Saturday, May 30, 2026

The 2026 Battle for the Senate Is Still Likely Republican
Adam Turner / RedState 

Politico continues its dogged faux “reporting” to create a narrative that Democrats are a lock to control the U.S. Senate in 2026. Which gives me a great opening to make one of my periodic updates on some of the crucial Senate races. The Republicans have a 53 to 47-seat majority in the Senate. There are 35 seats up for grabs in 2026. The Democrats need a net pick up of four seats to win control.

The central problem for the Democrats is that only two Republican seats – Maine and North Carolina – are in competitive states. The other 20 GOP seats are in states where Donald Trump won by double digits. That almost never happens in Senate elections, let alone twice. In the 2025 Virginia elections, the Democrats won a landslide, but they still didn’t carry a single district where Trump won with that margin. 

The Democrats also must not lose any of their own competitive seats. And in the blue wave of 2018, the Democrats still lost in an upset for their incumbent in Florida. Read mire here. 

Trump's refusal to return to war with Iran will 'cost him dearly', Saudi expert claims
Saudi analyst Mubarak al-Ati said that the US's decline on the international stage has prevented Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States from taking Trump's demands to join the Abraham Accords seriously.
Maariv Arieolola Roitman / THE JERUSALEM POST

Saudi Arabia no longer trusts the US to provide protection, Saudi analyst Mubarak al-Ati said in an interview on Russia Today TV last week.

"It seems that [US President Donald] Trump refuses to return to war and overthrow the Ayatollah's regime. This will cost him dearly,” Ati said, while claiming that the US president has shown that he is a paper tiger. 

Ati said that the US’s first real sign of its failure in international affairs was Biden’s “humiliating exit” from Afghanistan in 2021. “The US is still a superpower, but not as it was a decade ago,” he opined.

“The balance of power has changed significantly, and for rising powers such as India, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil, all of which are G20 members, there are now new possibilities, and they can establish relations with all forces, not just with the US.”

The Saudi expert claims that the US’s dwindling presence on the world stage has led Gulf States and other Muslim countries to not take Trump’s demands to join the Abraham Accords very seriously.

RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS...Podcast 
Here's the podcast of last nights LIVE radio broadcast where RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS Craig Andresen and Diane Sori discussed the latest Iran updates; Putin's nuclear win with Kazakhstan; Newsom’s proposed100% tax on all funds received by California from the DOJ's anti-weaponization fund; and our Q&A 'Off the Cuff' segment.Listen to it on https://rspradio1.podbean.com or on our RSP website at https://rspradio1.com/?page_id=39 

Friday, May 29, 2026

Just a Thought


US and Iran reach ceasefire extension deal pending Trump's final approval
The tentative 60-day pact extends the ceasefire and opens nuclear talks, but still hinges on President Trump's final sign-off
Fox News 

U.S. and Iranian negotiators have reached an agreement on a 60-day memorandum of understanding extending the current ceasefire and launching negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, but the deal still needs President Donald Trump's final approval, U.S. sources confirmed to Fox News.

The deal follows weeks of talks threatened by heightened tensions after U.S. engaged in defensive strikes on Iran.

The U.S. first launched "self-defense strikes" in southern Iran on Monday, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) claiming the U.S. targeted Iranian boats spotted laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM also claimed an Iranian missile had targeted U.S. warplanes. 

The U.S. responded by eliminating both Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) boats spotted laying the mines and a surface-to-air (SAM) missile site in Bandar Abbas, U.S. officials previously told Fox News. 

The U.S. then shot down an array of Iranian drones in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday shortly before Iran launched a ballistic missile strike on U.S. ally Kuwait. Though Kuwaiti forces successfully intercepted the missile, CENTCOM called the launch an "egregious ceasefire violation." Read more, see photos and video here.

Putin lands $16.5B nuclear win on Russia’s doorstep in massive Kazakhstan pact: reports
Rosatom will lead construction of two advanced reactors with an export loan covering roughly 85% of the cost
Fox News  

Russia signed a landmark nuclear agreement with Kazakhstan on Thursday to build the Central Asian country’s first-ever commercial power plant, marking a major geopolitical and economic victory for President Vladimir Putin, according to reports.

The $16.5 billion project, signed during high-level bilateral talks in Astana between Putin and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will be backed by a Russian export loan covering roughly 85% of the total cost, Reuters reported.

Rosatom, Russia’s state-run nuclear corporation, will lead construction near the village of Ulken in southeastern Kazakhstan along the shores of Lake Balkhash.

Rosatom secured the primary construction mandate after beating out competition from China National Nuclear Corp., France’s EDF and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, the outlet said. 

The pact directly advances the Kremlin’s efforts to anchor its economic and geopolitical influence within former Soviet states amid Western sanctions.

According to the World Nuclear Association, Kazakhstan is the world's largest producer of uranium. Read more, see photos and video here.

RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS...LIVE! 
Today, Friday, May 29th from 7 to 8:00pm EST, RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS Craig Andresen and Diane Sori discuss the latest Iran updates; Putin's nuclear win with Kazakhstan; Newsom’s proposed100% tax on all funds received by California from the DOJ's anti-weaponization fund; and our Q&A 'Off the Cuff' segment. Tune in to RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS on https://rspradio1.com Click 'LISTEN LIVE.' 

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Just a Thought

                                                                                        Copyright @ 2026 Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor / All Rights Reserved. 

US ally pledges support for Trump's push to break Iran's grip on Hormuz: 'We are ready to contribute'
Prague has 'unique passive surveillance capabilities' it can contribute to securing the critical oil choke point
Fox News 

The Czech Republic is prepared to help protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and is aligning closely with the Trump administration on security, NATO and Israel, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka told Fox News Digital during an exclusive interview at the United Nations in New York.

Prague already had begun discussions about contributing specialized capabilities to help secure the strategically vital waterway amid growing tensions with Iran, Macinka said while speaking at Security Council-related meetings at the U.N. 

"We are ready to contribute to freedom of passage and the Hormuz trade," Macinka said. 

"We were among the first countries that were ready to contribute … We have no navy, as we are in the middle of Europe," he explained, "But we have some unique passive surveillance capabilities."

Macinka warned that Iran posed a global threat through what he described as four main "war tools": nuclear proliferation, drones and ballistic missiles, international terrorism and threats to the Strait of Hormuz. Read more, see video and photos here.

Confirmed: President Trump Continues to Take Out Those Marked for Political Death
Matt Vespa / Townhall Tipsheet 
 
The New York Knicks are on a historic streak right now: 11 straight playoff wins with a point differential during that stretch that’s the greatest in NBA history. They await the winner of the Western Conference Finals between OKC and San Antonio, but New York will be able to go head-to-head with whoever emerges from that series, which is likely to go six or seven games. Another figure on a hot streak right now is President Donald Trump, who is bulldozing his opposition much like the Knicks. 

The Texas Senate runoff should dismiss any notion that the MAGA base is on the fringe, something I still find amusing in mainstream media coverage. We are the base: the MAGA movement elected this man twice in the past 12 years and broke through the so-called blue wall. 

Years ago, David Shor, a left-wing data scientist, identified the Trump coalition, noting that it is the most geographically efficient political base—these people live in areas where national elections are decided. It’s why Trump’s approval numbers don’t mean much, as Shor added, because of this the man could have a rating in the low 40s and still make things competitive for Democrats. We’ll revisit that: that may be good if Trump were running for president, but midterms are a toss-up. Read more here.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS...Podcast 
Here's the podcast of last nights LIVE radio broadcast where RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS Craig and Diane discussed Iran updates; what Tulsi Gabbard will release before stepping down as Nat'l Intelligence Director; Democrats use fallen heroes as props to bash Trump on Memorial Day; and the Pope weighs in on AI. Listen to it on https://rspradio1.podbean.com or on our RSP website at https://rspradio1.com/?page_id=39 
Pun Pouts As Rubio Locks in Armenia Minerals Deal and Advances 'Trump Route'
BoB Hoge / RedState 
 
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is known for taking on many jobs at once, and on Tuesday, he donned the hat of chief U.S. trade negotiator with Armenia as he signed a strategic partnership agreement with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The agreement covers critical minerals and also bolsters cooperation on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a 27-mile rail and road corridor that would go through southern Armenia. It would enhance trade by linking Central Asia to Turkey and Europe while — crucially — bypassing Russia and Iran. 

As pro-Russia sentiment continues in Armenia, Pashinyan is set on distancing his country from the former Soviet Union, which until 1991 counted Armenia as part of its federation.

UNLV Political Science Professor Dr. Nerses Kopalyan said the agreement was a game-changer for the region.

Extraordinarily important development today in US-Armenia relations, as the government-to-government framework on TRIPP proceeds with the implementation stage, while US and Armenia elevate relations to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership. But just as importantly, US is now a direct stakeholder...Read more, see Xs and videos here. 

DeSantis Scores Major Legal Victory in Redistricting Battle
Cameron Arcand / Townhall Tipsheet
 
Florida’s new Republican-backed map is allowed to plow forward for now, after a state-level judge did not stop the map from going into effect as it faces an ongoing legal fight, according to The Hill.
 
The map, which was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) this spring, will potentially give Republicans four more seats in Congress in the Sunshine State.

“The election machinery of the state is already underway,” Circuit Judge Joshua Hawkes wrote in his Tuesday order. Hawkes was appointed by DeSantis in 2020. 

“The primary is less than three months away, and the general less than six months. The public interest weighs more in favor of certainty than a haphazard judicial mandate of discarded maps,” he added.

However, liberal groups like the League of Women Voters of Florida and the Southern Poverty Law Center are vowing to appeal, and they are determined to let the Florida Supreme Court have the final say.

US plans to cut bombers, fighter jets and warships available to NATO allies in time of war: report
Kathleen Joyce / NEW YORK POST
 
The US is set to reduce the number of bombers, fighter jets and warships available to NATO allies during times of crisis, according to a new report.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed senior NATO officials in Brussels last week that the US would shrink its available resources for the bloc, including cutting the number of strategic bombers by half, German news outlet Spiegel reported.

The number of US fighter jets deployed would be cut by a third, American envoy Alexander Velez-Green told NATO members, according to the outlet.

The US Navy reportedly said it would no longer provide nuclear submarines to the alliance, and deploy fewer destroyers than before.

The US would also keep all its reconnaissance drones to itself while scaling back the availability of its attack UAVs, sources told Spiegel.

The push to reduce US forces in Europe — which began as a Cold War bulwark against the Soviet Union — has accelerated under President Trump, who has long criticized NATO members for failing to fund their own defense and letting their military capabilities languish.

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Trump-Iran Deal on Edge as Tehran Vows 'Mass Sacrifice' and Total Resistance
Ward Clark / RedState
 
Could this be a virtual bucket of cold water tossed on all the optimism we had on a possible peace deal with Iran this weekend? Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian doesn't seem too optimistic, and his latest foray into the wilds of "My Mouth is Writing Checks My Butt Can't Cash," well, it evokes a rather odd image, given the nature of the current conflict.
 
But Iran's president seems determined to go down this road

President Masoud Pezeshkian invoked one of Iran’s strongest wartime symbols on May 24, signaling Tehran’s resolve to hold its ground against the U.S. and Israel across the region, a counterterrorism expert said.

The Iranian leader's remarks came at a key moment in diplomacy, as President Donald Trump said a deal with Tehran to end the war is "largely negotiated" and warned the U.S. would either sign "a great and meaningful" agreement or walk away entirely.

While Iran signaled broad agreement with Washington on some points, it said a final deal is not imminent and that negotiations over the remaining details are still underway. Read more, and see X here.

Here's What Tulsi Gabbard Will Disclose Before She Leaves Her Post

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is stepping down. She resigned before the Memorial Day weekend, citing her husband’s health as the reason; he was diagnosed with bone cancer. Of course, the Left responded poorly because they are just miserable people. Gabbard has done well to expose the deep state conspiracy against President Trump, particularly regarding the trove of documents related to the Russian collusion hoax. She’s reportedly not done, planning to release more files before her June 30 exit. Gabbard plans to release documents related to COVID, the weaponization of the federal government, Havana syndrome, and the 2020 election (via Daily Wire) [emphasis mine]:

Before departing, Gabbard intends to release findings tied to investigations into Havana Syndrome, formally known as Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs), the COVID-19 pandemic, the weaponization of the federal government, the 2020 presidential election, and more, according to the official. These findings will likely be released in weekly installments over the next month.

RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS...LIVE! 

Today, Tuesday, May 26th from 7 to 8:00pm EST, RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS Craig Andresen and Diane Sori discuss Iran updates; what Tulsi Gabbard will release before stepping down as Nat'l Intelligence Director; Democrats use fallen heroes as props to bash Trump on Memorial Day; and the Pope weighs in on AI. Tune in to RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS on https://rspradio1.com Click 'LISTEN LIVE.' 

Monday, May 25, 2026

Just a Thought

 Copyright @ 2026 Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor / All Rights Reserved. 

Op-ed: 
Ignoring 'Separation of Church and State' 
By: Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor                                                                                                      This an opinion piece, my opinion alone, and does not necessarily represent the views of blogspot.com. 

I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”                                                                  - These were the words of America's original “Pledge of Allegiance” written on August 1892.* In it there was no mention of the word “God.”

Earlier this month, on Sunday May 17th, at the National Mall, our nation's capital hosted an event for folks to come together in “prayer, worship, and the reading of scripture” ahead of our nation’s “250th Birthday,” to “Rededicate our Nation to God.” And while there is nothing wrong with the saying of prayers for our nation, there surely is something wrong when the “rededicating” seems to be focused on but one particular religion's view of who and/or what“God” is.

Why so...because, in my opinion, a “rededication” of this type tries to put religion not just above what is our Constitutional rule of law, but also has a possibly dangerous undertone of trying to combine a given religious ideology with power...power manifesting in some folks wishing that our nation would become a modern day version of a Christian based theocracy.

And when the “Pledge of Allegiance” is thrown into this “rededication” mix we find religion itself actually encroaching upon “separation of church and state”...a founding principal of our nation...the very principal that defines who we are as both Americans and as a nation. Religious embellishments are not needed to define us for embellishments are not tangible nor proven facts, but instead, in this case, are but words of bravado masquerading behind a facade of pretending to be facts...a dangerous and at times divisive religious based “good vs. evil” scenario indeed.

And this is why I find it odd that certain “of name” politicians today... politicians who relish in wearing religion on their sleeve only when pandering for votes at or near election time...have suddenly embraced the “God rededication,” and hooked it into our nation's upcoming “250th Birthday” celebration. Simply, we as a nation do not need to “rededicate” ourselves to “God” for to “rededicate” means we were already “dedicated to God” which, in actuality, we as a nation never were.

And that, dear reader, is indeed a fact as witnessed by proven cause and effect scenarios that have played out in our nation's history itself. So here let's start with the fact that no matter what some say...no matter what some want to believe...the United States of America is not...I repeat not...a Christian nation nor was she ever intended to be a Christian nation. And while, in part, Christianity did help shape early American culture and ensuing morality, what was to become the actual legal framework for our nation was most decidedly secular in nature, and rightfully so as “separation of church and state,” was indeed a key factor in our nation's founding.

How so? Folks tend to forget, or simply chose to ignore the fact that a number of our great “Founders and Framers”...including Thomas Jefferson and James Madison...saw “separation of church and state” as actually being necessary to protect religious freedom, while at the same time helping to prevent government overreach into ones personal and/or religious life.

I do tend to think that both Jefferson and Madison believed then, as I have always believed, that when an individual’s private beliefs...religious or otherwise...invades what is to be civil governance that its intention is to be` divisive, and thus work to destroy instead of uniting “We the People” together.

And so these very wise men...and some modern day presidents as well (like JFK and Reagan) ...did deem
“separation” to be the means by which to help ensure a stable and more diverse “Republic”...a “Republic” for “all the people” free from the confines of what are truly overly religious zealots, rhetoric, dogma, and of course drama. And it's drama that today tends to see certain branches of the Evangelical movement entwining itself not only into partisan politics, but calling those who do not share their faith or their political beliefs “heretics, infidels, and evil,” while at the same time damning them to hell, of which I myself have been a target of.

And so the truth is that these men...these patriots...understood at the time of our nation's founding what we all should understand today, but foolishly many do not. And that is by keeping religion out of “secular” government it in turn should mean keeping government out of religion, Remember, our “Founders and Framers” hoped to assure that the new “Republic” being formed would never fall into the trap of, or morphing into, a theocracy...the very form of government that did not serve the “Old World” well...the very form of government some not so silently hope America would turn into today.

And it is this not understanding the logic behind the “separation” concept itself...coupled today with an unhealthy dose, for some, of what is but an indoctrinated fear of “hell and damnation”...that has led a multitude to want religion...in this case their particular version of only the Christian faith... brought openly back into both the public and political discourse, as well as into America's public schools.

And this is also one of the reasons why our “Founders and Framers” were so adamant in their “separation” convictions, so adamant that when the Constitution was being drafted these same men made sure that no one religion...Christianity included...was ever to become or even hope to become the official religion of our nation. And this is witnessed by the fact...yes fact...that the words “Christian,” “Jesus,” or “ God” appears nowhere in either the“Declaration of Independence” or in the “United States Constitution.” In fact, the only time an official document used the word “Christian” in relation to our new nation, was in the text of the 1797 “Treaty of Tripoli,” signed by then President John Adams which stated these exact words, “the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.”

Don't believe me...go read those very documents for yourself...go research the actual religious beliefs and practices of those men who put pen to our founding papers for it will surely surprise you...apologies accepted...as will the fact that many of our “Founders and Framers” were actually “Deists,” and not Christians in what we today consider to be the classical sense. In fact, some famous “Deists” at the time of our nation's founding included the aforementioned Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, as well as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, John Adams (who outwardly rejected orthodox Christian doctrines like the “Trinity” and “original sin”), Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and even George Washington himself who, while attending church is said to have avoided the key element of “communion.”

These men...again these patriots...did indeed have a more what was at the time called a “rationalist” approach to faith itself for they jointly rejected the so called “supernatural elements” of traditional Christianity while at the same time affirming a belief in what they deemed to be but a benevolent “Creator.” And said “Creator” remained unnamed...no words to the effect of “God” let alone “Jesus”...just the word “Creator” who they and their fellow “Deists” believed revealed himself through “acts of nature” solely driven by logic and simple reasoning alone. Sounds to me like our “Founders and Framers” were quite science driven in their thought processes...which again is why the words “Christian, Jesus, or God” appears nowhere in any of our founding documents.

And so here let me say that I personally do not believe or feel we need to “rededicate” our nation to “God”...to what is now being deemed by most to be only the Christian version of “God” meaning in the sense of “Jesus”...for I am not a Christian nor do I want to be one, but know I am not an atheist either. My personal religious beliefs are mine alone, I find no need to make them public for I believe one's religious beliefs, or lack thereof, should be between them, their “God,” and their conscience.

But I will say that as a Constitutional Republican I firmly believe in the “separation of church and state,” after all we as a nation never were officially dedicated to “God” in the first place, Constitutionally or otherwise. And the words “In God we Trust”...which appears on our paper currency...is in no way a “dedication,” but merely hope and wishes for divine protection...whatever protection that might be.

However, the words “a nation under God“ as stated in our in our current “Pledge of Allegiance” is not an issue, for it is not a “dedication” nor a “rededication” per se, for I see it as a “reaffirmation” to return our nation to the Constitution...the true law of our land...the very document whose words have been ignored and corrupted by too many for far too long. Word semantics I know, but sometimes word semantics do need both a semblance of justification and hence “reaffirmation.” Case closed.
__________________________________________ 
 
Footnote
 
* The Pledge of Allegiance was written in August 1892 by Baptist minister Francis Bellamy (1855-1931) who understood the importance and need for a separation between church and state, and was originally published in The Youth's Companion on September 8, 1892. 
 
Copyright @ 2026 Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor / All Rights Reserved. 

Saturday, May 23, 2026

Just a Thought

Memorial Day Weekend Could Mark Next Chapter in U.S.-Iran Conflict
Scott McClallen / Townhall Tipsheet

The U.S. is reportedly preparing to attack Iran this weekend, according to multiple reports on social media. 

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he couldn’t attend his son’s wedding this weekend in the Bahamas because of “circumstances pertaining to Government.” 

“While I very much wanted to be with my son, Don Jr., and the newest member of the Trump Family, his soon to be wife, Bettina, circumstances pertaining to Government, and my love for the United States of America, do not allow me to do so," Trump wrote. "I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, D.C., at the White House during this important period of time.”

Other outlets have reported that national security teams have canceled their plans for this weekend. 

Earlier this month, Trump slammed Iran's response to a peace proposal. He said that Iran can't have a nuclear weapon. See Xs and videos here.\

Friday, May 22, 2026

Op-ed:
On Memorial Day...And Always  
By: Diane Sori / The Patriots Factor / Right Side Patriots / Right Side Patriots Radio
This an opinion piece, my opinion alone, and does not necessarily represent the views of blogspot.com.

Monday is Memorial Day and while many will go to the beach or enjoy a hearty barbecue, let’s not forget the real reason for this most special and solemn of days…a day to remember and honor those who put their lives on the line for our beloved country…a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for a purpose they believed was greater than themselves…a purpose of keeping "We the People" safe and free at home.

And while political battles continue in D.C. and across the nation, Memorial Day offers us the chance for all Americans…no matter our race, creed, color, religion, party affiliation, or whether this president is our president of choice…to unite together and remember the one thing we all we have in common...gratitude...gratitude for those who served…gratitude for the brave men and women who proudly wore but sadly died wearing our nation’s uniform…gratitude so that we can go to that beach and can enjoy that barbecue.

On Memorial Day there should be no hyphenated Americans (nor should there ever be)…just Americans bowing their heads together in prayer as the flag of these United States is raised throughout this great nation, and then as it's solemnly lowered to half-staff. On this day let us remember the more than one million American patriots who gave their lives in service to this country. And when the flag is once again raised high at noon we must also remember to not allow their sacrifice to be in vain for a nation that forgets its true heroes is a nation that loses its soul.

Memorial Day is a day when we should teach our children the importance of the sacrifices made by so many to ensure their freedoms and the freedoms of generations to come.

Memorial Day is a day when many Americans will visit cemeteries or memorials nationwide to place small flags at the base of the headstones of the fallen to let them know they are not forgotten nor will they ever be.

Memorial Day is a day to honor the remains buried at the Tomb of the "Unknown Soldier" for while he, brave soldier whomever he may be, is home resting on American soil he is not with his loved ones, but serves as a reminder of the many who never made it home, and should remind us that there are still some left behind who must be brought home.

Memorial Day is a day when the "Pledge of Allegiance" should take on a renewed meaning, and should reawaken in us all the realization that we do live in the greatest nation the world has ever known, and remind us that some things are indeed worth both fighting and dying for.

Memorial Day is a day to honor courage for while those lost in battle knew fear, they sacrificed with courage of heart and strength of conviction, something that must never be forgotten for without knowing fear there can be no courage and without courage there can be no victory. Those who gave all deemed their love of country and duty to freedom were of greater value and more important then the fears they faced in dying.

Memorial Day is a day to also honor the very freedoms those lost in battle gave to each and every one of us…the freedom we have in our beloved America to act, speak, and think as we so choose without hindrance or restraint…a freedom we intend never to lose…a freedom we will fight for with just as much passion, dedication, determination, and courage as those who sacrificed before us…for we will not allow their sacrifice to be forgotten nor will we allow our freedoms to be taken away.

No…we will never allow their sacrifice to have been in vain.

Memorial Day is a day for prayers for those lost…a day for honoring their memories not just with tearful remembrances but also with a smile…a day to rediscover the meaning of what our military fights and dies for…our liberty, our safety, our individual rights guaranteed us under our Constitution, and the continuing American story of which we all play a part in.

So on this Memorial Day I will bow my head in solemn prayer and thank and remember those who made that ultimate sacrifice to keep our nation free…and pray to God that someday…"nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." (Isaiah 2:4)

Someday…someday soon I pray. And may God our Father Bless America today, tomorrow,  and always.

Copyright @ 2026 Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor / All Rights Reserved. 
(I originally published this article Memorial Day Weekend 2018.)
America 250: Veterans Group Calls Upon Americans to Reignite What Unites Us
Jennifer Oliver O'Connell / RedState 
 
Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and this year is significant because of the launch of the America 250 celebrations. July 4, 2026, will mark 250 years since the birth of our nation's founding, and throughout the country, the festivities have already begun. It started with Sunday's Rededicate 250 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and continues through Independence Day with America's Block Party events and other parades, fetes, displays, and historical reenactments across the fruited plain.  

On Thursday, here in the great state of Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey (R) kicked off the America 250 celebrations at the Montgomery state capital, with performances from the 151st Army band, four F-35 fighter jets flying over the event, and the unveiling of a massive commemorative American flag which will fly between the columns of the capitol throughout the Summer.

Americans For Prosperity (AFP) and their sister organization Concerned Veterans For America (CVA) are doing their part for America's 250 with an initiative called “One Small Step.” Its goal is for Americans to renew their...Read more, see X, and video here.

Iran says no deal reached yet with US as Trump keeps military option on hold
Iran said Thursday that no agreement had been reached yet with the U.S. despite narrowing gaps in negotiations over President Donald Trump’s latest peace proposal.
Anders Hagstrom and Emma Bussey / FOX NEWS 

No deal had been reached with the U.S. as of Thursday, a senior Iranian source told Reuters, while also claiming gaps had narrowed.

Iran has been reviewing the latest peace proposal from President Donald Trump as he warned that further military action remains on the table.

The outlet also reported Iran’s uranium enrichment and Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz continued to be among the sticking points.

This came as a member of Iran’s Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee told state TV that Tehran could act first to break the ceasefire if it believed a U.S. base was preparing an attack.

Fadahossein Maleki, a member of Iran’s Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, told state TV, “Anything is possible.”

“It could even come from Iran’s side, frankly. If we feel that something is happening from a U.S. base, Iran has the legitimacy to respond and prevent it,” he said, according to Iran InternationalRead more here, with updates as they happen.