<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><base href="http://www4.army.mil/news/standto.php?printable&dte=2008-09-26">
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
<title>Stand-To!</title>
<script language="JavaScript" type="text/JavaScript">
<!--
function MM_jumpMenu(targ,selObj,restore){ //v3.0
eval(targ+".location='"+selObj.options[selObj.selectedIndex].value+"'");
if (restore) selObj.selectedIndex=0;
}
//-->
</script>
<link href="standto/printstyle.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><base href="http://www4.army.mil/news/standto.php?printable&dte=2008-09-26"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; color: black; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; "><img src="standto/printheader.gif" alt="Stand-To!"></span></div><div id="container"><div id="date">Edition: Fri, September 26, 2008<br>
<a href="standto/documents/StandTo_FOCUS_Guidelines.pdf" title="FOCUS Submission Guidelines" target="_blank">FOCUS Submission Guidelines</a> |
<a href="standto/documents/standtofactsheet.pdf" title="Stand-To Fact Sheet" target="_blank">Stand-To Fact Sheet</a> | <a href="standto.php?dte=2008-09-26">Rich-text Version</a></div><div class="column"><h2>SENIOR LEADERS ARE SAYING</h2><p>"Gold Star Mothers inspire our Nation with their deep devotion to family and country. These extraordinary women serve their communities, dedicate their time to helping members of our Armed Forces and veterans, and bring comfort and hope to families whose loved ones laid down their lives in the defense of our liberty. Nothing can compensate for their sacrifice and loss, yet Gold Star Mothers demonstrate tremendous courage and resolve while working to preserve the memory and legacy of all our fallen heroes." <br>
<br>
- President George W. Bush <br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080924-9.html" target="_blank"> Gold Star Mother's Day, 2008</a><br>
<br>
</p><h2>TODAY'S FOCUS</h2><p><b>Gold Star Mother's Day</b><br>
<br>
<b>What is it?</b><br>
<br>
America lives in freedom because of the sacrifices of our Soldiers, and owes its thanks to the mothers who raised them. Each year, the last Sunday in September is congressionally designated “Gold Star Mother’s Day,” an opportunity to offer our respect to Gold Star Mothers and honor their families' sacrifice. <br>
<br>
The term “Gold Star Mother” derives from the gold stars displayed in windows in the aftermath of World War I. President Woodrow Wilson first used the term "Gold Star Mother" in reference to mothers who lost a son or daughter in uniform. <br>
<br>
The President has called upon all government officials to display the Flag of the United States over government buildings on this special day, and has encouraged the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our nation's admiration, sympathy and respect for our Gold Star Mothers. The President has asked the American people to recognize and pray for the devoted mothers of these men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our liberty. <br>
<br>
<b>What has the Army done?</b><br>
<br>
The Army recognizes and deeply appreciates the loyalty, devotion and selfless service of our Gold Star Mothers. For their sacrifices and their suffering we are deeply indebted.<br>
<br>
<b>Why is this important to the Army?</b><br>
<br>
The Army has many Gold Star Mothers. They inspire our nation and our Army with their deep devotion to family and country. These extraordinary women serve our communities, dedicate their time to helping members of our Army and veterans and bring comfort and hope to all our families whose loved ones laid down their lives in the defense of our liberty. By promoting both national pride and international goodwill, Gold Star Mothers serve as models of grace and strength. Nothing can compensate for their sacrifice and loss, yet Gold Star Mothers demonstrate tremendous courage and resolve while working to preserve the memory and legacy of all our fallen heroes. They represent Army Faces of Strength and are a key reason that we are "America's Army: The Strength of the Nation." <br>
<br>
In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, "There is nothing adequate which anyone in any place can say to those who are entitled to display the gold star in their windows."<br>
<br>
<b>What does the Army have planned?</b><br>
<br>
The Army, along with the nation, observes the congressionally proclaimed “Gold Star Mother’s Day” Sunday, Sept 28, and encourages all Soldiers, family members, and civilians to participate by observing a moment of silence in honor of mothers who have sacrificed a son or daughter, and by displaying the U.S. Flag, posting to a blog site, or calling or sending a card to someone they know.<br>
<br>
<b>Resources:</b> <br>
<br>
A proclamation by the President of the United States: <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080924-9.html" target="_blank"> Gold Star Mother's Day, 2008</a><br>
<br>
Web page: <a href="http://www.army.mil/-links/2008/09/25/12694-gold-star-mothers-day/index.html" target="_blank">Gold Star Mother's Day</a><br>
<br>
<br>
</p><h2>INFORMATION YOU CAN USE</h2><p>• <a href="https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/409993" target="_blank">2008 Strategic Communication Guide </a> - Read the 2008 Army Strategic Communication Guide for key messages and updates<br>
<br>
• <a href="https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/303879" target="_blank">Strategic Communication Coordination Group (SCCG) Workspace</a><br>
<br>
• <a href="https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/216363" target="_blank"> Army Public Affairs Portal </a><br>
<br>
• <a href="http://www.army.mil/valor" target="_blank"> Stories of Valor </a><br>
<br>
• <a href="http://www4.army.mil/comrel/links" target="_blank"> Speaker's Toolkit</a><br>
<br>
• Information Papers with "<a href="http://www.army.mil/aps/08/information_papers/information_papers.html" target="_blank"> 2008 Army Posture Statement</a>"<br>
<br>
</p><h2>A CULTURE OF ENGAGEMENT</h2><p><b><a href="http://www4.army.mil/comrel/calendar/" target="_blank">The Army Community Relations Calendar</a></b><br>
<br>
<b><a href="http://www.defenselink.mil/Blogger/Index.aspx" target="_blank">Bloggers Roundtable</a></b><br>
<br>
<b><a href="http://cooperativespirit08.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cooperative Spirit 08</a></b><br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=57677&source=rss " target="_blank"> JCOC program is an eye opener </a></p><h2>CALENDAR</h2><p><b>September 2008</b>: <a href="http://www.ready.gov/america/npm07/" target="_blank"> National Preparedness Month</a> <br>
<br>
<b>Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2008</b>: National Hispanic Heritage Month (<a href="http://www.army.mil/hispanicamericans/" target="_blank">Go to Web site</a>)<br>
<br>
<b>Sept. 27- 29, 2008</b>: <a href="http://www.army.mil/-links/2008/09/25/12694-gold-star-mothers-day/index.html" target="_blank">Gold Star Mother's Day</a></p><h2>SOCIAL NETWORKING</h2><p></p><ul><li><a href="http://www4.army.mil/amp/index2.php " target="_blank">Army Media Player</a></li><li><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/soldiersmediacenter " target="_blank">Flickr: Army images</a></li><li><a href="http://youtube.com/soldiersmediacenter" target="_blank">YouTube: Army videos </a></li><li><a href="http://twitter.com/USArmy" target="_blank">Twitter: Army updates </a></li><li><a href="http://del.icio.us/soldiersmediacenter" target="_blank">del.icio.us: Army links </a></li></ul><p></p></div><div class="column"><h2>NEWS ABOUT THE ARMY</h2><p></p><ul><li><b>'Time of Remembrance'</b> honors families of fallen (<a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/09/25/12674-time-of-remembrance-honors-families-of-fallen/" target="_blank">ARNews</a>)</li><li><b>'Preparedness Fair' preps</b> Army for disasters (<a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/09/25/12671-preparedness-fair-preps-army-for-disasters/" target="_blank">ARNews</a>)</li><li><b>Veterans feel nation's appreciation</b> on honor flight (<a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/09/25/12714-veterans-feel-nations-appreciation-on-honor-flight/index.html" target="_blank">ARNews</a>)</li><li><b>'They brought me back to life'</b> (<a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/09/25/12709-they-brought-me-back-to-life/index.html" target="_blank">ARNews</a>)</li><li><b>Houston Soldiers' suicides</b> prompt scrutiny (<a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6023927.html" target="_blank">HC</a>)</li><li><i>Audio:</i> <b>California's Guard seeks</b> educational funding (<a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94777411" target="_blank">NPR</a>)</li></ul><p></p><h2>WAR ON TERROR NEWS</h2><p></p><ul><li><i>Audio: </i> U.S., Pakistani troops trade fire on border (<a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95053870&sc=emaf" target="_blank">NPR</a>)</li><li><b>Pakistan’s president condemns</b> unilateral attacks (<a href="http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/sep/25/pakistans-president-condemns-unilateral-attacks/" target="_blank">LVS</a>)</li><li><b>Bush, Karzai to discuss</b> conditions in Afghanistan (<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/26/AR2008092600433.html" target="_blank">WP</a>)</li><li><b> U.S. blames Iran </b>for delay in Iraq Pact (<a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iraq26-2008sep26,0,7828783.story?track=rss" target="_blank">LAT</a>)</li><li><b>Sunni, Shiite fighters</b> warily merge forces (<a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/world/6023642.html" target="_blank">HC</a>)</li></ul><p></p><h2>OF INTEREST</h2><p></p><ul><li><b>Heroic act, medal</b> denied – and a debate (<a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0926/p01s02-usmi.html" target="_blank">CSM</a>)</li><li><b>Ex-Gitmo prosecutor</b> seeks immunity for testimony (<a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation/story/702219.html" target="_blank">MH</a>)</li><li><i>Audio: The fourth of a five-part series:</i> <b>Tough sell for overseas</b> U.S. missile defense bases (<a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94998160" target="_blank">NPR</a>)</li><li><b>More mental health care</b>, abuse aid in VA bill (<a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/26/more-mental-health-care-abuse-aid-in-va-bill/" target="_blank">WT</a>)</li><li><b>Iraq election law</b> marks progress, opens political season (<a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0926/p04s01-wome.html" target="_blank">CSM</a>)</li><li><b>Pentagon contest sparks ideas</b> for better batteries (<a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/09/24/financial/f163512D64.DTL&feed=rss.business" target="_blank">SFG</a>)</li></ul><p></p><h2>WORLD VIEW</h2><p></p><ul><li><b>U.S. 'rejected'</b> Israeli Iran strike (<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk" target="_blank">BBC</a> | <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7637550.stm" target="_blank">Story</a>)</li><li><b>Israel asked U.S. </b> for green light to bomb nuclear sites in Iran (<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk" target="_blank">GRD</a> | <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/25/iran.israelandthepalestinians1" target="_blank">Story</a>)</li><li><b>China launches space walk mission</b> (<a href="http://iht.com" target="_blank">IHT</a> | <a href="http://iht.com/articles/2008/09/26/asia/26space.php" target="_blank">Story</a>)</li><li><b>South Korea</b>, Iraq's Kurdish region sign oil pact (<a href="http://iht.com" target="_blank">IHT</a> | <a href="http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/09/25/business/AS-SKorea-Iraq-Oil.php" target="_blank">Story</a>)</li><li><b>U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier</b> George Washington deployed in Yokosuka (<a href="http://www.japantoday.com" target="_blank">JT</a> | <a href="http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/hundreds-protest-us-carrier-arrival" target="_blank">Story</a>)</li></ul><p></p><h2>WHAT'S BEING SAID IN BLOGS</h2><p></p><ul><li><b>Army stationing active unit</b> within U.S. beginning Oct. 1 (<a href="http://www.jwharrison.com/blog/2008/09/24/us-army-stationing-active-unit-within-us-starting-oct-1/" target="_blank">JWH</a>)</li><li><i>Related to the preceding blog:</i> <b>Congress answers: </b> Why is a U.S. Army brigade being assigned to the "Homeland"? (<a href="http://www.congresscheck.com/2008/09/24/why-is-a-us-army-brigade-being-assigned-to-the-%E2%80%9Chomeland%E2%80%9D/" target="_blank">CC</a>)</li><li><b>North Korean nuclear</b> standoff : What's next (<a href="http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/09/nork-nukes-redu.html" target="_blank">Wired</a>)</li><li><b>U.S. denies</b> Drone down - never mind the video (updated) (<a href="http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/09/this-much-we--1.html#more" target="_blank">Wired</a>)</li><li><b>In their eyes</b> (<a href="http://blog.notes2grow.com/2008/09/20/in-their-eyes.aspx" target="_blank">N2G</a>)</li><li><i>Part 8 of 11:</i> <b>Battlemind skills</b> — I is for independence (<a href="http://household6hooah.wordpress.com/2008/09/19/battlemind-skills-i-is-for-independence/" target="_blank">HHH</a>)</li></ul><ul><li style="list-style:none;"><a href="http://www.army.mil/privacy" target="_blank">External Links Disclaimer</a></li></ul>
<p></p><h2>ARMY SPORTS</h2><p><b><a href=" http://www.goarmysports.com/" target="_blank">Sports at a glance</a></b><br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.goarmysports.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=11100&SPID=4587&SPSID=48071" target="_blank">Top Army football stories</a></p>
</div>
<div id="footer">
<a href="http://www4.army.mil/news/standto.html">Stand-To! Home</a> |
<a href="http://www4.army.mil/news/standtolist.html">Subscribe/Unsubscribe to Stand-To! </a> |<br>
<a href="mailto:stand-to@smc.army.mil?subject=Feedback">Send Feedback</a> |
<a href="http://www.army.mil/privacy/">Privacy & Security</a>
<p class="disclaimer">External Links Disclaimer - The appearance of hyperlinks to external sites does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the U.S. Army of the linked web site or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sites, the Department of the U.S. Army does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this DoD web site.</p></div></div></body></html>