Reporter's notebook: Mother of soldier who died in Iraq wants Obama in so U.S. gets out
She told her story, and her hopes, at a panel discussion Monday sponsored by Progressive Democrats of America in Denver.
"I will honor my son's memory as a delegate by casting my vote for Sen. Obama," she told the panel to cheers.
She said her son was a 1999 graduate of West Point, had served his full-time military obligation, and was half the way through his individual ready reserve commitment. He was activated and sent to Iraq.
"He opposed the war" before his activation, she said. "But he had made a commitment to the country by attending West Point," and went willingly when activated. "He did a damn good job."
She said, "Jan. 20, 2009 will be the second anniversary of my son's death. And the only way I can make any sense of his death is to make sure Sen. Obama is our next president. I want an end to this war and he is our best chance."
DENVER — A TREE IN DENVER GROWS FOR UTAH: The city of Denver is making a lasting tribute to the Utah Delegation to the Democratic National Convention. It planted a tree in its honor, as well as other trees around the city honoring other delegations.
DENVER — UNCLE SAM IS WATCHING: Utah delegate Millicent Lewis is never alone at the Democratic convention. Uncle Sam is always on her shoulder, a least a puppet of him.
Lewis is an artist and made the puppet. Earlier this year, she made another similar one that she used while campaigning for Barack Obama in Elko, Nev. "His head was made out of resin, and it was too heavy," she said. The new one is lighter and helps keep the Democrat from leaning too far, um, to the right under its weight.
Earlier in Elko, Lewis said Obama saw her and her Uncle Sam doll and "walked right up to me and complimented me on my work." She has a photo of herself, Uncle Sam, Obama and some other volunteers taken in Elko.
DENVER — PHONE HOME: Jerry Fenn, Utah President of Qwest, told Utah delegates how much has changed in telecommunications since 1908 — the last time Denver hosted a Democratic convention and nominated William Jennings Bryan.
"In 1908, 12 special telephone lines were installed for the convention," he said. If a delegate or official received a phone call or a message, pages were sent to find and bring them to the phone. A few extra telegraph lines also allowed "a select few" newspapers to file stories quickly from the convention.
Recent comments
As a soldier I oppose all wars, I have been there and seen the ugliness…
Anonymous | Aug. 25, 2008 at 9:23 p.m.
What a great and wonderful woman, I hope and wish her all the peace…
LDS Guy | Aug. 25, 2008 at 7:47 p.m.
Williams Jennings Bryan Lost. Few Mormons and No Buffalo Soldiers…
Ronald A. Young | Aug. 25, 2008 at 3:11 p.m.
