It is imperative that we as a Nation never forget the sacrifices made by the men and women of our Armed Forces. In December 2000, Congress passed into law The National Moment of Remembrance Act. Its purpose is to encourage Americans to give something back to the country that provides them with so much freedom and opportunity. The National Moment of Remembrance asks all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 pm local time on Memorial Day, for a minute of silence, to remember the more than 1 million Americans who have died while serving this great Nation.
Today, May 18th, is Armed Forces Day. Thank you to all the men and women who have served, and are currently serving in the United States Military. Both you and your families sacrifice a tremendous amount for our Country. Your efforts make America a safer, stronger and better place to live. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. Godspeed as you continue with your mission.
The Obama administration has decided to maintain the number of aircraft carrier strike groups in the U.S. fleet at eleven. It was thought that impending Department of Defense budget cuts would necessitate a reduction in the fleet by as many as one or two strike groups.
Secretary of Defense Panetta made the announcement to a group of about 1700 sailors aboard the USS Enterprise. The Enterprise is currently conducting training operations off the coast of Georgia in preparation for an upcoming deployment to the Persian Gulf.
It would be easy to advance theories and speculation about why we should or should not have invaded Iraq in the first place. The same could be applied to the wisdom of terminating the war at this particular time. But the fact is, The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) mandated, among other things, the departure of all U.S. military personnel from Iraq by the end of 2011.
The Blue Angels were originally formed in April of 1946 by order of Admiral Chester Nimitz, Chief of Naval Operations. Admiral Nimitz wanted a flight exhibition team that would showcase naval aviation skills. And showcase their skills they did! Officially known as the U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels performed for the first time at Naval Air Station Jacksonville Florida's Craig Field, on the 15th of June 1946. At that show, the team flew 3 Grumman F6F-5 Hellcats. The first man to lead the Blue Angels was Lt Cmdr Roy “Butch” Voris.
