This just in from Nikki. I think we should jump on this and let those on the Memorial Committee know that we feel Tom Schepers should be allowed to run to the Monument for the ground breaking. Who more befitting than Tom after having run across the entire United States raising funds for this memorial. Time is of the essence here. I doubt emails will help due to the time element. Please... pick up the phone and call the numbers below and voice your opinions. Let them know that this is a Memorial for our WWII Veterans and the ground breaking should not be used for political grandstanding.

Hi Everyone!!!

This is Nikki!!! I have a few things that I would like to share with you, but first I would like to ask that today, November 3, 2000, you remember Sgt. Arlie Mangus. It was 30 years ago, on this day, that Sgt. Mangus became POW/MIA. Please say a prayer for his mother (I am going to call her this evening!!) and also pray that someday he comes home!!!

URGENT

On another sad note, most of you know that I helped Tom Schepers last weekend while he was here. He is a Vietnam Veteran who is running across the country to raise funds for the National WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.

Visit WWII Veterans Run I got an email from his PR people and they told me that the Memorial Committee is not going to allow Tom to run to the site on the morning of Veterans Day. Here is part of the email that I got.

We have been in contact with the grassroots director of the National WWII Memorial. He has sent Tom an invitation to the Ceremony, but we were told him that this tribute will not be included, or recognized in any way, during the Groundbreaking Ceremony. They told us "we are turning down all requests to be a part of the ceremony". The requests that he was referring to were an entire 3-ring-binder-folder full of things like "can my team and I skydive into the ceremony to provide visual effects?". He did not mention anyone that has been away from his family to run over 3,300 miles to raise awareness for our Veterans. Nor did he mention anyone who has dedicated his life since 1998 to raise funds and awareness of our National WWII Memorial. He didn't even mention anyone who has given up their job for over 5 months, just to say thank you. I am glad that you two saw what was happening, and decided to get involved. You two deserve more than just a thank you. In spite of that, thank you from all of us, again!

UPDATE from Tom's PR people-11/3/00-4:00 p.m.

Go to the American Battle Monuments Commission Website for phone numbers of the ABMC. Tell them you got their phone numbers off their website, if they ask. Also, visit The World War II Memorial Advisory Board for info on those on the National WWII Memorial Committee. I would call the Memorial Campaign's hotline (1-800-639-4WW2) and get connected to the office in DC. You can write, or e-mail, too. That can be found at the bottom of the page National World War II MemorialWe have been in contact with the grass roots director, Bob Patrick. I don't know if you wanna talk to him. IF YOU DO CALL, PLEASE DO IT ON BEHALF OF YOURSELVES. The more angles we have pressuring them, the more likely they will be to listen. If you call on behalf of the Worlds Youngest POW/MIA Veterans Activist, that might carry some weight.... (like you didn't know that :-) ) So far, all we have heard is "We might grant you permission to run into the groundbreaking site one hour before we begin seating for the WWII Memorial Ceremony". Bob Patrick told us "I'll see what I can do", which in my book, means "no". We have contacted Senator Rod Grams, who said he'll talk to Sen. Bob Dole. Our relations are good with all those we have contacted

I would be really grateful for anything that you can do to help Mr. Schepers. He deserves to run to the site!!! Please call or send an email if you can, maybe if they see that enough people care they will allow Tom to finish his five month run at the site!!!!!!

GREAT NEWS!!!

I started my own Message Board!!! You can post messages and list events that you would like everyone to be aware of and there is even a space to talk about Rolling Thunder XIV!!!! I hope that you use my Message Board and make sure that you let me know if you will be in Washington D.C. for Rolling Thunder!!!!

Don't forget to watch for me on TV!!! I will be in the Veterans Day Parade in New York City on November 11th!!!! I will also be in the Veterans Day Parade in Media, PA on November 10th!!!! If you are at any of these parades, make sure you say hello to me!!!!!

Here is the link to my Message Board

Hope to hear from you and I hope that you will help Mr. Schepers!!! Thanks....................

~Nikki~
A friend to all Vets and PROUD of it!!!

Visit my Web Site!!! See how you can help my school learn about our Veterans and POW/MIA's!!