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May 31, 2004
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DHS Threat & Protection Advisory Level - Yellow: Significant Risk of Terrorist Attacks
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A Year in Iraq - The Mission
Photo, caption below.
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MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE — U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John Batiste (right), 1st Infantry Division commanding general, and Spc. Moss place a wreath upon a stand above a list of Task Force Danger fallen soldiers at a Memorial Day ceremony in Tikrit, Iraq, May 31, 2004. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Nancy McMillen
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Bush Honors Service Members' Sacrifices on Memorial Day
By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service
President Bush places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery May 31. Defense Dept. photo by Gerry J. Gilmore     WASHINGTON, May 31, 2004 — President Bush today paid homage to U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.
      On Memorial Day, "America acknowledges a debt" to its fallen service members "that is beyond our power to repay," Bush declared during his remarks at Arlington National Cemetery's Memorial Amphitheater.
     Earlier, Bush had placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. More     Remarks
Troops Remember Fallen Comrades on Memorial Day in Iraq
Memorial Day Rememberance - banner image
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President's Proclamation

     For more than two centuries, Americans have been called to defend the founding ideals of our democracy. On Memorial Day, a grateful Nation remembers the proud patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of liberty's blessings. More

Secretary of State's Essay

     Every Memorial Day, my sister, Marilyn, and I would put on our Sunday best and accompany our parents to Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx to visit the graves of family members. Like all kids, my sister and I were happy to have the day off from school, and I can't say we were in a solemn frame of mind. But taking part in that annual rite of remembrance gave me my first sense of the importance of honoring those who have gone before. More

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Message

     Today America honors the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great Nation. We remember not only our friends and comrades who served alongside us, but also those brave Americans from generations past whose legacy of service secured our liberty. More
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Myers: High Stakes Require Proper Handling of Terror War
By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, May 31, 2004 — The stakes are high in the global war on terrorism, and if the United States doesn't handle it correctly, "I don't think we're going to like the world we'll live in in five or 10 years," Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers said today.
     The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told CNN that not everyone thought World War II was a noble effort. "There were a lot of critics of that particular conflict," Myers said. More
Baghdad Bomb Kills 2 Soldiers
By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, May 31, 2004 — Two Task Force 1st Armored Division soldiers died today in separate engagements south of Kufa, U.S. Central Command officials announced in a news release.
     One soldier was killed when his patrol was ambushed with small-arms fire, and the other was killed when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his tank during a patrol. More
Fallujah Quiet, But Insurgent Attacks Continue in Kufa, Najaf
Life Not Predictable, Rumsfeld Tells 935 New Army Officers
By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service
     WEST POINT, N.Y., May 29, 2004 — "Life is not predictable," Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told the newest second lieutenants in the U.S. Army today.
      Rumsfeld was the graduation speaker at the U.S. Military Academy. He told the 935 graduating members of the West Point Class of 2004 that when they arrived at the academy in July 2000, they probably thought the most challenging part of being an Army officer "would involve activities like enforcing the peace in the Balkans." More
Myers Tells Cadets: 'Sacrifice Is Part of the Job Description'
The New Iraq: Feature Section
The New Iraq: Buildup to Sovereignty
U.S. Will Retain Command of
Its Forces in Iraq, Powell Says
     WASHINGTON, May 27, 2004 — Secretary of State Colin Powell says that after the transfer of sovereignty from the Coalition Provisional Authority to an interim Iraqi government U.S. Forces will work with their Iraqi counterparts but remain under U.S. command. More   
Fact Sheet: The Transition to Iraqi Self-Government
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The New Iraq: Operation Iraqi Freedom
Coalition Provisional Authority Update
Time Line of Events in Iraq: 2003-2004
Legavy of Terror: Mass Graves
Today's Iraq: A Year of Progress
A Year in Iraq: The Mission (Flash photo slideshow)
On the Ground in Iraq Iraq's 55 Most Wanted Maps of Iraq
Iraq Daily Update
Weekly Progress Report (Adobe PDF slides)
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3 Tons of Weapons Turned
Over to Coalition Forces
     BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 31, 2004 — More than three tons of ordnance was turned into Coalition forces during a weapons rewards program in the Thawra district, according to Multinational Forces Iraq officials. The program, which began May 15, was aimed to disarm the local populace while infusing money into the economy." More
Investigation Concludes
Friendly Fire Killed Tillman
     WASHINGTON, May 29, 2004 – Friendly fire probably killed former National Football League star Army Cpl. Pat Tillman in Afghanistan on April 22, U.S. Central Command officials announced in a news release today.
     The release said that while an investigation made no specific finding of fault, the results indicate Tillman died "as a probable result of friendly fire while his unit was engaged in combat with enemy forces." More
Navy Secretary Visits
Sailors In North Arabian Gulf
     ABOARD USS YORKTOWN, At Sea, May 28, 2004 (NNS) — USS Yorktown, on deployment in the North Arabian Gulf, received a special visit from Secretary of the Navy Gordon England recently. The visit allowed England to personally express his appreciation to the sailors executing the Navy’s missions in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Market Time II, the maritime security operations in the North Arabian Gulf. More
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Defense Leaders Speak
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President George W. Bush
"On this Memorial Day, we honor all of our fallen soldiers, their commitment to our country, and their legacy of patriotism and sacrifice. By giving their lives in the cause of freedom, these heroes have protected and inspired all Americans."
Memorial Day 2004 Proclamation
Defense Views
Quotes by U.S. defense leaders
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Defense Officials Identify
Enduring Freedom Casualties
     WASHINGTON, May 31, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today the death of a sailor and three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. More
Defense Officials Identify
Iraqi Freedom Casualties
     WASHINGTON, May 31, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today the death of a soldier and a Marine who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. More
Honoring the Fallen
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Fallen Coast Guardsman
Remembered
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A lone Coast Guard Auxiliarist plays taps during the funeral of U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal at Arlington National Cemetery. Bruckenthal was the first Coast Guard casualty during Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class John Gaffney     MIAMI, FL., May 31, 2004 — A boat explosion in Iraq on April 24, 2004, inflicted the U.S. Coast Guard's first wartime loss of life since the Vietnam War. Friends say Nathan Bruckenthal, 24, dreamed of going to sea, serving his country and being in law enforcement. Last month, he died in pursuit of that dream.   Story
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Coalition Provisional Authority, The Path to Democracy
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The Coalition Bulletin - pdf document
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Saddam's Capture - A Video from Golf Troops' Perspective
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Fallen Warriors
 
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Rebuilding Iraq - banner image
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Iraqi Police Officers
Complete Management Course
    BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 28, 2004 — The Civilian Police Assistance Training Team graduated 30 Iraqi police officers from the Iraqi Justice Training Center’s inaugural Mid-Level Management Course May 27, 2004, as part of an ongoing effort to mentor and train the Iraqi Police Service.
     The course, conducted by Civilian Police Assistance Training Team civilian contractors in their endeavor to advance the efficiency and leadership skills of the Iraqi Police Service’s more seasoned personnel, runs officers through 12 days of training with experienced foreign former law enforcement officers. More
Salah Ad Din Province
Receives New Police Cars
U.S. Army Col. Randall Dragon, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Commander, presents Brig. Gen. Mazher Taha Ahmad, Salah Ad Din Chief of Police, with a key symbolizing the 24 police cars provided for Iraqi police in that province. U.S. Army photo      FORWARD OPERATING BASE DANGER, Iraq, May 28, 2004 — Iraqi police officers in the province of Salah Ad Din received a gift of 24 new police cars courtesy of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team in a ceremony May 20, 2004, at Forward Operating Base Orion, Balad, Iraq according to 1st Infantry Division officials.
     The cars went to police officers in several cities, including Tikrit, Balad and Samarra. More
Farmers' Unions in South Central
Iraq Attend Agricultural Conference
     HILLA, BABIL PROVINCE, Iraq, May 28, 2004 — Tribal leaders, farmers, and agricultural leaders from the South Central Region of Iraq attended an agricultural conference in Hilla, according to Coalition Provisional Authority officials. The group included farmers' union representatives from five provinces — Babil, Najaf, Karbala, Wasit, and Qadisiyah. More
Polish, Phillipine Militaries Distribute Medicine
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Terror Threat Means Business
As Usual for USNORTHCOM
By Merrie Schilter-Lowe / NORAD-USNORTHCOM Public Affairs
     PETERSON AFB, Colo., May 27, 2004 – While Attorney General John Ashcroft alerted Americans to possible terrorist attacks over the next few months, U.S. Northern Command officials said the command is continuing business as usual.
     “We’re not changing anything as of now,” said Col. Michael Bradley, chief of homeland defense in the command’s policy and planning division at Peterson Air Force Base. However, the colonel added, the command is ready to increase its efforts “if the threat drives us to a higher alert posture.” More
FBI Alert: Be on the Lookout For

Saddam Victims Honor U.S. Troops

By Donna Miles / American Forces Press Service
Army Spc. Patrick Moran, an 'Old Guard' soldier from the 3rd U.S. Infantry, helps members of the Iraqi delegation lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery on May 27 to honor U.S. service members killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photo by Donna Miles      ARLINGTON, Va., May 27, 2004 — As the sound of "Taps" wailed from Army Sgt. Major Henry Sgrecci's bugle today, seven Iraqi citizens pressed their new prosthetic hands against their hearts at the Tomb of the Unknowns here to honor U.S. service members who have given their lives in Iraq.
     The seven men, all Iraqi merchants, have been in the United States since mid- April to receive their new "bionic" hands to replace the ones amputated by former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein as punishment for trading in U.S. currency. More
Army Engineers Complete Well
Project for Djiboutian Villagers
By 1st Lt. Dan Bernath
Soldiers pump water form a well in Assamo, Djibouti. The soldiers are part of the U.S. Army's 322nd Engineer Detachment, well drillers, from Cincinnati. The 322nd is providing support with humanitarian missions for Combined Joint Task Forces-Horn of Africa in the ongoing global war on terrorism.     ASSAMO, Djibouti — Residents in this isolated area near the Ethiopian border have a reliable source of water thanks to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa service members, who finished construction of a community well May 20.
     Besides providing the only nearby source of water for an adjacent school attended by hundreds of local children, the 80-foot well will serve as an oasis to nomadic herders who pass through the village.  More
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War on Terrorism
Myers Girds Naval Academy Grads for Role in Terror War
Marine Transportation Unit Enhances Anti-Terror Capabilities
Eritrea Values Anti-Terrorism Partnership With U.S.
Armitage Says Success in Iraq Will Weaken al-Qaida
Iraq
President Thanks Denmark for Iraqi Freedom Troop Support
Soldiers Conduct Weapons 'Buy-Back' to Ease Tensions
Army's 'On Point' Shares Iraq Lessons Learned
U.S. Hopeful Iraqi-Brokered Peace Deal Will End Fighting
Military News
. Contract Flights to Resume for Rest and Recuperation Program
. National Guard, Reserve Update
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National Military Appreciation Month, May 2004
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THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! My son is serving in Iraq too & I just want all of our AMERICAN military to know our prayers are with you and come home soon. Proud Mom of a son in the UNITED STATES AIR FORCE! GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!
Gail Limas- Ontario, Calif.
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Deployments Show Fitness Pays Off
     KEYSTONE, Colo., May 28, 2004 — Qatar is not as hellishly hot in November and December as it is in July and August. But the 80- to 90-degree days and the 40- degree nights in that small desert land between Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf can raise havoc with people who are not physically fit. More
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America Pays Tribute to the Troops
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Pro Baseball Player
Spends Day as Airman
New York Mets pitcher Al Leiter     MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J., May 27, 2004 (AFPN) — Major League Baseball pitcher Al Leiter swapped his New York Mets uniform May 24 for an Air Force flight suit to become a boom operator here for a day. More
Boston Red Sox Honor Troops
USS John F. Kennedy
Welcomes the NFL
    MAYPORT, Fla., May 27, 2004 (NNS) — Capping off a two-day owners’ meeting in the Jacksonville, Fla. area, 30 National Football League team owners and Commissioner Paul Tagliabue gathered aboard USS John F. Kennedy May 25. More
starSign an On-line Thank You Note
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Afghanistan Update
U.N. Official Urges Increased
Security for Afghan Elections
    UNITED NATIONS, May 27, 2004 — Emphasizing the growing popular support and importance of the coming Afghan national elections, the chief U.N. representative in Afghanistan warned May 27 that "a robust international military presence in support of domestic security forces" is critical to carrying out successful elections. More
More Afghanistan News
Maps of Afghanistan
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Profile
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World War II Veteran
Lt. Michel Thomas
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World War II Veteran 
Lt. Michel Thomas      WASHINGTON, D.C., May 28, 2004 — As a lieutenant with the French Resistance, Michel Thomas battled tyranny alongside U.S. troops as an attached member of the 45th Infantry Division in World War II. More
U.S. Marine Corps
Sgt. Kenneth E. Farmer
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Marine Corps Sgt. Kenneth E. Farmer from Grants Pass, Ore. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte     AL ASAD, Iraq, May 28, 2004 — The two Marines at the watchtower surveyed the desert expanse squinting to protect their eyes against the bright rays of the midday sun. Their gear was set up perfectly, and each Marine's M-16A2 service rifle was locked, loaded and ready for any enemy attack.  More
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More Profiles
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On the Ground
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In Afghanistan
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Combat Engineers Vital to
Marines' Afghan Operations
     FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Afghanistan, May 26, 2004 — Lance Cpl. Michael Mason has a dirty, exhausting job. Carrying a rifle in one hand and an entrenching tool in the other, he trudges up and down the steep, rocky hills of south-central Afghanistan digging holes and climbing through holes and doorways far too small for his six-foot two-inch frame. More
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Marine Truck Drivers Tackle
Terrain to Keep Unit in Fight
A seven-ton truck emerges from a swollen pond in unusually plush terrain as a Humvee plows through the water during a resupply mission to elements of Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines participating in the hunt for Taliban insurgents and hidden weapons caches in Afghanistan's Oruzgan province. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks      FORWARD OPERATING BASE RIPLEY, Afghanistan, May 28, 2004 — Decades of war have left Afghanistan's civil infrastructure in shambles, and nowhere is this more evident than in the country's lack of roads and highways. More
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'On The Ground' Archive
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