Evening, Brian!

Thank you for sharing this story about your friend John Finn. What an amazing man! Just an incredible story of what he has experienced. That is so wonderful that he will finally be receiving his Medal of Honor from the President of the United States, it is about time! Congratulations to him! Looking forward to seeing this on the broadcast tonight.


Also, thank you for covering the Presidential News Conference for us last night. One point from last night that I've keep playing over in my head, is the question and response to what Chuck Todd asked President Obama what the public should sacrifice to help restore the struggling economy. With President Obama's responce being: "Folks are sacrificing left and right," he said. "You’ve got a lot of parents who are sacrificing on everything to make sure their kids can go go to college," "as are workers who are accepting unpaid furloughs so their colleagues don’t get laid off." I thought that was a great responce, and I give kudos to both Chuck Todd and President Obama. It was a good question, and the right responce.



Thanks again!

Have a great evening, and take care.
-Cary

Dear Brian,

Thank you for sharing Mr. Finn's story.  I suspect there still are and will continue to be many wrongs that need to be made right for our wounded warriors.  

Regarding last night's broadcast:  I really enjoyed President Obama's conversation with the shuttle crew.  What a great moment for those school children, to be able to share in that!  I was especially happy to hear the President say, "17,000 miles PER hour," instead of miles AN hour.  If I had a dollar for every time someone committed that error - even journalists! - I'd be Warren Buffett by now!  Those three little letters on your car's speedometer say MPH, not MAH....  That almost makes up for all the times the President uses "a" before words that begin with a vowel, instead of "an".  His habit makes me almost as crazy as when President Bush used to  mispronounce the word, "nuclear."  Is this what a Harvard and/or Yale education gets you?  These are the basics.  I'm just a country girl with "some college," and I know better.

Regarding "the day after" last night's press conference:  May I say how obnoxious I think it is for some members of the press to be complaining that President Obama did not call on a reporter from one of the major newspapers?  WHO CARES?  Get over yourselves!  The story is in the policy that was being put forth, not in perceived snubs!  WE'RE IN THE DEEPEST RECESSION SINCE THE GREAT DEPRESSION AND JOURNALISTS ARE TALKING ABOUT THE FACT THAT PRESIDENT OBAMA DID NOT TAKE A QUESTION FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES, OR FROM THE WASHINGTON POST!  Have these people lost their grip on reality?!!

I need to go now, before I become really ungracious!  I'll see you in an hour!

Good night to all the usual suspects.  I love you ladies; "meeting" here with you is one of the best parts of my day.  XOXO

So many things of our pass have to be corrected I'm glad Mr. Finn is getting his reward.

Brian last night we not only heard a great out line for recovery but we saw how President Obama reacts when someone trys to humiliate him on TV. Ed Henry of CNN brought back the Thomas Paine Smack Down that President Obama used. Unlike President Bush who chose anger when insulted. President Obama used words to silence his attacker. The President learned well from those leaders of our pass. It's still called COMMON SENSE.  The Race questions are getting old now.  As Americans watched to hear the plan and question about the Recovery of the US Economy it was interesting to learn the Republican Eric Cantor of Virginia was at the Britney Spears Concert and didn't have time to listen to the President.  I guess some things are more important then this Recession for the Virgina Congressman. It will be interesting to see how he votes since he has little time to deal with the issue.

I do understand the Press reporters problems now. At President Bush's Speeches reporters had to not only take insults when asking the hard questions but they had to defend, excuse, explain and even correct the mistakes Bush made. With President Obama's intelligence it's a real change. Now the Press Reporters wiell have to do their homework and read before asking questions.  Americans have a White House that is now open to the American people for questions and complaints which is totally new from the pass 8 years.

Good to see the Stock Market up today. Now I'm waithing to hear what the rest of Geithners plan on that four legget chair. So far the legs are fitting very well as we see. Brian I told a friend this story that sums up Tim Geither situation.
A Quarterback drops the ball, missing the pass as the crowd yells " kiLL THE QUARTERBACK ". 2 seconds on the clock the Quarterback throws a hail mary and it last in the air for what seems like a life time. The Receiver catches the ball the the Team wins the SuperBowl. Yes the crowd cheers how they love the Quarterback because he won, as will be with Quarterback Tim Geithner who will save the US Economy.

see you same time same place

Brian:

I commend you for what you are doing on the nightly news broadcast. Can you maybe give some little good news at the beginning of your broadcast?

We are truly a blessed nation and have much to be thankful for everyday. It is a present from God each day that we wake up.

There is a lot of gloom in the world today but we must remain faithful for this too, shall pass. We as Americans need to focus on the good of each other instead of destroying each othe in word and deed.
We are imperfect beings striving for perfection.

The news stories that are reorted should not be about ratings especially when it caueses hurt or harm to the individuals that's being discussed.

Continue wth the Make a Difference stories. It may start something with the other networks.

May God continue to Bless you as you reprt the news.

My husband and I have had the absolute pleasure of meeting John and plan to spend as much time with him that we can. He is an amazing man and as Brian said we are thrilled more than we can say for him to have this day.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, A fine broadcast this evening and very inspirational pieces tonight. First of all the report by Mr.Cohn concerning the housing market was somewhat encouragiing because people are beginning to look at homes for sale more now. With prices so very low there are many bargains on the market which is hard to resist. It is still difficult for people to get loans from banks, but hopefully things will take a turn for the better. At least people are looking at that is good news.

On another note hearing that violent attacks in Iraq have fallen dramatically is encouraging. Learning the number of attacks went from 1200 a week to fewer than 100 a week is hopeful. Someday it would be wonderful if the civilians in the region could live totally free of violent attacks. Time will tell.

The testimony given by Maria Shriver about her father Sargeant Shriver and his affliction with alzheimers was heartbreaking. When she described him as being idealistic,optimistic, a wealth of knowledge before the disease and now he doesn't know her it was so very tragic. There does need to be more funding for care and finding a cure for this terrible disease. Someday I hope doctors do find one.

The "Making A Difference" segment by Mr.Tibbles from Fargo,North Dakota was a true testiment to the spirit of giving within people. Seeing all those people travel so far to help those in need by filling sandbags and forming lines to stack them against the rising flood waters was wonderful. The message got out and people answered the call. As stated in the piece, "strong arms and big hearts". People helping people a great thing.
On another note seeing Medal of Honor recipient John Finn stand beside President Obama to lay the wreath at Arlington was truly moving. A true American Hero and it was about time he was able to visit the White House. He looked great for 99years old and we salute his bravery and dedication to our nation.
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams, Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Smile Laurel! Big Hug!
Stay Extra Safe and Well Richard!
XOXO

John Finn is a true hero, from a different era.  To fight alone, against strafing airplanes, he must be tough as nails. It's good that he could attend the ceremony, and finally got to the White House.

Brian:

Thanks for honoring John Finn, a great American and a great person, I keep in contact with Savannah Chalioux who is John's cousin who keeps me updated on the life of John who attended Compton High School before he entered the Navy, Savannah is a Compton High grad (Class of 46) and so am I (Class of 51).
Regards,
Andy Martin
Norwalk, CA.
         

"Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure." - President Abraham Lincoln

"There are two tangible symbols of selfless sacrifice.
There are two symbols representing the ultimate offer of one's life for others.
One of those symbols is the Cross of Christ and the other is ...
the Congressional Medal of Honor." - Paul Harvey

I received an email tonight informing me that Rick Rescorla, the hero I nominated for the "Above & Beyond Citizen Honors" award, has been chosen and was rewarded earlier today with his son and daughter on his behalf.

"Thank you to all who nominated Rick Rescorla.  His son, Trevor, and daughter, Kim, received Rick's Above & Beyond Citizen Honors award on his behalf at today's ceremony, where he was well recognized, honored, and remembered."

I'm so glad to hear Mr. Rescolra was chosen, as he was a much deserving hero for not only going "Above & Beyond" once, but several times in his life. He deserves to be recognized, honored and remembered as a hero who sacrificed his life for 2,700 souls on the morning of September 11, 2001. I want to thank you for telling us about him, and for telling us about all of your friends in and out of the military. It melts my heart.

The veterans who have sacrificed their lives for our country are all heroes, and the men and women of our military today will be veterans themselves for the sacrifices they make for us each day. God Bless them all.

I say this with all of my heart, these are the people who truly make me proud to be an American.


I hope you have a great night, Brian.
Take Care,
-Cary

Dear Mr. Williams

The story regarding John Finn was wonderful, and in your usual style, very genuinely delivered. In television time, it seemed the story was given a respectful 'long'air time - (hopefully because of Mr. Finn and not the President) - more than a 30 second sound byte, and I would have loved more! I don't know who determines the stories to be aired, or the air time devoted, but as the respectful man that I think you to be, I can't help but wonder if it is you. If so, thank you for the time devoted to Mr. Finn,(would have loved more!) and I would hope that other stories on recognition of our few remaining 2nd world war veterans would become a regular part of the news.  These gentleman and heroes deserve every moment of recognition we can give them, as the war becomes lost in today's society. They may not all be long overdue medal recipients such as Mr. Finn, but they are all deserving of our long overdue and utmost appreciation, as the war itself is becoming a forgotten part of our history. Before they are all gone, please try to search out as many of these aged survivors as possible. When these gentlemen are gone, so will be the memories of the history of one of the biggest world events. Society is very busily caught up in today, and too easily forgets the incredible bravery of these heroes that guaranteed the continuance of our freedom. Between you and Tom Brokaw, I am sure that you can locate many and give them their due. What is a minute or two of air time, for a reminder of selfless service to our country, and a heart warming brief respite from our present concerns. World War 2 and it's history is being forgotten. My personal 'Thank you' to all the Mr. Finns in the allied forces of the United States, Canada and Great Britain. The Greatest Generation. LEST WE FORGET.

Mr. Williams, I knew John Finn most of my life and I am glad to see he is getting some well deserved recognition. He and my father were both in the U.S. Navy and we lived in the same area of California and we spent many an interesting time with him and his wife Alice. I have always considered it a privilege to have known him.

Congratulations Mr. Finn!   Glad he received his day at the White House.

@ Laurel:  I couldn't agree with you more.  Aren't all these newspapers going out of the print business because we can read them on-line?   They act like it is the end of the world.   Many of these papers should have made this move years ago.

Best to All!

HI Brian:
Just wanted to say thank you for your broadcast last night.  As usual it was perfect. No matter what you are reporting you put so much feeling into the story that it really makes people think and listen.  

Thank you for making us on the West Coast feel important enough for you to miss a truly awsome gala to do a live anchor for us in covering the Obama press conference.  I thought Obama did a good job especially his resonse to Chuck Todd's question.  What a great question.  It is true that the public has sacrificed and it is nice to know that the President knows it.  

Again, thanks for the great broadcast.



What a wonderful story of John Finn.  It was so wonderful to see that he was finally recognized for his heroic actions.  

Your "Making a Difference" segment is fantastic and really does make us think how just one action could do so much good.  Thank you so much for doing this segment.  I hope it motivates more people to just do something to help someone in need.

Dear Brian,
    I look forward to the evening news with you each night.  I had a special interest last night as my daughter planned and hosted the event at Arlington Cemetery.  She is only 28 and has never been exposed to any kind of war and is so impressed with the organization that presents these awards. She has planned many events for this organiztion and has learned so much and is so honored to be affiliated with such people of diginity, integrity and compassion.  They are to be commended and be proud of the fact that they have had such an impact on one of our young adults of today.  

Dear Mr. Finn,
Thanks for making it possible for our success today!

Ha,Bain:
Mybe you can put this on the air to see how pepole would react to this,I have a way to help put thousands of $$$$$$ into the economy,& get rid of filing the income tax every year!!!!!!

1. Make all retirees money tax free.
2. Make all working pepole, & busness,companies pay a flat tax of 15%.

I'm so glad that NBC aired this great rememberance of our still not-thanked-enough WWII veterans, in this case a true hero.  My father was one of those Great Americans of The Greatest Generation who saved the world from Nazism and later held the Soviet Monster at bay.  

I've talked privately to several Vietnam War heroes.  Too bad they will never get their just rememberance as the heroes they too are, due to the false demonization of the Vietnam War by DC elites and their obliging followers.  Vietnamese 'Boat People' have told me their story, one never told to America.

To the extent this 'blog' is used to demonize George Bush by some of it's dedicated non-thinkers (Good American followers), is the same extent it's de-legitimitized.

Thank you very much for honoring Mr. Finn.  My son was a guard and relief commander at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and I was privileged to witness many ceremonies honoring groups and individuals, but Mr. Finn's was something special.  My son speaks so highly of the Medal of Honor recipents he has met and would surely have loved to talk to Mr. Finn.  Being the oldest living recipent and the first of WW II puts him in a category all his own.  For President Obama to finally honor Mr. Finn in the manner all Medal of Honor holders deserve must be very exciting for Mr. Finn and his family.  Thank you Mr. Finn for serving and sacrificing of yourself to help keep our country free.  

Thank you for sharing Mr. Finn's story.  It made me think of my father, of whom I am very proud, who will be 85 next week and also served as a sharpshooter in WWII.

Thanks also for Robert Bazell's follow-up on the coming electronic medical records.  It was especially good to see a representative of EPIC, the Electronic Privacy Information Center.  The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse is also an excellent source of information on medical privacy. Since we all have genetic weaknesses -- some more than others -- it is of utmost importance that the privacy of medical information is accurate and protected.  Thank you.

Thank you for showing the world Mr Finn.  My dad..now passed on was also a WWII vet and always said there were men out there that have not received what they deserve...something our generation will never know.
And your own fantastic style .. to end by a verbal salute...you do your job with style,grace and class.
Thank You!

Why hasn't the news media discussed the statue that was given to the U.S., by Russia after 9/11. The tear drop is in New Jersey directly in line with the Statue of Liberty, but nobody I know; knew anything about it. I was sent the pictures by a friend and am very disappointed that the media hasn't made more of it.

Hello Brian,
Would it be possible for The Nightly News and Dateline do do follow-up stories on Susan Boyle, The Most Faantastic Singer I've ever heard(?)  She is an INSPIRATION and Sings AWESOMLY Beautiful!!!  

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