WRLTHD: Red Skelton: A lesson in American History

Red Skelton made us laugh just by looking at him, but he gave us his best performance in this heart felt defense of the Pledge of Allegiance many years ago. Sometimes the lesson's of the past need to be revisited. Now is one of those times! Please pause for a moment today and consider how the efforts of the men and women of America's Armed Forces has contributed to the greatness of our nation.

People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

- -George Orwell--

Be convinced that to be happy means to be free and that to be free means to be brave. Therefore do not take lightly the perils of war.

--Thucydides--

The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his.

--George Patton-

A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living.

--John F. Kennedy--

From time to time, the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of tyrants and patriots.

--Thomas Jefferson-

Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines don't have that problem.

--Ronald Reagan--

Once we have a war there is only one thing to do. It must be won. For defeat brings worse things than any that can ever happen in war.

--Ernest Miller Hemmingway-

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.

--John Stewart Mills

Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.

-Winston Churchill--

We make war that we may live in peace.

--Aristotle-

Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good is coming July 4, 2011

The first publicity roll out for the July 4, launch of "Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good" will start with a short segment on the Documentary Channel (DISH 197 and DIRECT 267) on Memorial Day and then run into the month of June. It's the first of much to come!

It will also be uploaded next week at documentarychannel.com/getdoc.

Thanks for supporting our troops, first responders and their families!
Jonathan

Scott Hopkins, Pop Bitez

The Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good is a moving documentary feature film that celebrates America’s heroes and chronicles the journey of Academy Award Nominated actor, Gary Sinise, who since 9/11 has vowed to never to forget those who are willing to give all.

At it’s heart, Lt. Dan Band: For the Common Good is about America and our relationship with the brave men and women of our armed forces, the first responders, their families and the many wonderful citizens that support them. It is, in many ways, a celebration and tribute to the best of our best and, to the filmmaker’s great credit, it’s all presented in a completely non-partisan way, honestly and free of bravado or jingoism.

The Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good has an amazing soundtrack and special appearances by numerous celebrities, including John Ratzenberger, Melina Kanakaredes, Mykelti Williamson, Connie Stevens, and Academy Award Winners, Jon Voight and Robert Duvall.
Produced and directed by Hollywood filmmaker Jonathan Flora, this inspiring film provides a rare glimpse at the inner workings of Sinise’s heart-felt commitment to our troops as we follow the actor/ musician and his band to several military bases around the world.

“When we first started deploying to Afghanistan and started losing troops, I immediately called the United Service Organization asking what I could do,” Sinise explained in the film. He said he felt for the families of the fallen, and felt it was his responsibility to do something for the troops who were sacrificing so much after the events of 9/11.

The behind-the- scenes look at how a USO tour is put together is as enlightening as it is fun and, with interviews of the soldiers and military personnel interspersed, Producer Jonathan Flora does an excellent job of showing us the “how” without ever losing sight of the “why”

About the director:

After serving 12 years with the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, Jonathan Flora received his B.S.A. in Television Performance and Production (Telecommunications) from Ohio University. Following three years as a radio sports broadcaster in Southern Ohio, Jonathan returned to O.U. to earn his M.S.A. in Marketing (Sports Administration) and went on to serve as the Director of Marketing and Corporate Sponsorships with the World Wrestling Federation for six years. Jonathan Flora is a producer with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and has won numerous Key Art and Promax Awards. Along with his wife Deborah, they formed Lamplight Entertainment in 2009.The LT. DAN BAND: FOR THE COMMON GOOD moovie is the first major release for Lamplight Entertainment. http://www.lamplightent.com/

“As a veteran and filmmaker working in Hollywood, it is a privilege to be able to support our troops and first responders through our medium. The spirit of service and commitment to the greater good has always served as an example to me.

Lt. Dan Band is about remembering those who are willing to lay down their lives for others and those who are left behind. Gary Sinise is a man who has chosen to remember and to honor. Gary truly is the Bob Hope of this generation.”

Jonathan currently serves on the Advisory Board for the GI Film Festival, formed to honor films that celebrate the successes and sacrifices of the American military.

Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good
Reviews:

"A wonderful and inspiring chronicle of Gary and his fellow musicians, as they journey across America and the world. But the real point of the film, as it should be, is to shine a much-needed light on those in uniform, whose tremendous sacrifices can never — and must never — be taken for granted." — Jerry Bruckheimer, Hollywood Producer: Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Blackhawk Down, Remember the Titans

"A powerful and compelling tribute that continues to resonate long after the movie has ended. It is also that rare film that entertains even as it inspires. It's a clear reminder of my friend, Gary Sinise's talent and character. He's one of our 'good guys.'" — Ron Howard, Hollywood director, producer, actor

"What a compelling piece of work... very moving! A must see for all Americans... It leaves one feeling inadequate and certainly wanting to do more." — Pat Riley, NBA Hall of Fame Coach-Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, President — Miami Heat

"It made me proud not only to be the Chief of Department of the greatest Fire Department but also to be an American!" — Salvatore J. Cassano, Fire Commissioner, City of New York

"Gary Sinise is the Bob Hope of our generation!" — Major General John F. Campbell, Commanding General, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

"Jonathan Flora has delivered a moving portrayal of service and sacrifice! Connects in powerful ways with troops, first responders, and their families!" — Sloan Gibson, President, USO

“Lt. Dan Band” received the Crystal Heart Award from the 2010 Heartland Film Festival in October. With a special appearance by actor Gary Sinise, the screening was a packed house and received five standing ovations. http://www.heartlandfilmfestival.org/

This inspiring film will be available to watch in the comfort and privacy of your own homes beginning on July 4th! By logging onto http://www.ltdanbandmovie.com/ you’ll be able to stream the movie andone of out of every four dollars will be donated to organizations that support the military and their families such as the USO, Snowball Express, Operation International Children and more.
*Scott Hopkins, Pop Bitez contributed to this article.

For more information and all the latest news be sure to visit:

ltdanbandmovie.com
http://www.uso.org/
http://www.snowballexpress.org/
http://www.operationiraqichildren.org/