War Memorial Torn Down by Vandals!

/PRNewswire/ -- The Mojave Desert War Memorial, which was saved temporarily by a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, was torn down by vandals sometime Sunday night. Liberty Institute, which represents longtime memorial caretakers Henry and Wanda Sandoz, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), The American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the American Ex-Prisoners of War, is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the removal of VFW property.

"This is an outrage, akin to desecrating people's graves," said Kelly Shackelford, president/CEO of Liberty Institute. "It's a disgraceful attack on the selfless sacrifice of our veterans. We will not rest until this memorial is re-installed."

The ACLU and its plaintiff originally won a decision to tear down the memorial cross, but that was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court on April 28. The ACLU has stated that, as the case returns to the district court, it still plans to argue for the memorial to be torn down.

"This was a legal fight that a vandal just made personal to 50 million veterans, military personnel and their families," said VFW National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell, Sr. "To think anyone can rationalize the desecration of a war memorial is sickening, and for them to believe they won't be apprehended is very naive.

"The memorial will be rebuilt and the vandals will be caught and prosecuted in federal court, since the crime occurred on government property," said Tradewell, a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis. "We hope this horrible act will highlight the importance of resolving this case quickly so that the memorial and land can be transferred to the VFW so that the service and sacrifice of all American war dead will be properly recognized and honored, as originally intended by a group of World War I VFW members 76 years ago."

"Reports that the Mojave Cross was illegally removed overnight are very disturbing," said The American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill. "The American Legion expects whoever is responsible for this vile act to be brought to justice. While the memorial has been attacked, the fight will continue to ensure that veterans memorials will remain sacrosanct."

"This was never about one cross," said Hill. "It is about the right to honor our nation's veterans in a manner in which the overwhelming majority supports. The American Legion strongly believes the public has a right to protect its memorials."

Liberty Institute works to uphold Constitutional and First Amendment religious and speech freedoms in the courts. Liberty Institute represented all major veterans groups as amici in the Supreme Court case of Salazar v. Buono involving this 76-year-old war memorial.

For more information or to leave a tip, visit www.donttearmedown.com.

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The SCOOTER Store Donates Scooters to WWII Veterans to Visit Jamestown Memorial

/PRNewswire/ -- J.A. Carlascio is one of the many veterans who fought for our freedom during World War II. Originally assigned to Italy, he was wounded and became a prisoner of war for two years. He also comes from a family of veterans: his oldest brother was wounded in Italy and his youngest lost his life in the Pacific. But that is not all that makes him noteworthy; he helped establish a veterans' memorial in his hometown.

One of only 17 sites in the nation, Flags Across America is a 30x60-foot flag on a 130-foot pole located on the grounds of Fort Seward. It features a new veterans' memorial that honors North Dakotans who fought and died for our country, and highlights the Congressional Medal of Honor winners from the state. Carlascio sent a letter to The SCOOTER Store asking for a scooter for those veterans who are unable to visit the memorial due to their mobility limitations or war-related injuries.

On Thursday afternoon, The SCOOTER Store provided AMVETS with two Go-Go scooters at the local Vets Club. On hand from the company's Bismarck operations was Mobility & Service Specialist Jason Roehrich to make the presentation. The scooters were donated under The SCOOTER Store Gift of Mobility program, which provides mobility equipment and assistance to those who do not have the financial resources or insurance to obtain power wheelchairs and scooters.

These scooters will help veterans in the area travel to the Flags Across America & Veteran's Memorial. To reach the memorial, visitors must follow a wooden pathway that starts at the Fort Seward Museum, to the eastern side of the Fort grounds, until it reaches the base of the flag. The path around the flag is made of paving brick, each holding the name of a veteran. Carlascio is responsible for selling more than 1,800 of these bricks.

"All Americans owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans," said North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad. "They have made great sacrifices to ensure our nation's freedom. It is a debt that we will never be able to fully repay, but we must make every effort to honor our veterans - both from the Greatest Generation and now this latest generation -- and ensure they continue to have our unwavering commitment and support."

The SCOOTER Store also proudly supports Honor Flight, a non-profit organization that transports World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials erected in their honor. Many veterans are more than 80 years old and need mobility assistance, so the company loans touring groups power wheelchairs and scooters for the day.

"Mr. Carlascio and his fellow veterans proudly served this country during World War II; the least we can do now is serve them," said Doug Harrison, Founder, President and CEO of The SCOOTER Store. "We started the Gift of Mobility program because we understand that mobility and the ensuing independence is fundamental to the freedom these veterans helped us keep. We hope the scooters remind the veterans how much their service is appreciated."

Harrison and his wife, Susanna, started the Gift of Mobility program in December 2002 to help people improve their quality of life by assisting in achieving their independence and mobility. Since then, the outreach program has worked with non-profit groups around the country to donate power wheelchairs, scooters and manual wheelchairs, valued at more than $350,000 a year to individuals and community service organizations, enabling them to provide freedom and independence to people with limited mobility.

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Holiday Wreath Laying Ceremony at Pentagon Memorial

/PRNewswire/ -- Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization that donates 5000+ Christmas wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery each year. This year, Ms. Kathryn Cross, a Gold Star Mother who is leading the Wreaths Across America effort, personally secured enough donated wreaths for all three of the 9/11 memorials including the Pentagon Memorial. The donation was made possible by the Worcester Wreath Company and Wal-Mart Corporation who are donating the wreaths as a gesture to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. The wreaths will be delivered as part of a convoy traveling to each of the three 9/11 memorials.

Wreaths Across America plans to deliver the wreaths to the Pentagon Memorial Thursday afternoon, December 10 . On Friday, December 11 at 3:00 p.m., Wreaths Across America and the Pentagon Memorial Fund will conduct a short wreath laying ceremony. Representatives of the Pentagon, Pentagon Memorial Fund and family members of the victims will be in attendance. Similar ceremonies will be taking place in New York City and Shanksville, PA on December 12th.

WHO: James J. Laychak, President of the Pentagon Memorial Fund
Morrill Worchester, Founder of Wreaths Across America

WHAT: Holiday Wreath Laying Ceremony

WHEN: Friday December 11, 2009
3:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Pentagon Memorial
South Parking Lot of the Pentagon

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Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel Dedicated at National Museum of the Marine Corps

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation dedicated the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel with a crowd of hundreds of U.S. Marine Corps general officers in attendance at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on October 22, 2009 at 11 a.m. Highlights of the reflective ceremony included a Navy bell ringing ceremony with students of the Marine Corps University, and the playing of Taps by a Marine Corps Band bugler followed by a 21-gun salute. Rear Admiral Mark L. Tidd, Chaplain of the Marine Corps provided the Benediction and a ribbon cutting officially opened the chapel to the public.

“It is my belief that as our Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel takes its place within this Marine Corps Heritage Center it will soon serve as a welcoming sanctuary, a place of remembrance and reflection to all Marines, past and present,” said Lt. Gen Ron Christmas, president and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

Other ceremony speakers included Under Secretary of the Navy Robert Work, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway and Marine Captain and businessman, Timothy Day and his wife Sandy. Mr. and Mrs. Day of Phoenix, Arizona, along with the Timothy Day Foundation, donated $5 million to construct the chapel.

The nondenominational chapel will serve as a contemplative space where Marines and all visitors can remember the service and sacrifices of those who have served our nation. It will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is available for weddings, funerals and other military ceremonies through the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Designed by Denver-based Fentress Architects, architects of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the chapel’s structure evokes images of improvised field chapels familiar to all combat Marines. The timber, glass and stone structure, standing within Semper Fidelis Memorial Park adjacent to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, includes an 8-foot tall etched glass, iconic image of a Marine kneeling in prayer, and a reflecting pool.

The dedication of the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel comes three weeks prior to the third birthday of the National Museum, which has welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors to date. The addition of the chapel in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park continues the expansion of the Marine Corps Heritage Center. Overlooking the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the park is situated on 23.2 acres of high ground and plays an important part in the Museum visitor’s experience. As expansion continues, the park will grow to include a water feature commemorating the Corps’ nautical tradition, as well as an additional network of paths that will extend throughout the wooded grounds.

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Atlanta Braves pay tribute to members of the United States Military and Armed Forces Veterans on Military Appreciation Night Saturday, May 23

This Memorial Day Weekend, the Atlanta Braves will honor the United States Military and pay tribute to those have served our country on Military Appreciation Night, Saturday, May 23rd. The Atlanta Braves invited fans to join the team in sending our nation's heroes to Turner Field for Military Appreciation Night, and thanks to a generous response, nearly 1000 members of the military will attend the game free of charge. Atlanta Braves Brian McCann, Mike Gonzalez, Kenshin Kawakami, and Rafael Soriano, and the Atlanta Braves Foundation are also among those providing tickets to recognize the service and sacrifices made by members of our nation's Armed Forces. Tributes planned for Military Appreciation Night include:

• Volunteers from Operation HomeFront, an organization that supports families of those fighting overseas, will present a giant American flag from Fort McPherson during special pre-game ceremonies.

• A pre-game tribute will honor local Purple Heart recipients, including veterans from World War II, Vietnam, the Korean Conflict, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

• The 3rd Infantry Division Band from Fort Stewart, Georgia, will perform the National Anthem. The Fort Stewart Band will also entertain fans before the game from 5:30-6:30 in Fan Plaza.

• The Air Force Reserve Command's 94th Airlift Wing from Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia, will perform a flyover at the conclusion of the National Anthem.

• Nine members of the U.S. Military will "take the field" with the Atlanta Braves starting lineup to begin the game.

• An in-game ceremony will honor a local "Hometown Hero." Every game at Turner Field, the Braves "Hometown Heroes" program salutes one active military individual who has recently returned from the Middle East and has gone above and beyond in the call of duty.

• Recording artists Jessa and Alicia will lead the crowd in God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch.

Every game at Turner Field, members of the military can receive a 2-for-1 ticket offer on Upper Box seats by showing their military ID at the Turner Field ticket windows.

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American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Reaches 90% of Fundraising Goal

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation, Inc. has secured 90 percent of funding needed to break ground on the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial (AVDLM) in Washington DC, announced the Foundation's Co-founder and Chairperson Lois Pope. With the final phase of the fundraising campaign now kicking into gear, Pope added that $5.9 million must still be raised through corporate and individual donations before the Memorial can become a reality.

Unlike other war and veteran memorials, the AVDLM will be dedicated to both living and deceased disabled veterans, including army, navy, air force, marines and coast guard. The focal point of the Memorial design will be a star-shaped reflecting pool, its surface broken by a single eternal flame. A grove of trees will stand sentry beside the pool, symbolizing the persistence of hope. Michael Vergason Landscape Architects, Ltd., of Alexandria, Virginia, designed the Memorial following a national invitational design competition.

“When Congress approved the Memorial for Washington DC and President Clinton signed it into law, one of the stipulations was that 100 percent of the money needed to design, build and maintain the Memorial had to come from private donations,” said Pope. “And the Foundation, which was created to raise these funds, must have all the funds in place before construction can begin. We're almost there.”

The Memorial will command an impressive two-acre site between Washington Avenue SW, C Street SW and Second Street SW, in Washington DC. It will be within full view of the United States Capitol, adjacent to the National Mall, and across from Independence Avenue and the United States Botanic Garden.

“It is important to remember that of the 26 million American veterans living across the world today, three million are permanently disabled from injuries suffered in our nation's defense,” said actor, director and musician Gary Sinise, the Memorial's national spokesperson. ”It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to recognize the sacrifices that our country's disabled veterans have made on behalf of us all.”

The Foundation anticipates breaking ground on the Memorial in 2010. The Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit and donations are deductible to the fullest extent of the law. To make a donation, or for more information, visit www.avdlm.org.

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Remembrance: A Memorial Exhibit on May 22-June 30

The Savannah District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Coastal Georgia Center present Remembrance: A Memorial Exhibit on May 22-June 30, Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the Coastal Georgia Center. The exhibit is dedicated to U.S. servicemen and women who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and to those who continue to serve. Admission to the event is free.

Remembrance: A Memorial Exhibit, a Merilee Bowers Installation, represents a collective, collaborative artistic response to loss that honors fallen servicemen and women, as well as those who continue to serve. Initially conceived as a “living” exhibit, the memorial gives students and family members an arena in which they can create, in unity, a meaningful, collaborative work of art. It engages the viewers to bring awareness to those who have sacrificed their lives in the war.

There are two events held in conjunction with Remembrance: A Memorial Exhibit. On Tuesday, May 19, Figure Creature Workshops will be held at the Fort Stewart Youth Center at 4-5:30 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m., and on Tuesday, June 30, Executive Director Merilee Bowers presents “Engage Your Community Through Art” at Fort Stewart’s Club Stewart at 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

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Honor Flight Fayette Gears Up for 4th DC Trip In May

Honor Flight Fayette guardian Nancy Romans with her vets for the day (l-r) James D. Burch and Joseph W. Stevens

May 4th will mark the 4th time Honor Flight Fayette has taken World War II veterans to Washington D.C. to visit their memorial, for a total of around 280 veterans since the first trip last May.

Honor Flight Fayette, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, exists solely to raise the funds to make these trips possible at no cost to the veterans. In fact, HFF pays for the airfare, 3 meals, motor coaches in D.C., t-shirts and hardcover books on the memorial. The veterans are only allowed to pay for souvenirs.

Guardians go with the veterans, usually 2 veterans with each guardian, as well as a doctor and medical staff to insure their safety and comfort.

Time is of the essence for this project because we are losing these brave men and women at a rate of 1,400 per day. And, obviously, we owe members of the Greatest Generation a debt of gratitude that cannot be delayed.

After each of the previous 3 trips to the memorial veterans could not believe how generous people had been to send them to D.C. and were overwhelmed during the day when total strangers would clap, wave flags and approach them to say "thank you for the life I have today".

Tears were often running down cheeks because these men and women are a humble group who felt they simply did the job Uncle Sam called them to do. There were few parades when they returned to find civilian jobs and begin new lives, and they truly do not understand the "fuss" that is made over them for the entire day, but they were grateful.

Honor Flight Fayette is staffed only by volunteers, including a board of directors to guide it and keep it on track and be good stewards of the donations which they receive so they can take as many veterans as possible to D.C.

If you would like to know more about Honor Flight Fayette, be a guardian or volunteer or wish to make a donation please check honorflightfayette.org or call 770-719-1024.

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