AAR from Press Conference with TX Rep John Carter
September 30, 2007
O.P. Ditch attended a press conference put on by TX Rep John Carter (R-Tx) on 9/28:
Ron Kirby and O. P. Ditch were there to represent The Gathering of Eagles. We were early enough to introduce ourselves and get on the list of “organizations” represented. We were first to be recognized, along with AMVETS and a couple others. The AMVET guy spoke briefly. AMVETs have put up a $5,000 reward to catch the vandals. We didn’t ask to speak (I’m not the real PR guy). Kristinn Taylor was on his way, but got held up by some problem on the Metro Red line. When Rep Carter got up to speak, We (Ron & I) were the first ones he recognized and Gathering of Eagles was mentioned. Several congressperson spoke, Sam Johnson, the former POW spoke, and was very mad about the defacing of the VN Vets Memorial. The congresswoman from New Mexico (Heather Wilson - AF ret) also spoke along with several other VN vets who are Congressman. Didn’t get all the names. (I have a video to work on). There were several news type cameras set up, but we didn’t identify any reporters to talk to. Most of the people who asked questions of us after were staffers. Kristinn was available at the end, but no press people were there. Rep Ted Poe, also of Tx spoke and his aide passed out a short comment that Poe had made on the House Floor on Sept 20. Which was entered into the Congressional Record. It is entitled “The Wall Desecraters.”
From Ron’s notes:
Other speakers
Mike Conaway TX 70-72 Army
Steve Pearce NM Air Force
Others there were and may have spoke
Christopher Shays CT
Thaddeus McCotter MI
Rodney Frelinghuysen NJ Army 69-71
Joe Wilson SC
Leonard Boswell I Army 56-76
Rep Carter did indicate after, that he had spoken with the NPS and the maintenance people who were working on the Memorial to clean it up. He indicated that it was not yet completely cleaned up. He also indicated that the NPS had some kind of security camera video that they were working on to gather clues. I guess someone needs to be appointed to continue to follow up with NPS so we can inform our members as to the status.
Chris Hill’s new “Legislative Aid” volunteer, Nicole Aquino, law student at American University (aquino.nicole@gmail.com) was also there today.
Video from 27 Sept Press Conference about the Defacing of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall.
Congressman John Carter has drafted a resolution condemning the defacing. He says he already has 100 cosponsors.
Videos on YouTube:
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Here is Rep Carter’s Resolution Draft:
110TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION H. RES.
Condemning the actions of September 7, 2007, resulting in damage to the
Vietnam Veterans War Memorial.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. CARTER submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on ……
RESOLUTION
Condemning the actions of September 7, 2007, resulting
in damage to the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial.
Whereas the Vietnam Veterans Memorial serves as a memorial
to the 2,700,000 men and women in the United
States Armed Forces who served in the designated war
zone during the Vietnam Era;
Whereas 58,256 men and women died while serving in South
East Asia or as a result of their wounds or a service-connected
disability;
Whereas on Friday evening, September 7, 2007, the United
States Park Police reported being notified of a light, oily,
and unidentified substance that was spilled over portions
of some of the names, panels, and paving stones of the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial;
Whereas at least 14 of the 140 inscribed panels of the Memorial
Wall were damaged; and
Whereas the National Park Service has determined that the
damage was the result of an act of vandalism:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives condemns all attacks upon the memory of veterans and theirservice to the United States, as exemplified by the incident of vandalism of September 7, 2007.
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Here is the text of Rep Ted Poe’s statement on the house floor of Sept 20:
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THE WALL DESECRATERS
HON. TED POE
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Madam Speaker, “I do not believe that the men who served in uniform in Vietnam have been given the credit they deserve. It was a difficult war against an unorthodox enemy.”
These are the words of General Westmoreland in the war where “all gave some and some gave all.” But the disrespect continues. Now, despicable vandals have desecrated the sacred black granite Vietnam Wall. An oily, slimy, greasy substance was smeared over the Wall and the walkway. The Park Service is attempting to remove the damage, but the monument desecraters run free.
This monument bears the name of 56,000 warriors. They answered the call for America and they died in their youth. I grew up with friends whose names are on that wall.
The unpatriotic, cowardly, abusing criminals should be tracked down, prosecuted, and put in jail somewhere off the shores of America, maybe Guantanamo Bay.
It has been said that “Vietnam was a war that asked everything of a few and nothing of most in America.” Now America must be resolved to capture these outlaws and restore dignity to those who died for the rest of us.
And that’s just the way it is.
PRESS CONTACT: DeeAnn Thigpen
Deeann.thigpen@mail.house.gov or 202-812-1645
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[...] House AAR from Press Conference with TX Rep John Carter » This Summary is from an article posted at Gathering of Eagles on Sunday, September 30, 2007 [...]
Why is there no news coverage of what is going on here? Does the main stream news media hate us Nam vets so bad that they will not air this atrocity?
Twenty years ago I traveled through D.C. on my way to live in Florida, my wife asked if I would like to visit the “wall”
I was aware of the “wall” of course but it had not impressed me too much. Like many others I suffered from survivor guilt and the fact that the general public looked with disfavor on those of us who served. Also I was ashamed that America had cut & run.
My wife took me to the “wall” my wife is 5″ tall, I am 5′10″ and 235lbs, she had to carry me away from the “wall”. My body was wracked with sobs, I could barley breathe and it was everything I could do to remain standing. She got me to a Bench and after I recovered I experienced a catharsis which lifted all weight of guilt and disgrace from me. I walked back to our car tall & proud.
Since that day when I have been asked if I served in Nam I have answered loud and clear, Yes I have!! I made my peace that day with all my brothers and sisters whose names are on the “wall”. That this act of desecration could take place and is being covered up by the Mainstream media, just sickens me and makes me so damn angry I want to take somebody out!
I feel that I can share this on this site because most of you feel the same way. But more importantly we cannot let this anti -American trash do the same thing to these beautiful kids who are fighting now for America!
Michelle Malkin has, again, covered things happening to vets and in particular, covering the desecration to the “Wall”..! Bless her heart. Seems only those who really care about us cover us….! But…things are looking up for the Eagles and vets..!
Ooooooohhhhhh…Raaaahhhhh! Semper Fi…
!
Eagles up and away….!