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Memorial Day Comes as Troops Fight in Afghanistan

Memorial Day Comes as Troops Fight in Afghanistan

U.S. soldiers holds candles to mark the Memorial Day at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan on Sunday, May 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — U.S. troops fighting in Afghanistan paused Monday to remember the fallen in Memorial Day services, as a war nearly a decade old trudges on.

Some prayed and held flag-raising ceremonies at dawn to recognize the more than 1,400 killed in combat here since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks that triggered the war.

“We reflect on those who have gone before us. We reflect on their service and their sacrifice on behalf of our great nation,” said Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta, who commands a Marine division in Afghanistan’s southern Helmand province. “We should also remember those serving today who embody that same commitment of service and sacrifice. They are committed to something greater than themselves and they muster the physical and moral courage to accomplish extraordinary feats in battle.”

Memorial Day Comes as Troops Fight in Afghanistan
AP

In Iraq, an estimated 46,000 U.S. troops remain stationed there though officials say combat operations are over in a nation that saw more than 4,400 American troops die in combat. Under an agreement between Washington and Baghdad, the troops still in Iraq must leave by Dec. 31.

Black Hawk helicopters churned through the night sky Sunday as a strong wind coming over Kabul’s surrounding mountains blew against the flickering candles that cast an orange glow on those gathered for a remembrance ceremony at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ headquarters.

Memorial Day Comes as Troops Fight in Afghanistan

AP

Earlier in the day, those working there enjoyed one of their five days off a year from building police stations, dams and other projects in a nation torn by decades of war. Col. Thomas Magness, 47, of Los Angeles, California urged the more than 100 corps employees and U.S. troops gathered there to remember the meaning of Memorial Day — advice that could carry home to America.

“While we were playing volleyball today, no doubt some soldier gave the ultimate sacrifice,” the corps commander said.

Memorial Day Comes as Troops Fight in Afghanistan

AP


Memorial Day, instituted to honor America’s war dead, will be observed Monday with a public holiday. This Memorial Day comes before the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, which ultimately brought U.S. troops into Afghanistan to unseat the Taliban government and hunt terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.

“Our country got attacked, and we’re here to fight the war on it,” said Roger Nowicki of the corps.

Memorial Day Comes as Troops Fight in Afghanistan

AP

While Navy SEALs shot and killed bin Laden earlier this month in neighboring Pakistan, the U.S.-led war here continues. President Barack Obama plans to draw down U.S. troops beginning in July, while NATO has committed to handing over control of security in the country to Afghans by 2014.

In the meantime, the war grinds on toward its 10th year. The sharp pangs of loss are visible on some attending the event, like Maj. Erica Iverson, 33, of Vermillion, South Dakota. She spoke of serving as a casualty assistance officer after the 2010 death of Staff Sgt. Adam Dickmyer of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, who once served as a sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery.

Iverson‘s voice choked as she recounted how Dickmyer’s mother fell off her chair in grief when her son’s body returned to the U.S. His widow chased after the casket, screaming: “Don’t leave me!”

“His wife has an empty house,” Iverson said. “His entire unit came home today, and he didn’t come with them.”

Iverson said speechwriters for Obama called her in recent days, saying the president may honor Dickmyer in remarks on Memorial Day.

Memorial Day Comes as Troops Fight in Afghanistan

AP

Increasingly skeptical American and Afghan publics question why U.S. and NATO forces remain there. The Taliban recently begun its spring offensive, as suicide bombings, roadside explosions and attacks in remote posts have returned with a frightening regularity.

“You don‘t get used to it because you’re in a war zone,” said civilian corps worker George S. Triggs, 54, of Louisville, Kentucky. “You learn to tolerate it and do the best you can.”

Yet the worst stress, some acknowledged, is that of family members waiting at home for their loved ones to return. Lt. Col. Jon Chytka, 44, of Tabor, South Dakota recounted having to explain to his 5-year-old daughter why he had to leave.

He gave this answer: “I told her that before she was born, there were 19 people who killed 3,000.”

___

Jon Gambrell can be reached at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP.

Comments (61)

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  • bigjack940
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 1:48am

    Joe Palin, perhaps you should do a little more research. Try , the fact that your hero has removed the American Flag from behind where he makes all his speaches in the Whitehouse, and, has just told Gates to start making cuts to military salaries, and raise the costs they have for the benifits they receive. You call that doing for our military. I say its more like doing to our military. And as far as his old lady is concerned, I feel like just one statement she made pretty well tells the story. “this is the first time i can say i’m proud to live in America” Enough said.

    Report Post »  
    • GaGirl35
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:57am

      Well, he wants to go after the retired vets first. See how that works out and tricare and if that works out, okay, then hit the active military harder. Anyone can look up what they are paid. It’s not top secret. Check out that 1.7% every two year raise that is coming to them this year…this is what the president is doing for them….usually it’s about 3-4%.
      I am a proud military wife and a grand-daughter of 2 WW-2 vets and the daughter of a Vietnam vet. I don’t agree that war is the answer, but power hungry corrupt leaders do. I know this Joe guy thinks he has all the answers for everything, but what he has is all the excuses. If he was truly a vet he would not be making an excuse for this evil man.
      I cried just thinking about the fallen soldiers, but it really upset me watching how uneasy my husband was on this day. Our soldiers need to be home. They keep changing dates to bring them home and starting new wars all over the middle east. It is a war for oil and anyone that can’t see that keep those eyes shut tightly. I would hate for you to actually realize that is what all of this is really actually about and it’s more than about just our government. It is an evil bigger than that. Just a piece of a huge puzzle…grab tightly to your faith and pray and you will be led to the answers you seek.

      I will continue to pray for America, the soldiers, our enemies, and the lost

      Report Post »  
  • FoxholeAtheist
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 8:55pm

    FoxholeAtheist remembers Pat Tillman, fellow foxhole Atheist. RIP.

    Report Post » FoxholeAtheist  
  • sarcasticus
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 7:04pm

    … as their commander in chief heads out to the links for his 70th round since he took office.

    Had enough yet?

    Report Post »  
  • powhatan
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 6:57pm

    I am so thankful to the Allmighty and thank him every day for the Giant Angel he sent for my son..He was over there for 2 tours…The first push into Helmond…They lost a few boys…One the first day there….He was only 20. I have it on raw footage and I cry everytime I see it. I love each and every child over there. This is a WAR, not an kinetic action…people are dying. America must keep this front and center! We need them home…Afghanistan willl return to what is is in a couple of days!

    Report Post » powhatan  
  • Cold War Vet
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 4:28pm

    I’m a Navy veteran, and I’ve never seen any veteran who was a fan of Obama. There might be someone like that out there, but I‘m just saying that I’ve personally never met one. Most of the people I know are in business (small business owners like me) and good many of them are veterans. Not one of them is a fan of Obama. He’s bad for business, bad for active duty military and veterans, and bad for America.

    Report Post » Cold War Vet  
  • jacobstroubles
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 3:25pm

    Now this is what i’m talkin about…”Who’s yo daddy”
    Obama Goes Golfing on Memorial Day
    May 30, 2011, 3:03 pm

    The business of memorializing our war dead done, President Obama headed out to the Fort Belvoir golf course today, finding his way onto the links for the ninth weekend in a row

    Report Post »  
    • leftteste
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 6:12pm

      Who sent us to the middle east and why? Is it true that bush and cheney are spending MemorialDay over there looking for weapons of mass destruction.Cold war vet you just met your first veteran who is behind our president 100%!

      Report Post »  
    • avenger
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 8:25pm

      wow…what a surprise….

      Report Post »  
    • Cold War Vet
      Posted on June 1, 2011 at 3:53am

      @ LEFTTESTE

      A veteran who is PRO OBAMA? That’s like a Jew who LOVES Hitler.
      Some jerk0ff tried to tell me he was VFW (I really am!) and an Obama supporter…
      In the real world, not very likely!

      Let me guess…
      Dishonorable Discharge?

      Report Post » Cold War Vet  
  • @RCHER
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 2:26pm

    To all of you past and present military folks, and to the families of lost war heroes, thank you for your service and for your sacrifice.

    Report Post » @RCHER  
  • screamineagle
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 12:57pm

    The Defense Department announced 8 new U.S. casualties in Afghanistan over the Memorial Day weekend, bringing the total number of U.S. casualties in the almost-decade-long war in that country to 1,503

    Wait,,, President Obama Said When He was elected, the troops would be home in two years…. wait for it,,,, uh oh,,, two years , five months, more deaths now than at any time in the past ,,,, under HIS watch,,, where code pink??????

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 1:53pm

      Interesting how the MSM is excusing this fraud of a President …. actually shameful.

      God Bless our troops both serving and those who have served and to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice and their families.

      Bring our troops home now.

      Report Post »  
  • 777patriot
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 12:40pm

    God protect our fighting men and women, God bless the souls of all those who have died in the name of protecting and giving freedom. Bring the Boys & Gals back home now.

    Report Post » 777patriot  
  • FANGS
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 12:27pm

    God and America love and support every Soldier who is Fighting for Freedom. America Must also Fight for it’s own Freedom. In the coming Days we will arm ourselves and destroy the attack of Freedom, on our own Soil. The battle of words is over. The battle with Arms has now begun. Please God, Please, open people’s eyes.

    Report Post »  
    • bigjack940
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 1:59am

      Fangs, Thank you for stating the obvious. It seems like there are so many now in the world we live in, who have forgotten this. What will it take before enough wake up and see the perils this nation faces?

      Report Post »  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 12:25pm

    God Bless

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
  • Akbarjonnie Shaheed
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 12:04pm

    As Americans celebrate Memorial Day, the presidents sec. of defense suggest they now consider cutting the pay of our troops. Cut the pay of Americans best while the prez flys the globe for ego while apologizing for America and being an complete embarrassment to The People? Cut pay while funding the gay film festival in Bulgaria, funding urine scented perfume……and it goes on and on. It does look like history is going to repeats itself. We are soon going to have to take back America. It will be much less distructive doing it with the vote.

    We that have served are feed-up! It is now obvious the prez has no clue. The first admitted public assistance prez has been a complete failure to The People eventhough the assistance has made him wealthy. America, you are in deep trouble, but there are a few good men left.

    Report Post »  
    • avenger
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 8:23pm

      Where is our own American General Pinochet of Chile ? I think we are almost at a ponit of no return with the parasites in washinghton doing a number on our Republic.The election of 2012 will bring freedom or slavery…

      Report Post »  
  • LovingAmerica
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 12:03pm

    God bless and keep our brave troops and end our wars – all of them. Dear God, please bring our loved ones home….. now. This is the wrong way to fight war against terrorism. Everybody knows it. Endless “Viet Nams” in the middle East is a travesty to our nation and to our military. God help us….

    Report Post »  
  • nomercy63
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 11:56am

    There is nothing to win in Afghanistan time for them to come home. Spending billions to blow up mud huts,uneducated people that have nothing to do but kill in the name of Satan’s religion, 10 years nothing gained.

    Report Post »  
  • EWRoss
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 11:55am

    How veterans view Memorial Day
    http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ewross/2011/05/29/the-ed-ross-hour-memorial-day-special

    Report Post » EWRoss  
  • AllAmericanGirl22
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 11:43am

    God Bless and thank you to all the brave man and women who have served, are serving, and will serve. Thank you to my grandpa who served in the navy in WW2, my friend Johel who served as a marine, and everyone else. We love and support you, thank you so so much for all the sacrifices you make for our country. God Bless America!!! This is a site called Let’s say thanks. From this site, you can write a letter to a soldier for free. It’s a really great way to show your appreciation.

    Report Post » AllAmericanGirl22  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 11:39am

    to all past and present soldiers of the United States Armed Forces, THANK YOU. may god continue to bless and protect all ,you serve your country voluntary,you sacrifice yourselves for us to live free .that is truly HEROIC,to all of your families, thank you for your sacrifices,you are the homeward HERO’S so may god bless and protect all also.

    Report Post »  
  • saviorammo
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 11:08am

    May God bless all the fallen and their families. May God bless all those who will still fight for freedom and what is right. The War to end all Wars is upon US. I hope you all willl fing the courage that many before you had to face evil and smile. The smile represents a faith that knowmatter what we will never surrender and we will win. For there will be always others who come after me to avenge us all who faced tyranny.

    A special prayer for that Marine down in Pima, AZ. Bad enough he lost friends in that ******* caraphole overseas, but have his life taken by white trash coward in the U.S. is unforgivable and unforgettable.

    SWAT and Mr. Sherriff, you have really crossed the line. There is a special place for all those who worship satan and DEVIL DOGS will deliver you there.

    Semper Fi

    Report Post »  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 11:28am

      @saviorammo:
      Thank you…well said!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • Mr. Oshawott
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 12:11pm

      @SaviorAmmo

      One of the best, most patriotic comment I’ve ever heard! It is for that reason that I have a photograph of Jose Guerena, the decorated Marine, posted on my laptop. It hurts me deeply that a Marine came home, only to find himself and his family being on the receiving end of being mortally gunned down at the hands of those merciless SWAT officers. Sheriff Dupnik and the SWAT team REALLY ought to be ashamed of what they did to him. May God bless his family well!

      Report Post » Mr. Oshawott  
  • orlandojon
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 11:04am

    As a Vietnam vet I’d have to say this war makes about as much sense as Vietnam did. There is nothing to gain for the USA. We should be in Pakistan or Iran, but since that’s not happening, bring our men and women home.

    Report Post »  
  • williamsd
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 11:00am

    Interesting discussion. You should post this as a policy proposal on http://www.whitehousevoice.com

    Report Post » williamsd  
  • lketchum
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:25am

    Thank you and God Bless all of you who have given your lives so we can be free!

    Report Post » lketchum  
  • Redistributor
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:24am

    I’ll remember and say a prayer for our war heros! God bless them.

    Report Post »  
  • grandmaof5
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:04am

    Remember that while your president does not love and respect the military, the good people of the United States love and respect you. While you are fighting for our freedom over seas, we, at home are fighting so you will have respect and freedom when you return. We will try not to let you down. As the wife of a Viet Nam veteran who was not loved or respected when he returned home, we will not follow that path. God bless our military, policemen/women, fire fighters and border patrol and keep them safe.

    Report Post »  
    • Joe Palin
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 3:11pm

      I spent most of today with C-SPAN and POTUS watching historical events by ALL the presidents. I served under Reagan, Carter and Ford. If you think Obama, or Clinton, (or USN Veterans Carter and Kennedy) or Johnson or Truman did not love the Troops, you have not paid attention to their actions. Saying the Commander in Chief does not admire the Military! You should have proof!

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • Cold War Vet
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 4:20pm

      @ JOE PALIN

      She’s talking about Obama, not Reagan or Truman. Their is NO PROOF that Obama cares about our troops. On the other hand, he’s done plenty to disdain them. For one thing, he supports and even funds our enemies. And your tag “Joe Palin” is an obvious attempt at hate speech, you America-hating loser. I doubt you’ve ever served the United States. Even now, you are trying to destroy it. It’s only because of the sacrifices of veterans that you still have the freedom to say anything. Go away, and let REAL Americans with ethics, unlike you, decide how to observe Memorial Day.

      Report Post » Cold War Vet  
    • Joe Palin
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 6:46pm

      VietNam 72 to the end in May 75. Then another 6 1/2 years in WestPac. Obama got the Pirates and Bib Laden by respectfully trusting JSOC. He has authorized USAF to fly armed drones that save American lives and in 2 1/2 years they have taken out more Al Qaeda than the former 6 years under the prior Commander in Chief. This first lady and this administration have funded more veterans support than the prior administration, including jobs, rehab, housing, and family support. Read up on AMVETS or VFW to see how life is improving recently for Vets and ACTDU.
      Deeds are more important to me than your blind rhetoric. ‘Scuse Me.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • Joe Palin
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 6:48pm

      BTW, That’s my actual name, look me up on Google or facebook.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • celestialfire
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 8:07pm

      Deeds are more important than rhetoric, and it is important to pay attention to actions, especially being it’s Decoration Day and all. So the prez goes golfing today. Yes people are paying attention.

      Report Post »  
    • its4us
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 1:26am

      I think that if the military is benefiting under this administration it’s not because he has a lot of “love” for them, it’s for his own political career. I find it difficult to believe he is responsible for anything good for the military considering how he has treated our allies and our enemies since coming into office. From what I understand Obama was on record saying he wanted to end the rehab and counseling benefits for vets at one point and now he’s taking credit for the increase. If he changed his mind, it’s purely from political pressure I believe. He said the vets ought to be willing to pay for their own counseling and rehab since they “volunteered” to go to war.

      Report Post »  
    • bigjack940
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 1:40am

      grandmaof5, Thank you for that. So many forget what these brave men and women go through on a daily basis and just how much they give up to secure tis country and what we stand for. Thatnk you.

      Report Post »  
  • vennoye
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:02am

    GOD bless our troops still deployed!!

    Report Post » vennoye  
  • OhSuzieQ
    Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:01am

    I am always saddened by this day…SO many gone…and happy for the ones who came home…Thank God my GrandPop made it home from WW2.
    Thank You Vets!!

    Report Post » OhSuzieQ  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:12am

      The soldiers are putting it all on the line, and now I have seen on 60 minutes last night a captain of the airborn saying we are not winning the war, and he was not confident we will. If the soldiers are not confident we can win, then what in Hades own realm are we still doing over there? Ten years should have been long enough already to win and come home!!!

      Get our boys home now, the administration has finally managed to mangle the military badly by not bringing them home already; and with all the chaos they are formenting in the middle east against the land of Israel, then we need to pull out of there as well…except for supporting Israel.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • momprayn
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:14am

      My ancestors fought in all the wars going back to the Revolutionary War..except Korea. Had a husband as a Combat Medic in Vietnam….horrendous. Before marriage, I used to write the soldiers over there to encourage them bc there were so many here that were criticizing and disrespecting them – not grateful at all. Also am a distant cousin to Pres. Eisenhower….it’s getting so amazingly sad and tragic that we have so many now that are trashing our country, flag and have the most unpartriotic, destructive, devisive president in our history – taking us right on the edge of throwing our hard fought for freedoms away that all those soldiers suffered, sacrificed and died for. More than mind boggling & horrific. Reading some of the ungrateful, disrespectful comments from the libs is so disgusting & reminds me of the terrible Vietnam days. But re these wars in Afghan and Libya – I’m against & against nation building in these impossible tribal Muslim countries. So was Eisenhower & he wouldn’t be in these. This is not the way to fight “terrorism” which is a different kind of war than those of the past. That said, we should support troops that are only doing their job & may God bless them, firefighters, policemen that do the really hard, sacrificial jobs that are needed in this country…also support Israel all we can.

      Report Post »  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:24am

      @Snowleapard How do you win a war against a tactic? That‘s like saying we’re going to fight and win the war against jay walking. How do you win a war against terrorism that can strike from a single person with a grudge? The war needs to end. Today. Not tomorrow, not in 2012, not soon but today. Bring them all home.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • SlimnRanger
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:50am

      i hate war,but most of us do,this could go on till the world ends, bring our troops home now and protect our borders

      Report Post »  
    • JoeAmerica
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:55am

      Funny how The Blaze runs a story about the troops in Afghanistan but not about the troops serving in Iraq. Again, this is a pure manipulation on their part to make money of you. I hope some of you are smart enough to realize it.

      Report Post » JoeAmerica  
    • CultureWarriors
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 11:09am

      Thank you to my grandfather, uncles and son who have all served with honor. Thank you to all who have sacrificed for our liberty and freedom!

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IDGAe5pl-I

      Report Post » CultureWarriors  
    • Nation under God
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 11:24am

      Sarah Palin,
      as a Mom,
      with a conscience,
      would not have allowed this to continue. ?. !

      I thank the troops each person who has the courage to fight for freedom.

      Report Post »  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 11:26am

      @SNOW and MOMPRAYIN:

      Well said by both…God Bless!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 12:20pm

      Our TRUE Heroes! Thank you Veterans for your sacrifices and to your families with their sacrifices that in their own way are just as great. They say that a coward dies a thousand deaths but a brave man dies only once. However, the basis of this statement for the military is that the Brave Soldiers dies one death while the soldiers’ family dies a thousand deaths, every time they hear about a big battle over where their loved ones are stationed. Soldiers’ families we thank you and pray for you as well.

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • Joe Palin
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 3:05pm

      You are welcome! But today is not for Vets! It’s decoration day for those warriors who lie in the Grave!

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • jcannon98188
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 3:27pm

      This war has continued for ten years… It only took us 4 year to take down 3 of the greatest powers in the world during WW2. Treat these guys like WW2, kill them all.

      Report Post »  
    • 101
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 4:14pm

      A REMINDER OF WHY WE ARE FREE!

      This slide show consists of photos taken at a formal dinner at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA. It is a beautiful presentation of the honor, commitment and pride today‘s heroes share with yesterday’s.
      If you know a Marine or a soldier of any branch of the Military (of any age) make sure he or she sees this. Also for the families of our military servicemen past and present. Wouldn’t hurt if all other Americans saw it too!

      Http://www.jensensutta.com/slideshows/RTB/

      Report Post »  
    • avenger
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 8:05pm

      America’s last real war was WW2..the beginning of the end of real war was the “Korean conflict”, next came the viet nam ******** war (my war/drafted).We lost over 50,000 of our youth because of liberal cowards promoting a politically correct war.You know the rest of the tragedy with more ******** in the middle east.Now we fight politically correct wars daily which tie the military in “stupid rules of engagement” that places our guys at a disadvantage(all this shet started in viet nam).War is supposed to be TOTAL annihilation of the enemy.During WW2 civilians were collateral damage as we fire bombed cities.Japan knows what a nuke means.Time to change our views of war and revisit total annihilation again ! God help our guys and protect them from our enemies domestic and foreign….

      Report Post »  
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