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YankeeJim almost live from Iwo Jima
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by YankeeJim | July 4, 2010 at 06:41 pm
180 views | 2 Recommendations | 1 comment
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Well, I am alive, and I was at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington Virginia watching fireworks that were across the Potomac near the Washington Monument.
I got there by hoofing it about two miles to the memorial and that was easy because it was all downhill. Sure, it was 90 degrees. Anyway, I thought about a pit stop but that was an hour wait.
We moved through the crowds trying to get the best spot we could. Of course, one of us is real particular about where she will and will not sit. We had to make a few adjustments. Once fully comfortable she pointed to a spot at the base of the memorial with a nice lip so one could be seated comfortably on marble and not on the ground. We gave up a good spot for this luxury.
Then came the National Park Service who informed us that we could not take up a permanent perch at the edge of the monument during fireworks. Back we trudged next to the little family who relinquished a little real estate to accommodate our return.
Not being at home to watch this on television like we usually do, we missed hearing David Archuleta sing. Since I am half deaf right now, that didn’t make any real difference, however, there is no music piped in at Iwo Jima so you just get fireworks.
It started at 9:30 PM and about 10 PM we were sprinting back up the two-mile hill that had to be at least 10 stories high. Guess what, I am no longer a cardiology patient.
Wait a minute, here is an email from President Obama.
“James
The Fourth of July is especially dear to my family. For us, it is not just our nation's birthday. It is the day Michelle and I became parents 12 years ago. And I can't wait to watch the fireworks with Malia on her birthday tonight, as we do every year.
As we celebrate the profound pride of being American, today is a time to honor the women and men in our armed forces, whose immeasurable bravery and sacrifice have made our country what it is today.
That sacrifice is shared with husbands and wives, with sons and daughters, with fathers and mothers, who are asked to wait at home as their loved ones protect our nation. Their heroism, too, has helped pave the path of our freedom.Even before we moved into the White House, Michelle was a champion for those military families. She has witnessed their struggles, and she has made it her personal mission to fight for them. On this Fourth of July, she recorded a personal message, commemorating our nation's birthday and paying tribute to these families.
Please take a minute to watch Michelle's video -- and join us as we honor our military families here and abroad:
From all of us, happy Independence Day.
Thank you, and may God bless America.
President Barack Obama
July 4th, 2010”"
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YankeeJim
Arlington, Virginia, United States
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (1)
at 06:33 on July 5th, 2010
I put my life in danger for this story. And, did you ever step on a piece of gum in the grass at night?