In what has become a Brandon musical tradition, the First United Methodist Church of Brandon music ministry will present its annual Fourth of July concert Sunday. ...more

June 28, 2008

Jack Lucas, who at 14 lied his way into military service during World War II and became the youngest Marine to receive the Medal of Honor, died Thursday in a Hattiesburg, Miss., hospital. He was 80. ...more

June 6, 2008

A Bumpy Road Ahead Regarding "Historic Race Begins" (front page, June 4): I'm not sure what all the cheering is about. Barack Obama, whom I support, has the Democratic nomination. He looks like a solid candidate - bright, articulate and with a strong sense of right and wrong. And he's running against a doddering old warmonger who is in bed with every elite lobbyist in Washington, and who seems to barely know where he is. ...more

June 5, 2008

'He Was Our Hero' Thank you to all the residents of Dade City and Pasco County who participated in the recognition of our hero, Marcus Mathes. ...more

May 28, 2008

Some of us wear our patriotism on our sleeves. Or our lapels. Some stick it on the family car, in the shape of a yellow ribbon. It can be seen flying from the front porch or peeking out from under a sleeve, in an inky salute. ...more

May 26, 2008

In this time of an unpopular, protracted war, which is draining money from a struggling economy, the question of how to show patriotism is more complicated than ever. Some complain that the symbols we use to show loyalty to homeland have morphed into pro-war emblems. Stickers, flags, ribbons and pins carry new meaning, now that the war debate is politicized. Those who show them resent that the display is taken as a political stance. To them, it is still a deeply meaningful demonstration of their love of country — whether or not they love its politics. ...more

May 23, 2008

It's a sacred day for all war veterans, none need to be reminded of the reason why Memorial Day must be commemorated. Soldiers in uniform, a 21-gun salute, bugles playing taps: These are special ways we honor a military veteran at his or her funeral. The gunfire salute is an ancient ceremony that was adopted in 1875. Taps was composed in camp Harrison's Landing in 1862 to replace Tattoo. Volleys over the grave originated from an Army custom of halting battle to remove the dead from the battlefield. Once each army cleared its dead, three volleys were fired to indicate they were ready to resume the battle. This remains a meaningful ritual today, symbolizing the battle of life is over for the person who has died, but the battle of life must continue for those living. Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. The citizens of America owe their freedom to all who have given their lives for us. It only takes a minute to say "thank you" who gave their lives so I can have mine. ...more

May 22, 2008

Wearing a flag lapel pin, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama emphasized his patriotism and support for a strong, humane military Monday, while New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton implored West Virginians to sustain her hopes of somehow denying him the Democratic presidential nomination. ...more

May 13, 2008

The first day of May is Loyalty Day and is such a day filled with activities designed to involve everyone in a great display of loyalty to our flag and or country. The VFW has fought a long and hard battle to have this day approved by Congress and it not only belongs to the VFW but to each and every American citizen. All staunch Americans must awake and live up to their obligation as responsible citizens if we are to remain free, for only the loyal and responsible fully deserve to be free. ...more

April 25, 2008

Norma McCulliss of Palm Harbor is being confused by the 2008 presidential candidates. ...more

April 12, 2008