On Veterans' Day

[VF21]

To the veterans who read this board:

I would like to thank each and every one of you for your service. I've known veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and the current war being waged in Iraq and Afghanistan. I've known veterans who never actually saw combat but still put their lives and futures on hold while they served their country.

I'm also taking this opportunity to say a special prayer for all our men and women who are currently overseas, far from home, as we approach the holidays.

 

[6th]

Thank you!

 

[tubiscus]

I spent a few minutes tonight talking with my ten year old son about Veteran's Day. We live near an Air Force base, and our city holds a Veteran's Day parade every year, which we usually attend. Both his Grandfathers, among many other relatives have served. He likes to look at the framed folded flag on my Mom's mantle for my Dad and always asks about the hundreds of flags in the cemetery for Memorial Day, as we pass by. Like most boys his age, he's seen war glorified in films, books, and other media. So I did something a little unusual for me....

I let him watch the first few minutes of "Saving Private Ryan"
Not the actual battle scenes, but the scene of the elderly Private Ryan walking through the cemetery.

I explained that this was in France, where our troops invaded to chase the German Army out of the countries they'd conquered. Most of the soldiers where less than 21 years old and the first ones onto the beaches knew that most of them would not survive the day.

I also explained that they did this for all of us, so we could continue to live our lives in a safer world with the freedoms and advantages we enjoy. When the shot widened to show how many graves there really were, he got very quiet.

"That's why we celebrate Veteran's Day. To honor all the Veteran's for their service. Many died. Many never saw battle. But they all served us. They're OUR boys and girls. Aunts and Uncles, Grandpa's and Grandma's. OURS!"

I think he gets it.......he looked up to heaven and said, "Thank's Papa!"

True Story

 

[Prophetess]

I've had the HONOR of being related to some of the fine men and women who have served our country. Some of them died in that service, some of them were physically wounded and some emotionally scarred, some are still in the service.

I've also had the PRIVILEGE of being friends with some of these men and women.

I pray everday that these brave souls come home safe to their families.

To all veterans and current armed services men and women..I can only say

THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[6th]

I am a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force who served during the Vietnam War. One of my brothers was a U.S. Marine during that same time. As a female, I was not allowed in the country of conflict. Only our female nurses actually died on foreign soil during that time.

Today, both men and women are in Iraq, Afghanistan, and neighboring countries during this conflict. Both men and women have died, and continue to die, for liberty.

One of my nephews is currently in Qatar. Another nephew just returned to his wife and 3 children after spending almost a year in the Persian Gulf. He flew planes off a carrier there. His infant son he met for the first time after returning from his overseas duty.

During the Vietnam conflict, our service members were too often looked upon with scorn. While walking through a U.S. airport, while in uniform, someone threw a wad of paper at me. I chose to simply keep walking. Others of my brethren were spit upon...on U.S. soil. With this in mind, I have only one thing to say to the American public...

THANK YOU, AMERICA, for treating today's service men/women with the dignity, respect, and appreciation they so richly deserve.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

 

[kennadog]

My uncle in WWII (my guess is after the fighting was over):



You can click on it for a larger pic. That is not my aunt, but he actually met my aunt in Europe during the war. She was a USO singer/dancer. They ran into each other back in the states, the rest is history. He and my aunt are still among the living.

Thank you to all those who have served. I salute your love of country and duty you served, because of that love.

 

[6th]

Nice pic, kennadog.

While I mentioned myself, my brother, and 2 of my nephews, I did not mention that my grandfather served in the Cavalry in France during WWI, and my dad (Navy) and my uncle (Army) served in WWII.

I am proud that my heritage is one of serving God and country!

 

[kennadog]

Nice pic, kennadog.

While I mentioned myself, my brother, and 2 of my nephews, I did not mention that my grandfather served in the Cavalry in France during WWI, and my dad (Navy) and my uncle (Army) served in WWII.

I am proud that my heritage is one of serving God and country!

And well proud you should be! My uncle was in the armored calvary in WWII. My dad served in the Canadian army.