Latest news with #fallenheroes
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fellow Republicans: Memorial Day heroes did not die for a party or personality
It was heartwarming to see so many Americans on Memorial Day post tributes to fallen heroes. For so many people, this past observance of the national holiday wasn't about barbecues or the unofficial start of summer. It was a day to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Predictably, my social media feed was flooded with patriotic posts from politicians — photos at memorials, quotes about sacrifice and tributes to the fallen. The hypocrisy was glaring. The very lawmakers who honor those who 'paid the ultimate price to protect our freedoms' are the ones seemingly disregarding the constitutional principles those heroes gave their lives to defend. Congress is a coequal branch of government, tasked with serving as a check on executive power. Yet too many Republican lawmakers have abandoned that responsibility, choosing loyalty to the president over constitutional duty. In doing so, they've effectively surrendered their legislative authority, allowing — and in some cases even encouraging — President Donald Trump to govern through a record number of executive actions. When Republicans are not turning a blind eye to executive overreach, they're folding under pressure — bullied, threatened and strong-armed by the White House into abandoning core principles and passing legislative monstrosities like the 'One Big Beautiful Bill.' Voters sent members of Congress to Washington to serve the people — not to act as lapdogs for the president. And while we're on it, the very concept of a 'One Big Beautiful Bill' flies in the face of everything Republicans have long championed. For decades, Republican leaders demanded stand-alone legislation so each proposal could be debated and judged on its own merits - not buried in bloated packages stuffed with poison pills. Yet here we all are, watching the extension of the Trump tax cuts being held hostage inside a massive spending package. And what about the Department of Government Efficiency cuts? If Congress was going to pass a bill of this magnitude, the least it could do is include those cuts and show real commitment to reducing the size of the federal government. Instead, we're staring at a $4 trillion debt ceiling hike. I expect that kind of recklessness from Democrats — not from a Republican-controlled Congress. Republicans used to draw a hard line on debt. Now, GOP leaders are caving to Trump's demands with little resistance. But this isn't about fiscal responsibility — it's about the integrity of the Constitution. It's about Republicans in Congress abdicating their authority and becoming an obedient extension of the White House. The separation of powers is meant to safeguard liberty, not to be brushed aside for political convenience. Democrats aren't off the hook. They're just as guilty — perhaps more so. They lied about President Joe Biden's health and participated in a coordinated cover-up to deceive the American people. I don't need Jake Tapper's book to tell me what I saw with my own eyes: a frail president incapable of executing the duties of his office. In choosing to gaslight the public, Democrats didn't just erode trust. They made it clear that holding on to power matters more than telling the truth, more than transparency, and more than the republic itself. America deserves better. Those men and women that Americans honored on Memorial Day did not die for a party or a personality. They died because liberty, freedom, and democracy are not just ideals to be admired — they are values worth defending, even at the highest cost. Their bravery is not simply a chapter in our history. It is the very foundation upon which our freedom stands. If we truly wish to honor the nation's fallen heroes, it must be through action. That requires preserving the separation of powers, upholding the rule of law and respecting the checks and balances that form the backbone of our republic. The greatest tribute we can offer those who died for our freedom is to prove ourselves worthy of their ultimate sacrifice. Matt Wylie is a South Carolina-based Republican political strategist and analyst with over 25 years of experience working on federal, state and local campaigns.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Under the baobab: Devoted volunteers ensure fallen heroes are honored
Memorial Day is a sacred time when we honor our fallen heroes and sheroes. Last Saturday morning, Terry McGrory rose at the crack of dawn, as he has for the last 40 years. He gathered the flags he had gotten from the Veterans Association. He called his family to meet him at the Centre County Memorial Cemetery. Then he called a dozen or so volunteers with the same message. Rob Brown, a Vietnam vet, wasn't feeling well. His wife Linda asked if she could go instead. When the sun came up and they could read the tombstones, they fanned out over the cemetery. They erected 2,000 flags before 9 a.m. 'We want to get them in place before their families came to visit,' Terry said. The CCMC was the first of several cemeteries the team would service that morning. One of them, the Marysville African Methodist Episcopal resting place, had been abandoned years before. The church that cared for it has also disappeared. Only one grave site could still be recognized, Aaron Delige. Terry located Aaron's grave through info from the VA. He had graciously called to ask if I would like to place the flag on his grave. I was honored. Two other members of Aaron's family are listed among the U.S. Colored Troops from the Civil War on the monument in front of the Centre County Courthouse. They are among the 200,000 African Americans who enlisted in the Union Army. One of these was my great-great grandfather, Curtis McKenzie. My dad, also a vet, served during World War II in the segregated American Army. He later served in Korea and Vietnam. Behind the scenes Terry, Rob, Linda and the rest are heroes, paying tribute to our veteran ancestors who defended our country with their last measure of devotion. We thank all of them for their unheralded efforts. As part of the weekend, The Boalsburg Village Conservancy presented the 161st Memorial Day Service. Boalsburg is arguably the birthplace of Memorial Day, which began in 1864 when three women — Emma Hunter, Sophie Keller and Elizabeth Myers — decorated the graves of their loved ones. On Saturday, Jeff Brown acted as Master of Ceremonies. Pastor Jody Reese gave the invocation and benediction. The Level Best Quartet sang the national anthem. A presentation of stories about Boalsburg Civil War vets was given by Daughters of Union Veterans, Tent 62 which included Rebecca Crossley and Karen Hazel. The traditional firing of the cannons was conducted by Battery B. John Leskowicz played taps and Tracey Moriarty played 'Amazing Grace' on the pipes. Local political leaders including state Rep. Paul Takac and County Commissioner Mark Higgins were present. Other Happy Valley happenings Penn State music professor Tony Leach's spirit cascaded through the hundreds of people who overflowed Pasquerilla Spiritual Center for his 'Celebration of Life Through Song' tribute. The program lifted our hearts as we celebrated Tony's life, work and grace. Rev. Tabitha P. Lewis was officiant and gave the eulogy. Members of Tony's family, Bishop Myron Leach, Makayla Leach, Cynthia Leach and Neal Holter offered remarks and songs. A 200-voice choir, conducted by Eric Williamson, included many former Essence members including Orieyama Linebarger, Alfie Parker, Melanie Gerald, Kiena Williams, Sean Lynch, Fran Bettyow, Cori Avery, Christyn Geary, Ron Johnson. Clergy and dignitaries also included: Rev Elizabeth Eckman, Rev. Herbert Jones, Rev. Viola Bradford and Robert Drafall. Centre Safe Executive Director Jennifer Pencek welcomed folks to their 50th anniversary awards luncheon. Gina and John Ikenberry were recognized as Philanthropists of the Year. Douglas Hearn received the Community Service Award; Corporate Partner of the Year was Mount Nittany Health. The Bellefonte and Penns Valley area school districts shared the Partners in Prevention Award. Also present were Sue Paterno and County Commissioner Amber Concepcion. Après la pluie le beau temps. Charles Dumas is a lifetime political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Party's nominee for U.S. Congress in 2012. He lives with his partner and wife of 50 years in State College.
CTV News
5 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Sask. considering memorial medal for emergency personnel
Regina Watch WATCH: The provincial government is considering a new memorial medal for fallen Saskatchewan emergency personnel. Wayne Mantyka reports.
Fox News
27-05-2025
- General
- Fox News
The Fundamental Question Associated With Sacrifice
Yesterday, many of us gathered with loved ones to honor the brave men and women who selflessly served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. As Memorial Day passes, Trey reflects on a simple, yet gripping question: Is our country living up to the ideals and vision of those who died defending it? Trey shares why he believes the most meaningful way to honor America's fallen heroes is by striving to ensure the answer to that question is 'yes' — because each of us has a role to play in strengthening and unifying the nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Region marks ultimate sacrifice of veterans on Memorial Day
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — From Williamsburg to Portsmouth, and places throughout Hampton Roads, people paid their respects on Memorial Day to U.S. military members who have died in service to their country. Starting with the oldest in the nation, 'Freedom is not free, so they paid the cost for us to, you know, be here,' said attendee Micheal Stith. 'So we want to thank them for that.' In Virginia Beach, symbols of gratitude were offered in memory of those lost while serving this country during a ceremony happened at Tidewater Veteran's Memorial. Wreaths were placed, and veterans in attendance were able to reflect. 'Memorial Day kind of symbolizes what people [had] to give [so that] you and me and him and everybody else can walk around free,' said Navy veteran Don McAlister. In Norfolk, 'We pause all over America to pay tribute, to honor our fallen heroes, those men and women who lost their lives in service, defending our country, defending our freedom,' said Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander. On the Peninsula, Newport News had an event at Victory Landing Park, sponsored by American Legion Braxton-Perkins Post 25. In Williamsburg, residents at a retirement community also hosted a Memorial Day program in which they remembered the men and women who gave their lives to protect the nation. 'Memorial Day is a very important day for me, from my family connection to the military,' said Air Force veteran Ralph Barrows, 'but also because of all of the friends that I knew and lost in different wars during the during my lifespan.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
