Staunton business owner Barth Berry served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Many thanks for his service.
POWs and MIA ... you are not forgotten.
Closing song of Memorial Day service.
He saw quietly beside his owner through the program.
Patriotic chairs, clothes, hats ... people showed their American pride.
SWAC Husband talks with Lyn Bing.
Ken Slack with NBC-29 out of Charlottesville/Waynesboro was at Gypsy Hill Park.
Staunton News Leader editor Dave Fritz was on photographer duty at Gypsy Hill Park.
Retiring the colors, Memorial Day service, Staunton, VA.
Color Guard rolls up the flags after the completion of the service.
Color Guard weapons lean against a tree ... these military veterans have done their duty once more.
Veteran from Staunton, Virginia.
Posting of Colors by American Legion Post 13. Stonewall Brigade Band members in background.
Veterans from local VFW & American Legion Posts.
The Army chair made me wonder if he was an Army veteran.
Staunton, VA
The program listed the presentation of floral wreaths by various chapters.
Some of the wreaths that were presented to honor fallen heroes.
Presentation by American Legion Post #13 and Auxiliary.
Wreath presentations. They were the ones who helped put this annual program together.
Keynote speaker Rev. Joel Thornton, Bethel Presbyterian Church. His message was uplifting and a reminder to never forget the cost of freedom and those who paid the price, and to remember every day the sacrifices given for our country.
Cole Boylen sang the "National Anthem" in a voice that must have made the angels smile. Nice job, Cole.
Air Force veteran SWAC Husband as "America" was being sung.
A reminder that we fight for our freedoms for future generations ...
... it's for our children.
On a quiet knoll in southern Augusta County, a simple memorial, a remembrance every day of the sacrifice given for our country. Semper Fi.
Downtown Staunton on Memorial Day ... American flags on Beverley Street.
Small Town USA.
Even as Americans paused on Memorial Day to remember fallen heroes, their American pride came through with patriotic colors of red, white, and blue. This hat was on a picnic table in Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park during Monday's memorial service.
Thunderheads form over the Appalachian Mountains for the 5th day in a row.
The Blue Ridge Mountains had thunderstorms forming, too. The temperature got up to 90 degrees today but a delightful breeze in the shade makes it tolerable.
America observes a national moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day as we pause to remember and thank those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Freedom is not free ... it has cost us dearly ... may we never forget.
Come out to the Gazebo in Gypsy Hill Park at 10:00 a.m. for the annual Memorial Day service. The Stonewall Brigade Band will be there with patriotic music.
This is why I covered it. Reading the morning newspapers on yesterday's illegal immigrant march in Phoenix, you'd think it was just a nice outing for families to stand up against Arizona's SB 1070. But this was no weekend picnic. The event was more about revolution and reconquista than about "immigration reform." The Arizona Republic, CNN, and the New York Times all publised blasé reports, riddled with inaccuracies and omissions. And check the screencap at yesterday's Los Angeles Times below. It's hard to find a better image that captures the media's pro-illegal immigration reporting: "A girl waits to join the march through downtown Phoenix." See how seemingly normal things appear. The editorial choices made by MSM functionaries are staggering sometimes.He has lots of photos so you can see with your own two eyes what took place. Be sure to check back later today or tomorrow for photos of the pro-immigration rally that took place Saturday evening.
Too often it feels as though Barry is watching from a balcony, reluctant to enter the fray until the clamor of the crowd forces him to come down. The pattern is perverse. The man whose presidency is rooted in his ability to inspire withholds that inspiration when it is most needed.Wow. That is stunning considering the source.
For five weeks, it looked as though Obama considered the gushing that became the worst oil spill in U.S. history a distraction, like a fire alarm going off in the middle of a law seminar he was teaching. He’ll deal with it, but he’s annoyed because it’s not on his syllabus.
"I thank you, Lord, for an organization like NASCAR that still allows us to pray in Jesus' name, Amen."
To the strains of Pomp and Circumstance, SWAC Daughter joined the processional for Blue Ridge Community College's commencement ceremony on May 15, 2010, on the campus' green in Weyers Cave, Virginia. The red stole represented membership in Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society, and the gold stole signified membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
She received congratulations and a diploma from Dr. John Downey, BRCC President.
While holding down three part-time jobs, volunteering at BRCC, and attending classes, she was able to earn a 3.78 GPA. Newly retired BRCC president Dr. James Perkins, keynote graduation speaker, is in background.
Recessional as graduates head indoors to shuck the gowns and celebrate! Our family celebrated by heading to the Outer Banks.
One happy graduate. Accepted at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, she will now continue pursuing her degree.
This home school graduate knew at the age of 8 that she wanted to be a business entrepreneur. 
Sunset behind the fishing boats at Oregon Inlet,
More thunderstorms are rolling into the Central Shenandoah Valley for the third day in a row ... the sky is darkening at mid-afternoon, thunder is rolling, huge clouds are over us as we wait for the rain to begin.
Spc. Joshua Tomlinson, 24, KIA, Afghanistan.
This morning's sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean at Kitty Hawk.... life seems too short to live in the shadow of wannabes. Instead, embrace the positives. Look on the bright side. Go the extra mile. Sing in the shower. Dance in the rain. Laugh. Flirt. Love. Live. Be what you wannabe. Today.A kindred spirit.
When a new restaurant opens and the patron's review is, "More key lime pie, please," you know you've got a good pie!Never in my life have I had such exquisite key lime pie as I had at Stanford Grill. Normally not much of one for dessert, I will certainly make sure, next time I'm there, to leave room for their melt-in-your-mouth, gift-from-the-gods key lime pie. Yum! Double yum. And then some more yum.Be sure to read all of Jessie's experience and, for those who live near Columbia, MD, a culinary delight awaits you at the Stanford Grill.
A Message from Jay O'BrienThen I read an article in InsideNoVa.com that said:
Dear Friends,
After much thought and prayer, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy from the 39th State Senate campaign for 2011.
Unfortunately, recent developments in my business will require more of my attention than I had previously anticipated. It is clear to me that I cannot continue a campaign for office without the full concentration it deserves.
I cannot begin to thank all the supporters who have assisted me over the many years I have served in public office; I am grateful to them beyond words. As I begin a new chapter in my life, I will never forget the friends and colleagues who have devoted themselves, often at great sacrifice, to make Virginia and America a better place.
Sincerely,
Jay O'Brien
Please refer questions to Jason Flanary at (703) 380-7334.
But word of [O'Brien resigning] was making its way through Prince William and Fairfax political circles Thursday afternoon.Something is missing ... what is the rest of the story?
It came after O'Brien was apparently caught on security video taking several Martin campaign fliers from the Davis General Store in Clifton.
...
He and the owners of the store said O'Brien came in Sunday morning, bought gas and a newspaper, and then took the fliers.
Neighboring governments in Staunton and Waynesboro have voted to raise water and sewer utility rates, and now Augusta County is looking into doing the same.Augusta County Service Authority Proposed Water & Sewer Rate ScheduleThe schedules are listed in the newspaper. Example of rate increases:
The Augusta County Service Authority, pursuant to Section 15.2-5136 of the code of Virginia (1950 as amended), hereby gives notice that on July 28, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. a public hearing will be held in the Augusta County Government Complex in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room, 18 Government Center Lane, Verona, VA, for the purpose of receiving comments from its customers and other interested parties on the adoption of the proposed water and sewer rate increases to become effective for bills generated after July 31, 2010, in accordance with the following scheduled.
David Barton held more than 900 guests spellbound at the Forum’s 9th annual Shenandoah Valley “Salute to the Family” last Monday with a strong case for Biblical principles and the faith of our Founding Fathers as primary influences on the shaping of American government. He concluded that America was and still is a Christian nation -- and perhaps even in the early stages of a Third Great Awakening. Laus Deo!The conservative movement continues to gather steam....
A Celebration of Our Christian Heritage
The theme for this year’s Salute was “A Celebration of Our Christian Heritage”, and Barton drew from over 100,000 original documents at WallBuilders to present evidence at three different events that America was established on Judeo-Christian principles by strong Christian leaders. (For details about David Barton, go to www.wallbuilders.com.)
The Lunch
With the dinner already SOLD OUT, 320 luncheon guests heard Barton describe the “Keys to Good Government – According to the Founding Fathers”. His central message was that “the key to good government is found in the quality of the people who rule (and) that … this nation can be blessed only in so far as we place God-fearing and moral individuals into office.”
The Pastors’ Roundtable
More than 70 pastors and ministry leaders later packed the Allegheny Room for Barton’s presentation on “The Role of Pastors and Christians in Civil Government”. He described the role of the revolutionary era church in training civic leaders and influencing public policy as a model for Christians to once again become salt and light in every arena of society – including the public square. He also cited recent victories in the Texas school board battles to restore truth to school history books as a great example for this model.
The Dinner
Barton ended the day in a packed ballroom with nearly 550 guests to make the case that America was founded as a Christian nation – and remains so yet today. He drew from a range of quotes by the Founding Fathers and in founding documents, all of which demonstrate that America was established on a firm foundation of Biblical principles and Christian beliefs.
The Wilberforce Award
The Forum was especially pleased to present its very first Wilberforce award to Rita Dunaway for her leadership in regulating sexually oriented businesses (SOB’s) in Harrisonburg, in protecting religious freedoms in the workplace for people like Luis Padilla, and in formulating new pro-life legislation for the Virginia General Assembly.
Supporting Cast
“Gen. George Washington”, rebel fifer Greg Hernandez, the Galloway Music Family, pianist Miriam Clark, and The Faithful Men all set a new standard of excellence for an enjoyable evening that included many pastors, legislators, remarks from President Victoria Cobb of The Family Foundation, and delightful program leadership from WHSV-TV’s Kay Norred and Dr. John Sloop, pastor of the First Presbyterian church on Court Square in Harrisonburg.
In God We Trust
At each main event, we encouraged guests to apply for the new “In God We Trust” license plate that will be considered by the General Assembly next year – if we can get the needed 350 completed applications on file before that time. If you have not yet applied, you can download the form at http://www.ingodwetrust.com and send it to the address shown.
Thank You! At the end of the day, however, the success of the Celebration came down to over 900 people who have a passion for God and Country, and who want to help America return to the firm foundation of “religion and morality” on which this nation has prospered for 400 years. We are deeply grateful for your participation, for your prayers, and for your generous support.
George Allen, who has been on a book promotion tour for his new book, What Washington Can Learn From the World of Sports, will be on Mark Levin's radio program tonight at 8:30. His complete schedule for today is below.
