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MONTHLY ARCHIVES
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Obama on 11-11
November 11, 2008 1:56 PM
Accompanied by disabled Iraq war veteran and losing 2006 congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth, President-elect Barack Obama went to The John F. Kennedy War Memorial at Chicago's Soldier Field this morning for a wreath-laying ceremony.
Clad in a dark overcoat, the soon-to-be 44th president of the United States placed a wreath in front of the bronze memorial, bowed his head for a moment, then saluted and walked away.
Inscribed on the back of the memorial is President John F. Kennedy's famous quote: "Let every nation know whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty."
President-elect Obama issued the following statement:
"As we mark Veterans Day, all Americans are united in honoring the extraordinary service and selfless sacrifice of our nation's veterans. Our veterans are part of an unbroken line of heroes who have defended the American people and stood up for American values - from the beaches of Normandy to the battles in East Asia; from the deserts of Kuwait to the skies above Kosovo; from the cities of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan. Since 9/11, a new generation of American heroes has borne a heavy load in facing down the threats of the 21st century, and their families have been asked to bear the painful absence of a loved one. These Americans are the best and bravest among us, and they are all in our thoughts and prayers.
"On this Veterans Day, let us rededicate ourselves to keep a sacred trust with all who have worn the uniform of the United States of America: that America will serve you as well as you have served your country. As your next Commander-in-Chief, I promise to work every single day to keep that sacred trust with all who have served. May God bless our veterans, and may God bless the United States of America."
Duckworth, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs office, has been mentioned as a possible candidate for Obama's Senate seat, as well as a possible Veterans' Affairs Secretary.
- jpt
November 11, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (27)
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Hey Pam...
George W. didn't 'serve' his Country either! Or do you have "LONG' term memory loss. King George only campaigned for other candidates while supposedly serving!
Posted by: Sandi | Nov 11, 2008 3:49:14 PM
The meaning of veteran is lost to someone who did not serve in the military.
Posted by: Pam | Nov 11, 2008 3:37:16 PM
It's JUST A SPEECH, comrades! get used to it. All words, all a big ACT. If there is one thing we know BHO can do, it's put on a good act! However, whatch what he DOES! He has already pledged to cut the military budget by a quarter and to create a "Citizen Army" bgger stronger and better funded than the military. Hmmmm, a police state? Yes, He Can!
Posted by: gael | Nov 11, 2008 3:30:43 PM
"Let every nation know whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty."
-------------------
In doing so, our Greatest Leader voted to support Bush to listen into our private phone conversations and to spy on its citizens. Perhaps, his long vision had him realized that it would soon be his power to use.... - success of liberty, perhaps in the other direction.
Posted by: Follower of Dearest Greatest Leader | Nov 11, 2008 3:19:22 PM
I thank our new President for his kind and powerful words, now all he has to do is live up to them.
Jake - what do you think of the leakiness of Barack's staff on the White House confab? A few hints I can understand but this is like Barack debriefed his people and one or all went immediately to the Times..
Do you think that works for other pols he will deal with on a daily basis? No congressman or governor will talk to him confidentially!! Will this be a precondition to talk to Ahmadenijad or Chavez that it gets blabbed on the front page the next day? That will never work!!
Posted by: robert b | Nov 11, 2008 2:53:22 PM
"It would be so funny if General Petruatus throws a military COUP on this country paid off by Iran and Iraq"
Wow right wingers are reduced to hurling tinfoil smears at Gen Petreaus.
Posted by: Ryan C | Nov 11, 2008 2:04:33 PM
She came very close to winning her House election to Henry Hyde's old seat.
Posted by: Ryan C | Nov 11, 2008 2:01:48 PM
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