Weight Of The Office: Obama Comforts Parent Of Fallen Soldier During Medal Ceremony

video

by Colby Hall | 5:18 pm, November 16th, 2010

» 52 comments

Earlier today, President Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to the first living recipient since the Vietnam war, Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta. The cable news networks covered the proceedings live, as the President recounted Giunta’s heroic feats of bravery while serving in both Afghanistan and Iraq. After the cablers left the event, however, President Obama sought the family members of two fallen soldiers from Giunta’s troop, and gave comfort and thanks to the grieving parents.

Transcript: (via White House email)

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN AWARDING THE MEDAL OF HONOR TO STAFF SERGEANT SALVATORE A. GIUNTA

East Room

2:07 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody. Please be seated. On behalf of Michelle and myself, welcome to the White House. Thank you, Chaplain Carver, for that beautiful invocation.

Of all the privileges that come with serving as President of the United States, I have none greater than serving as Commander-in-Chief of the finest military that the world has ever known. And of all the military decorations that a President and a nation can bestow, there is none higher than the Medal of Honor.

Today is particularly special. Since the end of the Vietnam War, the Medal of Honor has been awarded nine times for conspicuous gallantry in an ongoing or recent conflict. Sadly, our nation has been unable to present this decoration to the recipients themselves, because each gave his life — his last full measure of devotion — for our country. Indeed, as President, I have presented the Medal of Honor three times — and each time to the families of a fallen hero.

Today, therefore, marks the first time in nearly 40 years that the recipient of the Medal of Honor for an ongoing conflict has been able to come to the White House and accept this recognition in person. It is my privilege to present our nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, to a soldier as humble as he is heroic: Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta.

Now, I’m going to go off-script here for a second and just say I really like this guy. (Laughter and applause.) I think anybody — we all just get a sense of people and who they are, and when you meet Sal and you meet his family, you are just absolutely convinced that this is what America is all about. And it just makes you proud. And so this is a joyous occasion for me — something that I have been looking forward to.

The Medal of Honor reflects the gratitude of an entire nation. So we are also joined here today by several members of Congress, including both senators and several representatives from Staff Sergeant Giunta’s home state of Iowa. We are also joined by leaders from across my administration and the Department of Defense, including the Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. Where’s Mike? There he is, right there. Army Secretary John McHugh; and Chief of Staff of the Army, General George Casey.

We are especially honored to be joined by Staff Sergeant Giunta’s fellow soldiers, his teammates and brothers from Battle Company, 2d of the 503d of the 173d Airborne Brigade; and several members of that rarest of fraternities that now welcomes him into its ranks — the Medal of Honor Society. Please give them a big round of applause. (Applause.)

We also welcome the friends and family who made Staff Sergeant Giunta into the man that he is, including his lovely wife, Jenny; and his parents, Steven and Rosemary; as well as his siblings, who are here. It was his mother, after all, who apparently taught him as a young boy in small-town Iowa how to remove the screen from his bedroom window in case of fire. (Laughter.) What she didn’t know was that by teaching Sal how to jump from his bedroom and sneaking off in the dead of night, she was unleashing a future paratrooper — (laughter) — who would one day fight in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan 7,000 miles away.

During the first of his two tours of duty in Afghanistan, Staff Sergeant Giunta was forced early on to come to terms with the loss of comrades and friends. His team leader at the time gave him a piece of advice: “You just try — you just got to try to do everything you can when it’s your time to do it.” You’ve just got to try to do everything you can when it’s your time to do it.

Salvatore Giunta’s time came on October 25, 2007. He was a Specialist then, just 22 years old.

Sal and his platoon were several days into a mission in the Korengal Valley — the most dangerous valley in northeast Afghanistan. The moon was full. The light it cast was enough to travel by without using their night-vision goggles. With heavy gear on their backs, and air support overhead, they made their way single file down a rocky ridge crest, along terrain so steep that sliding was sometimes easier than walking.

They hadn’t traveled a quarter mile before the silence was shattered. It was an ambush, so close that the cracks of the guns and the whizz of the bullets were simultaneous. Tracer fire hammered the ridge at hundreds of rounds per minute — “more,” Sal said later, “than the stars in the sky.”

The Apache gunships above saw it all, but couldn’t engage with the enemy so close to our soldiers. The next platoon heard the shooting, but were too far away to join the fight in time.

And the two lead men were hit by enemy fire and knocked down instantly. When the third was struck in the helmet and fell to the ground, Sal charged headlong into the wall of bullets to pull him to safety behind what little cover there was. As he did, Sal was hit twice — one round slamming into his body armor, the other shattering a weapon slung across his back.

They were pinned down, and two wounded Americans still lay up ahead. So Sal and his comrades regrouped and counterattacked. They threw grenades, using the explosions as cover to run forward, shooting at the muzzle flashes still erupting from the trees. Then they did it again. And again. Throwing grenades, charging ahead. Finally, they reached one of their men. He’d been shot twice in the leg, but he had kept returning fire until his gun jammed.

As another soldier tended to his wounds, Sal sprinted ahead, at every step meeting relentless enemy fire with his own. He crested a hill alone, with no cover but the dust kicked up by the storm of bullets still biting into the ground. There, he saw a chilling sight: the silhouettes of two insurgents carrying the other wounded American away — who happened to be one of Sal’s best friends. Sal never broke stride. He leapt forward. He took aim. He killed one of the insurgents and wounded the other, who ran off.

Sal found his friend alive, but badly wounded. Sal had saved him from the enemy — now he had to try to save his life. Even as bullets impacted all around him, Sal grabbed his friend by the vest and dragged him to cover. For nearly half an hour, Sal worked to stop the bleeding and help his friend breathe until the MEDEVAC arrived to lift the wounded from the ridge. American gunships worked to clear the enemy from the hills. And with the battle over, First Platoon picked up their gear and resumed their march through the valley. They continued their mission.

It had been as intense and violent a firefight as any soldier will experience. By the time it was finished, every member of First Platoon had shrapnel or a bullet hole in their gear. Five were wounded. And two gave their lives: Sal’s friend, Sergeant Joshua C. Brennan, and the platoon medic, Specialist Hugo V. Mendoza.

Now, the parents of Joshua and Hugo are here today. And I know that there are no words that, even three years later, can ease the ache in your hearts or repay the debt that America owes to you. But on behalf of a grateful nation, let me express profound thanks to your sons’ service and their sacrifice. And could the parents of Joshua and Hugo please stand briefly? (Applause.)

Now, I already mentioned I like this guy, Sal. And as I found out myself when I first spoke with him on the phone and when we met in the Oval Office today, he is a low-key guy, a humble guy, and he doesn’t seek the limelight. And he’ll tell you that he didn’t do anything special; that he was just doing his job; that any of his brothers in the unit would do the same thing. In fact, he just lived up to what his team leader instructed him to do years before: “You do everything you can.”

Staff Sergeant Giunta, repeatedly and without hesitation, you charged forward through extreme enemy fire, embodying the warrior ethos that says, “I will never leave a fallen comrade.” Your actions disrupted a devastating ambush before it could claim more lives. Your courage prevented the capture of an American soldier and brought that soldier back to his family. You may believe that you don’t deserve this honor, but it was your fellow soldiers who recommended you for it. In fact, your commander specifically said in his recommendation that you lived up to the standards of the most decorated American soldier of World War II, Audie Murphy, who famously repelled an overwhelming enemy attack by himself for one simple reason: “They were killing my friends.”

That’s why Salvatore Giunta risked his life for his fellow soldiers — because they would risk their lives for him. That’s what fueled his bravery — not just the urgent impulse to have their backs, but the absolute confidence that they had his. One of them, Sal has said — of these young men that he was with, he said, “They are just as much of me as I am.” They are just as much of me as I am.

So I would ask Sal’s team, all of Battle Company who were with him that day, to please stand and be recognized as well. (Applause.) Gentlemen, thank you for your service. We’re all in your debt. And I’m proud to be your Commander-in-Chief.

These are the soldiers of our Armed Forces. Highly trained. Battle-hardened. Each with specialized roles and responsibilities, but all with one thing in common — they volunteered. In an era when it’s never been more tempting to chase personal ambition or narrow self-interest, they chose the opposite. They felt a tug; they answered a call; they said, “I’ll go.” And for the better part of a decade, they have endured tour after tour in distant and difficult places; they have protected us from danger; they have given others the opportunity to earn a better and more secure life.

They are the courageous men and women serving in Afghanistan even as we speak. They keep clear focus on their mission: to deny safe haven for terrorists who would attack our country, to break the back of the Taliban insurgency, to build the Afghans’ capacity to defend themselves. They possess the steely resolve to see their mission through. They are made of the same strong stuff as the troops in this room, and I am absolutely confident that they will continue to succeed in the missions that we give them, in Afghanistan and beyond.

After all, our brave servicemen and women and their families have done everything they’ve been asked to do. They have been everything that we have asked them to be. “If I am a hero,” Sal has said, “then every man who stands around me, every woman in the military, every person who defends this country is.” And he’s right.

This medal today is a testament to his uncommon valor, but also to the parents and the community that raised him; the military that trained him; and all the men and women who served by his side.

All of them deserve our enduring thanks and gratitude. They represent a small fraction of the American population, but they and the families who await their safe return carry far more than their fair share of our burden. They fight halfway around the globe, but they do it in hopes that our children and our grandchildren won’t have to.

They are the very best part of us. They are our friends, our family, our neighbors, our classmates, our coworkers. They are why our banner still waves, our founding principles still shine, and our country — the United States of America — still stands as a force for good all over the world.

So, please join me in welcoming Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta for the reading of the citation.
MILITARY AIDE: The President of the United States of America, authorized by act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded, in the name of Congress, the Medal of Honor to then Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta, United States Army.

Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity, at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, in action, with an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, on October 25, 2007.

While conducting a patrol as team leader, with Company B, 2d Battalion Airborne, 503d Infantry Regiment, Specialist Giunta and his team were navigating through harsh terrain when they were ambushed by a well-armed and well-coordinated insurgent force.

While under heavy enemy fire, Specialist Giunta immediately sprinted towards cover and engaged the enemy. Seeing that his squad leader had fallen, and believing that he had been injured, Specialist Giunta exposed himself to withering enemy fire and raced towards his squad leader, helped him to cover and administered medical aid.

While administering first aid, enemy fire struck Special Giunta’s body armor and his secondary weapon. Without regard to the ongoing fire, Specialist Giunta engaged the enemy before prepping and throwing grenades, using the explosions for cover in order to conceal his position.

Attempting to reach additional wounded fellow soldiers who were separated from the squad, Specialist Giunta and his team encountered a barrage of enemy fire that forced them to the ground. The team continued forward, and upon reaching the wounded soldiers, Specialist Giunta realized that another soldier was still separated from the element. Specialist Giunta then advanced forward on his own initiative. As he crested the top of a hill, he observed two insurgents carrying away an American soldier. He immediately engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other. Upon reaching the wounded soldier, he began to provide medical aid, as his squad caught up and provided security.

Specialist Giunta’s unwavering courage, selflessness and decisive leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon’s ability to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American soldier from the enemy.

Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Company B, 2d Battalion Airborne, 503d Infantry Regiment and the United States Army.

[The medal is awarded.]

(Applause.)

Video of Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta Receiving The Medal Of Honor (Via Fox News):

Salvatore Giunta

BatBoy

“…and gave comfort and thanks to the grieving parents”

I wonder if that was in his prepared speech to do this….

I am sorry, but the guy just does not have it coming from his heart….
Hawk11

BatBoy said:
“…and gave comfort and thanks to the grieving parents”

I wonder if that was in his prepared speech to do this….

I am sorry, but the guy just does not have it coming from his heart….

What the hell is wrong with you? This is the President of this country giving the Medal of Honor to one of our soldiers. This country’s highest honor. Where the hell do you come off throwing a dumb ass comment on this honor. Let it stand, let it be, honor this man who received this award and throw your comments out in the trash. Disagree with our President, but do it someone else. Do it on another story, on another post, NOT THIS ONE.
RobDavis

BatBoy said:
“…and gave comfort and thanks to the grieving parents”

I wonder if that was in his prepared speech to do this….

I am sorry, but the guy just does not have it coming from his heart….

Sad dude, you gotta be snarky and ignorant in this situation.
Hawk11

Hawk11 said:
Disagree with our President, but do it someone else

“somewhere, not someone”
cjd ohio 1

obama did everything right here, i didn’t vote for him, but he did truly honor the office today
alamo2

BatBoy said:
“…and gave comfort and thanks to the grieving parents” I wonder if that was in his prepared speech to do this…. I am sorry, but the guy just does not have it coming from his heart….

To politicize this honor of a war hero is beneath contempt. As a veteran myself, I say to you, go to hell! You sir, are no American.
BatBoy

cjd ohio 1 said:
obama did everything right here

I agree, he did do everything right…my question was did he have to be reminded in the script that it was time to pay tribute to the parents of the fallen soldiers.

Unlike Hawk and Rob Davis, I don’t watch what the President says and react to it….I watch how he has reacted in the past to our troops and he just does not have a very good track record when he is off his Teleprompters. As I said, I do not believe he has it in his heart to act this way like President Bush did.

Just my thoughts.
CosmosDan

BatBoy said:
“…and gave comfort and thanks to the grieving parents”

I wonder if that was in his prepared speech to do this….

I am sorry, but the guy just does not have it coming from his heart….

This is blind partisanship at it’s worst. Shame on you.
BatBoy

alamo2 said:
You sir, are no American.

You sir are no sir! But I assure you, I am an American, I am a veteran, my wife is a veteran and I have 100 combat missions with over 1,100 hours of A-1 sortie time under my belt.

So ease off Alamo…I am on your side.
Hawk11

BatBoy said:
As I said, I do not believe he has it in his heart to act this way like President Bush did.

The second idiotic statement to the same post.

Leave it alone. Stop disgracing this honor to Staff Sgt. Giunta. He’s a hero and this story is for him and our military.
CosmosDan

BatBoy said:
I agree, he did do everything right…my question was did he have to be reminded in the script that it was time to pay tribute to the parents of the fallen soldiers.

So, you don’t really know what happened, but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to dump on him, even in this thread honoring our soldiers. But it’s his heart in the wrong place?
BatBoy

Hawk11 said:
Staff Sgt. Giunta.

Sgt Giunta did not die! I was talking about…”President Obama sought the family members of two fallen soldiers from Giunta’s troop, ”

I do honor Sgt Giunta…he is a hero….I said thisbefore in the first article on him.

And to you Hawk…Learn to Read!
alamo2

BatBoy said:
You sir are no sir! But I assure you, I am an American, I am a veteran, my wife is a veteran and I have 100 combat missions with over 1,100 hours of A-1 sortie time under my belt.
So ease off Alamo…I am on your side.

No sir, we are not on the same side. We may have served in the same service, but one of us knows when to ease off political sides and look at what it means to be an American. When President Bush honored servicemen and veterans, I agreed 100% with him. I did not politicize it. You disgraced not only yourself, but also Sgt Giunta. You politicized a hero’s ceremony. Shame on you. And since you are a veteran, I do not say this lightly.
Newsjunky

BatBoy said:
You sir are no sir! But I assure you, I am an American, I am a veteran, my wife is a veteran and I have 100 combat missions with over 1,100 hours of A-1 sortie time under my belt.

So ease off Alamo…I am on your side.

You aren’t the kind of veteran that I’m interested in supporting. Your comments about the president and his comments/behavior/intensions are disgusting and pathetic. People like you give our military a bad name.
Newsjunky

I was surprised at the emotion that I felt when watching this live earlier today. Thank you, Sgt Giunta for your acts of heroism and for defending our country. An amazing story.
Newsjunky

Newsjunky said:
You aren’t the kind of veteran that I’m interested in supporting. Your comments about the president and his comments/behavior/intensions are disgusting and pathetic. People like you give our military a bad name.

Of course I meant to say **NOT** interested in supporting.
cjd ohio 1

batboy, just wrong place and wrong time for the comment, hope you see what i mean
Harry Flashman

Credit where credit is due.

I watched the ceremony and I thought Obama honored not only the man receiving the award but his fellow soldiers and the families there, and did it well. very touching, and I thought it was heartfelt on his part. No acting or posturing this time.

Job well done.
david r

cjd ohio 1 said:
obama did everything right here, i didn’t vote for him, but he did truly honor the office today

I’m with you, Cjd. I know those parents will always treasure those few moments with the President.
SpineCrusher

BatBoy said:
“…and gave comfort and thanks to the grieving parents” I wonder if that was in his prepared speech to do this…. I am sorry, but the guy just does not have it coming from his heart….

BatBoy hates black people…that’s all he had to say. He does it in every other post.
cjd ohio 1

where did that come spinecrusher?
Kird

SpineCrusher said:
BatBoy hates black people…that’s all he had to say. He does it in every other post.

I “hate” you both for posting like jerks, but sadly I expected it.
SpineCrusher

Kird said:
I “hate” you both for posting like jerks, but sadly I expected it.

Why don’t you stack up all that hate and jump off?!

It’d be good for the country.
SpineCrusher

cjd ohio 1 said:
where did that come spinecrusher?

Sorry, BatBoy doesn’t trust black people.

That better?
Kird

SpineCrusher said:
Sorry, BatBoy doesn’t trust black people.

That better?

Better than telling me to go kill myself? Yea, probably.
Just4thefax

Fact: Ozero has been before a Medal of Honor recipients before and didn’t salute. During Pledge of Allegiance raised his left hand over heart during military ceremonies. Sgt Giunta Thank you for your service but the presenter of the award to you has faults that you just can’t fix.
alamo2

Just4thefax said:
Fact: Ozero has been before a Medal of Honor recipients before and didn’t salute. During Pledge of Allegiance raised his left hand over heart during military ceremonies. Sgt Giunta Thank you for your service but the presenter of the award to you has faults that you just can’t fix.

As a veteran, I think you are an anti-American jerk! Another moron who politicizes a moving event. You digust me, and most Americans. I don’t think you can even remotely understand or appreciate Sgt. Giunta’s actions.
alamo2

SpineCrusher said:
BatBoy hates black people…that’s all he had to say. He does it in every other post.

This is just as pathetic as BatBoy’s comments.
hello11

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*Agelessbbw*.*com*. A’ ge is not a problem, It gives you a chance to meet your a’ ge g a’p matches. Maybe you wanna check it out or tell your friends
qaewqe
Just4thefax

Fact: alamo2 go drink some more Kool-aid you slaker. Hey I won’t ask you so you don’t have to tell me faggot!
SteveMG

Well, that was very moving.

God bless them and our President.

And Mrs. Obama.

Why anyone would want to be President and have to do stuff like this…well, it’s heartbreaking.
cjd ohio 1

hey just4thefax, alamo2 served the us honorably in vietnam so why the bad feelings,
Just4thefax

Fact: I’m not anti-American nor a moron. John Kerry served in Vietnam and he’s a cup cake too. I just don’t like this anti-American that wasn’t verified in any state for eligibility to hold office standing for a photo opt. I just don’t feel he was serious about honoring any servicemen because of the groups he has associated thru out his life.
the real john t

Just4thefax said:
Fact: I’m not anti-American nor a moron. John Kerry served in Vietnam and he’s a cup cake too.

When did you serve and in what part of the military?
jrcmi

“John Kerry served in Vietnam and he’s a cup cake too.”

He was a WOUNDED AND DECORATED “cupcake,” you swiftboating slimeball.

I despised much that George Bush did to our country and pointedly questioned his motives. Even so, I had no reason to doubt his sincerity in situations like the one described here; nor would I presume to say exactly what goes on in his or Obama’s mind.
stoogedudes

Just4thefax said:
Fact: I’m not anti-American nor a moron. John Kerry served in Vietnam and he’s a cup cake too. I just don’t like this anti-American that wasn’t verified in any state for eligibility to hold office standing for a photo opt. I just don’t feel he was serious about honoring any servicemen because of the groups he has associated thru out his life.

You are beneath contempt. You have no respect. How shameful.

Mr. Obama, whether you like him or not, did a great job here.

Instead of making this all about Pres. Obama, though, let’s remember Sgt. Giunta’s sacrifice. His humble remarks and his amazing bravery reminds me why I love this country. I got very emotional listening to his speech. Sgt. Giunta is one of the best this country has to offer. He put his life on the line, even for children like just4thefax.
justanotherconservative

the hero in this story is the soldier, certainly not obama. no one is taking anything away from this soldier and his bravery and honor. what many are saying is that obama is just not quite as honorable……
alamo2

Just4thefax said:
Fact: I’m not anti-American nor a moron. John Kerry served in Vietnam and he’s a cup cake too. I just don’t like this anti-American that wasn’t verified in any state for eligibility to hold office standing for a photo opt. I just don’t feel he was serious about honoring any servicemen because of the groups he has associated thru out his life.

Just curious: HOW did you serve your country? Which branch of the service were/are you in? Please tell us.
justanotherconservative

SteveMG said:
Well, that was very moving. God bless them and our President. And Mrs. Obama. Why anyone would want to be President and have to do stuff like this…well, it’s heartbreaking.

bless mrs. obama?? what??
alamo2

justanotherconservative said:
the hero in this story is the soldier, certainly not obama. no one is taking anything away from this soldier and his bravery and honor. what many are saying is that obama is just not quite as honorable……

Couldn’t wait to politicize this, could you? Honoring a serviceman/veteran should be above the political nonsense.
alamo2

justanotherconservative said:
bless mrs. obama?? what??

Grow up.
SteveMG

bless mrs. obama?? what??

Please, not everything is god damned politics.

Mrs. Obama and the President had to console the grieving families of soldiers killed.

You know how emotionally difficult that is to do? The families were there weeping and just devastated and the President and the First Lady had to show resolve and “toughness” to help the families through?

I was wishing them “God bless” in helping THEM get through this too.

Stop the damned politics all the time and think of others.
BatBoy

After a good night’s sleep, I woke up this morning and still stand firm on my position. It is my opinion that our president does not have it in his heart when it comes to the military. Yes, he delivered a powerful speech yesterday…but it was written down by a speech writer. I watch his actions, not what he says, because he is a great speaker, just not a good president.

Since you all have this thread still going, I would like to comment on a few of your comments.

Newsjunky said:
You aren’t the kind of veteran that I’m interested in supporting.

Newsjunky: Buddy, I am a Viet Nam Veteran…I am very use to people not supporting me…Remember it was the liberal pukes who spit at us and called us baby killers, capitalist pigs, and god know what else…Democrats and liberals, in my lifetime, have NEVER had the guts to finish a war…they have been and seem to continue to be very good at “cutting and running” … so go ahead and continue your hate for us….”frankly sir…I don’t give a damn.” (Do not confuse this with the fact that I went to war so that you could sit back here and throw stones…It is OK, we did and will continue to carry the load for you.

SpineCrusher said:
BatBoy hates black people

Spine Crusher…You need to tell my friends that…especially the black ones, because they would not agree with you. I don’t hate black people…but I really don’t care for people like you…you are the racist. The only thing people like you have left is to pull the racist card…it used to be a conversation stopper…but sad for you and your ilk, it is no longer.
I guess your mama didn’t teach you the nursery rhyme about “Crying Wolf” So sad for you.

alamo2 said:
As a veteran, I think you are an anti-American jerk! Another moron who politicizes a moving event. You digust me, and most Americans. I don’t think you can even remotely understand or appreciate Sgt. Giunta’s actions.

Alamo2 Whose military are you a veteran of…the things you are writing here should not come from an American Veteran. If you were in the American Military, you had to say the following oath.
Here it is …print it out, go to your mirror and repeat it…I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) 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; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

Here is the first amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
It is that freedom of speech thing I think you have forgotten…you know, you have it, I have it, Spine Crusher has it when he calls me a “Racist” even though he is completely off base, Newsjunky has it when he tells me he does want to support me…but then again, he never did…so nothing lost there.

So, I stand firm, you can stand the way you want…remember I fought a war in order for you to say really stupid and racist things.
cjd ohio 1

well batboy, im a younger veteran, i dont you are un-american, you must be able to voice what you think, i just thought it was in bad taste on this thread, nothing personal
cjd ohio 1

i dont think you are un-american, this typing is a pain in the ass
BatBoy

cjd ohio 1 said:
well batboy, im a younger veteran, i dont you are un-american, you must be able to voice what you think, i just thought it was in bad taste on this thread, nothing personal

Hey I am cool with that….It is not the first time and the old I get it probably won’t be the last.

BUT, by saying it here, you got to see what people are really thinking. You always find out what people are like when things don’t run smooth….and we sure found out here…agreed?

Thanks for being a vet.
Call_Me_Ishmael

alamo2 said:
As a veteran, I think you are an anti-American jerk! Another moron who politicizes a moving event. You digust me, and most Americans. I don’t think you can even remotely understand or appreciate Sgt. Giunta’s actions.

He’s apparently not alone in his misunderstanding:

http://www.themoralliberal.com/2010/11/16/the-feminization-of-the-medal-of-honor/

Don’t let the site’s name fool you, the columnist is a leader of the American Family Assoc., no liberal outfit that.
cjd ohio 1

and thank you sir for your serve , and protecting freedom
alamo2

BatBoy said:
Alamo2 Whose military are you a veteran of…the things you are writing here should not come from an American Veteran.

Like you, I fought in the Vietnam War (1966-1967). And yes, I believe in the freedom of speech. You have the right to your opinion herein, and I have the right to disagree. Let’s leave it at that. I cannot convince you of the righteousness of my argument, nor can you convince me of yours.

We both fought at a time many years ago. Let’s leave it at that and respect each other’s service, if not each other’s opinion.
BatBoy

alamo2 said:
This is just as pathetic as BatBoy’s comments

alamo2 said:
Let’s leave it at that and respect each other’s service, if not each other’s opinion.

alamo2 said:
As a veteran, I think you are an anti-American jerk!

alamo2 said:
To politicize this honor of a war hero is beneath contempt. As a veteran myself, I say to you, go to hell! You sir, are no American.

alamo2 said:
No sir, we are not on the same side.

I think I am starting to understand how you respect someone who has an opinion different than yours….I must say…! I am not sure you understand “respect!”
alamo2

BatBoy said:
I think I am starting to understand how you respect someone who has an opinion different than yours….I must say…! I am not sure you understand “respect!”

Well, then, forget it. You are a fellow veteran, and I respect you for that. Your opinions are another matter. It is possible to respect what someone has done at one time in his life — and think he is a fool for the opinions he espouses on this system. I’ll leave it at that and realize that there are two sides of you, one quite dislikable.
esd2000

BatBoy said:
“…and gave comfort and thanks to the grieving parents”

I wonder if that was in his prepared speech to do this….

I am sorry, but the guy just does not have it coming from his heart….

The only word that comes to mind is idiot.