U.S. Families Will Remember Their Own Lost in Combat in a Moss Landing, California Ceremony

U.S. Families Will Remember Their Own Lost in Combat in a Moss Landing, California Ceremony

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U.S. Families Will Remember Their Own Lost in Combat in a Moss Landing, California Ceremony

The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) plans a first-ever Memorial Day ceremony at Moss Landing, California, honoring U.S. killed in action (KIA) and died of wounds (DOW) from all American actions, May 29, 2006.

San Jose, CA (PRWeb) May 27, 2006 -- The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), in conjunction with J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store, plans a Memorial Day, 2006, ceremony. Official Memorial Day 2006 falls on Monday, May 29. The event will take place on May 29, 2006, from 9AM to 5PM, with a National Moment of Remembrance at 3PM. A musician will play Taps, and there will be a flag raising ceremony after.

The site, officially opened in a ceremony last Labor Day Weekend, is at Highway 1 and N. Struve Road in Moss Landing, California. USAKIA invites the public to a free, and somber event honoring our nation’s KIA and DOW. The nonprofit has also invited vendors and other organizations to participate.

The public-benefit corporation also has an eBay auction coinciding with Memorial Day Weekend. Items up for auction include vintage Disneyland Tickets, art work, and items to honor our nation’s fallen. Supporters can access the nonprofit’s store and also make tax-deductible donations at its Web site.

The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), based in San Jose, California, is an IRS-approved, tax-deductible and tax-exempt nonprofit. KIA families incorporated the 501(c)(3) organization in the fall of 2003 to benefit families of those killed in action and died of wounds while in the U.S. armed forces. Current services include memorials, membership, and it plans a new California Medal of Honor Project (CAMOHP). It also has products honoring U.S. KIA. America Remembers KIA allows USAKIA the use of its trademarked KIA flag and symbol. See the organization's Web site at http://www.usakia.org/ for further information. USAKIA opened a pressroom at its Web site in December and two new blogs in March.

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Contact Information:

Dennis Malloy
USA KIA/DOW FAMILY FOUNDATION (USAKIA)
P.O. Box 720123, San Jose, CA 95172
(408) 954-8280

Nation to Honor Fallen During National Moment of Remembrance

By Paul X. Rutz
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, May 25, 2006 – On May 29, Americans will pause together to remember servicemembers from wars past and present who have given the ultimate sacrifice while defending the nation.
The National Moment of Remembrance takes place for one minute each year on Memorial Day, starting at 3 p.m., local time.

"The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday," according to a news release from the White House Commission on Remembrance. "The moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather, it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom."

Observing the moment can be as simple as ringing a bell three times or pausing for a moment of silence, the news release said. Americans are encouraged to ask others to remember, including family, friends and co-workers.

Established by Congress in December 2000, the White House Commission on Remembrance encourages Americans to remember the sacrifices of its fallen military members, as well as the families they leave behind. According to its mission statement, the commission "promotes acts of remembrance throughout the year and asks Americans to pay our debt of gratitude in memory of our fallen by giving something back to the nation."

The idea for the program came in May 1996 when the commission's director, Carmella LaSpada, asked children touring the nation's capital what Memorial Day meant to them. "That's the day the pool opens," they said.

Providing a sense of history to America's citizens and ensuring younger generations remember the sacrifices made to preserve their freedom is a major goal, the news release said.

In addition to the National Moment of Remembrance, the commission has promoted other programs. In June 2004, the commission sponsored a "historically accurate" sand sculpture on Normandy Beach, France, to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of D-Day, according to its Web site. Sand sculptors worked for six days, making a 30-foot by 30-foot sculpture of allied troops storming the beach.

The commission employs cartoonists to create new, limited-edition cartoons for a calendar each year. It also partners with Dear Abby to send messages of support to the nation's troops.



Related Sites:
White House Commission on Remembrance
Operation Dear Abby




News Archive

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NOTE: View the original version of this web page on DefenseLINK, the official website of the U.S. Department of Defense.
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Visit the Defense Department's Web site "America Supports You" at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil, that spotlights what Americans are doing in support of U.S. military men and women serving at home and abroad.

Visit the Defense Department's Web site for the latest news and information about America's response to the war against terrorism: "Defend America" at http://www.DefendAmerica.mil.


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Nation, Families Take Moment to Remember, Honor the Fallen

Nation, Families Take Moment to Remember, Honor the Fallen By Samantha L. Quigley American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2006 – More than 1,000 families and friends of servicemembers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq gathered near the Washington Monument for "A Time of Remembrance" today. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Veterans Affairs Secretary James R. Nicholson presented David Smith, 12, with the Gold Medal of Remembrance at the "Time for Remembrance" ceremony May 21 on Washington's National Mall. The medal was especially designed for the children of fallen servicemembers. Smith's father, Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith, was killed April 4, 2003, in Baghdad. Photo by Samantha Quigley (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The event, initiated by the White House Commission on Remembrance, was designed to remember America's heroes, military and civilian, who have lost their lives in defense of the nation's freedom. It also served as a tribute to the families, whom speaker Marine Gen. Peter Pace called "the heroes here today who do not even think about themselves as heroes." "Somehow, we hope that days like today, we can tell these wonderful Americans how much we cherish and appreciate their sacrifice," Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said. "We know that they have served and continue to serve this great nation as well as anyone who has ever worn the uniform." One special group honored was children who have lost parents in the global war on terrorism. Pace and Veterans Affairs Secretary James R. Nicholson presented David Smith, 12, with the Gold Medal of Remembrance at today's ceremony. The medal was especially designed for the children of fallen servicemembers. Smith represented the group of children gathered in front of the stage, who had received their medals earlier. Smith's father, Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith, was killed April 4, 2003, in Baghdad and received the Medal of Honor posthumously. "These young men and women someday, we all pray, will appreciate what their father and what their mother bought for all of us with their lives," Pace said. "They bought the opportunity to gather together like we are today, to meet and assemble as we see fit, to pray to the God that we choose or not choose, and to live (our) lives the way we want." While the ceremony's focus was on those servicemembers lost in the global war on terrorism, it also honored those who sacrificed their lives in previous conflicts. A descendant of a servicemember from each war was recognized. Emily Wolgemuth, great-great-great-great niece of American Revolution-era Nathan Hale, said the event was a special way to remind people that others are giving their lives to make the nation a better place. "People should recognize that there are people that are giving their lives selflessly," Wolgemuth said. "They should be remembered & and celebrated." Hale was the first American captured and executed for spying behind British lines during the Revolutionary War. As much as the ceremony was a solemn affair, it also was a celebration of the American spirit. It began with an honor guard presenting the colors, followed by Ezra M. Hill Sr., a Tuskegee Airman from World War II, singing the national anthem. Even the invocation was a tribute to America's heroes past and present. Four military chaplains representing the four World War II chaplains lost on the USS Dorchester delivered a prayer written by George Washington. The chaplains lost in the war had given their life vests to troops onboard the sinking vessel. Kelly Sullivan Loughren knows firsthand the importance of the American spirit. She is the granddaughter of Albert Sullivan. Sullivan and his four brothers joined the Navy together with the stipulation that they serve together. All five were all lost when the USS Juneau sank in World War II's Battle of Guadalcanal. "They symbolized sacrifice, they symbolized family spirit, and they symbolized patriotism," she said of her grandfather and great uncles. "They truly loved their country." To this day, the United States is a country that loves and appreciates its heroes, Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey told the crowd. "On behalf the United States Army and all the uniformed services, thank you for your sacrifice and thank you for your patriotism," he said. The ceremony concluded with an Air Force F-117 Nighthawk stealth aircraft flyover and audience applause for the fallen whose names scrolled on the big screens near the stage. The White House Commission on Remembrance, established by Congress in 2000, encourages Americans to honor the sacrifices of its fallen throughout the year. It also is tasked to unite the country in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. each Memorial Day.

Biographies:
Gen. Peter Pace, USMC
Francis J. Harvey
R. James Nicholson

Related Site:
White House Commission on Remembrance

The children of servicemembers who lost their lives fighting in the global war on terrorism were honored with the Gold Medal of Remembrance during the "A Time of Remembrance" ceremony May 21 on the National Mall in Washington. The crowd gathered for the ceremony, family and friends of the fallen, stood in honor of these young people while the Army Band and Chorus, with the Capitol Hill Children's Choir, performed. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution

Emily Wolgemuth, great-great-great-great niece of American Revolution-era Nathan Hale, said the May 21 "Time of Remembrance" ceremony on Washington's National Mall was a special way to remind people that others are giving their lives to make the nation a better place. Photo by Samantha Quigley Download screen-resolution

News Archive

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NOTE: View the original version of this web page on DefenseLINK, the official website of the U.S. Department of Defense.

---

Visit the Defense Department's Web site "America Supports You" at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/, that spotlights what Americans are doing in support of U.S. military men and women serving at home and abroad.

Visit the Defense Department's Web site for the latest news and information about America's response to the war against terrorism: "Defend America" at http://www.defendamerica.mil/

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Fallen soldiers honored

Cincinnati.com - The Enquirer

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006605200405

"Descendants of fallen troops from every American war back to the Revolutionary War will be present..." in a "gathering on the National Mall in Washington on Sunday," a week before Memorial Day Weekend.

See Article by Howard Wilkinson

Memorial to a brother in arms

usakiadowff@aol.com sent you the following story from The Herald-Mail ONLINE (http://www.herald-mail.com/):

Thursday May 18, 2006

Memorial to a brother in arms
Sign is tribute to Hagerstown native killed in WWII
by ANDREW SCHOTZ
andrews@herald-mail.com

HAGERSTOWN

Sixty years evaporated Wednesday in Hagerstown's North End.

World War II veterans Wayne Kiser, 81, and Asher Edelman, 82, stood at the intersection of Forest Drive and Park Lane and recalled their war exploits.

They remembered fellow Hagerstown native Bill Altenderfer Jr., a friend killed in action.

Above them was a small black sign, newly affixed atop the green Park Lane road sign, across the street from where Altenderfer grew up.

The Washington County Joint Veterans Council put up the sign Wednesday as part of an ongoing project that started about 20 years ago, council member Pete Callas said.

Council members also put up a sign at 3rd Street and Pope Avenue on the outskirts of Hagerstown to remember Cpl. Vernon Mulligan, who was killed in the Korean War.

Finally, council members gave the Clear Spring American Legion Post a plaque in memory of Cpl. John W. Wagner, a Medal of Honor winner for his service during the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg.

The Altenderfer sign was the first one dedicated with people who served with the person being remembered, Callas said.

Kiser, who now lives near Williamsport, said he, Edelman and Altenderfer were among the Hagerstonians sent overseas in 1944.

Kiser said he and Edelman were machine gunners in the U.S. Army's 101st Infantry Regiment in the 26th Infantry Division.

"Do you remember going out and probing for mines on the beach?" Kiser asked.

"No, I never got that job," said Edelman, who lives in Waynesboro, Pa.

Kiser said three things happened within a few days in November 1944: Edelman was injured, Hagerstonian Robert Wallace was captured and Altenderfer was killed.

The story on Altenderfer's death, as it reached Kiser, was that he had captured someone and had a white surrender flag when he was killed.

"He was a rifleman and he was kind of a daring soul," Kiser said. "He was a great guy to go to town with when we were back here in the states."

"He was always happy ...," Edelman said. "He always wanted to get into things."

A key detail that got foggy over time is Altenderfer's given name.

A newspaper account of his acceptance into the service calls him William. An account of his death calls him Willis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Willis L. Altenderfer.

Kiser thought he was William, but conceded that Willis might be right.

Either way, the sign erected Wednesday had the wrong first initial and year of death. It reads "PFC M.L. Altenderfer Jr., US Army, 1924-1945."

Anthony Pruchniewski of the Joint Veterans Council said the Army provided incorrect information and the sign will be replaced.

Copyright The Herald-Mail ONLINE

An Anniversary, and a Memory

SEE ENTIRE BOSTON GLOBE ARTICLE

FOR EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER FAIR-USE PURPOSES ONLY -
IT'S THE SIXTY-FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF V.E. DAY TOMORROW,
VICTORY IN EUROPE, MAY 8, 1945, to MAY 8, 2006; OVER 400,000
AMERICANS DIED IN WORLD WAR II, OVER 55,000,000 WORLD WIDE.

The Boston Globe

World War II veteran recalls the end of another, different war
By Joseph Barisano May 7, 2006

World War II ended in Europe on Thursday, May 8, 1945, and we looked forward to returning to our homes. For many parents whose sons were killed in action, there was nothing to look forward to, no one to welcome home. Some parents wrote to their son's buddies asking them to visit their son's grave. I was one of the GIs who received such a request. ''Before you come home, I wish you would visit my son's grave and say a prayer for me..."

...It was a slow, bumpy ride to Soisson, and just before we arrived one of the bus tires blew out and we landed in a ditch on the side of the road... Slowly we walked to Soisson, which was about a half-mile or so away. Entering the town I noticed some French soldiers... I followed them to a small house where two young French officers were seated at a table. One of them got up and motioned to follow him outside to a Jeep. Off we went!

It was a short drive to the American cemetery and what I immediately noticed was an American flag in the center of the rows of white crosses and Stars of David. I looked around the cemetery thinking I would find a GI there, a caretaker. I discovered I was the only GI there! Along with the French officer, I began to walk between the white wooden crosses, searching for my buddy's grave. At last, I found a dogtag nailed on a white cross with his name, Richard F. Aylward. I stood in front of his grave and said, ''Buddy, I'm here. Your mother sends her love." Standing behind me was a French officer who was holding my camera. I asked him to take pictures of the grave and a few with me by the side of the grave.

I was the only living American in the cemetery on that damp, drizzly late morning -- and I was mad as hell! Suddenly I began to throw a fit -- a fit of anger. I began shouting. ''I made it! I made it!" I cried, out of control. As I rambled on, the French officer wrapped his arms around me and began to move me away from the grave. As we walked away, I paused, turned around, and began to shout, ''See you later, guys!" My eyes filled with tears, I cried unashamedly.

The young French officer brought me back to the small house in the village and poured a glass of cognac and urged me to drink it. Talking with another officer, it was decided that I should be driven back to Paris. Returning to Paris, I checked in at a hotel reserved for GIs, and after taking a hot bath, I crawled into bed and immediately fell alsleep.

Back in Munich, I had the roll of film developed and mailed the photos to Aylward's mother. Weeks passed, and then a letter arrived from her thanking me for visiting her beloved son's grave and urged me to visit her and the family when I returned home.

Returning home, I went to visit the Aylwards and tears began to flow. I was continuously hugged and kissed by the family. I recounted how I found my way to Soisson and how I misplaced the name and address of the French officer who drove me to the cemetery.

Staff Sargeant Richard F. Aylward was 21 years old when he was killed in action on December 2, 1944. As I sit here writing, I see myself walking slowly between the rows of crosses and begin to wonder how I managed to survive the war.

Staff Sergeant Richard F. Aylward now lies in peace among 5,255 of our military dead at the Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial, situated on a plateau in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains in Vosges, France. Plot B, Row 5, Grave 13.

Hail and farewell, dear brother.

Richard F. Aylward was a native of Orient Heights, East Boston. Joseph Barisano grew up in Orient Heights and lives in Nahant.

© Copyright 2006 Globe Newspaper Company.

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