Catalina’s Neighborhood

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Wreaths Across America

It would be my honor to meet the young people interviewed in this video.

I am grateful to all of those who volunteered their time to lay the wreaths, honor, respect and remember our fallen heroes from all wars.

Wreaths Across America 2009

LQotD: Control Issue

LeendaDLL
10 hours ago
4 comments

Where the heck is my remote control?

Bonus Q: How do I manage to misplace it so often?

Change Nobody Believes In

a12iggymom
11 hours ago
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A bill so reckless that it has to be rammed through on a partisan vote on Christmas eve. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704398304574598130440164954.html?mod=rss_opinion_main

One Night in Bangkok

One Night in Bangkok (CHESS) Murray Head

The $100 Million Question - the earmark no one is claiming: Which Washington Whorelot owns this one

$100,000,000 For “Health Care Facility” “At A Public Research University In The United States That Contains A State’s Sole Public Academic Medical And Dental School.” “(a) APPROPRIATION.—There are authorized to be appropriated, and there are appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, to remain available for obligation until September 30, 2011, to be used for debt service on, or direct construction or renovation of, a health care facility that provides research, inpatient tertiary care, or outpatient clinical services. Such facility shall be affiliated with an academic health center at a public research university in the United States that contains a State’s sole public academic medical and dental school.” (Manager’s Amendment To H.R. 3590, Pg. 328)

This is a good counter-balance to the Jane Fonda Vietnam story.

This is a good counter-balance to the Jane Fonda Vietnam story.

Ann Margaret in Vietnam USO Show

Viet Nam
1966
Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann- Margaret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.
A few years ago, Ann Margaret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to
sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing.

When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.

Ann Margaret

Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the
photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home. Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn.
He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, 'I understand. I just wanted her to see it.'

She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, 'This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.''

Proud Vet with Ann Margaret

With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.

Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big strong husband broke down in tears. 'That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,' he said.

That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margaret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.

I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does
not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.

If you'd like to pass on this story, feel free to do so. Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service people make.

Waving Flag

Don't be too busy today...
Share this inspiring message with friends and family.

On behalf of those who DO appreciate all that you did for us,
thank you to each of you who receive this message who have served or are serving our country in the armed services or any other service.