I've waited several days before posting this to let my temper cool down a bit, and my blood pressure to return to normal. I watched the presentation of the Medal of Honor to SSgt Giunta by Pres. Obama recently, on both CNN and FOX News.

Since the Vietnam War, there have been 10 Medal of Honor recipients. SSgt Giunta is the first one living to receive it, the others were all posthumous presentations to the families. He is an extraordinary individual. His humility is very noticeable in his comments. While watching the presentation, I noticed that the first two rows of those present were filled by  Congressman and DOD officials. SSgt Giunta's family, the families of the soldiers killed in that action, along with members of SSgt Giunta's unit that were involved in the action, were all seated in the third and fourth rows.

That is what really pissed me off. The arrogance and disrespect shown by Obama and the congressman all looking for face time on TV, while the families and soldiers were given second class treatment. Don't tell me that Obama had no say over who sat where. After the presentation concluded, Obama began shaking the hands,and greeting those in the first two rows. Like he doesn't see those assholes every day. Say what you want about GWB, he would never tolerate such gross disrespect by members of congress and the DOD during a ceremony such as that.

In fact, the reverse is true. The Chaiman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, all the Service Chiefs of Staff, general officers, colonels, majors, whatever, are required to salute, and honor anyone that was awarded the Medal of Honor, even if he is a PFC.  

After Viet Nam, the Dems learned to moderate their dislike of the military.  In fact, the Dems
generally dislike the military, but know they have to go through the motions.  That is why Bill Clinton originally was willing to say he detested the military, until he started running for office.


Okay. Let's take care of stupid comments now: Yes, there are exceptions. There are exceptions to every rule.  But this is the general world view.  

Here's a little challenge:  Find anything in Obama's career prior to the time when he began to  lood for a national office when he did anything pro-military.  If someone knows how,see if his appointments are on line for the three years of Veterans Day before he became Senator.

And here is the next challenge.  the possessive plural of words is usually formed by an appostorphe after the last letter of the noun.  One writes "the students' dorm."  If this is a day for vets, why isn't it "Veterans' Day?"
(There are two correct answers.)

Congress, rather than the President. After all, it is their medal, hence they more than likely set up the seating arrangement, and the President only presented the medal in their name.

Having been a member of several honor guards and color guards while in the service, it was my observation that Congressmen and women are not accustomed to taking a back seat to anyone. And, I can imagine it's even more so when it's their show.

"The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress."

-- Modified on 12/12/2010 9:46:47 PM

-- Modified on 12/12/2010 9:48:12 PM

doesn't care about getting any glory. We all know the deal when we enter service, politicians get the glory and the guys in the trenches, well we have each other. What you said though was absolutely dead on, Obama showed disrespect to the families and the soldiers. It was dispicable.

On recent interview with President George W. Bush he said his greatest honor was being Commander-in-Chief. GWB had it right. I wonder though my friend, if Obama was being disrespectful or he simply does not know the military protocol? Then again, he should ask.

Excellent post.

That's like rewarding or recognizing someone's perfect body weight with the Michael Moore medal.  Give me a break.  A man like that deserves some sort of hero award, not a reward named after a bunch elected politicians.

which is maintained by the "Congressional Medal of Honor society. Which, if you want to be better informed, was created by the U.S. Congress, in 1950, to honor the CMOH recipients, (the Society that is, not the website).
You do know how to google, right?

The correct name is the "Medal of Honor".