A caisson entering Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River from Washington, DC
Photo from Arlington National Cemetery website,
Courtesy of Andrew V. McMaster, May 2006

Dear Readers;

This weekend is our Memorial Day holiday when America pauses to honor those that have given their lives in service to their country. The Yelm Community Blog host & Kleiners Korner editor/publisher appreciates and honors all of those who have served to defend, protect, and preserve our country from outside invaders. Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action, quoting Wikipedia.

On this Memorial Day, this writers thoughts and prayers are with the families that have had to endure monumental suffering at the hands of American Presidents & Congress by losing sons and daughters in deceptive wars that had little or nothing to do with defending this country and where THEY get swept aside in the fog of war.” These are families like Pat Tillmans mother, who explained her story for CBS News 60 Minutes May 4, 2008. Mr. Tillman was an NFL football great who was inspired to enlist to serve his country after 9/11 and was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan, with the Pentagon covering-up the truth and using Tillmans name to fabricate more deceptions.

Locally, I would like to acknowledge the work and commitment of people like Tad Stillwell. Tad owns Yelm’s Farmers Insurance Agency and has returned to Yelm-life after serving our country in Iraq for almost a year. I am so glad to see Tad “back-in-the-saddle” in his office!

The Nisqually Valley has endured quite a sacrifice with fallen soldiers that include:

Photo of Rainier’s fallen son, Justin Norton

This writer wishes to remind the Community of the
Justin Norton Scholarship Fund
honoring Rainier, Washington’s fallen soldier in Iraq.
About Sgt. Norton

Donations can be mailed to:
Justin Norton Scholarship Fund
c/o Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 444
Yelm, Wa 98597

And this recent, distressing story from The Olympian:
“Top enlisted soldier’s cause of death a mystery”
“Searchers discovered the body of Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Kurtz, 52, of Yelm, near the edge of the Deschutes River on Friday night [May 14], more than a day after his wife reported him missing.

Investigators for the Thurston County Sheriffs Office, which led the search-and-rescue operation, said foul play is not suspected.”

And, “VJ Day, Honolulu Hawaii, August 14, 1945”
Amazing video footage:
CLICK HERE

See this fabulous slide show “Women in Uniform” from 1778 – today.
From TODAY on NBC.