In today's politically divisive, media-oversaturated environment, it would be easy to think that the important battles for freedom are being fought by politicians and pundits. But that wouldn't be true, and it never has been.
Today we celebrate and honor the men and women of America's armed forces, who gave birth to this country...have nurtured and protected it...and have advanced the cause of freedom around the world.
Their sacrifices, and those of their families, should humble everyone who enjoys the magnificent blessings of their service...and should also, at least for one day, silence the strident voices shouting from the safety of the sidelines.
Fly your flag today...and thank as many veterans as possible for your right and ability to do so.
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Thank a Vet - no joke!
ReplyDeleteMy brief military service (US Army, Darmstadt, FRG - Battle of the Selectrics - Order of the Ham Sandwich with Lettuce Cluster) in the early 70's was uneventful but still rewarding and formative.
ReplyDeleteIt's one of those parts of my life that I wouldn't sell for a million dollars but neither would I give you a nickel to repeat it. I served with many who had recently rotated out of Vietnam and the only ones who seemed to enjoy talking about it were the Army chopper pilots. I haven't known many Marines, but I'd wager those pilots would give them a run for their money on the crazy scale. My older brother (since passed on) was in Germany at the same time, but he had done a tour in Vietnam and, of course, would never talk about it. I had another brother (also passed on) who served in the Air Force. My Dad was in WWII (tail gunner on a B-17) and would never say more than he was "stuck on a rock in the Pacific". Let's not forget my mother who worked at a bomb factory during the war (almost everybody did their bit for the war effort back then). For all the vets who served valiantly in various sh*t holes on the planet, I tried to make my meager service stand for something and be ready and (I hope) brave if my turn came. I thank them, I honor them and, most importantly, I will never forget them.
"Let us continue to stand for the ideals
ReplyDeletefor which they lived... and died"
Ronald Reagan Speech: Veterans Day 2010
Thanks, vets!!!! And active duty, too!
ReplyDeleteAngry Hoosier Dad- Thank you for sharing the story of your family's service, and thank you for your service. And besides our deep gratitude, please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your family members.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't in Vietnam and don't mind saying I didn't want to go. On the other hand, I never had anything but respect for those that did and never saw or heard anyone denigrate those people for their service. Truth be told, I often doubted some of the stories about how badly the vets were treated coming back. Older, wiser, I realize that lots happens don't see personally. but also know that some with the most dramatic stories turned out to not have even GONE to Nam, let alone been spit on and disrespected coming home. To ALL real Vets, from my parents generation, the Viet-Vets, the Desert Warriors -- Thank You and Thank God For You.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what to say about some of those radio voices that went nowhere closer to any war than I did who make endless protestations of their love for these vets, though. Something about them (yes, YOU Rusty) rings false. Anyone who uses these men and women to pump up their own rep is only marginally better than those who disrespect them outright. On this day that belongs to these Veterans and those who are no longer with us to hear our thanks how about you that want to trade on their heroism do the honorable thing and shut up.
SJ- If you feel you should edit this, go ahead. I don't want to take anything from those who deserve our gratitude talking about those others.
The blood of our vets is OUR life blood today! Just as the blood of our current soldiers is shed for the future! Too bad its gotta be that way, but THANK GOD for our fighting men and women down through the years. We...are their legacy...make them proud!
ReplyDeletemoronpolitics - we couldn't agree more about doing "the honorable thing and shut up." I didn't serve, and now I'm trying to do my small thing by being one of those "strident voices shouting from the safety of the sidelines" (and unapologetically so). But to use this day as a megaphone for my personal beliefs would be totally inappropriate. I am, quite literally, not worthy...nor is anyone else who hasn't worn the uniform of this country. Left or Right, today is a day when the wisest and most eloquent thing we can do is to keep our mouths shut...unless it's in praise, support, and appreciation of those who have served.
ReplyDeleteThank you to all VETS and our current active duty soldiers for without your dedicated service our country (and world) would NOT be a better place to live.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless the men and women of the U. S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corp and Navy!
I simply add my "amen" to all the good things said about our veterans and current miltary men and women. My father was a navy man during the latter end of WWII and my mother did her part working at a military hospital and for civil defense. We owe so much to "the greatest generation" and to all who valiantly serve this great nation. I fly my flags with great honor and pride this day and always!
ReplyDeleteSince the birth of this great nation, EVERY GENERATION has had their own war. This nation is built on the sacrifices of many to become the "Light" of Freedom for many to follow. Many of our military paid the ultimate price. In the same respect many at home did what they had to do to support us in our time of need. Many thanks and prayers to all who has or ever will wear the unifrom of this country
ReplyDeleteor support those who do. Blessing and prayers to all. Just a few words from a retired Air Force SMSgt.
Today I walked in our local Veteran's Day Parade with my United Daughters of the Confederacy chapter. Fortunately, we were mostly toward the front, so at the end, we just got on the sidewalk and watched the remainder of the parade. What an awe-inspiring sight! Several groups of teens and young adults in ROTC units marched by. It brought tears to my eyes to see the future of this great country. And then they also got on the sidewalk and gave salutes to every Veteran as they came by. For a while there, I had a vision of what this country really is all about and have hope it will stay that way.
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