... LEADING TO TOMORROW
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TIME TO HONOR NOT ONLY THOSE WHO DIED SERVING OUR COUNTRY,
BUT THOSE WHO DIED ENJOYING IT
FLYING OUR FLAG
Every day but at least on 9/11
Katy and I fly our American Flag 24/7. It is something we feel is important, even way out here in the sticks.
We encourage everyone to do the same, but every individual should make it their duty to
display an American flag on this fifth anniversary of one of our country's worst
tragedies. We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their
families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are
fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms. This post is my small part
in a National Campaign to SHOW OUR COLORS.
For the past year or
more, the economy has been growing steadily. Sure
there have been down turns, there always are, but economic growth has continued,
unemployment continues to drop to low levels, and all things considered, Americans should
be doing well. But, there is an underlying
discontent for our lot in life even with the economy growing. We are not seeing this growth in our paychecks and
prices for goods and services continue to increase. We
are being left behind and we don’t like it one bit.
That is why the current polls show Americans are upset! I guess this is natural and part of being an
American, but we need to stop and think for a moment.
When ever has America been
at war and the economy has grown? When ever
has America prospered while supporting troops with materials, sophisticated weapons,
modern military might, and more? When ever
has America reeled from over 26 attacks on our country and had thousands killed as planes
plowed into our largest skyscrapers and the Pentagon?
The answer is NEVER before. No,
NEVER BEFORE!
We quickly gathered around
the flag poll following 9/11 and vowed to be sure it could never happen again. We backed our President when he vowed to take the
battle to those terrorists that were trying to obliterate the American way of life. To never allow them to bring such terrible actions
to our people and loved ones. But that was
then, and our resolve has not lasted as long it will take to destroy the terrorists, where
they live, rather than on our shores. That
war is a good one in principle, BUT we want our share of the growth in the economy. We want more money, more buying power, better
education, better retirement, more freedoms! On
infinity. Forget that we NEED to
support the military and our fight against terrorism … we want MORE!
Yes, in retrospect I am sure
a number of you may be thinking, I surely exaggerate and simplify a complex issue. I say to stop and think and then answer the
question, “If we pull out all troops and materials from the near east and pour all
that money into entitlement programs, where will we be when next the terrorists attack us
at home? Where??
So, please remember just
what the terrorists want! They want to
destroy our American way of life and literally, our country. We need to support this war effort with our
emotions and dollars. We need to regain some
of that resolve, some of that do what it takes, whatever attitude. This isn’t one of those things we try for a
little while … it takes a full-blown commitment to do it UNTIL.
Sure we are frustrated, sure it is taking a
long time, sure we are loosing warriors everyday. But I ask that we channel our fear
and anger at the enemy, and start this Labor Day, more precisely, this 9/11. PUT OUT THOSE FLAGS. Let those emotions loose once again! Show the nations press and officials that you do
understand the battle and the need to support the Nation.
Lets Show Our
Colors!
Ted Luedke
Below is an example of one such complaint;
IT SEEMS THAT THE AIR FORCE NEVER GETS IT RIGHT!
Let me set the stage for you:
This complaint to the editor of a local paper:
"Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air
show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m., a tight formation of four F-16 jets
made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500
feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call,
or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns' early-bird special? Any response
would be appreciated."
Now the other half of the story:
The response from Luke Air force Base:
"Regarding "A wake-up call from Luke's jets" (Letters, Thursday): On June
15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship flyby of F-16s from the 63rd
Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques.
Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force
Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day. At 9 a.m. on June 15, his family and
friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son
and friend.
"Based on your
(the letter writer's) recount of the flyby, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you
didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents
of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United
States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they
have endured. A four-ship flyby is a display of respect the Air Force pays to those who
give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs
seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to
pay their ultimate respects. The letter writer asks, "Whom do we thank for the
morning air show?" The 56th Fighter Wing will call for you, and forward your thanks
to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their
honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives."
Lt. Col. Scott Pleus, CO 63rd Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
After Action Report by Ted:
Now tell me this is not typical of the knee jerk response to anything Military, from to many Americans!
My personal compliments to Lt. Col. Pleus. It would have been oh so easy to have his own knee jerk reaction, but this was a marvelous, well planned and executed strike.
Semper Fi Col. Pleus.
Ted Luedke
First Copyright 2004; All rights
reserved by Box LT Publishing
Created : 1/28/2004. Update : 9/31/2006
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