961 the Army officially recognized, designated and activated the team as the U.S. Army Parachute Team.

Since then, the Golden Knights have awed audiences across the country and the globe at air shows and competitions. More recently, the team has conducted high-profile tandem jumps with dignitaries such as former President George H.W. Bush, who jumped for his 80th birthday along with friend Chuck Norris, as well as celebrities such as Tiger Woods, Ann Curry, Bill Murray and David Hasselhoff.

Today, the Golden Knights consist of two demonstration teams which travel nationwide performing aerial demonstrations at air shows and special events in support of Army recruiting efforts, and two competition teams which travel and compete nationally and internationally at various parachuting competitions. Year after year, the Golden Knights continuously bring home honors and are the most successful U.S. Department of Defense sports team.

"Like every U.S. Army Soldier, the Golden Knights exhibit a strength like no other - developed through half a century of challenging training, a spirit of teamwork and a set of shared values," added Col. David Lee, Director of Marketing for the U.S. Army Accessions Command. "Although the Golden Knights have a unique mission, throughout their history they have represented something even more special - the strength that can only be gained through being a U.S. Army Soldier."

Participants in the anniversary celebration included the Honorable Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, Golden Knights alumni, including several original members of the 1959 team and Sonny Hill, president of the team's alumni association.

As part of the event the Golden Knights unveiled a special 50th anniversary patch which all team members will wear throughout the year. Busts for former team members Sgt. 1st Class Pedro Munoz, the first combat fatality in Afghanistan who jumped with the Golden Knights from 1998 to 2002, logging more than 4,000 freefall parachute jumps while shining for the Gold Demonstration team, and Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. "Mike" Novosel, a former pilot with the Golden Knights who earned the Medal of Honor for actions in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, were also dedicated in recognition of their service.

"We have proudly represented the U.S. Army with every jump taken over the last 50 years. Each successful Golden Knights mission honors the sacrifices and accomplishments our fellow Soldiers make every day, whether they're fighting overseas or serving back home making a difference for their families, their communities and the nation," said Lt. Col. Anthony Dill, Commander of the Golden Knights. "To celebrate our 50th Anniversary this year, the Golden Knights will honor our unique history, all past and present members, our fellow U.S. Army Soldiers and the American public each time we jump."

As part on their ongoing 50th anniversary celebration, the Golden Knights have a variety of special activities planned for the coming months, including jumps into the new Yankees Stadium and the Statue of Liberty grounds in New York City.

The team will also continue to perform at air shows, compete on an international level and perform high-profile tandem jumps. In addition, the Golden Knights will visit high schools to work with local recruiters and help show young adults the variety of opportunities available in the U.S. Army.

For more information about the Golden Knights year-long 50th anniversary celebration or to learn more about the team's unique history and to view a schedule of events, visit www.usarec.army.mil/hq/GoldenKnights.

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A Closer Look at Our National Anthem

An awesome look at our national anthem-





Brought to you by the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Fayetteville, GA
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Patriotic Meaning of Folding the United States Flag

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that They pledge alleg iance to the flag of the United! States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

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The American Legion Lauds Ben Stein for Support of Troops

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Television personality Ben Stein is being honored by The American Legion for his outspoken support of America's armed forces. The 64-year old lawyer, economist, author, actor and commentator is the recipient of the veterans service organization's 2009 National Commander's Public Relations Award.

The honor will be bestowed upon Mr. Stein by David K. Rehbein, the Legion's National Commander, during a luncheon ceremony on Wednesday, March 4th in Washington, DC, Mr. Stein's birthplace.

"Ben Stein's intelligence and wisdom are well known," said Commander Rehbein, "and he has demonstrated these qualities in a most important way through his steadfast support of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. His native wit is just a bonus - but a great one," added the Commander.

Mr. Stein's award citation commends him for his "stalwart commitment to raising public awareness about the contributions of America's men and women in military uniform. Your book The Real Stars: In Today's America, Who Are the True Heroes? is an eloquent reminder that it isn't actors or celebrities that deserve stardom, but the soldiers who patrol the streets of Iraq to protect others. You have been an articulate and staunch advocate for America's military members and veterans in numerous media interviews and public appearances. Moreover, your support for God, Old Glory, family and the American way of life is a hallmark of your outstanding patriotism and professionalism."

Commander Rehbein, in further praise of the award recipient, noted that Mr. Stein donated the proceeds from his 2007 book to the families of fallen warriors. "His generosity and patriotism cannot be questioned," concluded the Commander.

Previous recipients of The American Legion National Commander's Public Service Award have included Meet the Press host Tim Russert; entertainer Wayne Newton; NBC Anchorman Tom Brokaw; ABC News Correspondent Jack Smith; famed editorial cartoonist Bill Mauldin (who created the World War II GI characters Willie and Joe); former Secretary of Education William J. Bennett; movie, radio and TV icon Red Skelton; White House aide and Hollywood executive Jack Valenti; and television and radio commentator Lou Dobbs.

Over a thousand representatives of the 2.6-million member American Legion are gathered in the nation's capital this week for their annual Washington Conference. The three-day event will include visits to key legislators on Capitol Hill to communicate the veterans service organization's agenda items for the 111th Congress.

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Supreme Court Concurs With The American Legion's Stand on Public Monuments

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A ruling announced this week by the U.S. Supreme Court gives weight to an argument by The American Legion against the placing of public monuments that could threaten the sanctity of veterans memorials. Justices ruled unanimously that an obscure religious group cannot use a "free speech" argument to force a small Utah city to erect a granite marker in a local park that is home to a long-standing monument to the Ten Commandments.

"At first glance, this ruling may seem unrelated to us, but it actually sets a precedent that is very important to veterans groups," said David K. Rehbein, National Commander of The American Legion. "The Justices have said, in effect, that a local government can choose what donated public displays it cares to exhibit on public land - and what displays it can reject. This reduces the chance that a monument to an enemy or dissenting group, for instance, could be erected in the same space as a monument to our fallen warriors."

The ruling stems from a case precipitated by a small Salt Lake City, Utah-based religious group called Summum. Summum went to federal court after its effort to erect a marker in Pleasant Grove City, Utah was rejected by the city. Summum maintained that the city violated its right to free speech by refusing the donated monument. The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver agreed with the religious group, but the Supreme Court ruling reverses that decision.

The American Legion played an active role in the oral argument phase of the case. Last year, Liberty Legal Institute in Plano, Texas filed an amicus brief on behalf of The Legion and several colleague veterans and military service organizations. The brief's argument summary stated:

"The precedent established by the Tenth Circuit lays the foundation for the destruction of all donated veterans memorials nationwide and chills the erection of any future memorials. From the United States Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, VA, to the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial on The Mall in Washington, DC, to the myriad Spirit of the American Doughboy WWI memorials like that in Ft. Smith, AR, this precedent will require all governments, from the smallest municipality to the Congress itself, to make an impossible decision: either fail to honor our veterans by any donated monument whatsoever, tear down those that currently exist, or allow a monument honoring our veterans and then, upon donation, erect on the same hallowed ground one that dishonors them."

In his favorable Supreme Court opinion, Justice Samuel Alito said that while efforts to suppress actual speech in public parks would ordinarily violate the First Amendment, erection of donated physical entities such as markers and monuments is a different matter. Justice Alito said "the display of a permanent monument in a public park" defines, in part, a community's identity and, so, "cities and other jurisdictions take some care in accepting donated monuments."

Commander Rehbein notes that the Supreme Court has also agreed to hear a case later this year involving the suppression of a war memorial in the Mojave Desert. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco has ruled that the memorial to World War I veterans is unconstitutional because it is the shape of a cross, which might connote religious symbolism. A proposal to transfer the land upon which the now-cloaked monument rests to the VFW, which erected the cross in 1934, was also ruled unconstitutional by the court. "Obviously, we favor the full and free display of that monument," said the Commander. "The Supreme Court ruling gives us hope for a good outcome in that matter, too."

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The State of the Union in Troubled Times

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a document alert -- part of a program sponsored by the National Archives to notify the media of documents in the National Archives holdings that are relevant to national holidays, anniversaries or current events. This program, which is based on original records from the National Archives, its 12 Presidential libraries and 13 regional archives, is designed to offer the media an historical perspective on events that occur periodically and to highlight historical antecedents to current political or diplomatic initiatives.

"For only with complete dedication by us all to the national interest can we bring our country through the troubled years that lie ahead. Our problems are critical. The tide is unfavorable. The news will be worse before it is better. And while hoping and working for the best, we should prepare ourselves now for the worst." -- President John F. Kennedy, State of the Union Address, January 30, 1961.

Forty-eight years ago a young, newly-elected and charismatic President stood before a joint session of Congress to give his first address to a nation ready for change. The young John F. Kennedy personified the transition of power to a new generation. He had returned triumphantly to his former colleagues on Capitol Hill. "It is a pleasure to return from whence I came," he began.

As President Barack Obama prepares for his first address before a joint session of Congress, the National Archives and Records Administration features President Kennedy's 1961 State of the Union Address. Given in troubled times, passages of that speech parallel many of our present challenges.

President Kennedy's address was delivered, a journalist wrote, "in the most solemn terms." The President described a country in economic crisis within a dangerous world. He said "the American economy is in trouble." Bankruptcies were up, farm income was down, unemployment had sky-rocketed, inventories piled up, and the economy was "anemic."

But the dangers abroad, Kennedy warned, were dire. The President stressed that "each day the crises multiply. Each day their solution grows more difficult. Each day we draw nearer the hour of maximum danger, as weapons spread and hostile forces grow stronger." He observed, "the tide of events has been running out and time has not been our friend."

Yet, Kennedy stepped back from a completely bellicose stand. "On the Presidential Coat of Arms, the American eagle holds in his right talon the olive branch, while in his left he holds a bundle of arrows. We intend to give equal attention to both."

The solution to these troubles, in Kennedy's view, required tapping into "our reservoir of dedicated men and women -- not only on our college campuses but in every age group -- who have indicated their desire to contribute their skills, their efforts, and a part of their lives to the fight for world order."

Toward this end, the President announced "the formation of a National Peace Corps, enlisting the services of all those with the desire and capacity to help foreign lands meet their urgent needs for trained personnel."

He wanted to make clear to the country that action was being taken to fulfill his campaign promise "to get the country moving again...I have pledged myself and my colleagues in the cabinet to a continuous encouragement of initiative, responsibility and energy in serving the public interest."

The Constitution charges that the President "shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient" (Article II, section 3).

Beginning with President George Washington, this report took the form of an annual address to a joint session of Congress. President Thomas Jefferson dismissed the practice of personally addressing Congress as too much like the British monarch's practice. Instead, he submitted identical written messages to both houses of Congress in 1801.

All subsequent Presidents followed Jefferson's lead until President Woodrow Wilson revived the personal address to Congress in 1913. With occasional exceptions, Presidents have personally addressed Congress in joint session on an annual basis since Wilson.

Today it represents one of the important resources available to Presidents as well as one of the few national pageants in our civic life. Members of Congress, justices of the Supreme Court, military heads of the armed services, and members of the diplomatic corps are all invited to attend the ceremony.

As communications technology has changed, these addresses have gained greater immediacy with the American people. Radio carried President Warren Harding's address live in 1922. President Harry Truman's 1947 address was broadcast live over television and was the first to be officially described as the State of the Union Address. In 1997 the Internet transmitted President Bill Clinton's address live.

This historic speech by President Kennedy can be found in the records of the U.S. House of Representatives, which are preserved by the Center for Legislative Archives. The Center holds the official records of the House, Senate, and legislative branch agencies, totaling over one-half billion pages of records documenting the history of representative government in America.

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Free 'Valentines for Veterans Concerts' Honor Veterans Across the Country

/PRNewswire/ -- As Valentines Day approaches, thousands of Americans will look for ways to express their love for family, friends, and significant others. Whether it's a thoughtful gift or a nice evening out, Valentines Day is about spending time with loved ones and showing them your appreciation. Such gestures and sentiment come as no surprise on February 14th, yet several organizations are working together to spread the Valentines Day spirit a little early this year.

Sunday, February 8th kicks-off National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week. In support, Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV), a non-profit organization that works to physically and psychologically rehabilitate veterans through programs and events that foster active hands and minds, and increase self worth and confidence, will co-sponsor four "Valentines for Veterans Concerts" with local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospitals.

The concerts span over three days, February 12-14, and will take place in four different cities across the United States. Cities hosting the concerts include: Cleveland, OH; Tampa, FL; Charleston, SC; Prescott, AZ. "We'd like to thank the four different venues for everything they've done in hosting this years 'Valentines for Veterans Concerts,'" said Mike Lynch, Executive Director of HHV. "These great concerts would not be possible if it weren't for the tremendous support given by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Florida State Fair Authority, The Cultural and Civic Auditorium (Old Sterett Hall), and Yavapai College Performance Hall."

A broad range of musical talent will be performing at each concert, including performances by The Spinners, The Tams, The Embers, Russell Thompkins, Jr. and The New Stylistics, and 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Little Anthony & The Imperials. The concert series is free of charge to all military personnel, as well as the general public. "The purpose of these concerts is to show respect and appreciation to America's veterans as well as their families," Lynch continued. "Our hope is that the concerts will boost awareness of local VA Medical Centers, increase understanding of the issues facing severely wounded veterans as well as their families, and encourage people to visit hospitalized veterans or consider volunteering at their local VA."

National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week is an official VA program that is celebrated at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers across the country. While this annual week long celebration, formerly called "No Greater Love Week," dates back as far as 1978, the "Valentines for Veterans Concert" series was conceived in 2007, and was inspired by a love story between a severely wounded Iraq combat veteran and his wife.

Concert organizers met the young man and his wife on Valentines Day, when he was being treated at the local VA in Prescott, AZ. They were so compelled by the couple's story that they wanted to do something the following Valentines Day to honor the two and all the young men and women who've been injured from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The "Valentines for Veterans Concerts" were the result. After the success of prior concerts and the overwhelmingly positive reception from veterans, their families and community members alike, concert organizers have already begun looking to add additional cities across the United States for the 2010 series.

In addition to the "Valentines for Veterans Concerts," HHV sponsors several other high profile national events with the VA such as the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival and the National Veterans Golden Age Games. HHV's sponsorship of these events demonstrates continued support of two important goals that drive their mission: to help aid American veterans in their recovery and to increase community awareness of the many ways in which to get more involved in helping the troops that have served our country.

"Valentines for Veterans Concert" Series Particulars:

TAMPA, FLORIDA
When: Thursday, February 12, 2009
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa Florida
Featuring: The Spinners and Little Anthony and The Imperials
Expected: 5,000+

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
When: Friday, February 13, 2009
Where: The Cultural and Civic Auditorium (Old Sterett Hall),
Charleston, South Carolina
Featuring: The Tams and The Embers (popular groups of the southern
region)
Expected: 1,000+

CLEVELAND, OHIO
When: Friday, February 13, 2009
Where: Cleveland, Ohio Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Featuring: Little Anthony and The Imperials
Expected: 800+

PRESCOTT, ARIZONA
When: Saturday, February 14, 2009
Where: Yavapai College Performance Hall, Prescott, Arizona
Featuring: Russell Thompkins, Jr. and The New Stylistics
Expected: 1,500

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The National Anthem by The Cactus Cuties

This is a great rendition of our National Anthem by a talented group of young girls, The Cactus Cuties, singing at a Texas Tech basketball game. I gather this is fairly old. The original post on YouTube has had over 5 million hits. This is a newer posting of the same video, just happened to be the one I found first.

Not sure what happened, but in later videos there are only four "cuities". I've posted another video, below, where they sing the same song on the 700 Club. They are interviewed after singing. If you'd like to hear more, just do a search on YouTube, there are quite a few to choose from.

Religious Freedom Day, 2009

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Religious freedom is the foundation of a healthy and hopeful society. On Religious Freedom Day, we recognize the importance of the 1786 passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. We also celebrate the first liberties enshrined in our Constitution's Bill of Rights, which guarantee the free exercise of religion for all Americans and prohibit an establishment of religion.

Our Nation was founded by people seeking haven from religious persecution, and the religious liberty they found here remains one of this land's greatest blessings. As Americans, we believe that all people have inherent dignity and worth. Though we may profess different creeds and worship in different manners and places, we respect each other's humanity and expression of faith. People with diverse views can practice their faiths here while living together in peace and harmony, carrying on our Nation's noble tradition of religious freedom.

The United States also stands with religious dissidents and believers from around the globe who practice their faith peacefully. Freedom is not a grant of government or a right for Americans alone; it is the birthright of every man, woman, and child throughout the world. No human freedom is more fundamental than the right to worship in accordance with one's conscience.

Religious Freedom Day is an opportunity to celebrate our legacy of religious liberty, foster a culture of tolerance and peace, and renew commitments to ensure that every person on Earth can enjoy these basic human rights.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2009, as Religious Freedom Day. I call on all Americans to reflect on the great blessing of religious liberty, endeavor to preserve this freedom for future generations, and commemorate this day with appropriate events and activities.

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

GEORGE W. BUSH

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Liberty Quote

“There is a word sweeter than Mother, Home or Heaven; that word is Liberty.”
- - Matilda Joslyn Gage, 1826-1898

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