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Veteran Day
Thank you is never enough.Because I was born in Belgium, I make a point to attend a Veterans Day Parade or watch a wreath laid out at a monument or on the water, in whatever State I happen to be traveling in. I always have warm thoughts for the people who where hurt physically and emotionally in this most dreadful war. I am always emotional remembering the men and women who died to liberate my old country, the camps where some of my family perished and the slaughter of Malmedy. I cry for lives lost in Korea, Vietnam and the first Iraq war, and for the loss of innocence of brave people.
I will never pass a wonderful vet holding poppies without giving a donation and displaying proudly those red flowers of courage. Thank you is never enough.
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- Viviane Lindeolsson, FL
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Thanks
I appreciate what you do for us every minute of the day.THANK YOU to each and every one of you that have served our country well!
THANK YOU to each of you that are now serving our country well!
I appreciate what you do for us every minute of the day.
HOORAH!
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- Barbie Smith, NC
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Thanks to all who have served and are serving
thank a Veteran today and tomorrow!! You'd be surprised at what a "Thank You" will mean to them.There are so many of us Americans that fly our flag because we love the United States of America. So often we forget what this country stands for and how we got this freedom and how we continue to keep it. Our Veterans and those that are active duty have fought to keep us free. They have risked their lives, lost their lives and put their lives in danger so that we may be free. Free to speak what we want, free to go wherever we want, free to practice whatever religion we want, etc..
Our military families have done without their spouses because they are fighting for what we have today. Many have lost their husbands, wives, brothers, sisters and children for our freedom. Many do not believe in war. Personally, I don't like war. Who does? But we have to continue to fight to keep our freedom. We have to fight for the underdog every now and then. No matter what we feel politically, we need to support our troops. Honor those who have already fought their wars, and thank them each and every day. Not just on Veterans Day, but every day. If you can, find a way to thank those that are serving today. I thank the good Lord above that we have a day to honor our Veterans.
My family is full of military. My husband was a Navy Seal, my father was in the Navy, my uncles, cousins, grandfather. Too many to list!!!
My Dad is our local American Legion Commander. I am our local American Legion Auxiliary President. I am honored to serve in any manner that I can.
So, if you can, thank a Veteran today and tomorrow!! You'd be surprised at what a "Thank You" will mean to them.
- Barbie Smith, NC
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Veterans Day Salute
Our Veterans are a National treasureThis is a salute to all of our wonderful Veterans. Freedom isn't free, and because of the Veterans we have the United States of America. My Daddy is a World War II Veteran - Normandy - Battle of the Bulge. My two brothers Vietnam and Phillipines. Thank God for our Veterans. Uncommon Valor was a common virtue. Our Veterans are a National treasure.
For God & Country
Ruth Ann Wilson
Dayton, Tn.
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- Ruth Ann Wilson, OH
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Veteran's Day
Each of us were a part of a whole and were important.Veteran's Day is a time when all of us who have served can wear our colors and be proud of what we were no matter where or when we were in or what our job was. Each of us were a part of a whole and were important. The best of all is that we are a part of a select group of people...we are veterans! Let's be proud and tell our stories, there are people who really want to know.
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- Stephen R. Hendrickx, MA
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Just A Common Soldier
Because of you HEROSMy father, Woodrow W Curtis, was a 1st Sgt, KIA in Korea in 1951. He was a hero along with ALL that served. I think of this poem written by A. Lawrence Vaincourt when I think of vets.
He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast, and he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past. Of a war that he had fought in the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies; they were heros everyone.
And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, all his legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away, and the world's a little poorer for a soldier died today.
He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife, for he lived an ordinary and quietuneventful life. Held a job and raised a family, going his own way, and the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, while thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great. Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young, but the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land a guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife, goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?
A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives. While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all, is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.
It's easy to forget them for it was so long ago, that the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know it was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys, who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand, would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand? Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend his home, his kin and country and would fight until the end?
He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin, but his prescence should remind us we may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise, then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say, Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.
We now have newer vets that deserve our praise. I am so proud of our military!! We have freedom (taken for granted by most), free speech and so much more because of you HEROS.
Thank you so much.
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- Margarete, WA
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What Veterans Day Means to me
I would like to say thank you to all our Veterans past present and futureI would like to say thank you to all our Veterans past present and future. I believe we should thank you every day of the year not just on certain days. My Dad and his brothers are all Veterans. I say a prayer everyday for you and your family. May God bless you and keep you safe always. Thank you again and God Bless America. Beverly
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- Beverly Mikesell, KY
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Veterans Day
Veterans Day is Special to me because it brings All branches of the Military together!I for one, take alot of pride in All Veteran Holidays! Veterans Day is Special to me because it brings All branches of the Military together! I wish that all the people in this Country, would wake-up and smell the coffee!! Unless a family has a family member in the Military, they don't even have a clue about the sacrifices Soldiers make for the Freedom of this great Country!!I still see the blood on my hands, the screams in my head, the total devastation and personal loss!! It's like a projector going off in my head each and every night! No one enjoys seeing their best friend, being tossed through the air like an open can of tomato paste!! For those who fought for it, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know!! Army SFC J.C. "Doc"Glynn-5th Spec. Forces Vietnam
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- JC"Doc" Glynn, KS
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vets day parade
GOD BLESS ALL OUR VETS, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.I have a 1940 Packard that I drive in the Milwaukee Veterans day parade. Looking forward to Sat. Nov. 4 to do it again. Each year I get to drive a Vet. Last year I drove a WWII Battle of the Bulge Vet, 3rd Division with Gen Patton.
Words can't express the pleasure I had, to see this 83 year old vet, eyes light up when he saw my car and knew he was going to be riding in it. I had several bags of bite size tootsie rolls that we threw to the kids along the route, GOD BLESS ALL OUR VETS, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA. Tom
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- Tom Mlinar , WI
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Vets Day
show your appreciation for our men and women who have fought so hard to make this the greatest country the world has ever seen.WE are at war, to me everyday our fathers, sons, brothers, mothers and sisters who are in foreign countries defending the rights of others and fighting for the freedom of others should be honored as they are on Veterans Day. After all freedom is not free, it takes the dedication of our troops who are ready to lay down their lives for others.
At this time in history, it is the most important job in the country. So get out there and pray for our troops, fly the flag and show your appreciation for our men and women who have fought so hard to make this the greatest country the world has ever seen. AMEN
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- Larry Bahr, MN
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Tribute to WWII Veterans
I just wanted to share a beautiful song that was written and performed by my favorite band, Carbon Leaf, from Richmond, Virginia. The song is called The War Was in Color and is a beautiful tribute to WWII veterans. Another fan, Sean Wholtman, created a moving homemade video for the song. Please visit Carbon Leaf's www.myspace.com page - copy and paste the address below. If you scroll a little ways down the page you will find the video. I hope you enjoy it.
Val
- Val Vajay, NC
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Veterans Day Remembered
I honor all these Veterans in silence The year 1964 I was just 16 years old and knew that someday I would have to sign up for the draft because that was the law. Your duty was to serve your country or be marred for life. To me that meant jail time, no job, no future, disgrace. So I enlisted in the Marine Corps and fulfilled my obligation. I was scared, but at the same time unafraid for it looked like I wouldn't be called for duty in the Republic of Vietnam. After training in San Diego radio school I went back to Camp Geiger, jump school, the works. I was later pulled off a Med Cruise and told I'd be going to Vietnam, 1st Bat Recon. Today I still wander the beaches hear back home and can't believe that I did service in South East Asia, inserted behind enemy lines and went on patrols for three or four days with only five other guys. I survived, some did not. My first parade I was embarrased because for some reason all these different groups for gay rights, religious activist, animal rights, and every other cival rights group had to be in a parade that was meant to honor our fallen. Those who fought and surrendered their lives were dissed and disrespected. I left the parade which was on Lake Ave went home and shed a few tears. That was the last parade I went to. Never again. Parades on Veterans Day are just that, a tribute to those that fought for our way of life, freedom, mom and good ole apple pie. Back then they called me a baby killer, murderer and whatever other adjective or noun they could conjur up, but I was only doing what I was suppose to by law. I couldn't just run because then by the same people I would be called a traitor, criminal, desserter, lose my job and be jailed.
So now I honor all these Veterans in silence knowing that we all have sacrificed something for many and pray that our future will leave many to their families. I love this country, I love this freedom, and still proud to be a United States Marine who gave service to his country right or wrong. Thank you
Cpl. H J (Mouse) Carter
USMC Recon
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- Howard J. Carter, NY
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A Poem
A Mother's PostA year ago my 11-year-old daughter, Kaitlin, received an assignment to write an article for her history class (Troy, OH) as they studied WWI. Her article turned into a beautiful poem and has received some local notoriety and has been used by several of our local political leaders to honor our Soldiers at special events, like Veteran's Day. I thought I would pass it along for others to enjoy.
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A Mother's Post
by Kaitlin Pigg (age 11)
All in brown, they left the town;
He was marching, I was waving.
With tears in our eyes, we had said our good-byes;
Now began my time of waiting.
Months went by, without a reply;
He was fighting, I was praying.
My sorrow was deep, I could not sleep;
But in my dreams, he was saying...
Pray for the front Mom, pray for the men;
Pray that we'll hold the line.
Pray for our allies, pray that we'll win;
Pray I'll come home just fine.
Night and day I go to pray
At our churches wooden benches.
While my dear son fights far away
In Belgium's long, dark trenches.
My picture in his pocket, and his in my locket;
I will not desert my post.
To stand in prayer, for him over there;
My son, whom I love the most.
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God Bless America!
If this poem is used in a public setting, my daughter would be thrilled to have knowledge of the event.
Send info to: TippPastor@aol.com
- Darryl Pigg, OH
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YOUNG Marines participate in Veterans Day Projects
Their letters contain bookmarks with the young Marine Creed and Obligation on them along with a picture of the group.I am an adult leader with the Cumberland County Young Marines and every year they do projects for Veterans Day. Our town does not have a parade but does have a program at 11:00 on Veterans Day. Our young people get excused from school to come and take part in this program and then return to school. Plus this group of (20) Young People over the last three years have sent over 600 thank you letters to purple heart recipients, women of the military, and this year to men serving in Iraq that do not receive mail. They sent their letters to Fort Campbell to be sent to Iraq and passed out to soldiers who do not receive mail. Their letters contain bookmarks with the young Marine Creed and Obligation on them along with a picture of the group. This year we also got to welcome our 278 National Guard home from Iraq on November 8th.
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- William Brown, TN
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I thought I was a veteran.
I will always consider myself a veteran.I enlisted in the Navy Reserve while attending college. NARDIV 703 was called to active duty from Navy Dallas. My unit NARDIV 702 was never called to active duty. All of us in our unit stood ready to serve if called to active duty, knowing it may mean leaving college and family for a while. That we were not called and only served on weekends and two weeks a year for four years, we are now being told we are not veterans. Boot Camp was required. At the time we enlisted we were just as committed as any other to serving our country. The Viet Nam war ended and we were not called. Some went ahead to active duty, some did not. We served. I know I did. I believe at the time I enlisted the guidelines were different as to the requirement for veteran status. I am sure we were never informed any differently. I was a part of the U. S. military and - served - proudly. I did serve in the Hospital corps. I am proud to have served and even if no one else does, I will always consider myself a veteran.
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- Betty Jo Cook Van, TX
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My Husband Sam
Sam was so humbled to hear these small children shout out in pride for their country.One of our granddaughters (Shelby Cheyenne, 3rd grader) was having a memorial for Veterans at her elementary school. She called Grandpa and asked if he would come, because he was in the Air Force and was a Veteran. We went, and my husband Sam was so touched by the kids at the school. Everyone stood and repeated the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Sam was so humbled to hear these small children shout out in pride for their country. He was mostly proud of the way they all said, "Under God" in the Pledge. He said that he wanted to video tape that and send it to our Capitol, Sacramento, California.
God Bless America and everyone in it. Connie Hieb, the Proud Wife of a Veteran.
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- Connie Hieb, CA
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Veterans Day & Freedom
the Eagle we see is a sign of those who have departed keeping an eye on those of us in this GREAT Nation that stands for FREEDOMVeterans day has come and gone, like the winds of yesterday, all that is left is the cool air of November and the memories that for some, haunt our dreams or nightmares, for others it is a memory of the one's we shared our daily lives with, for the Combat soldier it is another day of remembering the greatness of our comrade's as they fought beside us to hope and have another day in the bush of the jungles of Nam or the sands of Iraq or the Mountains of Afghanistan and even the Icy terrain of Korea or even the beaches of Europe and the many Islands of where they fought.
BUT WE should all look up into our skies of America and see the Eagles as they FLY, and knowing within our hearts that the Eagle we see is a sign of those who have departed keeping an eye on those of us in this GREAT Nation that stands for FREEDOM to be sure that we always remember the great price paid for us to be able to see the Eagle flying free and to know in our hearts that they are all there keeping an eye on us and the ones they shared their love with while here on this earth.
Some day Brother, we will all gather together once again and there will be no more crying or fighting and guns roaring for the cause of peace for we will all have paid the ultimate price and will stand before our creator knowing we are truly FREE at last and enjoy the everlasting PEACE of eternity. God Bless all of you and may God once again Bless America...Vietnam Combat Veteran 68 and 69 America Division 11th Infantry Brigade. Robert Lee Horton Topeka Kansas
- Robert Lee Horton, KS
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The Combat Veteran
You have no idea what it is like unless you have been their, starring the enemy in the eye's when you know that it is the moment in your life that you decide is it him or me, you have no time to think you act or die, you do what you are trainned to do, knowing this decision is the most important of the day, will you live to see another day of heated battle or will you just be another number to those who do not understand or care yet they want to degrade us for our being Brave or our being the real Patriot's of America and standing up for our freedoms. To those of you who do care or have a loved one serving... I a vietnam combat veteran wish to salute all of you today for caring about us on this very special day for all veterans and tell you THANK YOU for those of you who are out their for us and for the many who did not return from Battle, let us NEVER FORGET THEM AND ALWAYS DISPLAY THE BANNER OF 'WE SHALL NEVER FORGET'. God Bless all of you fellow Vet's and families of those fallen brothers. LEE Horton Topeka Kansas - Combat Infantrymens Association. Company A11KS
- Robert Lee Horton, KS
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Wars Acid Rain /WHY HIM & NOT ME
YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN My name is not important, my Brothers is - you see it is his name on the wall not mine because of a landmine planted in those bloody jungle floors of the NAM. As we pushed forward through the jungle foilage on that HOT August 19th day of 68 as the planes overhead flew over spilling millions of gallons of their acid spray upon us, and the rice paddie that we later drank out of. Little did we know that this day would be the beginning of our deaths some quicker than others, we crossed a small river to sweep an island with enemy elements on it. Once there we found the leaflets dropped on the island telling the enemy we were coming, and it was this day, that our brother James Karras would be taken home>. For those of us left (in our nightmares) we still patrol those Jungle floors every night as we drink the poison (agent orange) out of the rice paddies waiting for the call we all know is coming soon, and we hope silently as others scream at us profanity and telling us how awfull we are. Dear GOD can't they see the only reason they are alive is for what we did in other countries. Offering our lives but still for us Vietnam combat vets and others of other wars we are now awaiting to DIE from the acid rain our government sprayed us with in those bloody Jungles of Nam so that our government can silence our voice for good. I can't help but ask Dear GOD why my Brother James and not me, is this Hell or just the GATE of eternity. PTSD and AGENT Orange, The nightmare continues, and as the day's pass somewhere another one bites the dust, who cries, who cares, We/I DO The American Military Veterans. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN Robert lee Horton ns_volunteers@cox.net
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- Robert LEE Horton, KS
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FEMALE/CORPSMAN
Hello I have a story that I'll share, this is the condensed version."Back in the day" when I served with the Marines,in the course of doing my duties alot of it was spent going in the field, for months at a time, not only did I make an impact as a female FMF Corpsman,I made history(as I was told)as the first female to go out into the field while stationed in Yuma,Az. Back in the '80's. The "Gunners" found it hard to believe that a "female" was actually going out with them to the field, back then 1 corpsman served with a Batallion, we were out for 2 months at a time, me and "my" Marines. Needless to say I truly had to prove myself as a corpsman each day out there,I not only stepped to the plate I earned the right to be called "DOC".
- Barbara Butler, NC
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All Gave Some, ...Some Gave ALL
Remember All those who Fought, and DIED to keep us FREE.We should All take a minute, or two, to Remember All those who Fought, and DIED to keep us FREE.
As we say: "FOR THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR IT, FREEDOM HAS A FLAVOR THE PROTECTED WILL NEVER KNOW!"
Thank You ONE, and ALL!!!
formerly SSG Mathenia RVN 1970-71
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- Daniel L. Mathenia, WA
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thank you
I say a prayer for you each day.I would like to say thank you to all the veterans past, present, future that serve our country. May God bless you always. I say a prayer for you each day.
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- Beverly Mikesell, KY
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FORGOTTEN VETS OF WW II
As a surviving disabled veteran of WW II, I'm very sad, and shocked that so many of the people of the USA know nothing of the history of WW II. I would seriously hope that all schools throughout the world would make it mandatory for the teaching of WW II History.Too many people don't realize that if we hadn't sacrificed for them to live in a free world today. Many of us gave our lives that others might live. Take a moment to think what our lives would be today if the Allies had lost WW II to the Germans, and Italians. We ask you all to comnsider
those sacrifices made for you on Friday, the 11th month, the 11th day, and the 11th hour.
"Lest We Forget"
Dave
324th Inf. 44th Inf.Div.
WW II
- DAVID H. OWEN, MA
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VETERANS DAY
Love, prayers,and many thanks!GOD BLESS AMERICA! Our country is blessed. Blessed to have men and women devote their liberties at home, to fight for their country and flag.
I'm a Viet Nam vet (1970-1971), who proudly fought w/1st Cav Div and 25th America Div. I lost a dozen good comrades, and many who came home, not entirely whole. My mind and thoughts are always w/them. I came to love them as my own blood because that's the way it is in war.
I thank and praise all who have trotted the steps I have. And, yes, thanks to fathers and mothers, etc. whom I'm sure, prayed everyday for their loved ones.
I thank my two older brothers, also Viet Nam soldiers, and for their safe return.
God bless you VETERANS, only you know what we carried on in combat. Always be proud - YOU ARE AMERICANS, and will never forget you, for your sacrifice.
Love, prayers,and many thanks!
Abraham
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- Abraham A. Real, CO
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Veterans Day
HAPPY VETERANS DAY to each and everyone.To me, Veterans Day means; Honor, Respect, and the price we pay or have paid to keep our country free. Those who serve have great respect for our country or they would have never volunteered to protect those who have been left behind. I myself am a Veteran of the United States Navy and I proudly served. I have been retired now for nearly 12 years. If I could do it all over again I would to help protect and serve our great country. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! and GOD BLESS those who have served and are now serving in our Armed Forces. HAPPY VETERANS DAY to each and everyone. -MS1 Debra J. Taylor (USNRET)
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- Debbie Taylor, FL
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