(05/24/10) "Obama will use Memorial weekend for a trip home to Chicago" (Voices/Wash Post) Biden will fill in and lay the traditional Presidential wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

[RE:]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2010/05/obama-will-use-memorial-weeken.html

With the long Memorial Day weekend on the horizon, President Obama is finally addressing one of the great broken promises of his administration: his early pledge to return home to Chicago every six weeks or so.

In 16 months at the White House, the Obamas have been back home just once - in February of 2009. But they plan to make the trip over Memorial Day weekend, an official said. After arriving on Thursday night, they will visit with friends and participate in private events.

On Monday, Obama will make remarks at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, south of Chicago - missing the usual tradition of presidents speaking at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day.

Vice President Biden and his wife will appear in Obama's place, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as holding a breakfast for Gold Star families -- families whose loved ones died in military service -- at the White House earlier that day.



Another take on this event:

http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978260834

Memorial Day is Monday, May 31st, and rather than attending the ceremony held every year at Arlington National Cemetery, President Obama will be skipping it, and vacationing with his family in Chicago instead.

In 1992 President Bush missed the Arlington ceremony on Memorial Day, but the country was not at war. In war times, however, many people are saying that it is very disresepctful on behalf of our men and women in the armed forces, for the president not to be attending.

People from both political parties are throwing their two cents worth in regarding the president missing the Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington. I've read everything from "why would he want to throw a bunch of leaves on a tomb," to statements about Obama not being a "friend to the military."

What do you think? Does it come across as disrespectful to the military that President Obama isn't attending the Arlington National Cemetery ceremony on Memorial Day and is vacationing with his family in Chicago instead? For whatever my two cents worth counts for; I kind of think it does.

Comments:
Kay S. May 26, 2010, 6:48pm EDT
Since this article was posted, I've heard on the local (Chicago) news that the president will be attending a ceremony at Lincoln Cemetery, a military cemetery located near Chicago.

However, I believe this change was only an attempt to assuage the anger felt by those who feel the president by not attending this long-established practice at Arlington is demonstrating more contempt for our Armed Forces.

[Spang]

Outrage! Outrage! Outrage!

[cinnamongirl]

So the military dead in one cemetery are more important than the military dead in another?

I get that people are upset about the change in venue, but he's still honoring the day (as well as the spirit of it). This seems like a kerfuffle over very little.

[Alces95]

Well, what do we expect from an unamerican, apologic, muslim kenyan who hates soldiers?:p

[Amy Dugan]

So the military dead in one cemetery are more important than the military dead in another?

I get that people are upset about the change in venue, but he's still honoring the day (as well as the spirit of it). This seems like a kerfuffle over very little.

it is because people are frustrated over oil spill, job loss and DADT. he is less action than Clinton (Bill) like after floods and twisters

[jlynne]

I didn't know Chicago had a military graveyard as important as Arlington or a grave nearly as legendary as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I always thought Arlington was a one of a kind national landmark. I know that the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery where President Johnson is buried doesn't begin to compare to Arlington, though I've gone to many Memorial Day services there. I'd like to know more about this cemetery near Chicago and how the service there compares to a longstanding, national tradition like the laying of the wreath. I doubt Biden can screw that one up, at least I hope not.

So I take it that this Memorial Day isn't a holiday for national service or community service but instead is one for visiting friends and family, just another day off work. I can certainly live with that. I hope the Obama family has a good time during their mini-vacation. I am sure all the pressing issues facing this nation will wait for Obama to get back to Washington.

[cinnamongirl]

I didn't know Chicago had a military graveyard as important as Arlington or a grave nearly as legendary as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I always thought Arlington was a one of a kind national landmark. I know that the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery where President Johnson is buried doesn't begin to compare to Arlington, though I've gone to many Memorial Day services there. I'd like to know more about this cemetery near Chicago and how the service there compares to a longstanding, national tradition like the laying of the wreath. I doubt Biden can screw that one up, at least I hope not.

So I take it that this Memorial Day isn't a holiday for national service or community service but instead is one for visiting friends and family, just another day off work. I can certainly live with that. I hope the Obama family has a good time during their mini-vacation. I am sure all the pressing issues facing this nation will wait for Obama to get back to Washington.

That's kind of like suggesting that a prayer only counts if you say it in a certain church at a certain time. Is the symbol really that much more important than the intent here?

And the cemetery in Chicago may not be as "important" as Arlington, but I can guarantee with a fair degree of certainty that there are veterans buried there--are they less worthy of a ceremony or a thank you than the ones who were chosen for Arlington? I don't think they are, and I doubt you believe that either, but that's what it sounds like when the site becomes more important than the sentiment.

[jlynne]

That's kind of like suggesting that a prayer only counts if you say it in a certain church at a certain time. Is the symbol really that much more important than the intent here?

And the cemetery in Chicago may not be as "important" as Arlington, but I can guarantee with a fair degree of certainty that there are veterans buried there--are they less worthy of a ceremony or a thank you than the ones who were chosen for Arlington? I don't think they are, and I doubt you believe that either.

I do believe there is a certain honor about being chosen for burial at Arlington that goes above and beyond the honor of being buried at a military cemetery in general. I know that some of my family members have applied for permission to bury their loved ones there but only a few of those requests have been granted. That is why I have been to services at both Arlington and the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery. I have to say that while both services are thoughtful, respectful events IMHO nothing compares to Arlington.

If the ceremony at Arlington weren't a national tradition, why bother send Biden to it? Why continue to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier even after the remains in the tomb were identified and removed? If a service at any military cemetery could substitute for the service at that cemetery, why not move the location of the service the President attends from year to year, cemetery to cemetery?

The truth is the President doesn't have to be at Arlington to give the service meaning. That is the beautiful thing about Arlington, it has a celebrity, no a notoreity, of its own that is far more potent than that of any politician.

I won't condemn Obama for not going. He and his family will have other opportunities to attend. But I hope that one day all the Obamas get to experience that feeling of awe, that feeling of deep indebtedness and gratitude, that walking through the graves of not just everyday heroes but extraordinary ones gives you. Nothing compares to that.

[Aria]

That's kind of like suggesting that a prayer only counts if you say it in a certain church at a certain time. Is the symbol really that much more important than the intent here?

And the cemetery in Chicago may not be as "important" as Arlington, but I can guarantee with a fair degree of certainty that there are veterans buried there--are they less worthy of a ceremony or a thank you than the ones who were chosen for Arlington? I don't think they are, and I doubt you believe that either, but that's what it sounds like when the site becomes more important than the sentiment.

Depending on the "intent," he could have stayed in Washington.

[Spang]

But I hope that one day all the Obamas get to experience that feeling of awe, that feeling of deep indebtedness and gratitude, that walking through the graves of not just everyday heroes but extraordinary ones gives you.

Obama has been to Arlington (http://blogs.reuters.com/frontrow/2009/01/18/obama-visits-arlington-cemetery-then-heads-to-church/):

Obama visits Arlington Cemetery, then heads to church

Barack Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery Sunday before heading off to church with his family.

The Obamas attended services at the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, which in the mysterious ways of Washington is located on 16th Street about 4 miles north of the White House.

Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden started their day with a visit to the Tomb of the Unknowns. Streets near Blair House, where the Obamas are staying, and near the cemetery were lined with waving people.

In a blustery chill under gray skies, Obama and Biden, dressed in long black coats, placed the wreath in front of the tomb and then listened in silence, hands over hearts, as “Taps” was played.

Obama, his wife Michelle, two daughters and mother-in-law attended services at the Nineteenth Street church.

Parishioners seemed to be aware the president-elect would be attending. The sanctuary, which members said is usually only a third full, was packed.

The church was singing an opening song when the Obama family walked in. The congregation stood and applauded as they proceeded down the aisle behind the Rev. Dr. Derrick Harkins, shaking hands and waving to people as they went.

The Obama family sat in the second row near the altar. Daughter Sasha produced a camera and apparently got off a snap of sister Malia before their grandmother, Marian Robinson, confiscated the device.

Speaking from the podium, Harkins told Obama, “Perhaps, just perhaps, you are where you are for just such a time.”

“It’s fair to say that it was the votes of the people who placed you” in office, Harkins said, “but it will be God who sustains you. ”

“God has prepared you and placed you. God will not forsake you.”

Joshua DuBois, Obama’s religious affairs director, said the president-elect planned to attend many other churches in the District and “will choose a church home at a time that is best for their family.”

Nineteenth Street Baptist Church is the oldest and among the most historic African American churches in Washington. It was located on 19th and I streets for 135 years before moving to its current location on 16th Street.

[Nichelle]

I do believe there is a certain honor about being chosen for burial at Arlington that goes above and beyond the honor of being buried at a military cemetery in general. I know that some of my family members have applied for permission to bury their loved ones there but only a few of those requests have been granted. That is why I have been to services at both Arlington and the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery. I have to say that while both services are thoughtful, respectful events IMHO nothing compares to Arlington.

If the ceremony at Arlington weren't a national tradition, why bother send Biden to it? Why continue to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier even after the remains in the tomb were identified and removed? If a service at any military cemetery could substitute for the service at that cemetery, why not move the location of the service the President attends from year to year, cemetery to cemetery?

The truth is the President doesn't have to be at Arlington to give the service meaning. That is the beautiful thing about Arlington, it has a celebrity, no a notoreity, of its own that is far more potent than that of any politician.

I won't condemn Obama for not going. He and his family will have other opportunities to attend. But I hope that one day all the Obamas get to experience that feeling of awe, that feeling of deep indebtedness and gratitude, that walking through the graves of not just everyday heroes but extraordinary ones gives you. Nothing compares to that.

He spoke and laid a wreath last year.

Nevermind, Spang beat me to it!

[jlynne]

Then he knows what it feels like to be at Arlington ... I hope that he is able to convey that feeling when he speaks in Chicago ... assuming he is speaking in Chicago?

[RE:]

He spoke and laid a wreath last year.

Nevermind, Spang beat me to it!The source is dated January 18, 2009:p

[Spang]

Then he knows what it feels like to be at Arlington ... I hope that he is able to convey that feeling when he speaks in Chicago ... assuming he is speaking in Chicago?

He's probably gonna piss all over the graves or do something similarly disrespectful.

[Spang]

The source is dated January 18, 2009:p

Yes, 2009 was last year.

[RE:]

He's probably gonna piss all over the graves or do something similarly disrespectful.Can you be anymore crude? It's one thing when you are trying to be funny, but to make some of the statements you have in regards to religion and other hot button topics has been quite offensive. Maybe you should put down the Sam Adams or close this window.

[jlynne]

He's probably gonna piss all over the graves or do something similarly disrespectful.

Spang, I am not attacking the President in any way. It would be difficult for me to convey the feeling of awe that I get when I go to Arlington. I know from family accounts what my Uncles did, why they're buried there but for the most part their lives are just stories to me. Yet when I stand by their graves and look around me and realize how many other uncles, brothers, cousins, fathers, and friends are buried there it takes my breath away.

I don't expect Obama to do anything disrespectful. I don't even know if he is going to speak or not. I don't typically follow his day to day schedule. But I do hope that if he speaks he conveys the same type of feelings about our veterans' service that I have.

[Nichelle]

The source is dated January 18, 2009:p

Doh! I didn't notice that Spang's article was referencing the visit in January. He also visited last Memorial Day.

Link (http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/memorial-day-2009.htm)


MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

25 MAY 2009


Remarks as Delivered by Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , Memorial Amphitheatre, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Monday, May 25, 2009
Mr. President and Madame First Lady, members of the Cabinet and Congress. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

..............
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/president-obama-memorial-day-2009-002.jpghttp://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/president-obama-memorial-day-2009-005.jpg http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/president-obama-memorial-day-2009-017.jpg

[Spang]

Can you be anymore crude?

I'm just posting what many of you people are thinking. I wish more of you people would just speak your minds instead of beating around the bush all the Allah-damn time.

[Nichelle]

Spang, I am not attacking the President in any way. It would be difficult for me to convey the feeling of awe that I get when I go to Arlington. I know from family accounts what my Uncles did, why they're buried there but for the most part their lives are just stories to me. Yet when I stand by their graves and look around me and realize how many other uncles, brothers, cousins, fathers, and friends are buried there it takes my breath away.

I don't expect Obama to do anything disrespectful. I don't even know if he is going to speak or not. I don't typically follow his day to day schedule. But I do hope that if he speaks he conveys the same type of feelings about our veterans' service that I have.

It's an amazing experience. When I lived in DC, I took everyone who visited me on a tour of Arlington (as well as the Lincoln Memorial, still my absolute favorite place in DC).

[jlynne]

I'm just posting what many of you people are thinking. I wish more of you people would just speak your minds instead of beating around the bush all the Allah-damn time.

Are you sure that you aren't making assumptions about what people think rather than letting them convey their thoughts?

I've found out over the years that people have a tendency to surprise you. If you listen with more than your ears you'll find that most people are more thoughtful and more consciencious than you give them credit for.

[RE:]

I'm just posting what many of you people are thinking. I wish more of you people would just speak your minds instead of beating around the bush all the Allah-damn time.I wasn't thinking any such thing. You've been on the defensive for sooooooooooooooo long that you have become paranoid. Why do you think people are beating around the bush?:confused: I don't see any passive aggressiveness going on, unless I missed it? Can you reference a thread that this is happening in right now?

[jlynne]

It's an amazing experience. When I lived in DC, I took everyone who visited me on a tour of Arlington (as well as the Lincoln Memorial, still my absolute favorite place in DC).

Common ground! I love the Lincoln Memorial at sunset. It's usually the first place I visit when I go to DC and the last place that I visit before I go home.

[RE:]

Doh! I didn't notice that Spang's article was referencing the visit in January. He also visited last Memorial Day.That was nice of you to post a link to the correct visit, but you didn't have to. I remembered he visited last year...that's why I put the :p afterward. All good.:)>-

[Spang]

I wasn't thinking any such thing.

Why did you start this thread? You started another thread earlier about Obama repeating a similar joke that Bush butchered a few years earlier. These are non-issues.

[Kbentleyis]

It's an amazing experience. When I lived in DC, I took everyone who visited me on a tour of Arlington (as well as the Lincoln Memorial, still my absolute favorite place in DC).

Nichelle, you are so right. I must have been there no less than 50 times. Changing of the guard at the Unknown Soldier's Tomb is so impressive. How do they spin that rifle on the palm of their hand? I was there when the first woman guard was appointed.

I think I've been over every inch of Arlington--and hundreds of the memorials.

The granite wall at the Korean Memorial--well, it's just amazing.

Back to BHO, I don't really care one way or the other.

[RE:]

Why did you start this thread? You started another thread earlier about Obama repeating a similar joke that Bush butchered a few years earlier. These are non-issues.Are you kidding me? I'm not allowed to start threads that are in everyday news? This is rich coming from a person that posts threads that are alot of times, IMO, meaningless. Do you want people to call you out everytime you start a meaningless thread...oh wait...so when people don't post a reply in your thread, it means they think it's meaningless which in turn means they are beating around the bush?

Wow.

[Nichelle]

That was nice of you to post a link to the correct visit, but you didn't have to. I remembered he visited last year...that's why I put the :p afterward. All good.:)>-

Gotcha. It's probably better that I posted it just in case there's anyone reading who doesn't remember. After all, there are people saying "Can you believe that Obama is the first President ever to *not* visit Arlington on Memorial Day? He really doesn't care about the military" Everyone has a right to their own opinion, but at least base it on facts.

And now I think I'll use one of these **== for the first time. :)

[Spang]

I'm not allowed to start threads that are in everyday news?

You can start any threads you want. So can anyone else.

[RE:]

You can start any threads you want. So can anyone else.But I should run it past you first to see if it's worthy?;)

[jlynne]

We could hijack the thread and turn it into a thread about what we like about Washington.

Anybody else been to the color planetarium at the National Space Museum? That is an awesome experience and it has some excellent handicap accessibility features.

[Spang]

But I should run it past you first to see if it's worthy?;)

That'd be ideal. If I'm not in my office, just have my secretary look it over. Thanks. :cool:

[RE:]

Gotcha. It's probably better that I posted it just in case there's anyone reading who doesn't remember. After all, there are people saying "Can you believe that Obama is the first President ever to *not* visit Arlington on Memorial Day? He really doesn't care about the military" Everyone has a right to their own opinion, but at least base it on facts.

And now I think I'll use one of these **== for the first time. :)Yes...that is why I posted two articles up at the top. Wash Po said nothing of the sort, but the other article I sourced was saying it was the first time, but except for GW because we were not at war when he didn't attend. Like that has anything to do with anything...:rolleyes:

[Nichelle]

We could hijack the thread and turn it into a thread about what we like about Washington.

Anybody else been to the color planetarium at the National Space Museum? That is an awesome experience and it has some excellent handicap accessibility features.

I've never been there. I lived in DC for 4 years and still felt like a tourist when I left. I hated that there were still things I hadn't experienced when I moved. I would often run into people who'd lived there all of their lives who'd never visited a single monument, museum, etc. I would then drag them along with me on a tour!

[RE:]

That'd be ideal. If I'm not in my office, just have my secretary look it over. Thanks. :cool:Can I have your secretary's handle...could one of them be CGP, Suzan or Laura?:D

[RE:]

We could hijack the thread and turn it into a thread about what we like about Washington.

Anybody else been to the color planetarium at the National Space Museum? That is an awesome experience and it has some excellent handicap accessibility features.Hijack away....I really don't mind. I think Spang and I already have. :laughing:

[Nichelle]

http://www.funnyforumpics.com//forums/Thread-Hijack/1/Hijack-Oval_office.jpg (http://www.funnyforumpics.com/)


Ah, memories! This reminds of my first week in DC. I moved there for work. One of my co-worker's friends worked for Bob Dole. And he gave us a personal tour. We ended up on the Senate floor, where we really weren't supposed to be, and sat in the seats. I remember lifting up one of the desks and it was filled with candy. The explanation was that it was a junior Senator's desk and he had to keep candy there for others. Then it was fun but I didn't appreciate the experience half as much as I would today.

[Spang]

Can I have your secretary's handle...could one of them be CGP, Suzan or Laura?:D

My secretary is a zombie with a Zomcon collar.

[Laura Cereta]

Can I have your secretary's handle...could one of them be CGP, Suzan or Laura?:D

Spang can't afford me. He can be my secretary, though. ;)

[jlynne]

I've never been there. I lived in DC for 4 years and still felt like a tourist when I left. I hated that there were still things I hadn't experienced when I moved. I would often run into people who'd lived there all of their lives who'd never visited a single monument, museum, etc. I would then drag them along with me on a tour!

I used to visit my grandmother in DC when I was a small child. I admit that I still see the area with the eyes of an eight year old, so I am far from objective about it. I don't get to visit very often now but I love to go to the national mall and walk around every chance I get. The museums are a treat, especially when they close at 5 p.m. Seriously, Smithsonian and for that matter most of DC should be 24/7. I know Phillips is touristy but there is something about that saying "the seafood that you ate today, slept last night in the Chesapeake Bay."

[Spang]

Are you sure that you aren't making assumptions about what people think rather than letting them convey their thoughts?

I think my assumptions are accurate, but none of the people I was referring to had posted in this thread.

[jlynne]

I think my assumptions are accurate, but none of the people I was referring to had posted in this thread.

Spang, are you hijacking the thread that I just hijacked? :thinking: Oh well, I am going to bed now. Guess I can give it back to you :p

[Suzan]

At the risk of prompting more screams of outrage from Spang, I think Obama should be at Arlington. It's a time-honored and in many ways sacred tradition for the Commander in Chief to be there, and he should be.

[hillary4change]

Can you be anymore crude? It's one thing when you are trying to be funny, but to make some of the statements you have in regards to religion and other hot button topics has been quite offensive. Maybe you should put down the Sam Adams or close this window.
genericstamp!

That'd be ideal. If I'm not in my office, just have my secretary look it over. Thanks. :cool:
Don't most people that have secretaries also have jobs!!!

Back to the thread:

I have been to Arlington Cemetary and I have a relative from WWI buried there. Obama being there is very important. It is symbolic, it is a time honored tradition. Who is he to decide to break tradition just because he is obama?

It is thoughtless and not very Presidential. Arlington is the symbolism, not any other Military cemetary. He is thumbing his nose at the American people.. again.

That is fine, these acts begin to take on a life of their own, but then, so does November 4th!:cool::eek::)>-**==**==**==**==

[Spang]

Also, Obama paid a visit to Arlington on November 11 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33859338/ns/politics-white_house/) of last year, in addition to the other two times. How many times does he have to go there to make you people happy? How many times did you people go to Arlington last year?

[Spang]

Don't most people that have secretaries also have jobs!!!

Yay! Spang doesn't have a job, he's a such a ******* loser! Yay! Also, go to hell. You call yourself a ******* Christian? What would Jesus do? I wish you acted more like Jesus and less like a ******* Christian.

[Suzan]

Yay! Spang doesn't have a job, he's a such a ******* loser! Yay! Also, go to hell. You call yourself a ******* Christian? What would Jesus do? I wish you acted more like Jesus and less like a ******* Christian.
Two words: Anger Management

[Spang]

Two words: Anger Management

I have that movie but it's the full screen version and it doesn't look right on a widescreen television.

[Kbentleyis]

genericstamp!


Don't most people that have secretaries also have jobs!!!

Back to the thread:

I have been to Arlington Cemetary and I have a relative from WWI buried there. Obama being there is very important. It is symbolic, it is a time honored tradition. Who is he to decide to break tradition just because he is obama?

It is thoughtless and not very Presidential. Arlington is the symbolism, not any other Military cemetary. He is thumbing his nose at the American people.. again.

That is fine, these acts begin to take on a life of their own, but then, so does November 4th!:cool::eek::)>-**==**==**==**==

:rockon:

[Amy Dugan]

it is because people are frustrated over oil spill, job loss and DADT. he is less action than Clinton (Bill) like after floods and twisters

Rendell just said this
Rendell also noted a difference between Obama’s style and that of the last Democratic president, a famous micromanager: “If Bill Clinton was president, he’d have been in a wetsuit, you know, trying to get down to see the spill,” the governor said with a laugh.

[Brooke]

it is because people are frustrated over oil spill, job loss and DADT. he is less action than Clinton (Bill) like after floods and twisters

The American people aren't frustrated over DADT.

Rendell just said this
Rendell also noted a difference between Obama’s style and that of the last Democratic president, a famous micromanager: “If Bill Clinton was president, he’d have been in a wetsuit, you know, trying to get down to see the spill,” the governor said with a laugh.

Oh please, no he wouldn't. Rendell is an idiot who lost all my respect during this year's PA primary. He should just go back to kissing Arlen's feet and stop talking.

I wonder if Obama will be at Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals to watch his Blackhawks lose!!! LET'S GO FLYERS!!!!

[foxyladi]

Outrage! Outrage! Outrage!

YOU BETCHA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:mad::eek:[-X

[foxyladi]

At the risk of prompting more screams of outrage from Spang, I think Obama should be at Arlington. It's a time-honored and in many ways sacred tradition for the Commander in Chief to be there, and he should be.

hillarystamp!:thumbsup:

[Spang]

Previous presidents have honored Memorial Day away from Arlington Cemetery

1983: Reagan attended summit meeting; Defense Department official Thayer laid wreath at Arlington. Deputy Secretary of Defense W. Paul Thayer laid a wreath at Arlington Cemetery during the Memorial Day ceremony in 1983, according to a May 31, 1983, Washington Post article (retrieved from the Nexis database). The Associated Press reported that President Reagan attended a "summit meeting in Williamsburg, Va., with leaders of the industrialized democracies."

1992: George H.W. Bush allowed VP Quayle to lay wreath. In 1992, Vice President Dan Quayle laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, according to a May 26, 1992, Boston Globe article (from Nexis). The Globe reported that President George H.W. Bush attended a wreath-laying ceremony and made brief remarks at an American Legion hall in Kennebunkport, Maine, where he also played a round of golf.

2002: George W. Bush spoke at commemoration in Normandy. On May 27, 2002, President George W. Bush spoke at a Memorial Day commemoration in Normandy, France.

Bush remained in Texas for Veterans Day in 2007

Veterans Day 2007: Cheney attended ceremony to pay tribute at Arlington as Bush remained in Texas. On November 11, 2007, the AP reported that "President Bush honored U.S. troops past and present at a tearful ceremony Sunday for four Texans who died there." The AP further reported that "Vice President Dick Cheney went to Arlington to pay tribute to Iraq veterans."

The Source (http://mediamatters.org/research/201005260069)

[mcgowan.swan]

**==At the risk of prompting more screams of outrage from Spang, I think Obama should be at Arlington. It's a time-honored and in many ways sacred tradition for the Commander in Chief to be there, and he should be.

genericstamp!genericstamp!genericstamp!

and somehow, to my way of thinking, handing it off to the vice seems to somehow diminish the importance of the ceremony, making it seem that our veterans past have somehow fallen into the category of meaningless duties rather than an honoring of their sacrifices. my family have all served at one time or another and i am not pleased with this president's choice of vacation time. for those that are unaware of my status, i truly dislike obama anyway and do not feel he was the right choice for president, so my views could easily be colored by that, but in this case i think my feelings would be the same even if bill clinton had done it. or hillary if she had been madame president. swan.**==**==

ps: i was unaware that reagan and both bushes had done this also. it just does not seem right. i would have felt the same about them at that time had i known, but since i voted for none of the above i have the right to be angry at their choices. and i am.

[hillary4change]

Yay! Spang doesn't have a job, he's a such a ******* loser! Yay! Also, go to hell. You call yourself a ******* Christian? What would Jesus do? I wish you acted more like Jesus and less like a ******* Christian.

WOW, try decaf. :rockon:

Two words: Anger Management
=D>
I think EVERY President should attend, not just ones with a (D) behind their name. It is part of the duty of the President, it is expected of the office.

I am disappointed when any President misses one, I don't care how many they attended previously, it should be at Arlington and it should be on Memorial Day.

Just my opinion and those soldiers that gave all, have protected my right to say so. Godspeed. **==**==**==**==**==**==**==**==

[Spang]

WOW, try decaf. :rockon:

I quit caffeine awhile ago, you shitty excuse for a Christian.

[hillary4change]

I quit caffeine awhile ago, you shitty excuse for a Christian.

That's your opinion, I am not bothered by what kind of Christian you think I am, you HATE all Christians, for personal reasons of your own. So I can never be a Christian you approved of, even if I did care.

You need to understand, if you attack people and are rude to others all the time, you are going to get feed back you don't like. That's the way it works. Peace, brother! Godspeed...**==

[Spang]

That's your opinion...

No, it's a fact. Jesus would never mock a person's unemployment status. You however have, making you a shitty Christian.

[hillary4change]

No, it's a fact. Jesus would never mock a person's unemployment status. You however have, making you a shitty Christian.

So you are unemployed (?)...I didn't know 'til you said so. I was not mocking, I was joking, but I hit a very raw nerve, I see. :thinking: I am sorry if I hurt your feelings, I had no idea you really were not employed.

Good luck finding work. I thank God every day that I have a job, I will pray you find one too.:)>- No one should be with out work if they want a job. I pray the economy picks up in your area.

[hillary4change]

No, it's a fact. Jesus would never mock a person's unemployment status. You however have, making you a shitty Christian.

Never throw stones in glass houses... :thumbsup:

[Spang]

So you are unemployed (?)...I didn't know 'til you said so.

Maybe try paying attention sometimes.

[hillary4change]

Maybe try paying attention sometimes.

Sorry, I don't live here, other things take up my time every day. I have other responsibilities, instead of being a blowhard. :thumbsup:

I don't read every post, or thread for that matter. As I am sure you are happy to report, I am not here daily, sometimes not for a week or more at a time. :thumbsup:

[VotingHillary]

I quit caffeine awhile ago, you shitty excuse for a Christian.

I guess no mods are around tonight so I am out of here too. New low for you, Spang.

[Spang]

I guess no mods are around tonight so I am out of here too. New low for you, Spang.

I'm not the so-called "Christian" mocking another person's unemployment status.