Navy launch for hero SEAL - New York Post [ournewsa.blogspot.com]

Navy launch for hero SEAL - New York Post [ournewsa.blogspot.com]

The great Jersey caravan stomps its way through Napa for a business meeting with a local vineyard. But all work and no play make the Housewives dull gals, and too much horseplay threatens to ruin the deal for good. And in a shocking moment of truth, one phone call could change Teresa's life forever.

Whine Country

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Anchors aweigh, son.

The stoic Long Island mom of hero Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, the posthumous Medal of Honor recipient, yesterday stood on board a new Navy destroyer at Pier 88 on the Hudson River and commissioned the ship named after him.

“Officers and crew of the USS Michael Murphy, man our ship and bring it life!” Mrs. Murphy shouted, giving the first order in the time-honored Navy tradition.

The late SEAL’s dad, Daniel, and brother Jonathan were also on hand for the somber occasion as the 279 officers and crew introduced themselves to Mrs. Murphy by name on board the 509-foot long, 9,200-ton guided-missile destroyer â€" which is capable of fighting air, surface and underwater battles simultaneously.

AP

SEAWORTHY:Maureen Murphy commissions the USS Michael Murphy naval destroyer (top) yesterday in honor of her late son (below).

The 29-year-old Navy SEAL, who grew up in Patchogue and was a lifeguard, was killed during an ambush in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005.

The young lieutenant was leading Operation Red Wings, an ill-fated reconnaissance mission in the Hindu Kush mountains, when his team was pinned down by 50 Taliban insurgents in a bloody two-hour firefight.

Murphy was shot in the stomach but kept fighting before getting shot again in the chest. Mortally wounded, he left his covered position to find a clear signal so he could radio Bagram Airfield for backup.

Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell, the only one of the four SEALs to survive, described in his book, “Lone Survivor,” how Murphy was hit yet again while he made the call but continued transmitting until he made contact.

He then returned to his covered position and continued firing at the enemy.

Along with Murphy, gunner’s mate Danny Dietz and sonar technician Matthew Axelson perished in the battle â€" plus 35 enemy Taliban.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus declared yesterday: “The USS Michael Murphy exemplifies the traits that he showed so greatly: the courage, the selflessness, the protection of teammates and of America.”

“Most of these ships are named after Naval heroes and Michael Murphy sure fits into that profile protecting his SEAL team against overwhelming odds, risking, and ultimately giving, his life.”

Mayor Bloomberg said that it was the events of 9/11 and the loss of a firefighter buddy that spurred Murphy to join up.

“Murphy wore the patch of Engine 53 and Ladder 43, El Barrio’s bravest, on every mission and that same patch was brought back from Afghanistan and is in that firehouse today,” the mayor said. “Just as Lt. Murphy was motivated by our bravest in New York, we’ll be forever inspired by his courage and service.”

Sen. Chuck Schumer noted how even as a kid Murphy showed heroic character. In the 8th grade, he once chased away bullies who were picking on a special-needs student. He did the same in high school when a group of kids taunted a homeless man.

“Michael Murphy represented the best of America and the best of Long Island,” Schumer said. “Throughout his life he showed strength, he showed courage, he showed humility.

“In Afghanistan, the same characteristics he showed as a young boy exhibited themselves on the field of battle.”

Past and present members of Spanish Harlem’s Engine 53 and Ladder 43 were also on hand.

FDNY Capt. Ray Farrell added, “We’re all connected because he was wearing our patch when he was killed in Afghanistan.”

cynthia.fagen@nypost.com

Related Navy launch for hero SEAL - New York Post Issues

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Question by Cat-astrophe: Is this election more about bigger government or personal responsibility? JFK said "Ask not what your country. can do for you, but rather what you can do for your country." Is either candidate pushing for more personal involvement in solving social problems, like faith-based organizations, or is it all about more government 'fix-all'. Please be specific if your candidate has proposed 'non-government' solutions or suggestions. Links would be helpful. Best answer for Is this election more about bigger government or personal responsibility? JFK said "Ask not what your country.:

Answer by Obama's 'Dream'
just keep in mind when JFK said take responsibility for yourself, and give to your nation not take, they shot him.

Answer by paul y
Kennedy is a lot different candidate then Barrack Obama and he could say this in the 60's but it still holds true today... We should not make government so intrusive into our lives that we depend on them for our retirement, medical treatment or anything as when you do this you will lose the freedom of choice and quality of treatment. Democrats used to be more for the common man..but now it seems that the Democratic agenda is full of socialistic hogwash and the "cradle to grave" welfare system is breaking down..there are people from other countries that come here and get all kinds of special treatment and Social Security and Health Treatment and they have not contributed to our system a dime..but our own veterans and young and older people have to go without... It does not surprise me as the US turned its back on the Indians and also they put Japanese in concentration camps in WWII era when there never was a case of Japanese disloyalty.. Here we are freeing Iraq..and the US is so paranoid that only a handful of Iraq people are allowed admittance..it was like that during the Holocaust...very few Jewish people were admitted to the US...but all kinds of German and Italian POW came to the US and stayed after the war..as citizens

Answer by Michael S
Both candidates are interesting on this. Obama clearly advocates bigger government...getting into the insurance business, for example. But he also encourages community service and wants us to not eat so much, drive less, and turn the AC off. Trouble is, he's using government programs to encourage community service,...which leaves me wondering what he's going to do to make me eat less. McCain's entire life...his ENTIRE life...has been in serving his country. I don't think he knows another way and doesn't think to exhort people to be more civic minded. That said, he is for smaller government and economic freedoms.

[country]

This is a great song, from the greatest hits album. I like at a lot. Enjoy. RIP Slim Dusty!

Slim Dusty - Where Country Is

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