Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Placentia Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Pvt. Michael P. Bridges of Placentia, CA:

"Pvt. Bridge's sacrifice is an example of the bravery and determination that makes our armed forces strong. Maria and I will keep Michael's family in our thoughts and prayers. We join with all Californians in expressing our deepest condolences to this fallen soldier's loved ones."

Bridges, 23, died Nov. 2 as a result of non-combat related incident in Taji, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, TX.

In honor of Pvt. Bridges, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.


Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Modesto Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Staff Sgt. Joseph A. Gage of Modesto, CA:

"Serving in the armed forces is a noble calling with grave risks. Staff Sgt. Gage courageously assumed those risks and gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Maria and I wish to send our sympathies to Joseph's family, friends and fellow soldiers as they mourn his loss."


Gage, 28, died Nov. 2 as a result of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY.

In honor of Staff Sgt. Gage, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.


Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of San Diego Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Staff Sgt. Richwell A. Doria of San Diego, CA:

"Maria and I have the strongest admiration for the men and women of our armed forces as they put their lives on the line to defend democracy and freedom. Staff Sgt. Doria's loss is a painful reminder of the important work our soldiers do at home and abroad. Our hearts go out to Richwell's family as they suffer the extraordinary loss of their loved one."

Doria, 25, died Nov. 7 as a result of injuries sustained from small arms fire during an air assault mission in Kirkuk, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Regiment, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

In honor of Staff Sgt. Doria, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.



In honor of these people the scribe links you to The Youngbloods' "Come Together".

It's in the hopeful spirit engendered by the recent elections and in the spirit of the coming season.

Love is but a song we sing
and fear's the way we die,
You can make the mountains ring
or make the angels cry.
Tho' the bird is on the wing
and you may not know why.

C'mon people, now
smile on your brother,
everybody get together
try to love one another right now.

Some will come and some will go
and we shall surely pass
When the one that left us here
returns for us at last
We are but a moment's sunlight
fading in the grass.

C'mon people, now
smile on your brother,
everybody get together,
try to love one another right now.

If you hear the song I sing
you will understand
You hold the key to love and fear
in your trembling hand
Just one key unlocks them, both,
it's there at your command.

C'mon people now
smile on your brother
everybody get together
try to love one another.