Families United is an organization that stands for a stronger America. These are families of fallen soldiers, families that have loved ones in Iraq and they believe we need to support our soldiers by letting them win this war. I was invited to the event in Washington DC on Sep 16 - 18. Arlene Pedersen came along also. We had two full days of places to see and a rally to go to. First day in DC was started with a wonderful breakfast at the Shelton. We had speakers who informed all of us that the war is being won -- we just need to be stronger and let our soldiers continue. Many of the families stood up and talked about their loved ones and how they have made a difference in Iraq. Many were upset that the media does not cover what is truly going on in Iraq. After the speech it was time to get on the buses for our tour of the Pentagon. The pain of my last visit was still with me as I walked the halls of the Pentagon. If it had this kind of effect on me I wondered how it was affecting those that lived through it. When we came to the memorial room I knew I was standing where the plane first hit the building. A flood if memories came through as I remembered the stories of those who survived that horrible day - 9/11. It wasn't easy. A chapel with stain glass has been added since the last time we visited the Pentagon. I brought a quilt with me to give to a lady working at the Pentagon. After tour I made the connection and delivered it in person. Then it was time to get back on our buses and head to the National Arlington Cemetery where we witnessed the changing of the guards and the laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You could see the pride and respect of the families that came for this event. We then went to the ANC Amphitheater. We sat and listened as families came forward laying a rose and explaining why the need for a stronger America and the need to support our soldiers. Have faith and believe in our soldiers for they are making a difference. Show our troops that we truly have faith in them and their mission. We listened as four star General Peter Pace, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff talked kindly about how brave our soldiers are and how well they are doing. You can tell he was proud of all those there to show that we do care and we're supporting our troops. He talked about General Petraeus coming to the hill and how poorly he was received for telling the truth about the war. General Pace was happy to see how many people came to this event because it will give strength to our soldiers knowing that we believe in them. There wasn't a dry eye and I could hear the families crying as General Pace spoke with so much grace and elegance. I reached out to touch one of the mothers that was crying and held her hand. I also shed my tears as did Arlene and everyone there. The following day was another full one. We wore red shirts to let everyone know we were a part of the Families United or tan shirts who were in the group Vets for Freedom. The two groups were together for the same purpose. The first thing we did was go to the White House and have breakfast on the lawn. It was just great to see all the pasties and fruits and fresh squeeze orange juice and coffee for everyone. The excitement came when President Bush and the First Lady came to the lawn. After President Bush spoke he and the First Lady took time for the families and embraced them. I had the honor of talking with both Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. After a tour of the White House we were off to the Hill. Many of the families visited with senators and congressman trying to get their voices heard. I visited with Senator Grassley's, and Tom Latham's staff. I also spoke with Congressman Steve King who said "so you're the Quilt Lady I've been hearing about" He thanked me for all of the worked Freedom Quilts is doing and to keep up the good work. You may be asking who are Vets for Freedom and Families United. They are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses, children of fallen soldiers, veterans of this war and pass wars. They are families of our troops that are fighting for a stronger America. They are veterans all joined together to support one another. But most importantly they support our soldiers and let them know that we as Americans believe in their mission and that they can win this war. They are the support for our soldiers and generals fighting in Iraq. They are all those who believe we need to stay strong. We need to continue to support our troops. It's hard for our troops to do their job when they don't receive our support. "The silent voice is not silent anymore" is what Merrilee Carlson mother of Sgt Michael C. Carlson said, as everyone stood tall and agreed. We ended the evening with a trip to the National Museum of the Marine Corp we had a wonderful meal and enjoyable company. We continue to need your help and support. Please contact me. Thank You Freedom Quilts Betty Nielsen 13637 550th St Fonda Ia 50540 712 288 5328 freedomquilts.net debeniel@ncn.net