September112001

'God Bless The USA' by Lee Greenwood If tomorrow all the things were gone, I'd worked for all my life. And I had to start again with just my children and my wife. I'd thank my lucky stars to be livin' here today. 'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away. And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA. From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee. Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea. From Detroit down to Houston and New York to L.A. Well there's pride in every American heart and its time we stand and say... That I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA. And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me. And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA.

WHY OUR FLAG IS FOLDED THIRTEEN TIMES            The First fold of our Flag is a symbol of life. The Second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. The Third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The Fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance. The Fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong." The Sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The Seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our Republic. The Eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day. The Ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The Tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. The Eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. When the Thirteenth fold of the Flag is complete, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our Nation's motto, "In God We Trust."              So, the next time you see a Flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in our civilian services such as the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our Flag and our Country. Source: pamphlet and e-pal

Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitridae Species: Haliaetus Leucocephalus The bald eagle is truly an all-American bird and the only eagle unique to North America. It ranges over most of the continent, from the northern reaches of Alaska and Canada down to northern Mexico, nesting mostly in Alaska and Florida. Males measure about three feet from head to tail, weigh seven to ten pounds, and have a wingspan of over 6 feet. Females are larger, some reaching fourteen pounds and having a wingspan of up to 8 feet. This striking raptor has large pale colored eyes; a powerful yellow beak; and great black talons. The distinctive white head and tail feathers appear only after the bird is 4 to 5 years old. They can live 30 years or longer in the wild, and even longer in captivity. They mate for life and build huge nests in the tops of large trees near rivers, lakes, marshes, or other wetland areas. Nests are often reused year after year with additions to the nests made annually. Some may reach 10 feet across and weigh as much as a ton. Although bald eagles may range over great distances, they usually return to nest within 100 miles of where they were raised. They lay two to three eggs once a year and the eggs hatch after about 35 days. The young eagles are flying within 3 months. However, disease, lack of food, bad weather, or human interference can kill many eaglets within their first year. Bald eagles have few natural enemies. They prefer an environment of quiet isolation among rocky cliffs, tall mature trees, and clean waters. Those conditions have changed in some areas diminishing their habitat. However, most have improved greatly in numbers, productivity and security in recent years. At one time, these birds of prey became prey themselves. Although primarily fish eaters, bald eagles and other raptors were seen as a threat to chickens, lambs, and other domestic livestock. As a consequence, large numbers were shot by farmers and ranchers. In 1940, noting that the national bird was "threatened with extinction", Congress passed the Bald Eagle Protection Act which made it illegal to possess (without a permit), kill, harass, or sell bald eagles. In 1967, bald eagles were officially declared an endangered species (under a law that preceded the Endangered Species Act of 1973) in all areas of the United States south of the 40th parallel. Federal and state government agencies, along with private organizations, successfully sought to alert the public about the bald eagle's plight and to protect its habitat from further destruction. Source: Kingfisher Encyclopedia of Animals

Seal of the President

OATH OF OFFICE President I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God. Vice President I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same: that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

Visiting USO 10/01

George Walker Bush Quotes 9-11~9-20 2001 -Freedom was attacked this morning by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended.The resolve of our great nation is being tested. But make no mistake; we will show the world that we will pass the test. God Bless. -Yesterday i visited the site of the destruction of New York City and saw an amazing spirit of sacrifice and patriotism and defiance. -The face of terror is not the true faith of Islam. That's not what Islam is all about. Islam is peace. These terrorists don't represent peace; they represent evil and war. -In the week since the attack, our compassion and generous citizens have led the first phase in the war on terrorism. They have sustained and strengthened the homefront. -My fellow citizens, for the last nine days, the entire world has seen for itself the state of the union, and it is strong. Tonight, we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done.

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.................................a photo essay