"Quite frankly, I cannot understand how some of these people (witnesses) were brought to this point ... to tell some of the lies that I have heard sitting over there, " Taylor said from the witness stand.

CNN: Charles Taylor refutes 'malicious' accusations at war crimes trial

Now, there are a lot of stories here in Joplin of unthinkable courage and resilience over the last year, but still there are some that stand out, especially on this day.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks at the Joplin High School Commencement Ceremony | The White House

An important aspect in selecting a vice-president is to reassure the electorate that should anything happen to the man in the Oval Office there is a competent and trustworthy stand-in ready to take over.

ECONOMIST: John McCain's running mate

"I used to stand on the beach and I said to my mother, 'I wonder if anybody could swim over there, " Nyad recalled saying, while pointing to the Keys.

CNN: August 20, 2012 -- Updated 1157 GMT (1957 HKT)

Second and presumably no less important to a nation that is still mourning its sacrifice of over 58, 000 Americans and that claims to stand for freedom and human rights around the world there are the Vietnamese people who will remain enslaved by the tyrants in Hanoi.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | CLINTON��S UNBROKEN, ODIOUS RECORD ON VIETNAM: CENTER DEPLORES DECISION TO LIFT THE EMBARGO