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1 Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Fr. Patrick McDonagh Assembly #2557 DECEMBER 2015 Navigator: SK Jerry Padgett Captain: SK Dominick Costanzo Spiritual Advisor: Deacon SK Terry Reibenspies Pilot: SK John MacKensie Admiral: SK Marino Robles, PFN Comptroller: SK Jerry Myszkowski Purser: SK Dave Tellez Scribe: SK Nick Wirtz 1 Year Trustee: SK Norm Ouellette, PFN 2 Year Trustee: SK Anthony Rodriguez, PFN 3 Year Trustee: SK Dan Owens, PFN Sentinels: SK Ray Wargo SK Fred Valdez SK Bob Smith Newsletter Editor: SK Herman Conant, PFN Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your servant Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen Our Father Hail Mary Glory be to the Father ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATTENTION: IF YOU STILL NEED CHRISTMAS CARDS PLEASE SEE SK NORM OUELLETTE
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Page 1: DECEMBER 2015 Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed ... · 12/12/2015  · Newsletter Editor: SK Herman Conant, PFN Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney

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Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree

Fr. Patrick McDonagh Assembly #2557

DECEMBER 2015

Navigator: SK Jerry Padgett Captain: SK Dominick Costanzo Spiritual Advisor: Deacon SK Terry Reibenspies

Pilot: SK John MacKensie

Admiral: SK Marino Robles, PFN

Comptroller: SK Jerry Myszkowski Purser: SK Dave Tellez

Scribe: SK Nick Wirtz

1 Year Trustee: SK Norm Ouellette, PFN 2 Year Trustee: SK Anthony Rodriguez, PFN 3 Year Trustee: SK Dan Owens, PFN

Sentinels: SK Ray Wargo SK Fred Valdez SK Bob Smith

Newsletter Editor: SK Herman Conant, PFN

Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your servant Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Our Father Hail Mary Glory be to the Father ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ATTENTION:

IF YOU STILL NEED CHRISTMAS CARDS

PLEASE SEE SK NORM OUELLETTE

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“KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS” To all our Brother Knights and their families around the world

have a Holy and Blessed Christmas

Nativity scene in lights on the banks of the Cane River Lake in Natchitoches, Louisiana

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Deacon’s Corner, SK Terry Reibenspies Jubilee Of Mercy As we know the church is about to embark on a Holy Year of Mercy, starting with the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, 2015, and going through the Solemnity of Christ the King, 2016. How do we prepare for the Jubilee of Mercy? The diary of St. Faustina Kowalska - Divine Mercy in My Soul - is a good starting point. In her diary, St. Faustina records that Jesus Himself provided three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: “the first - by deed; the second - by word; the third - by prayer. In these degrees is contained the fullness of mercy” (742) BY DEED

Pope Francis writes, “It is my burning desire that, during this Jubilee, the Christian people may reflect on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. It will be a way to reawaken our conscience, too often grown dull in the face of poverty.” Brother Knights, we must take it upon ourselves to know and practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. BY WORD As knights we must spread the word of God to others, especially those who do not know Him. Jesus’ words to St. Faustina: “I grant you as many graces as you can hold. As often as want to make Me happy, speak to the world about My great and unfathomable mercy.” In this Jubilee year, spreading devotion to the merciful heart of Jesus will be a total outpouring of mercy on humanity. BY PRAYER Doing Works of Mercy is vital, but without prayer, we run the risk of becoming simply good-willed social workers during the Jubilee of Mercy. This year we must develop a prayer life so powerful that we will receive as much, but only as much as we ardently desire and ask for. We must ask for great mercy. And so brother Knights, let us go out into the world spreading mercy by “deed”, “word”, and “prayer”. Deacon Terry

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SK Cliff Wirtz Worthy District Deputy for District 79

Brothers,

If you have not already done so, you should be gearing up for the poster

contest. The Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest allows young people to

engage their creative talents while remembering the true meaning of

Christmas. The contest is open to young people

ages 5-14 and divided into three age groups. I would encourage you to

contact your Religious Ed office or parish school to take part as this is a good

way to introduce the Knights to the fathers of contestants who may be potential candidates for

membership. For information on the contest or to order material, visit knightsgear.com,

kofc.org/forms or call 203-752- 4016. With Winter fast approaching you also can contact

Knightsgear.com for the Coats For Kids information. Sadly, many children face the prospect of

going without a warm coat. Providing kids with warm coats is the goal of the Coats for Kids

program. Councils that fulfill all the requirements of this “featured program” purchasing and

distributing at least eight cases of coats - will fulfill all four requirements of the Youth Activity

category for the Columbian Award. This something your council or your individual family

should do. You can purchase high-quality, brand new winter coats for boys and girls. Coats are

available in boxes of 12 (boys or girls) and contain the following youth sizes: 2 small, 4 medium,

4 large and 2 extra large for only $220!

Last month Archbishop Jose Gomez called on the Knights to take on the petition drive for

the referendum to overturn the horrible assisted suicide bill that our “Catholic” Governor

signed. I am proud that we had nearly 100 participation in our district and we got over 2,000

signatures.

Let’s keep working on those membership numbers, as the Columbian year is nearly half

over. Wear those badges each week at mass and keep a form 100 handy at all times! Our next

first Degree will be Wednesday, December 9th at Council 5803 hall in Simi Valley. We will also

have a 2nd degree coming up in anticipation of the 3rd degree on January 30th in Oxnard.

As the holiday season is upon us, please remember this is not always a happy time for

others.. Please pick up the phone and call a widow of a deceased brother. Ask your pastor what

you can do for those most in need. I wish each of you and your families a good Advent season.

May God bless you and your loved ones and may He comfort any of you in physical or

mental distress.

Cliff Wirtz

District Deputy – 79

805-208-8970

[email protected]

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SK Jerry Padgett Faithful Navigator

Congratulations to our 8 new 4th Degree Sir Knights! As usual our hospitality

room was the best thanks to Jerry and Nita and the rest of their crew that

helped get things prepared and set up and also helped to put everything back

in its place on Sunday morning. Hope all was well over the Thanksgiving

holiday. Advent has started, Christmas is on the way, and we should all be

preparing our hearts and our lives for Christ’s birthday. We will not be having

the Rosary or our regular meeting on 12/16/15, the third Wednesday in

December. However, we will be having an officers’ meeting that day at 6:30

pm. The next scheduled meeting day will be Wednesday 1/13/16, with the

officers’ meeting at 7, Rosary at 7:30, with the regular general meeting at 8 pm. Remind your wife to

RSVP by 12/7/15 for the always well-attended Christmas party to be held on 12/12/15 at the hall at 5:30

pm. Please don’t forget the toy giveaway on Saturday 12/19/15. 8 am is set up time. Tony

DeMarco will need help on Friday the 18th and he will let you know the time later. Don’t forget Sunday

1/10/16 at 9am is our next family mass. Thank you Sir Knights and your families for all your help

both in and around the church.

God Bless! FN Jerry Padgett

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHALICE PROGRAM

We still have 43 active members with 26 members that have selected a recipient. That leaves 39% of the active members that have NOT selected a recipient. This is a gradual improvement in the overall percentage of Chalice Program members selecting recipients but it is still too low. Select a recipient soon and notify me or the Faithful Navigator so he may relay the information to me. You may always change your recipient if desired. Possible recipients are your home parish, favorite Parish or Priest, or other religious organization that may celebrate a mass.

Remember the words of the First degree that we all were a part of; "Tempus Fugit, Memento Mori" meaning time flies, remember death. Don't leave the selection of a recipient to your family after your passing.

The current financial report shows a total balance of over $4000. That is good news. We hope that we won’t have a need for that money anytime soon. We have NO planned upcoming expenses. We keep 3 Chalices (partially engraved) on-hand for immediate use when the need arises.

SK Bill Alexander --- Chairman, Chalice Program ---- 527-4720

KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

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Jim Krebs Fundraiser

My Brothers and Family Members,

As many of you are aware, we recently held a fundraising event for Brother Knight Jim Krebs at our hall at a Monday Night football game. Jim had just undergone a liver transplant and was in the hospital recovering.

Due to your great generosity, we were able to raise over $7200.00 that evening. Since that event, I was contacted by Tony Gammeriello who advised me that the church had also received donations from parishioners that had been made aware of our event. We received almost $1200.00 from these donations which brought up the total to almost $8400.00.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your kindness and generosity to the Krebs family, and once again showing what the Knights of Columbus is really all about.

This would have never taken place without the tireless work in preparing the great meal we had which was prepared by Tony Bonomo his wife Patty and daughter Ali, Tony Loniero, Jim and Linda Fabry, Al and Jo McKinley, John and Remi Mackenzie, and Grand Knight Bob Spielman. A heartfelt thank you to all of you.

I would also like to add a special thanks to Bill and Sharon Martin who passed around the fire boots for substantial contributions for the evening.

Thank you all,

God Bless you,

Ron Huerth

KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

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Bereavement & Fraternal Report.

Hi my Brothers and their Families;

Our Brother Cody Gorecki has had a serious motorcycle accident in Oregon. Cody's parents John and Jodi are at Cody's side. Please pray for the entire family during his current hospitalization and treatment. This may take an extended treatment and recovery period. Brother Andy Budinski has been hospitalized again for further treatment. Please continue your prayers for Andy and his family. Our brother Jim Krebs received his replacement Liver and a Bowel repair. On Monday November16th, there was a fundraising Dinner for the family. Besides our donations we need to continue prayers for Jim's recovery/rehab and his family. Glad to hear that Barbara Prete [PGK Andy ‘s wife] is home and recuperating from an operation. Sarah Spencer (in Los Robles Hospital since last Wednesday, with complications) and Sir Knight Paul Spencer ( husband , recent testing ) Sorry to hear that Josephine Viera 99 year old young lady, the Mother in law of Nick Gomes and Jesus Arellano the Father in Law of Eddie Perez passed away recently. Our Love and Prayers go out to them both and also the Viera , Gomes, Arellano , and the Perez families in their loss.

Let’s not forget those that need are prayers also PGK Al Coster, Rachel McCracken Congestive heart

Failure [PGK John’s Wife ], Ralph Rodgers [operation], James Brandt [Dave Tellez Son in Law], Colleen

Small [Jim’s Wife] Chris Smith Cancer [ Bob Smith’s cousin ], PDD & PGK Bill Williams is in an assisted living home in 1000 Oaks, and Andrew Cicoria, Pat and Jan Moran, John Linscott PGK, Jan Strojeck Heart attack [Deceased PGK Gene Strojeck wife], PGK John Mitchell, Jerry Wirtz [PGK. Cliff Wirtz’s brother], Richard Case, Robert Goerich, Andrew Budinski, Tyler Ritch, Harold "Chris Lev Jr., Pat Silvestri, Michael Wilkomm, Afra Rodgers [Ralph’s wife], Tom Susan’s [son of deceased brother Tom Susan’s] , Lois Huerth [PGK Ron’s wife], Dan & Carmel Kelly ,Paul Friedeborn Family, Kittie Fidermutz [Lonnie Todd's Daughter], John Erickson [Fred’s son], Cathy Sullivan [Patrick’s Wife], Emily Como [Paul’s wife], Julia Mora [Joe Lopez’s Daughter], Peggy Giarrussio [Gerald's Wife] , Dante Ferrari [Patrick Ferrari son], Chelsea White { Deceased brother Jack's Granddaughter], Isabelle McCabe [Doug Conant’s niece] Greg Cassidy, Bernice Hansen, and Debbie Hollar. Chloe’ Conant (Doug Conant’s wife).

Please forgive me if I omitted anyone needing prayers. There have been many requests for new or continuing prayers and know that they are in our hearts.

Please continue praying for our serviceman and women as they continue to serve through out the world, helping to maintain peace and the ideals of our country. My Brothers, if you know of someone in your family, or a friend who is in ill health, who needs our prayers, please give us a call at the phone numbers below to let us know.

Peace and God Blessings always,

PGK Al & Jo McKinley 527-2056 PGK Bill & Lori Alexander 527-4720 PGK Ron Huerth 526-4935

KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

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PRAYERS FOR ROSE DEFRISCO

Rose DeFrisco is the wife of Brother Sir Knight Sam Defrisco. She is suffering from a genetic

kidney disease that has destroyed her kidneys. She is in desperate need of a kidney transplant.

Please read the attached flyer to see how you can help.Please keep Rose and her family in

your prayers.

My Mom, Rose needs your help in finding a "living kidney donor". You see Mom inherited a genetic kidney disease that rapidly destroyed her kidneys this year. She spent the better part of 2014 in and out of hospitals before her kidneys finally gave out......now she is left with only two options (1) get a kidney transplant, or (2) spend the rest of her life on dialysis. While kidney transplant is the superior quality of life choice it can be challenging with over 83,000 people waiting ahead of her on the national kidney transplant list. Sorry to say the average wait on this list can be 5 years - or more. However, there is a bright side to this scenario .....over 6,000 people a year in the US donates a kidney to a person in need........through "living donation" a healthy person can donate one of their kidneys while they are still living. Living kidney donors are truly the "energizer bunnies" of human kindness as their donation keeps on giving a "daily dose" of life. To find out more about Rose and how you might be of help please visit our website http://pro jectrosegarden.com "Finding a Kidney for Rose" or feel free to e-mail us directly at samdefrisco@ msn.com or [email protected]

Sincerely, Joanne DeFrisco - Breen

KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

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Knights of Columbus Bowling League

Our 2015-2016 season started on Thursday Sept 10th. We will bowl with 10 teams of 4 bowlers per team this season. I will give updates occasionally if something significant happens.Think about joining us this season as a sub, or add your name to the wait list for a regular position. We can always use subs. Only $3 for a sub after you pay your USBC Sanctioning fees of $20 (estimated). Let me know if you are interested in joining as a regular bowler or substitute. Returning bowlers have priority on being a regular again. Additional new regular bowlers will be asked/allowed to bowl with the following order: being a Knight, a Knight's spouse, or part of a Knight's family (age 18 and older). Friends, neighbors, coworkers or others with an existing regular bowler as a sponsor will be considered as space allows. SK Bill Alexander PGK ~~~Bowling League President

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Upcoming Knights of Columbus Cruise

As our cruise draws near I would like to give you an update. Currently we have 18couples and 3 singles booked. We have a meeting scheduled for December 6th to hand out ticket packages to our cruisers. When you read this article we will have about 6 weeks before we sail.

We sail on Monday, January 18, 2016 returning on Friday, January 22, 2016. We sail on the Crown Princess from San Pedro, a day at sea, stopping in Santa Barbara, then on to a stop in Ensenada Mexico, then back to San Pedro.

This has been a big hit so we may plan another cruise for the Knights, families and friends in the future (about 3 - 5 years).

SK Bill Alexander PGK

Cruise Coordinator

805-527-4720

KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

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INSURANCE Scrooge Didn’t Believe We can all remember the story of Scrooge and his failure to believe in the

spirit of Christmas. To all but the Scrooges of the world, the celebration of

the birth of Christ brings with it a warm feeling of family ties, a joy and

pleasure that our faith brings to others.

That same warm feeling comes from owning life insurance. Just knowing

that, because of what you have planned, your loved ones will have joys

and comforts for years to come if something should happen to you.

I don’t think Scrooge would have believed in life insurance either, but men of good will do. And

the world is a better place because of them. Through life insurance, they know that comfort

and security will not be for only one day, but instead, a gift that will provide for their loved ones

for years to come.

This Christmas, give a gift of security and protection. I hope to hear from you.

Happy and Holy Holidays to all of you,

Fraternally,

Willie Romero FICF

SUPREME INSURANCE FIELD AGENT 805-522-1961 Cell: 813-6707

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

PRAYER FOR THE SICK

Almighty and Eternal God, You are the everlasting health of those who believe

in You. Hear us for Your sick servants for whom we implore the aid of Your

tender mercy, that being restored to bodily health, he may give thanks to You in

Your Church.

KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

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Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Fr. Patrick McDonagh Assembly #2557 MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 2015

JP-salutation table was put in (meeting started.)

Travel cards were checked (everything checked out.) Pledge of allegiance was done Deacon Terry- gave the Lord’s Prayer Friar report- Dn. Terry stated that the Knights of Columbus’s help during the pope’s visit was greatly appreciated. The Scribes report was given. Last month’s minutes were read. Reading of Bills (Scribe)-Wheelchair association thanked us for our contribution with a card Myszkowski Account report.-bills/expenses were read, casino knight was discussed, shipping charges for 4th degree applications were given out. Comptroller- Asked the council to please get any money to him for exemplification by the 23rd. Purser report- discussed the 4th degrees and went over what was in the account Color corps commander- There was a funeral for Marianne Walinski. Callout for D.C. Regalia might be changed to different attire (Protests in chamber ensue.) Need color corps for exemplification. Veterans Day event on Nov 11th. All souls day on Nov 2nd Wooden statue of Fr McGivney 4th degree proposed on buying 75$ Reading of applications- one new application (for exemplification) Unfinished business- none Ron Hearth- Monday night Football has been successful so far. Veteran of the Month- Dave Lavoie (for October) Awards Good of the order name chosen was absent Attendance of Officers. Navigator: SK Jerry Padgett (P) Captain: SK Dominick Costanzo (P) Spiritual Advisor: Deacon SK Terry Reibenspies (P) Pilot: SK John MacKensie (P) Admiral: SK Marino Robles, PFN (P) Comptroller: SK Jerry Myszkowski (P) Purser: SK Dave Tellez (P) Scribe: SK Nick Wirtz (P) 1 Year Trustee: SK Norm Ouellette, PFN (E) 2 Year Trustee: SK Anthony Rodriguez, PFN (P) 3 Year Trustee: SK Dan Owens, PFN (P) Sentinels: SK Ray Wargo (P) SK Fred Valdez (P) SK Bob Smith (P) Newsletter Editor: SK Herman Conant, PFN Sick Role call Please pray for those on the list.Maryann Wolinski John Linscott Robert Goersch Dominic Costanzo Theresa Hansen Cliff Wirtz Al McKinley Robert Grondin Fr. Jim Maher Eric Walker John Erikson James Brandt Bill Spielman Cindy Owens Richard Case Nancy King Maryann King Joann Bcconel Jim Krebs Carl Wolinski Don / Carmela Kelly Irene Canfield Philip Vejar

Meeting was closed.

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The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery stands atop a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. On March 4, 1921, Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier from World War I in the plaza of the new Memorial Amphitheater.

The white marble sarcophagus has a flat-faced form and is relieved at the corners and along the sides by neo-classic pilasters, or columns, set into the surface. Sculpted into the east panel which faces Washington, D.C., are three Greek figures representing Peace, Victory, and Valor. The six wreaths, three sculpted on each side, represent the six major campaigns of World War I. Inscribed on the back of the Tomb are the words: Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God The Tomb sarcophagus was placed above the grave of the Unknown Soldier of World War I. West of the World War I Unknown are the crypts of unknowns from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Those three graves are marked with white marble slabs flush with the plaza. The Unknown of World War I On Memorial Day, 1921, four unknowns were exhumed from four World War I American cemeteries in France. U.S. Army Sgt. Edward F. Younger, who was wounded in combat, highly decorated for valor and received the Distinguished Service Medal in "The Great War, the war to end all wars," selected the Unknown Soldier of World War I from four identical caskets at the city hall in Chalons-sur-Marne, France, Oct. 24, 1921. Sgt. Younger selected the unknown by placing a spray of white roses on one of the caskets. He chose the third casket from the left. The chosen unknown soldier was transported to the United States aboard the USS Olympia. Those remaining were interred in the Meuse Argonne Cemetery, France. The Unknown Soldier lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda from his arrival in the United States until Armistice Day, 1921. On Nov. 11, 1921, President Warren G. Harding officiated at the interment ceremonies at the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery. The Unknown of World War II and Korea On Aug. 3, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill to select and pay tribute to the unknowns of World War II and Korea. The selection ceremonies and the interment of these unknowns took place in 1958. The World War II Unknown was selected from remains exhumed from cemeteries in Europe, Africa, Hawaii and the Philippines. Two unknowns from World War II, one from the European Theater and one from the Pacific Theater, were placed in identical caskets and taken aboard the USS Canberra, a guided-missile cruiser resting off the Virginia capes. Navy Hospitalman 1st Class William R. Charette, then the Navy's only active-duty Medal of Honor recipient, selected the Unknown Soldier of World War II. The remaining casket received a solemn burial at sea. Four unknown Americans who died in the Korean War were disinterred from the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. Army Master Sgt. Ned Lyle made the final selection. Both caskets arrived in Washington May 28, 1958, where they lay in the Capitol Rotunda until May 30. That morning, they were carried on caissons to Arlington National Cemetery. President Eisenhower awarded each the Medal of Honor, and the Unknowns were interred in the plaza beside their World War I comrade.

CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE

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The Unknown of Vietnam The Unknown service member from the Vietnam War was designated by Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Allan Jay Kellogg Jr. during a ceremony at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, May 17, 1984. The Vietnam Unknown was transported aboard the USS Brewton to Alameda Naval Base, Calif. The remains were sent to Travis Air Force Base, Calif., May 24. The Vietnam Unknown arrived at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., the next day. Many Vietnam veterans and President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan visited the Vietnam Unknown in the U.S. Capitol. An Army caisson carried the Vietnam Unknown from the Capitol to the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 28, 1984. President Reagan presided over the funeral, and presented the Medal of Honor to the Vietnam Unknown.

The president also acted as next of kin by accepting the interment flag at the end of the ceremony. The interment flags of all Unknowns at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are on view in the Memorial Display Room. The Memorial Bridge leading from Washington, D.C., to Virginia is lined with a joint-service cordon as the remains of the Vietnam War Unknown are taken by motor escort to Arlington National Cemetery for interment in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The remains of the Vietnam Unknown were exhumed May 14, 1998. Based on mitochondrial DNA testing, DoD scientists identified the remains as those of Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, who was shot down near An Loc, Vietnam, in 1972. It has been decided that the crypt that contained the remains of the Vietnam Unknown will remain vacant. The crypt cover has been replaced with one that has the inscription “Honoring and Keeping Faith with America’s Missing Servicemen, 1958-1975.”

Tours Arlington National Cemetery welcomes visitors to explore the rich history found within the cemetery grounds. Arlington National Cemetery Tours, Inc., provides an interpretative tour bus service through Arlington with weekday stops at the Ord & Weitzel walking gate to see the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, President John F. Kennedy gravesite, U.S. Coast Guard Memorial, U.S. Army Gen. John J. Pershing's gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Arlington House (The Robert E. Lee Memorial). Weekend service also includes stops near Section 55 and 60 and the Sept. 11 Memorial. Vehicle and bus access is generally not authorized. Driving into the cemetery is allowed for those attending a funeral service. Those with a valid disability placard can ride the interpretive bus service at no cost (with one companion). Starting January 2, 2015, Arlington National Cemetery will offer a free shuttle service for individuals to visit a gravesite. Bus access to the Memorial Amphitheater and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for honor flights are accepted six months to a year in advance of the group's visit, but must be submitted at least two weeks in advance. Parking is available for buses in the parking facility.

GOD BLESS AMERICA


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