Wreaths Across America Honors Oregon Veterans (VIDEO)

Q. Madp of IraqWarHeroes.org has spent the last several years of his life as a volunteer photographer at the funerals of our war dead.

(WILSONVILLE. Ore.) - Wreaths Across America is a national program that remembers and honors veterans who served during the holidays. Organizers say the event takes the opportunity to remember the fallen; honor those who serve; and teach children the value of freedom.

This year's event took place in several locations in Oregon, and the images featured here were recorded by Q. Madp at the service that took place at the Willamette National Cemetery, the home of the Oregon Korean Veterans Memorial.

Q. Madp of IraqWarHeroes.org has been active over the last several years as a volunteer photographer at the funerals of our fallen soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen.

He travels extensively throughout the northwest and beyond and refuses to accept any compensation from the families. He provides the photographs at no charge and only releases copies to the media if the family specifically allows it.

Fortunately some families are willing to share those extremely private moments and from time to time, and images of these solemn events are seen here at Salem-News.com. In fact, I met Q. Madp in Hood River while covering the service for the first Oregon Navy SEAL killed in Iraq.

Since that time Q. has been actively involved in covering the Afghan/Iraq Freedom Memorial in Salem, and he has traveled to dozens and dozens of other funeral and memorial services. I know of no other single person who dedicates their life more completely to honoring our fallen than Q. Madp.

Q. Madp of IraqWarHeroes.org

Events like this at the Willamette National Cemetery are open to the public and examples of the type of work that Q. can share. He says he hopes that people can be inspired by images like these, and that they too can become actively involved in honoring our nation's fallen heroes by attending services and remembering that the sacrifice of these members of our military and their families are permanent.

In these images we see many reflections of today's active war veterans and their supporters. Leather clad motorcycle riders stand with aging World War Two veterans and together Q Madp says they state an unmistakable message.

Please visit IraqWarHeroes.org and remember that Q. does what nobody else in this nation is doing, and he can use constant support for covering the cost of driving to funerals.

Here are Q. Madp's photos from the event December 15th in a video presentation courtesy of YouTube

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Carol December 24, 2007 2:13 pm (Pacific time)

It's a shame that something as nice as this article about honoring our heroes is overshadowed by so much hate and politics in the comments.

Matt Johnson December 21, 2007 1:57 pm (Pacific time)

Jefferson, who in the hell do you work for? Which GOP operative pays you to smear this crap of yours all over Salem-News.com every day? I hope you are making bank man, because the screwed up BS that flows from your fingertips is enough to drive the rest of us mad. There is no heart in your politics, only hate and stupidity. You and others like you will always say anything that fits your white guy republican causes, you always lay out garbage on Hank. Let me tell you this man: Hank is more of a man that you will ever be, EVER. Hank cares about people, little people, lesser people, people of color, people who think differently, he is the epitome of a great American and at the age of 90, he is still open to the human cause, I don't think you ever were. You are way out of your field here Jeff, you can spray all the skunk oil you want but at the end of the day everyone knows you are wrong, except maybe you, but then you are like some of these other characters who literally are paid to spread the lies.

Jefferson December 21, 2007 1:48 pm (Pacific time)

Henry thanks for finally admitting you are a socialist...but to compare socialism with communism...not very bright Henry. As far as who has the power in this country, it is still the people, and hopefully it will remain that way. It is the beauty of capitalism, the individuals well-being is preeminent! Sure some people are doing better than others, but we are a country of hope...look at the rest of the world...some other place better? If so, send the illegal aliens and we will only get better as our population reduces in numbers and we also reduce our consumption of natural resources. Well I will be departing 12/22 in the a.m. for the Alpine family compound to enjoy my family and the cross-country skiing and conversations with people who view all sides of an issue...

Henry Ruark December 21, 2007 10:49 am (Pacific time)

Vic et al: Your next step is to see who is really trying to impose what part of those two agreed-evils, socialism and communism, on us all, as their substitute for what was a democratic republic. Symptoms are highly obvious everywhere you look, and most seen by most persons from the painful realities in their own lives trace directly back to what is now generally called neo-conservatism but is really an amalgam of elements put to work by those who really seek imposition of money power vs people power. Currently money power is plainly overwhelming people power, as action or lack of it in Congress clearly shows, at end of neo-con revival.

Jefferson December 21, 2007 10:32 am (Pacific time)

Vic an excellent and insightful assessment. My father also told me something quite similar as yours. We all essentially want what is best for all people, and fairness is a must. The socialists do not care about fairness nor truth, their primary agenda is power over the individual which will sap their initiative. Capitalism thrives when the individaul can continue to grow and strive towards achieving their ever-growing and ever-expanding potential. Hopefully people like Henry can appreciate this innate desire of maintaining individal freedoms, but alas, he seems to continue to go down that very dark road that socialist's constantly champion. They are what they are, pity...but never feel sorry for them, never!

Vic December 21, 2007 9:55 am (Pacific time)

My dad always told me "Marriage is like communism or socialism...it looks good on paper, but hardly ever works." I always understood fascism to be a state where private interests and industry run the direction of the government, not the will of the people...the result most always being war and looting of the treasury. I agree with Jefferson that some forms of "socialism" are just sugar-coated variations of fascism. I suppose those who would be in power use whatever methods they think will pacify the masses and call it whatever they think sounds good.

Henry Ruark December 21, 2007 5:17 am (Pacific time)

Per usual, nonetity cites only what suits him, for further confusion and subterfuge. Wikipedia does much better; so "see with own eyes" and think for yourselves, not either me or him. What he really seeks is our forced return to feudalism, with rich lord lording it all over village serfs from his castle on heights, and all work done for him for free --or else !! Lord owns it all, you and family on suffrage until no longer needed. Elsewhere challenged him to write his own Op Ed right here, with ID to editor required as for mine. He won't because to ID kills his last credibilities. Given full scope of open discussion, with others joining in, we can both clarify and learn together what alla those political terms really mean, these days, with world falling under corporate control, your vote becoming meaningless because they bought process with "campaign contributions", middle class being subdued still further...and neocons piling it on wherever they can get away with it. As in this channel, which should be devoted NOW to our deep debt of gratitude to our veterans, who learned the hard way.

Jefferson December 20, 2007 2:41 pm (Pacific time)

Frankly people the below definition of fascism is essentially what socialism is, i.e. , surrender to the state all your money (because they will tax you into poverty anyway) and also give up your individual freedoms because they know what's best for you. They will start with the 2nd Amendment then move on from there. Beware of these creatures, for any point of view that is contrary they will demonize you then it will go down hill from there. Henry offers nothing but half-witted nonsensical verbiage...narcissistic?! Fascism is an authoritarian political ideology (generally tied to a mass movement) that considers individual and social interests subordinate to the interests of the state or party.

Henry Ruark December 20, 2007 1:10 pm (Pacific time)

Now the schools are "fascistic", NOT "socialist"... and WHO is engaged in "empire bulding" ? !~! Confusion, thy name becometh "nonentity", multiplying daily and with still-further own-words confusion rampant.

Jefferson December 20, 2007 8:14 am (Pacific time)

Many of our students are being taught by fascists that not only are trying to devalue the nuclear family unit but advocate empire building via a socialistic ideoloogy, e.g. , read anything by Robert Reich or ...

Vic December 19, 2007 4:00 pm (Pacific time)

"Wreaths Across America is a national program that remembers and honors veterans who served during the holidays. Organizers say the event takes the opportunity to remember the fallen; honor those who serve; and teach children the value of freedom."..and hopefully teach children the price of fascism and empire-building.

Karen December 19, 2007 10:19 am (Pacific time)

Thank you, Q, for everything you do, and for having served our country as well. I hope that the readers here will find it in their hearts to donate to your efforts to help you with expenses, as they are very high, but the mission is so very important!

Jefferson December 19, 2007 9:50 am (Pacific time)

You're beating a dead horse Henry, I responded to your close-ended nonsensical statements/comments. On the other hand, you do not respond to mine and that is because you cannot without clearly tipping your rather questionable agenda. Once again, I provide facts, whereas Henry provides far left rhetoric that always goes into a circular format, never providing any real substantive facts/data...it's his way I guess, though I really find it entertaining (as do my associates), and I thank you for that Henry. Say have you had a red blood cell count done? Sometimes the higher altitude in eastern Oregon negatively impacts the oxygen getting to the brain, and sometimes you appear to be suffering from the bends, no pun intended...

Henry Ruark December 19, 2007 9:05 am (Pacific time)

To all: Nonentity avoids point which was his assessment of Packwood character, motivating his responsibilities to others he persuaded to donate dollars. With that record, plus noted hatred for doers/achievers like Morse and FDR, do you really accept "suggestions" he may now make for ANYthing ? What makes him a "patriot" ? Surely not ongoing hatred for proven public servants with open public record, which he refused to acknowledge AND especialy refuses to take unto himself, in lieu of nauseous, repeated self-congratulatory bits-and-pieces to satisfy that psychotic self-image. Others have served too but do not find it necessary to make patriotic claims, while sabotaging wherever possible open, honest, democratic, sharing dialog as intended herein.

Jefferson December 19, 2007 8:33 am (Pacific time)

Morse was a known commodity to the Oregon voters and that's why we collectively "threw him out!". Packwood in the fullness of time, like most who stay in power too long demonstrate the need for term limits. As far as Packwood's behavior compared to that of some on the left who are currently in power, e.g. , the criminal Ted Kennedy and the KKK senator from the south, you know...Bird ( I could go on ad nauseum Henry) puhleeeeze! P.S. I don't hate anyone, why give someone that kind of power, but I do believe in justice for those who harm [most]American's and/or cause willful pre-meditated harm to America. We patriots are kind of like the Canadian Mounties Henry, just better and constantly growing and improving... Note: People Henry mentioned a sex harassment beef with Sen. Packwood, well Bubba Clinton must be next on his list, right Henry? Then I guess we could go list others ad nauseum after this creature! LOL

Henry Ruark December 19, 2007 5:28 am (Pacific time)

To all: My personal apology to all concerned with true content of this thread. We forced into that use to offset otherwise possibly damaging statements by neocon nonentity. Many other open channels are encountering same kind of full bore attack, for same reasons. Only defense is sharp use of content standards, demanding heavy surveillance, which is what neocon paid shills seek as extra load on such open channels, hampering open-style operation since costly, time and channel-space/consuming. Re Q's photos, my sincere admiration, from standards learned in doing ONLY ten-year national survey of Annual Report photography, widely cited in technical literature. ALSO taugh me much about corporate governance and its exceeding greed, which --not coincidentally-- drives this current attack on open-channel dialog, experienced widely across the nation. Unfortunately that's one of the many choices now open to all of us, brought about by precisely what Reich develops, and documents in depth, in his book --never yet touched by you-know-who, of course.

Carri December 18, 2007 4:21 pm (Pacific time)

It's nice to see articles written so nicely about Q! He is so very dedicated...and for sure it helps when stories are shared about all he does! And I do hope that anyone who can help him with donations takes the time to do so by going to the web-site and clicking on the 'help' link to find out how to do that for him! His photography is outstanding!

Henry Ruark December 18, 2007 3:39 pm (Pacific time)

Nonentity: You did mention Packwood, too: "I raised a lot of funds to see Packwood defeat that ingrate....", speaking of Sen. Wayne Morse. That the same Packwood who was forced to resign from Congress via a sexual harassment situation ? You can't win 'em all, but your evaluation of character rings precisely the same note here as your hatred of Morse and FDR... OR can you now even admit to yourself that's truly the realistic case re your stated judgments, surely a key factor for any credibilities involved in this dialog. Merry Christmas to you...in same spirit you stated your wishes.

Jefferson December 18, 2007 12:34 pm (Pacific time)

Jack now just what did Clinton do? In 1993 he raised taxes when he campaigned that he wouldn't. So in 1994 America kicked out the democratically controlled House and Senate. From then on Clinton simply signed Republican Legislation that helped continue the growth that began after the Carter Administration left, which nearly put us in a deep depression. I would be interested if you could tell me exactly what legislation Clinton actually created and passed that helped us? Via executive acts he was horrible, though with Janet Reno in charged of authorizing a Special Prosecutor, the scumbag evaded his "lawful" due, maybe that's still coming? He's just a glib con-man, just like all the barkers. It also is quite obvious that he neglected to provide for the common defense, for the radical Islamist's grew in strength during his failure to root out these animals. The 9/11 attack was because of this sociopath's negligence (and Sandy Berger's destruction of secret documents simply helps confirm the lawlessness of these creatures). I may be a bit slow on the uptake to some out there Jack, but to those who are informed and do not base their "awareness" on myths and also recognize the incrementalistic nature of socialists, we are light years beyond people of your obvious limitations (public school educated, recently?). I would appreciate if you could point out to any of my past postings Jack and tell me where I'm wrong? Via facts and stats, opinion is another concept...you understand that don't you Jack?

Henry Ruark December 18, 2007 12:06 pm (Pacific time)

Nonentity: Got it right on one point; I never would have been "accepted" at M.A.C, a point of particular pride with me. Re Morse, record speaks better than I can, will leave it at that. Re Reich, again you got it right, his writings show what he is --as do yours, too. Re switch and bait, that's more neocon palaver, as thread record here clearly shows, starting with yours re using kicker check for gas-gulping carburetor for your SUV, and on and on and on and on and on, always superior, always elite, always --NEOCON IN DEPTH AND DESPERATION, as world changes around you and you are unable to comprehend, much less care for anyone else except your own kind. Merry NeoCon to You, kid ! AND Happy Water-Boarding, Too.

Jack Barlow December 18, 2007 10:47 am (Pacific time)

This guy Jefferson is obviously on a government pay off list, nobody buys the crap he is trying to sell. Let's see, Clinton balanced the national budget and kept us out of war for the most part. Bush on the other hand is nothing but a dishonest liar who has soiled his country's reputation, and morons aren't bright enough to tell their butt from a hole in the ground, morons like Jefferson.

Q Madp December 18, 2007 10:13 am (Pacific time)

Thanks for the comment Brenda. One correction, I am NOT a Nam veteran. I served after Nam but have friends that served in Nam.

Jefferson December 18, 2007 9:29 am (Pacific time)

Henry/CPC, your bait and switch tactics are easily detected by even the most casual observer. As far as Wayne Morse, the Oregon voter rejected him with a humiliating defeat (and good riddance!) and Reich's own writings expose him for the [fill in the blank] that he is. My comfort is knowing that I know I never would have run into you at M.A.C. back in those days that Morse was harming our warriors with his nonsense, which you seem to have a remarkable parallel with. Many of my associates back then were old guard no-nonsense journalists with the Oregon Journal and Oregonian, we were all on the same page! Verbosity is a hallmark of those who just cannot accept the fact that far far leftist ideology is not relevant, never was, never will be. Just the same I home these holdays prove to be enjoyable for you...and may you discover a better brand of tinfoil that provides a better efficacy for you. God Bless all our veterans and active duty military, everyday!

Henry Ruark December 18, 2007 8:37 am (Pacific time)

To all: "Liberal" is NOT --never will be-- a "bad word" despite allathe neocon efforts to so paint it via huge GOP "noise machine" over many years. SO let's define our terms, starting with that honest word itself: "....if by a liberal they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people- their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, their civil liberties.. if that is what they mean by a "liberal" then I am proud to be a liberal." --John F. Kennedy Will follow soon re typical "conservative" and "neocon" --just to sharpen up on continuing disturbingly perverted dialog here, mostly from nonentity neocon scared silly to ID self for our honest evaluation.

Brenda Freeman December 18, 2007 7:39 am (Pacific time)

Keeping in Context with the Article, "Wreaths Across America"; I would like to say Thank You to our Vietnam Veteran Q Madp for giving of himself so selflessly to HONOR our fallen heroes by REMEMBERING them. Through his photography, the soldier's are remembered for their valor, honor, duty, and the dignity by which they served this great Nation, The United States of America. Merry Christmas to you all, and GOD BLESS the United States.

Henry Ruark December 18, 2007 6:14 am (Pacific time)

Nonentity: NOW you revealing more with many words, all pointing to the same solid conclusions already made in depth here for all "to see with own eyes" your very words as they rip aside that anon-curtain. Anyone who so despises both Wayne Morse and FDR need show no further evidence of value and level of judgment, for those of us who did also know both --supported by the historic record for both, too, while what you reveal here revolves ONLY around your own testimony to your obviously strongly-felt sense of personal superiority in every possible way. Which is mirrored in your failure to provide any answers whatsoever re w-boarding and why you were involved. Acceptance of torture in any form is clear statement of mental as well as moral stand. Which is characteristic of neocon "characters", mirrored in their many other published nonentity-type statements and policies, per last eight years we have so suffered. SO, again, invite you to provide own Op Ed, with ID to Editor for his acceptance if it proveth up your rational, reasonable credibilities, as required of others making similar contributions here. The issue is NOT "right to speak", but simple conversation foundation for any possible trust and confidence, unavoidable in any serious dialog on issues. So far we have only series of confounded, composite, and confusing allusions and wild illusions from you - some bordering on psychotic, others offering essential clues to work with security agencies, and making obviously biased statements about national leaders. Can you imagine Democratic President's Cabinet member ever abandoning D-Party allegiance ? To accuse Reich of socialist action is to substitute your own judgment for the historic record --unacceptable here where we seek truth to guide us all. You cannot supply a single tie to socialist organizations or groups for him or for any of the rest of us for whom you do not hesitate to use what you intend as smear-tactic. Socialism has its proven successes, in my view nowhere near those of democracy. BUT it is not illegal nor entirely evil --facts you seem unable to comprehend-- and we can now learn from world experience in and with that approach, too. Historic record here surely now shows we need to do so badly, as Summit and ongoing press reports in every media at every level surely now do demonstrate. As they age, some solidify from the head-down; others find it possible to continue to learn and grow --and share, too. This open, honest, entirely democratic channel deserves the best from those able to contribute --and the alertness of all for those who seek own malign and psychologically satisfying opportunities.

Jefferson December 17, 2007 6:21 pm (Pacific time)

Henry and Sen. Wayne Morse (I knew him well, we spent many hours together in the summer of 1968 debating one another at M.A.C. and at a number of other locations, I had absolutely no respect for him, none. Though he at least acknowledged the war crime by Israel and the attack on the www.uss.liberty.com. [they are not to be trusted on any level]. He was no friend of the Vietnam warrior in my very well-informed opinion Henry. I raised a lot of funds to see Packwood defeat that ingrate), though your warm acknowlegement of him explains a lot. Neal, young man, you still fighting the 2000 election that has been reviewed over and over by leftwing news organizations, but still you cannot accept it, and as I pointed out the 2004 election tally in Florida was proof positive of what happened when the media manipulated the 2000 election. Though it sounds like the actor Kevin Spacy is making a movie about the 2000 election that will provide grist for the moonbat mill...it just keeps feeding the conspiracy. I am glad you support our veterans Neal, but I've been supporting combat veterans (that I served with!) long before you were born, still I'm happy you do what you can which I'm sure is a lot. As far as Clinton's reduction of the military, well, you really are not very well informed. He hurt our country so badly, I actually think he may have set in motion a slide that may very well destroy us, unless we can get a real conservative in power, and there is not one on the horizon. It would be great if Bush resigned then Cheny could get Duncan Hunter as VP, then Duncan cruises to victory in 2008. That would be the best possible thing to happen, so keep your fingers crossed Neal and Henry, paradise creator. Why are you not clammering for Sandy Berger's head, rather than arguing about such meaningless stuff like the 2000 Florida victory by Bush? That kool aid sure is toxic for some...

Hunny December 17, 2007 2:32 pm (Pacific time)

PLEASE send support to Q..... his mission depends on it! Sens a buck, a ten, a 20 or even more. ANYTHING to help promote this cause. Also any media attentuion out there would be much appreciated. We MUST spread the word, for our troops and for Q. I urge everyone to help!!!!

Neal Feldman December 17, 2007 1:59 pm (Pacific time)

Jefferson - We do not need the massive military buildup of the Cold War and that was what the 'cuts to the military' under Clinton were. The money was more needed elsewhere. But we are not talking about active military we are talking about vets and how they are neglected and abused by a govt and citizenry that owes them everything. Under Shrub they have to hire mercenaries (Blackwater et al) to fight because due to the misuse and abuse of the military by this administration they cannot meet recruitment goals no matter how high the bribes or how low the bar is set. As for the illegal military votes being counted in florida in 2000 the facts are that way whether you like it or not. The votes were not done properly and just like if private citizen votes were done improperly they should not have been counted... but because Shrub's campaign manager who was sec of state of FL at the time knew the military votes skewed severely to the GOP she made sure they got counted which reversed a win for Gore into a win for Shrub. No matter how you want to slice it that is what happened. And I do not care towards whom the votes would skew if they were improperly done they should not count, period. If you cannot abide by the rules you do not count, it is as simple as that. As for your moonbat claims they are just the standard ravings of a wingnut. And you will be hard pressed to find anything credible to show I do not support the US military, current service AND veteran. Clearly more than the likes of you ever have or will. Ah well...

Henry Ruark December 17, 2007 1:37 pm (Pacific time)

WHO, Me ? I never voted other than Demo until I finally grew up...in D.C. during drive to win NDEA for all vets, with American Legion strong backing, and final insertion into NDEA by Sen. Morse of what we wrote in association office, acting for conglomeration of educational activists --with never a single socialist among about 100 of us all...!! Neocon nonentity now caught by self-deluding statements: He cannot ID without divulging already-mentioned indecent propensities and employment by those who capitalize on that; nor can he reveal other development, if any -- with or without academic and publishing and corporation management achievements --if any; without goring self in very sensitive section. Wriggle away, nonentity; we know your kind and what to do about them, too.

Jefferson December 17, 2007 12:43 pm (Pacific time)

Henry be sure to pay thanks to your hero Bubba Clinton who reduced our military by over 30% , causing the stress our current active duty personnel must deal with because of this shortfall, and then he also opened the floodgates to the Veteran's Administration without funding it properly (think Jesse Brown and Togo West...inept morons), literally causing even more of a claim backlog than what was already outlandish. Now the democratic party plays chicken with our military and our veterans in terms of funding. People the socialist's have always hated our military and our veterans, even one individual on this site was moaning about "illegal military votes" being counted in Florida during the 2000 election (loser!), typical nutroot moonbat behavior. It's essential both political parties quit posturing and pony up with the needed funds. It's always the same thing every election cycle, the military hating socialists put out fabricated and/or misleading information that is nothing but the smoke and mirror (bait and switch) tactics these midway barkers "always" use. P.S. People the vast majority of both active duty military and veterans vote conservative, the majority of clear-thinking people always reject the socialist' pinheads and their claptrap posturing!

Henry Ruark December 17, 2007 11:00 am (Pacific time)

Thank you for solid story on what some Americans believe is desperately deprived status of recognition for our havy debt to those who have served our nation well. The wellknown Bush principle of paying off in words but never in dollars devoted to the interests of this group is in high contrast to what is shown happening here.

Janet December 16, 2007 7:52 pm (Pacific time)

Thank you Q!

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