For those not signed up on the Affinity Tree, Bro. Paul Griffin sent out the following:
Greeting on this Memorial Day 2006,
Throughout our history, the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States have placed the security of our Nation before their own safety. America will be forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. On Memorial Day, we honor those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
We are especially proud of our brothers the men of Phi Beta Sigma who wear the uniform each and everyday. Sigma men are among the many that have paid the ultimate price defending the ideals of our great nation. We salute those who lost their lives in the defense of freedom helped protect our citizens and lay the foundation of peace for people everywhere. On Memorial Day, a grateful Fraternity pays tribute to their personal courage, love of country, and dedication to duty.
This debt of gratitude extends also to the families who stood by our Brothers during times of war and times of peace. Each of the fallen has left behind loved ones who carry a burden of grief, and all the members of this great Fraternity are inspired by the strength of these families.
Let us pray this day for peace around the world, and continued support of our great brotherhood to military brothers around the world. Have a blessed and safe Memorial Day.
Paul L. Griffin, Jr.
32nd International President
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Dear Brothers: We should be grateful to our brothers who have contributed to our safety. But we should also be critical of wrongs which have been committed by our troops and our government in Iraq and elsewhere. A good American patriot is one who upholds the democratic and humanitarian values for which our country has stood against the massive misuses which are being perpetrated today. We miss this critical note in Bro. Griffin’s meesage. With best fraternal wishes.
I agree with you 110%. You are right on point. We need to stop being so naive and start questioning the actions and motives of this government. When it comes to many issues and decisions of the Bush “regime”, we have been and continue to be lied to. However, the Democratic Party and the citizens of this country have rolled over and played dead for far too long. Support of our men and women is a given. However, support of the war is a totally seperate issue. Too many lives have been lost and/or altered uneccessarily. the casualties on our end are approaching 3,000 and they do not even talk about Iraq’s casualties. Which i am sure is in the six figures. With large numbers of innocent victims.