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As the Federal Gov. Shuts Down, Guess Who Is Still Standing Guard

Oct. 29, 2012 1:23pm Benny Johnson

As the rest of the Federal Government gets the day off due to hurricane conditions around Washington, D.C., there is one group of workers who you can count on showing up and performing their jobs perfectly — and outdoors, no less. That group is the elite guard at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier in Arlington cemetery.

But a picture circulating around the internet today purporting to show that elite guard watching over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are not what they appear.* First, here’s the photo being widely circulated:

Hurricane Pictures of Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are From September

Photo Credit: facebook.com

That picture, posted around the internet Monday morning, is quickly going viral. But, alas, you can’t believe everything you read: The photos are actually from September. Poynter has more:

NPR picked it up, along with The Washington Post, The Daily Beast, Slate and others.

It appears the photo started to spread after it was posted on Facebook by the First Army Division East. It was shared more than 53,000 times and liked more than 43,000 times.

Still, it got us thinking — are the solders there during today’s hurricane? A quick call to the Arlington Cemetery home office confirmed the answer is “yes.” The receptionist told us that “The tomb has been guarded continuously since 1937″ and a guard only takes shelter if “sever condition threaten their well-being.” The “shelter” is a small stand beside the tomb, where the soldiers still considered on guard.

The guards at the tomb are no stranger to tangling with hurricanes. As Business Insider notes:

This is not the first time guards have experienced a hurricane. In 2003, for the first time in American history, the sentinels, as the post marchers are called, were given the choice to seek shelter away from Hurricane Isabel. They did not. The choice was given them again in 2011, when Irene stormed ashore. And again, they did not leave their post.

But while the viral photo is from September, we were able to get one we believe is from today. It is of Spc. Brett Hyde, a Tomb Sentinel who maintains his vigil during Hurricane Sandy.

Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr

The Facebook page of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) explains:

Spc. Brett Hyde, Tomb Sentinel, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), maintains his vigil during Hurricane Sandy while guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Oct., 29, 2012. In 1948 the Old Guard assumed the post following the unit’s reactivation in the nation’s capital. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.) Digital

NPR posted another picture of the soldier:

Photo: Sgt. Jose A. Torres/US Army

And that got us thinking ever more. What else do the soldiers guard during?

They also guard in this

Photo Credit: AP

And in this

Credit: AFP/Getty Images

And on Christmas day

Photo Credit: AP

Photo Credit: arlingtoncemetery.mil

Rain…

Photo Credit: flickr.com

…or shine

Photo Credit: arlingtoncemetery.mil

Day…

Photo Credit: Jeff Huges

…or night

Photo Credit: flickr.com

*This story has been updated to reflect that the picture is from September.

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Comments (217)

huey6367
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:37pm
Loyal to the bone – unlike the ONE who should be.

God bless all branches of the military and their families.

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- YAHUSHUAHRULES
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:56pm
  They deserve better than the Traitor in Chief
  Are secret talks on again between USA and Iran to give Obama a edge before election with a phony treaty that would stop applying pressure to Iran over nukes – taquiya treaty? Is Obama still trying to put together a deal for a foreign policy talking point so says Reza as of today 10-29-12
  
  “The source said the Obama administration seems to need a diplomatic victory before the elections in the wake of the attack in Libya that killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans because the administration failed to adequately protect the Benghazi consulate.
  
  If President Obama is not re-elected, however, the source contends any agreement reached after the elections will be announced and enforced while he is still in office, once Iran’s supreme leader receives written guarantees from Obama.
  
  Don’t let this die…http://www.wnd.com/2012/10/secret-u-s-iranian-meetings-to-continue/?cat_orig=world
  
  Report this comment
- 22AUTOMATIC
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 2:36pm
  @Huey
  
  Exactly. That is what is so frustrating about President Obama. I don’t understand why he’s not proud of America. Why does he so regularly insult the troops and the flag with his actions? Below is a prime example: His campaign makes up American flags, the same flag these honorable soldiers stand under in hurricanes and blizzards, and replaces the stars with HIS FACE! Mao did that kind of garbage. See the local news clip below, everyone (especially veterans) were outraged. What are they thinking?
  
  http://www.staged.com/video?v=Sfmc
  
  Report this comment
- grimmster
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 3:06pm
  @22
  He’s not proud of America, because he is NOT an American,period!
  
  Report this comment
- Jim
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 3:19pm
  Amen! Now let’s put the right person in office to keep the spirit of America alive! Otherwise, America will be no more!
  
  Report this comment
- gaterg
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 3:39pm
  Do not let the requirements to be a guard go without study. These men sign on with an oath of silence for one year. They sleep in a special barracks under the “tomb”. The only thing they read is restricted. They serve this as they serve their country. Their only recognition is a pen they wear for the rest of their career. They exemplify all that is good and decent about our military and this counrtry they serve. They, like all of the fallen who occupy this hallowed ground, make me humble beyond words. The next time someone says the last great generation, remind them there are still some who will not let our colors falls. God Bless the United States of America and the men and women who still proudly serve and will spend tonight in the weather, the dark, and in harms way.
  
  Report this comment
- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 3:47pm
  @YAHUSHUAHRULES
  “Taqiyya Treaty” is what I would call it, too. How can you trust people whose religion tells them it is OK to lie in order to further their religion? How can we think they would keep their word?
  
  Report this comment
- TruthMonkey
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 4:37pm
  The pictures say it all. No words needed.
  
  Report this comment
- ISRAELISOURFRIEND
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 4:51pm
  Loyal to the bone, great comment and surely not to criticize but you should have just gone ahead and said Obama’s name.
  
  Report this comment
- westtitus
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 5:50pm
  This brings tears to my eyes! God bless these wonderful young soldiers! Too bad their commander in cheif, he is a coward.
  
  Report this comment
- mrminuteman
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 6:09pm
  What in the heck is that strange obsolete appurtenant on the end of those Garands? Oh yeah, that’s just one of those bayonet thingies. How antiquated!
  
  Report this comment
- Lily82
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 7:20pm
  When I am despondent over the state of our country and wonder if it can possibly get worse, I am lifted by the image of these incredible Americans. We do believe in honor and doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. God Bless America! There is hope.
  
  Report this comment
- madelinetbone
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 8:43pm
  This moves me every time and more now than ever because it is Obama they are protecting this grave from. These guards know it and would never leave the post as long as Obama is in the vicinity. When Romney is in soon they could take a break if they so desired.
  
  Report this comment
- montanalablover
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 10:03pm
  That makes me want to cry. Always loyal no matter what the weather is. Our Traitor in Chief wouldn’t begin to know the meaning of loyal. I personally think he harbors a deep seeded hatred of the military as do many liberals. May God bless our military.
  
  Report this comment
- Bonsai1
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 10:06pm
  ARLINGTON CEMETERY
  
  Jeopardy
  Question:
  
  On
  Jeopardy the other night, the final question was
  “How many steps does the guard take during his
  walk across the tomb of the Unknowns” —-
  All three contestants missed it! –
  
  This
  is really an awesome sight to watch if you’ve
  never had the chance.
  Very fascinating.
  
  Tomb
  of the Unknown Soldier
  
  1.
  How many steps does the guard take during his
  walk across the tomb of the Unknowns
  and why?
  
  21
  steps:
  It
  alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which
  is the
  highest honor given any military or foreign
  dignitary.
  
  2.
  How long does he hesitate after his about face
  to begin his return
  walk and why?
  
  21
  seconds for the same reason as answer number
  1
  
  3.
  Why are his gloves wet?
  
  His
  gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his
  grip on the rifle.
  
  4.
  Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all
  the time
  and, if
  not, why not?
  
  He
  carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the
  tomb. After his march across the
  path, he
  executes an about face and moves the rifle to
  the outside shoulder.
  
  5.
  How often are the guards changed?
  
  Guards
  are changed every thirty minutes,
  twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a
  year.
  
  6.
  What are the physical traits of the guard
  limited to?
  
  For
  a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he
  must be
  between 5′ 10′ and 6′ 2′ tall and
  his waist size cannot exceed 30.
  
  They
  must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb,
  live in
  
  Report this comment
- Uranium Wedge
  Posted on October 30, 2012 at 12:09am
  Awesome
  
  Report this comment
- banjarmon
  Posted on October 30, 2012 at 12:59am
  God keep these men safe!
  
  Report this comment
- ObamaForward_OverTheCliff
  Posted on October 30, 2012 at 1:32am
  “As the Federal Gov. Shuts Down, Guess Who Is Still Standing Guard”
  
  There’s a hell-of-allot-more-Liberty with those who have sworn to uphold The Constitution, than from all those stolen-election Progressives(communists) running for cover from the rain, being the only ones “standing guard” in Washington DC.
  
  I SAY WE MAKE THIS SITUATION … PERMANENT.
  
  Report this comment
American2012
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:37pm
god bless them.blaze made me speechless

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- TEARS FOR AMERICA
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:53pm
  It goes to your soul, and more so since disturbing things are happening in America that are reckless, unpatriotic, downright dispicable…to think of the blood spilled for this country and sacrifices made on our behalf and to now have it so disrespected and villified is just horrifying.
  
  Report this comment
- chips1
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 3:36pm
  The military has contingency plans for any attempt to overthrow the U.S. Government. Even from the inside.
  
  Report this comment
- nzkiwi
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 5:10pm
  Their sense of honour and dedication to duty is awe inspiring.
  
  Report this comment
- nzkiwi
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 5:17pm
  And these soldiers are VERY serious about their job!
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYCPbP_a46I&feature=related
  
  Report this comment
- bava
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 7:01pm
  Mailmen do the same thing. Are you just as speechless when you get a letter during a storm? Stupid ****.
  
  Report this comment
- olliehop
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 7:08pm
  Bava, I fell sorry for you that you can’t tell the difference. I hope one day you will understand.
  
  Report this comment
- Shifty6
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 7:10pm
  I too am speechless. I have nothing to portray my thoughts and feelings other than WOW! And to try would be futile.
  
  Report this comment
- nzkiwi
  Posted on October 30, 2012 at 2:24am
  Well done, Bava. You turn up a few days ago and amuse yourself by insulting every American, regardless of their background, by denigrating something that is sacred to all.
  
  I only hope that you are not an American, because, if you are, that makes you a truly sad individual with a withered soul.
  
  To the Blaze. Don’t pull his comment. Let it stand and continue to shame him.
  
  Bava won’t be interested in this, but I found it fascinating.
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=NmHWyqPNQdU&feature=endscreen
  
  Report this comment
- Dismayed Veteran
  Posted on October 30, 2012 at 10:44am
  @Bava
  
  The reason that so many of us are moved by the Old Guard and the Tomb of the Unknown is because many of us have had friends who died in combat. Some of whose remains were never recovered. It is the rememberance of those who didn’t make it home alive.
  
  There are many from my war who are still Missing in Action.
  
  Daily I remember a soldier I didn’t know. He went MIA during my freshman year in college.
  
  MSG Russell Peter “Pete” Bott, 1st Special Forces Group, Detachment B-52, Recon Team Viper, MIA, Laos, 2 December 1966. Two live sightings. MSG Bott remained behind to care for a fellow team member, SFC Willy Stark. Neither Bott’s nor Stark’s remains have never been recovered.
  
  The Old Guard honors all who have served many of which are missing or unidentified.
  
  I realize this means nothing to you. All I can feel for you is pity.
  
  Report this comment
Voter713
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:36pm
Thank you to all who serve for protecting me – God is using you on a daily basis. Praying for you all.

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- GlennaBeckski
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 4:29pm
  Amen!
  
  Report this comment
- Horatius_at_the_Bridge
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 4:35pm
  Amen.
  
  Report this comment
Tigress1
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:36pm
They won’t abandon the dead, but Obama would abandon the living until they die. At least our military soldiers still have American values.

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- CatB
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:41pm
  God Bless our military, active duty, veterans and those who gave all. Amen
  
  Never forget some of the most recent dead .. those killed in Benghazi .. who the MSM are IGNORING!
  
  Report this comment
- Jenny Lind
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 2:21pm
  Well said, our military and we deserve more, much more.
  
  Report this comment
- G-WHIZ
  Posted on October 30, 2012 at 10:59am
  This is why the Democrat/Commie admimistration delays and looses MILITARY VOTES OVERSEAS!!
  
  Report this comment
matsusourdough
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:36pm
God bless them is right!! By the way, what are those funny looking things on the end of their rifles? Are these antique rifles they are carrying becasue those things looks alot like bayonettes.

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- RoaRock
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:45pm
  Great Post. God Bless all our Military.
  
  Report this comment
- Konservative PUNK
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:47pm
  Good Call. Obama before saying that about the bayonets, accused Romney of “Not understanding our military”. If Obama ‘understands’ it so well, why did he allow “the fog of war” to prevent him from raining down fire from heaven on that mortar crew in Benghazi?
  
  Hey Obama, still wanna shrink the military? We have these things called jets you see, and they land on this floating airport called an aircraft carrier. They can be used in places like Libya for example to unleash the hounds of hell on our enemies. That is of course, if you consider al-quaeda an enemy.
  
  Report this comment
- ghemminger
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:52pm
  indeed, those would be bayonets….something that, during basic and/or AIT along with your duty station, we still train with the bayonet. The psychological impact of a trained individual willing to engage his enemy with a bayonet in mortal combat is intimidating. Our enemies are only “courageous” when the target is a school bus or shopping center.
  
  We have no problem using cold steel….nor should we
  
  Report this comment
- Bobj_1960
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 2:18pm
  and those are M-16′s either
  
  SALUTE
  
  Report this comment
- Master.Debater
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 3:00pm
  or M-14s
  
  Report this comment
- OIF3survivor
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 3:08pm
  @GHEMMINGER:
  from one single M, Indiana Heminger relocated to Colorado to a double-M Heminger, good day G! Do I understand you correctly to also be a vet?
  Nice to make your acquaintance.
  
  Report this comment
- bava
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 6:54pm
  Yes , please. Bring your knife to a gun fight. I’m sure America’s enemies does. ****.
  
  Report this comment
- olliehop
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 7:10pm
  I see each of the young men guarding each have a bayonet.
  
  Report this comment
- MaximumBobby
  Posted on October 30, 2012 at 1:24pm
  And those bayonettes aren’t just for show.
  There have been a few cases where individuals have tried to intrude on the ceremonial changing-of-the-guard, even inadvertently, and have been met by a 3rd Regiment soldier at the point of a shiny blade.
  
  Report this comment
goahead.makemyday
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:36pm
Arlington is in my opinion the only good place in the DC area. It is powerful seeing rows and rows of people who paid the price for freedom. I wonder when was the last time Obama was in Arlington aside from Memorial and Veterans day? We know he couldn’t get out of doing those when reelection is possible.

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- TRILO
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 2:49pm
  It is extremely sad to know that our government has disgraced the brave men and women buried there by not properly marking their graves due to mismanagement and carelessness. Our soldiers deserve better.
  
  Report this comment
- jeepkid99
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 8:12pm
  you make an interesting point, will he be there 5 days after the election if he loses?
  
  Report this comment
- Lt_Scrounge
  Posted on October 30, 2012 at 12:37am
  You’re making the erroneous assumption that Obamao actually goes to Arlington for Memorial day. He doesn’t. He normally sends Biden.
  
  Report this comment
LakewoodEd
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:35pm
Absolutely awesome.

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lynda1276
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:33pm
i love these guys. Are those bayonets on the ends of their guns?

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- Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:35pm
  Yes.
  
  Report this comment
- zorro
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:37pm
  I bet the POTUS and First Lady think this is stupid.
  
  Report this comment
- goahead.makemyday
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:39pm
  It is all guards of the tomb have bayonets fixed.
  
  Report this comment
- CatB
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:42pm
  Yes .. those “old” things ;-)
  
  Report this comment
- 00100111
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 2:31pm
  Zorro, I’m sure the POTUS and FLOTUS would say “All this for a dead soldier?”
  
  Report this comment
- tnman65
  Posted on October 30, 2012 at 12:11am
  It is not a gun. It is a rifle. His gun is in his pants. As we would say when marching. “This is my rifle, this is my gun. This is for fighting, this is for fun.”
  
  Report this comment
thegreatcarnac
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:33pm
God protect the military.

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- oneshiner
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:41pm
  Wish the brave men in Benghazi had a Government watching over them. Bless our Military, wherever they are and God be with you always.
  
  Report this comment
worknmal
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:33pm
Never doubt the integrity, courage, purpose, focus, valor of these God sent servants of America. Shame the same can not be said for the ‘leadership’ we have received and more importantly our brave soldiers have received recently. I will not forget or forgive this.

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ThePostman
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:32pm
Let’s just hope they don’t need to call for back-up – it ain’t coming from this administration…

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- Slice_Of_Life
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 8:55pm
  You are so correct. The occupier-in-thief wouldn’t want to have to cut his golf game short, lose time shooting hoops, or simply be “bothered” with such “trivial” tasks. I do promise this though, if our brave military men and women issued an “all hands on deck” call for assistance due to unconstitutional and/or unlawful orders issued from the cowardly communist-in-chief to take up arms against Americans on US soil, the response seen across this great nation would make the amazing Chick-fil-a turn out look like a single chicken nugget. The response to the call to arms would draw enough patriots that defeat would not be an option.
  
  I’ve had the honor to watch the fine soldiers at The Tomb. Their life of sacrifice is such a gift and tribute to our fallen heroes. There has to be a special place in heaven for when their time here is done. May God bless them all ways, always.
  
  Report this comment
whatthecrazy
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:31pm
Wow Proud of the USA and all those that stand for her………….

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smallergovt
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:31pm
Thank you.

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Lovey
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:31pm
These pictures stir the heart and warm the soul. America at its best. God bless each and every one of our soldiers.

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RJJinGadsden
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:31pm
Unlike that peckerhead at BSNBC, I just had goosebumps and a chill run up my spine. I’ve had the pleasure to work with fellow soldiers who were with the Old Guard. All of whom I salute.

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- 22AUTOMATIC
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:47pm
  Now contrast this amazing story about our soldiers with…….
  
  Michelle Obama wrapping family in the flags of OTHER countries, not the American flag, at the Olympics because she said she was ‘embarrassed” to single out the U.S Flag.
  http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2012/09/michelle-girls-at-olympics.html
  
  Veterans outraged that Obama Campaign Offices are replacing the “stars” of the American Flag with pictures of President Obama’s face!
  http://www.staged.com/video?v=Sfmc
  
  Michelle Obama, not knowing she was on camera, insults veterans and victims at memorial saying “All This For a Damn Flag.” Caught on Video – Unbelievable!
  http://youtu.be/OJgWMI0hch8
  
  The Families Speak. Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton insult the families of victims of the Navy Seals who lost their lives in Libya. The interview everyone is talking about
  http://www.theblaze.com/stories/joe-biden-to-father-of-former-navy-seal-killed-in-benghazi-did-your-son-always-have-balls-the-size-of-cue-balls/
  
  What kind of America do you want?
  
  Report this comment
- TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 6:56pm
  AYE RJJ… same here. Check out the movie “Gardens of Stone” w/ James Caan / James Earl Jones… knew an SSG who was in The Old Guard and an extra in the movie…
  
  Report this comment
BeTruthful
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:30pm
Not much to say about this. Much respect for the fallen, and those who stand at the duty of their post. We appreciate all you do.

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mike_trivisonno
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:30pm
God bless these men.

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spfoam1
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:30pm
Thanks for this story, Blaze.

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Psychosis
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:30pm
GOD BLESS OR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM

they deserve a better commander in chief

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PATTY HENRY
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:30pm
Thank you BLAZE. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS!!

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Granny58
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:29pm
I’m speechless.

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An_American_Thinker
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:29pm
God Bless our men in uniform.

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- floridareader
  Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:34pm
  And may Him protect them.
  
  Report this comment
JeffersonsPen
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:28pm
Is this not how both ourselves and our leaders should be ? America is as great as the rest of the world doesn’t want us to be………..God Bless our Troops!

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kickagrandma
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:28pm
Thank you, BLAZE! This one needs to be stamped in our memories and on our hearts for as long as we live.

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oneshiner
Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:27pm
God bless them.

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