emaier3

Darrell, Thank you for the comments. The gravestone photoes are a mixture of the American Battle Monuments Commission, my personal travels and people at www.findagrave.com. If you know where someone is buried you can post a photo request and someone may take a picture of the headstone for you. Thanks again, Ed Maier www.tohonorourfallen.com

All, I have finally revamped and moved my web page to a new location. It shows my collection of engraved Purple Hearts and the stories of each person. If you can, please take a look and let me know your suggestions and comments on making this site a better tribute to these servicemen. http://www.tohonorourfallen.com Thank you, Ed Maier

Michael, Thanks for the link and information. Its interesting to note that the Purple Heart listed was not awarded until March 1945. That leads me to believe that the government amended the regulations for awarding the Purple Heart to the Navy sometime later in the war to cover those obviously killed in W.W.II but before 7 Dec. 1941. Thanks again, Ed Maier

Hello, This is a very interesting question. Did the crew members of the USS Reuben James receive the Purple Heart? The ship was sunk in October 1941, before Pearl Harbor. The Navy only changed regulations allowing for the awarding the Purple Heart in 1942 or 1943, made retroactive to 7 December 1941. Under these provisions, the crew of the Reuben James would not have been eligible for the medal. Does anyone know if the regulations were later amended to include obvious W.W.II casaulties who were killed before 7 Dec. 1941? -- Ed Maier

All, There is an article about the SVA and how it effects collectors on page 18 of this week's edition of Newsweek Magizine (5 Feb 2007 edition). Believe it or not, it is very favorable to our position. Please check it out. Thanks, Ed Maier

All, I was interviewed today for a national radio program concerning Purple Heart collecting and the SVA. The interview is posted online at http://arealmansview.com/ in the "Today's Headline" section. I also wrote follow-up information in the "Blog" section. Please listen and sign up to let the radio program know that you are interested in this issue. They have asked that I join them on their new TV show next month which has access to 23 million households so I want to be sure that they understand America is interested in this issue. Please forgive my stumbles and bumbles. I'm not a professional talking head and tried to do my best. At the very least my Congressman is in for a shock as I mentioned him by name and then dropped him a note about the publicity. Thanks, Ed Maier

All, Here is an update from the Congressional Front..... I spoke with the staff officers in Congressman Bartlett's office and they are looking for some way to introduce legislation to amend the law. Their problem is that without Democrat support for our position, the bill will never get out of comittee. Does anyone know of a Democrat who supports our position? Some of the people that must be contacted are Gene Taylor, D-MS and Ike Skelton D-MO. These are imporatnat comittee heads that need to be informed of the damage the SVA does as written. Anyone in their District needs to contact them directly (phone, letter and in person) right away. Thanks, Ed Maier

Rick, That is one single form letter that indicates that they believe the sender if not serious about the issue. You must wirte the letter to the Editor of the paper mentioning the person by name. This forces them to reply in something more then a form letter. You may not always win each argument, but if you subscribe to your theory, I guarentee that you will loose the battle on every issue. To expose these idiots, you must act, and be persistent. If you get a form letter by writting, then call them. If that doesn't work, go to their office in person. You want to speak with the staffer in charge of veterans affairs or legislative affairs. They are the people you need to convience about your argument. Sincerely, Ed Maier

Rick, I cannot disagree with you more. If this is done correctly and by enough people, we can win this battle. The trick is being persistent and knowing how to hurt them. When you get a canned response like that from a Congressman, write a well thought out letter to the editor of the local papers pointing out that Congressman XXXX sent you this insulting canned letter even after you pointed out how the SVA oversteps its stated goals of punishing frauds, but that it turns our servicemen into criminals, hurts Americans' ability to preserve, honor and study American history and our veterans, etc.... You have to phrase everything into questions and statements that they can't take a no brained stance without looking like a fool in public. Its kind of like asking someone the question, "So, when did you stop beating your wife?" No matter what they respond, they look like they are on the defensive and were in fact, beating their wife. Please do not take one bad letter as a sign to surrender. Keep at them and ramp up the pressure. The letters to the editors are a MUST. Thanks, Ed Maier