Help Wanted: A Flight of Angels

Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy
February 22, 1932 – August 25, 2009

We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of America's finest sons, Edward Kennedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, colleagues and his devoted staffers. Life without him is unimaginable as I've spent a life time listening for his stand on issues, forming my own political views using his positions as a litmus test for fighting the good fight. It was his voice, the voice of reason , I listened to during times of national debate and his voice, a comfort, during national crisis. Now I just don't know who I will listen to.

I wrote to Sen. Kennedy and spoke with his staff regularly stressing the timeliness of obtaining Liberator status, never thinking Sen. Kennedy would be leaving us. Seeing President Obama's motorcade go by my house yesterday I had an epiphany, thinking, hoping that the stars had finally aligned and that this was the moment that I could catch the President's attention. So I rushed about quickly painting a sign and placed it and myself at the edge of the road he had just traveled, certain he would see the sign and take action. What better way to honor his friend and mentor? I sat and waited. The motorcade never did go past as they left East Chop by a different route, so I trudged home with my sign, utterly deflated, defeated on such a sad, sad day.

I thought of my grandmother, Catherine Cowley and her great admiration for the Kennedys and then realized what she would tell me to do- light a candle and pray to St. Jude. St. Jude, the saint of impossible situations, the same saint she prayed to for my father's safe return from the war. The same saint she prayed to for me and my family during difficult times. So I lit a candle. I lit a candle and prayed for Ted, for his family and friends, for our country without him, and for the President to become aware of the 94th and write an Executive Order to grant the 94th Liberator status.

I think Ted would like that.

"I Think We're Gonna Get It !"

For those who may have missed Imus In The Morning today, here are the developments on the campaign for Liberator status for the 94th that occurred during today's show.

Craig Crawford appeared first and mentioned a few of the developments on the campaign in the midst of talking about his efforts to quite smoking. Senator Kerry followed as a guest.

As most of you know, Imus continues to work tirelessly for our vets to receive the proper health care they deserve.

This morning he was speaking to Sen. Kerry about "a situation at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Philadelphia in which 92 of 116 prostate cancer procedures that were performed by one doctor in particular, and apparently a couple of others which were screwed up by the doctor and in handling by the VA hospital"

Sen. Kerry replied " I've missed that , I've not seen that study, but I'll grab it, I'll will get that after this show.

Imus said, "You see, we need someone like you to look into it cause you'll actually do it."

Sen. Kerry replied, "Well, I will look into it and incidentally I'm doing my homework, we're working with the United States Center for US Military History on the Liberation status for the 94th Infantry division and I think we're going to get it"

Imus- "I know, I spoke with Craig Crawford earlier this morning and he said that you and Sen. Kennedy both actually followed up on that" then joshingly said "I said even though Sen. Kerry is wrong about almost everything he should still be president because he actually will do what he says he's going to do."

We agree wholeheartedly with Imus that Sen. Kerry does do what he says he is going to do, and that he and Senator Kennedy are exemplary advocates of our veterans while Craig Craword keeps the issue before the public. Thank you Sen. Kerry, Imus and Craig Crawford for your continued support and efforts to see that the soldiers of the 94th receive the honor long due them.

The Imus In The Morning show tomorrow, June 24, will feature appearances by Congressional Quarterly Columnist, Craig Crawford, and Senator John Kerry. Senator Kerry along with Senator Kennedy has been one of the forces behind gaining liberator status for the 94th Infantry while Mr. Crawford has brought the issue to the public through his column.

If you would like to Listen live on line tune to WABC from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM East Coast Time.

Kennedy & Kerry Join Forces

Buchenwald 1945

UPDATE ON MISSION
by Kathleen Cowley

Tristan Takos, the superb military liaison from Senator Kennedy's office called yesterday to let us know that they and Senator Kerry's office are drafting a joint letter to be sent to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates this Wednesday, May 13. She explained that they must follow protocol and contact him before approaching the President to request an Executive Order. Senators Kennedy and Kerry remain committed to gaining liberator status for the 94th Infantry as soon as possible with a goal of declaration by Memorial Day.

Jamie White, this web site's editor, has pointed out that we hope the recognition of the 94th as a Liberating Unit will closely coincide with President Obama's upcoming visit to Buchenwald during the trip to France and Germany for the 65th anniversary of D-Day. It would be marvelously fitting for President Obama to honor the 94th Infantry Division as representative of all the liberators and the victims of the Holocaust prior to that trip. The fact that it is the 65th anniversary of D-Day points out just how crucial time is getting to be for the men of the 94th.

Our sincerest thanks to Senators Kennedy, Kerry, and your marvelous staffers for your dedication to the soldiers of the 94th Infantry Division and the untold victims of the Holocaust!