I am strongly opposed to the conflict (”war”) in Iraq and what I believe to be the politics of deception that took us there.
But that said, for me, opposing the fight and supporting the troops are not opposites. For me they are parallel, synchronous thoughts and feelings.
There is a video on YouTube which was put together by Lizzie Palmer (with some help).
Lizzie is 15 years old. She uses the YouTube handle of FlutieCutie.
Here is some info about Lizzie
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=FlutieCutie
She has made many “tribute” videos about the military.
This particular one, uploaded more than six months ago (12.Nov.2006) is experiencing lots of internet fame. In part because of it’s appearances on conservative blogs and lists, it has now been viewed more than 6.6 Million times.
But it isn’t just on conservative blogs and lists. Like I said, I oppose the war.
Frequently, the young remind us of what we knew when we were young … and what we fail to remember in the hub-ub of adultness.
I recommend you get a box of tissues.
Large version
http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1
Smaller screen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ervaMPt4Ha0
I really liked the video by Lizzie…impressive work for a 15 year old.
It gets the point across…that they are just doing a “job” and everything else is the same feelings and needs each of us experience everyday.
Thanks for finding this and putting it on your blog.
May 24th, 2007 | #
I think Lizzie did an amazing job putting together pictures that display he sad truth about what many Americans have lost in order to continue to fight this war. My thoughts and prayers are with ALL of the men, women and families of those serving. Thank you!
I Remember !!!!
May 29th, 2007 | #
She forgot to mention that they are all volunteers. They joined to defend America and got sent to Iraq in stead. Boo hoo.
May 29th, 2007 | #
I thank you so much for the video. I will become more involved with support for our boys. I cannot believe everyone cannot see this is about our boys. Pollitics does not belong on the battlefield. You have made that very clear, thank you.
Connie Gerhardt
Marion, Illinois
June 3rd, 2007 | #
Avrum Halevi is right , they are volunteers. but he forgets they are defending his rights and opinions as well as ours. The added Boo Hoo shows a total lack of understanding about the whole concept. The fact that the troops are volunteer, makes it it all the more moving.
June 9th, 2007 | #
Hi, Recently saw Remember Me video and loved it. What a great job! So touching and emotional. This is a difficult war to say the least but we must support our troops. I believe that history will ultimately show this battleground and era to be critical to our survival as the freest nation on earth. Thank you Lizzie
June 13th, 2007 | #
Lizzie,
I found your video to be very touching. I appreciate your feelings about this war, but the fact that you focused on the troops and not your opinion demonstrates a maturity beyond a lot of us. My nephews were in Iraq several years ago and I work with women whose husbands and relatives have served. I do appreciate their service and pray for their safety and quick return home. Thank you for this touching video. Keep up the good work!
July 6th, 2007 | #
Lizzie, I currently have 10 years of active service in the military and I proudly serve everyday. It is moving to me that someone like yourself was able to get deep into our feelings and express them to others across america. I have spent alote of time NOT at home the last 5 years and sometimes it helps make me feel better that someone cares about what we are doing, As for Avrum Halevi- well they should be deported. I did volunteer, but how are you going to make such a statement when I’m defending your every freedom. I love my country and appreciate it everyday. Some people need to wake up cause my brothers and sisters fight and die everyday to protect the Constitution of the United States and are FREEDOM!!!!! God Bless America
July 14th, 2007 | #
Lizzie, Remember Me is an absolutely beautiful and emotional video. Well done!
In 2003, my wife and I created a volunteer program called the Angels of Mercy Program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to help our wounded military and their families . It has become highly recognized and honored. Our web site is http://SupportOurWounded.org. I have posted a link to your video on the site. Hope you approve of this. I am concerned that support for our wounded is decreasing. More people need to get involved in helping these men and women. Any help you can provide in directing people to the web site would be very helpful to our wounded men and women.
August 22nd, 2007 | #
Lizzie has more backbone at 15, than Avrum Halevi, will ever have. Thank you for taking a stance Lizzie, and actually DOING something.
August 25th, 2007 | #
Lizzie,
The “Remember Me” video you created was awesome! It touched me in many ways. I’m glad you gave your time to speak up. I have relatives in Iraq and when I saw your video I broke into hysterical tears. I’ve heard so many people put down our troops and I was thinking about needing more people to speak up on our troops behalf and then your video came along. I’m speachless. All I can say is… Thank You!
November 13th, 2007 | #
Thank you Lizzie. I wish those returning from Viet Nam could have had some one like you to voice the appreciation that you have. It is a shame that some americans (like Jane Fonda) did not realize we were just doing our job when called upon as young americans. I see very little difference in then and now.
Thanks again for your support.
Mike CW4
Viet Nam 1969-70
December 9th, 2007 | #
Miss Lizzie,
I was sent the access to your youTube video via e-mail from my cousin Bob who is a retired now but who is and has been for most of his life a big, bad, homocide investigator in Dade County Florida. In his career, he has probably seen a large amount of what could be considered the worst actions humanity can perpitrate on each other. The fact that he was so impressed by, deeply touched by, emotionally impacted by your video of his heroes in life reveals a huge reaction from him that no one else could reach. And after experiencing your video, I can truely feel his feelings with him.
Excellent job Lizzie. Good to know your in the world.
December 25th, 2007 | #
I would like to purchase a copy of Lizzie Palamer–”Remember Me” for our church, how do I go about that.
Thank you—-Gerald Kubicek
February 8th, 2008 | #
Lizzie,
Proud of you for this tribute to our men and women in uniform. Whatever political beliefs one holds, they serve us well as do not have the luxury of choosing their assignments. It is a selfless and noble profession and we should be proud of them.
Kent & Patti Munro
Proud parents of a US Marine.
February 23rd, 2008 | #
I went to high school with Lizzie and although I graduated in 2007 and she will be a senior this coming year, she is one of my best friends from high school. Lizzie has nothing but the utmost respect for soldiers who everyday fight to protect our freedom and she plans to join the army after graduation. I am truly blessed to be able to call her a friend.
August 6th, 2008 | #
I’m a Vet from Desert Storm and have said very little about my time there in 1991. Today was the first I ever shed tears remembering that place and after seeing your video I realize there are young people in this country who appreciate the Armed Forces who are protecting our great country everyday. Thank you Miss Palmer for restoring my faith in our coming generations who won’t forget us but remember why it is they are still free.
August 7th, 2008 | #