President Barack Obama released a statement saluting soldiers who fought in the Iraq War on Tuesday.

The President took time to honor over 4,000 soldiers who lost their lives and pushed for support of those suffering from physical and mental disorders.

Read his statement (below):

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war, Michelle and I join our fellow Americans in paying tribute to all who served and sacrificed in one of our nation’s longest wars.   We salute the courage and resolve of more than 1.5 million service members and civilians who during multiple tours wrote one of the most extraordinary chapters in military service.  We honor the memory of the nearly 4,500 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice to give the Iraqi people an opportunity to forge their own future after many years of hardship.  And we express our gratitude to our extraordinary military families who sacrificed on the home front, especially our Gold Star families who remain in our prayers.      

The last of our troops left Iraq with their heads held high in 2011, and the United States continues to work with our Iraqi partners to advance our shared interest in security and peace.  Here at home, our obligations to those who served endure.  We must ensure that the more than 30,000 Americans wounded in Iraq receive the care and benefits they deserve and that we continue to improve treatment for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.  With a strong Post 9/11 GI Bill, we must help our newest veterans pursue their education and find jobs worthy of their incredible talents.  And all Americans can continue to support and honor our military families who are pillars of so many of our communities.  On this solemn anniversary, we draw strength and inspiration from these American patriots who exemplify the values of courage, selflessness and teamwork that define our Armed Forces and keep our nation great.

Obama strongly opposed the War on Iraq and officially ended it in December of 2011.

Today is the day that we celebrate the life of a man named Martin Luther King Jr.

King was a great man who served humanity to his fullest, condemning racial inequality and uplifting non-violence.

The other day, I was listening to my favorite speech from Dr. King. It's called Drum Major Instinct.

While listening to this speech, I thought about my own selfishness, my own pride, and my own need for attention.

I felt guilty and incapable of living a life that truly deserved so much attention.

Who am I, after all?

King went on to explain how racial issues stemmed from the Drum Major Instinct.

He explained how this instinct uplifted pride and arrogance, causing turmoil and war.

However, King switched perspectives during his speech and referenced the story of John and James trying to lead alongside Jesus.

He explained how Jesus gave a new meaning to greatness and redefined the Drum Major Instinct:

"And he transformed the situation by giving a new definition of greatness. And you know how he said it? He said, "Now brethren, I can't give you greatness. And really, I can't make you first." This is what Jesus said to James and John. "You must earn it. True greatness comes not by favoritism, but by fitness. And the right hand and the left are not mine to give, they belong to those who are prepared." (Amen) And so Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. (Amen) That's a new definition of greatness."

What I took from this is God's innate love and need for us to work alongside him.

As Christians, or just human beings, we have a duty to serve others.

Living life is not about how comfortable you can be on Earth. It's not about money, or clothes, or fame.

It's about standing for something that matters, something that will make a difference.

That is the definition of Greatness.

Many people survive, but very few LIVE.

What will you do?

Rest in Peace to one of the greatest men who ever lived, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Listen to an excerpt of the Drum Major Instinct (below):

Colin Powell spoke against the GOP on Monday.

The former Secretary of State expressed his disappointment with the Republican's intolerance for minorities.

"When I see a former governor say, that the President is 'shuckin and jivin,' that's racial era slave term. When I see another former governor after the President's first debate where he didn't do very well, says that the President was lazy. He didn't say he was slow. He was tired. He didn't do well. He said he was lazy. Now it may not mean anything to most Americans, but to those of us who are African Americans, the second word is shiftless and there's a third word that goes along with that. The birther, the whole birther movement. Why do senior Republican leaders tolerate this kind of dicussion within the party?"

Watch Powell's full statement (below):

(Source)

Israel has began its' "emergency" plan to deport thousands of African refugees.

Israeli officials plan to deport over 50,000 immigrants in an attempt to save their economy.

Hundreds of Sudanese men protested on Sunday against the plan.

"We are refugees, not criminals," they chanted.

Many of them traveled to Israel to escape corruption in Darfur.

"We are being called a cancer and an AIDs virus on the the Israeli people, by politicians in the Knesset," said protest organizer Jacob Berri.

Israeli residents are afraid that Africans will take over their homes and threaten their livelihood.

"They've come here to rape and steal," said an Israeli protester.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said,  " We are moral people and we will act accordingly. We denounce violence; we denounce invective. We respect human rights. Israel cannot accept infiltrators from an entire continent."

The first plane load of refugees is expected to leave next week.

(Source)

 

Mabo, a telemovie presenting the story of Eddie Mabo, will be premiering on ABC1 on June 10.

The movie will focus on Murray Islander Eddie Mabo as he fights against the law, "terra nullius", that kept Australian Aboriginals from owning their land.

The Straits' star Jimi Bani will play Eddie Mabo and Offsprings' Deborah Mailman will play his wife Bonita Mabo.

Eddie Mabo died 5 months before "terra nullius" was overturned in 1996.

His widow, Bonita Mabo, has given producers her blessing.

(Source)