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Veterans Day
I and nine other vets belong to an
honor guard through our American Legion
post.Veterans day we laid to rest an
army person and did it with pride.
God bless all vets and the U S A
thank yoy
Tom Fragale
WW11
Pittsburgh,Pa
- Tom Fragale, PA
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Proud to br a Veteran
I have always been proud of my 22 year career in The Us Navy and my advancement from E1 to E 7 and on up to LDO Lieutenant and the seven ships I had served on! My proudest day since I retired was this past November 9th when I had the privilege to speak to the junior class at Englewood high School in Englewood Colorado1 The students were extremely attentive and their questions intelligent! I hope that some of them will consider a Navy career and will task me in guiding their quest.
- Roger Arthur Hutchings, CO
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Proud to br a Veteran
I have always been proud of my 22 year career in The Us Navy and my advancement from E1 to E 7 and on up to LDO Lieutenant and the seven ships I had served on! My proudest day since I retired was this past November 9th when I had the privilege to speak to the junior class at Englewood high School in Englewood Colorado1 The students were extremely attentive and their questions intelligent! I hope that some of them will consider a Navy career and will task me in guiding their quest.
- Roger Arthur Hutchings, CO
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Vets
Although I am not a vet, my uncle, Lance Corporal Larry E. Hart was. 3rd Marines, 4th battallion.
You see, my uncle Pete, as he was called(I never met him) was killed during a patrol in 1967 during the vietnam affair. I can not rightly explain it, but ever since I was a teenager(I am nearly 40 now)the life and service of my uncle Pete has held my utmost respect and gratitude. Pete was supposes to come home and run the family farm but when he was killed Pop(my grandfather)lost his want to farm. Pop held iut as long as he ould and sold the farm in 1978.(I was 5 years old)
Because of uncle Pete I hold the highest amount of respect for all those active duty and retired enlisted men and women of our armed forces and extend my deepest gratitude that they allow me to live the life I do with my lovely wife and two young sons and know they will be safe from all comers foreign and domestic.
For that, THANK YOU TO ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL!!!! We, as a country, owe our way of life to all of you.
Deepest regards,
Judd Shiffler, New Providence, Pa
- Judd Shiffler, PA
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Veterans Day
Veterans day is one of the most important days of the year. Its the day when we give our thanks, when show our respects and when we honor all of the people who served the army, who is serving now, and who will serve in the future. However, i believe that we should not recognize them once a year, we should be thankful all year long because those heros risk there lives to save ours, something that not every human being can handle. Although this is a very important holiday, people dont recognize it. Half of the kids in my school dont know what the word veteran mean! And the world takes it as a day off school, or work. I find this highly disrespectful. But i give my thanks to you, heros. God bless you and your family and promise that i do not take you or your hard work for granted!
- Yomari Salvador, NY
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Proud Veteran
The Pride of a Veteran
Peter H. Strauss? 11/11/2012
It hasn?t taken 70 or 40 or 10 years for me to feel proud of serving my Country. I felt that pride the moment I took my pledge and was inducted into the United States Army over 40 years ago. The problem is my Country just became proud of mea little more than ten years ago. Well, that?s not totally true so I?ll explain:
Our Country our American soil and people was attacked at Pearl Harbor almost seventy years ago and again on September 11th , 2001. In between those years we have fought many times around the world to protect and defend our rights and other peoples rights to live in freedom. But the only times many of our people have consciously felt it was right to do so was when our soil and our lives here were endangered.
American soldiers have often been revered around the world as protectors of freedom. However, the perception of the ?conflict? in Vietnam where so many American and other lives were lost left not many with any sense of pride. Maybe it was too far away, maybe folks just didn?t understand the reasoning for being over there, maybe it was just a time in our Country?s history when people were more mellow and didn?t want us to be involved around the world when we had so many problems in our own countrysound familiar. The result , however, was an intolerance, a disdain, and almost a loathing of those of us who served in our Military during that era. We were a living and in too many cases a deceased memory of policies our government promulgated that were not popular.
Soldiers didn?t feel that way. We were there to serve our Country in the way that our leaders, right or wrong, saw fit to order us. I for one, as a legally naturalized citizen was proud to serve the Country where my parents decided to emigrate. We as soldiers followed orders from our commanders who in turn followed orders from theirs, who followed the will of our politician?s and government. Why? Because we were asked to do so as an obligation to serving our Country almost no question?s asked.
There were very few heroes back then, very few parades, and even fewer ?pats on the back? for a job well done. I?m not bitter, I?m proud. I was then and I am now. But now our people recognize our soldiers for protecting them and their freedom, not someone else?s.
This week in stadiums and events all across our country Veterans will be revered, lauded, and loved. There will be moment?s of silence for those who gave their lives and cheers for those who returned, some damaged, some not. At gatherings all around our country speakers, announcers and entertainers will ask Veterans to rise and thank them for their service. I?ll rise too and bask in the thanks so long coming.Remember: All Gave Some. Some Gave All!
I?m a proud American Veteran.
- Peter Strauss, FL
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Appreciation for military Veterans and current arm
First off I want to say that I was never in the military but Ive had multiple members of my family join the military. My grandfather Alvin Manke was a translator for German POWs in Europe during WWII. His brother Ralph Manke was a medic who landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. My dad Robert Manke and his brother Richard Manke served in the Air Force in Vietnam and my uncle Tom Fihn served in the army in the 1960s. Also my cousin Robert Manke, son of Richard Manke my cousin joined the Army reserves when he was I believe 17 yrs old while still in High School. In addition to that he continues to serve and protect his family, neighbors and home town in Wisconsin by being a Firefighter.
So now knowing a little bit about my familys military background I would like to say thanks and offer up admiration to my family, to all my friends, co-workers, and most definitely to those that I dont even know. Thanks to those who are freshly enlisted, to those who are currently serving and protecting our great country and are all fighting to protect our freedoms and better our country, for those who already have served and done their time, for those who have been injured, for those of you who did your time and are now retired, and finally and in my opinion most importantly to those who gave their own lives to protect the lives of not only their fellow soldiers but especially for family, friends, and for every single citizen living now and the next generations to enjoy and live in this awesome, free country which is The United States of America, the great country we all live in and that we call home and to be able to enjoy the rights that our veterans fought for and continue to fight for to protect. Thanks to all branches of the military and God Bless you all. Happy veterans day :-
Again I just want to say I am so very proud of my family and everything that they have done serve and protect The United States of America but for me personally that they ensured the freedoms I get to enjoy daily and the ability to pursue a happy and prosperous life. To my family Thank you for your service, time, and sacrifice and to all military veterans so much for making this happen.
- Joel Manke, WI
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Veterans Day
I just got home from our Veterans Day Ceremonies at 1100 at Eisenhower Park, Seal Beach, by the pier. I was the MC and we had my American Legion Post 857 and VFW Post 4048 both of Seal Beach who sponsored the ceremonies. We had the Mayor, Mayor Protem, a member of the city council and the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Pam Mashon attend. Pam opened the ceremonies and then I took over with the Presentation of the Colors followed by the singing of The Star Spangled Banner, Pledge of Allegiance, POW/MIA Flag presentation and so on. The Color Guard was done by the Southeast County Young Marines and they were very good. It was a wonderful ceremony, lots of people and great weather. Pastor Shoemaker gave the Induction Prayer and Benediction. He is the Seal Beach Police Chaplain. Our Keynote speaker was Congressman Dana Rohrabacher of the 48th District. I always vote for him because he is so supportive of the Veterans. And he always makes our Memorial and Veterans Day Ceremonies. After Taps was played by a young Eagle Scout, the ceremonies were over. It was just a very good thing and I felt so proud being the MC and doing this ceremony for our Veterans now, in the past and veterans to be.
- Paul D. Pudenz, CA
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MY FATHER
As I write this, I am proudly looking up at a portrait of my father, Tommaso Vinciguerra, born in Italy, sailed to America, became an American Citizen and was in the United States Army during WWI. Yes, the first world war!There he proudly stands in that peculiar outfit wearing knickers, holding his cap in his hand and the American Banner is aloft behind him. Now because my father was educated in a monastery he was of a peaceful nature. So as the story goes, he was asked if he could cook, and when he said of course, he was made a cook, first class, in the 151st Motor Transport Co. I am smiling as I read over his Honorable Discharge in 1919. He was often teased about there being different ways to kill. as an affront to his cooking. But actually my poppa was an excellent cook!! Buon Appetito!! and God Bless America and all who serve her, Amen.
- GLORIA ABENE, NY
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Veterans Day
I want to thank all military personnel past and present for supporting this country like I did. I am a Desert Storm Vet. and I am proud to have served
- Jack Stoner, IN
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Veterans Day Honor
My website shows both a story and a link to a You Tube Video that I feel you may want to post. Please link to the song here and my story about my father who served in Vietnam.
All veterans should be hailed as heros. Most are silent heros, too humble to share what they did, who they saved, or how they suffered. After walking through the war in Vietnam prior to my fathers death six years ago, my compassion has grown immensely for every Veterans sacrifice.
http://www.cynthiabeckman.com/veteran-tribute-a-song-for-my-silent-hero/
- Cynthia Beckman, CA
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What Veterans Day Means to Me
To me, Veterans Day is a day to nationally remember and pray for all Veterans and to teach our young ones how much we have to be thankful for in this country, thanks to all our
Veterans past and present. I personally think of our Veterans EVERY day of the year, not just on Veterans Day. And not just because my late father was a WWII Army Veteran or because it was actually his birthday also! God bless all of our dear Veterans.
- Gail McSorley, PA
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The Poppy Lady
I have a deep appreciation for the men and women who protect our freedom. My father and Uncles served during World War II, and my husband served during the Vietnam War.
In 1942, when my Dad was studying Radio Communication at the University of Georgia, he met Moina Belle Michael. She was the schoolteacher from Georgia who during World War I first launched a national campaign to establish the red poppy as a symbol to remember soldiers-past, present, and future.
At the time, my Dad, along with three hundred other soldiers in training, lived in the Georgian Hotel, and Moina lived on a floor above them. But my Dad was having trouble concentrating on his studies because his two brothers, who were fighting in the Italian Army, were missing in action. Moina sensed my Dads sadness and took time each day to sit in the lobby and chat with him. She helped ease his fears and raise his spirits. A kindness my Dad remembers to this day.
Because he wanted every one to know about Moina and her place in history, my Dad inspired me to write her story. The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and her Tribute to Veterans, was released on September 1, and my portion of the proceeds will support the National Military Family Association?s Operation Purple®, which benefits children of the U.S. military.
Information about Moina may also be found on my web site. barbaraelizabethwalsh.com.
May God Bless all who serve or have served our country!
- Barbara Elizabeth Walsh, NJ
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veterans
I would like tho honor the people that served in the army and that died in it I would pray every day for our freedom that nobody would get hurt in battle thank you and god bless the souls and the living.
- Darla Gonzalez, FL
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veterans
I would like to say is thank you to our veterans risking there souls to battle some died and some were still standing to the veterans that dies god is within them all thank you and god bless everybody.
- Darla Gonzalez, FL
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Thanks to Sgts. Coolidge
Veterans Day is a chance to thank all veterans and visit the graves of my family and friends who havce served. Especially friends like former Army Master Sgt. Kermit Coolidge who served in WWII Italy and his daughter former Army Reserve Master Sgt. Louise Kay Coolidge who served for many years with the 351st General Hospital group. She also worked at the VA Hospital in White River Junction, VT as well as the Dartmouth Hitchcock in Lebanon NH. and thew Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover, NH. His death in 1983 and hers in 2007 were too premature. It sure feels like a sad Veterans Day with them, and others like them, no longer among the living. God Bless them both and all the other veterans, living ad dead, and God Bless America. Jim Pallutto Sr.
- Jim Pallutto Sr, AL
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Veterans Day
With a family and set of friends full of vets like Charles Pallutto WWII, Michael Cioffi WWII, John Cioffi WWII, Kermit Coolidge WWII, N. A. Grandchamp Korea, Earl Skip Goodrich Jr. Vietnam, Sgt. Mike Pallutto - Cold War, Master Sgt. Ret. Louise Kay Coolidge RN Persian Gulf, it is difficult to get them all together to thank them.
Veterans Day is the day I can join with a very grateful nation to thank you all.
Nurse Louise Coolidge was my personal hero because she got an old head injury like me to try school again. When things got tough for me she encouraged me with stories and challenges from her own recovery from head trauma.
You just know that she was a great motivator like a real good Sgt. because she made a C+ High School Student like me into an A student in college.
Her father, Kermit Coolidge, was also an excellent friend who encouraged me to become a better neighbor by his example of helping folks stranded by the seasonal snows of their Mendon Mountain home here in Vermont.
Thanks to all you vets we are a better country, Thank you all. Jim Pallutto Sr.
- James Pallutto, Sr, VT
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veteran day
I SERVED IN THE WORLDS GREATEST NAVY .I SALUTE EVERYONE WHO HAVE WORN ANY UNIFORM OF OUR SERVICES.THERE IS A COMRADERIE AMONG SERVICEMEN THAT DOES NOT EXIST IN CIVILIAN LIFE.I SERVED WITH SOME OF AMERICA,S FINEST AND WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A HEARTBEAT.THEY CAN SCRAP OUR SHIPS.THEY CAN CLOSE OUR BASES BUT THEY CAN,T ERASE THE MEMORIES
- herbert moody, VA
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Wayne T. Bernhardt
In loving memory:
Wayne T. Bernhardt
5/26/1967 -12/18/2011
Gulf war veteran.
Overseas contractor.
K-9 handler.
See ya later, Baby.
They honored Wayne with a Fallen Soldier ceremony.
Soldiers lined both sides of the C-130 with the casket bearers solemnly marching Wayne to the aircraft. The soldiers all saluted Wayne as he passed and a prayer was said for him.
- Dana Bernhardt, CO
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My fathers life
My father was a Vietnam Veteran. Until he died in May 2010 I had no idea what this meant to him.
Being in Vietnam gave my father survivors guilt and upon his return he had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The war made him lose faith in God, caused him incredible stress, and I think contributed to his early death.
My father chose to enlist, but I think that as a teenager he had no idea what he was signing up for- a life long sacrifice.
So many veterans have died for this country. I am so thankful for their bravery. Lets not forget that being in the military isnt a sacrifice only when you are in active duty, but is a life long sacrifice.
All veterans lose their life in one way or another- whether they die or whether their life is changed forever because of the what they have seen and done in times of war.
This is a sacrifice that no one should have to make.
David A. Kleins daughter
- C. Klein, OR
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Veterans day prjoect
To me Veterans Day is about honor, respect, and pride. To honor those who risked their life or lost their life fighting for us. To have the respect and tell they thank you for having the courage to go fight not knowing if you would make it back. The pride to where our colors proudly knowing that we all stand together as one. Veteran?s day is a special day for all the different groups of the military together and get recognize. Because when all the women and men leave we don?t realize what they have sacrificed, they put they life on the line, but that doesn?t matter to them because they putting others before the self. On this day we applause Mothers, Daughters, Grandmas, Uncles, Fathers, Brothers, Cousins, Grandfathers, friends. Anybody who left their country to fight for freedom, we should be very thankful we have brave hearts out here in this world! Today is a very important day for people?s family. If it wasn?t for veterans we wouldn?t have any of this freedom we have now. I couldn?t even imagine what the world would be like with no freedoms it would probably feel like a big old jail cell.
- Jazmin Smith, LA
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NON-VETERAN
I am not a veteran. Generations in my family were. Grandfather-Philippine-American War, Father=WWII, brother-Vietnam War, Son-First Iraq War, Daughter-naval reserve, First Iraq War.
I know firsthand the anxiety and sacrifices of the women left behind as the men go to war. I salute the men and women who made the sacrifices in their own way.
- LARRAINE HALL, CA
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Veterans Day
On this Veterans Day I wish to honor my dad.Gnysgt Lloyd F Gallagher,1st Marine Division who fought on Cape Glouster,Pelelieu and Okinawa. Although he is long gone and we never spoke about his service and I have recently discovered what he and all other Marines & Soliders really did in these south pacific battles, I truly regret not knowing earlier. They and our current warriors are daily remembered and prayed for. Semper Fi
- Steve Gallagher, MD
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A change in perspective
I live within 3 hours of a major deployment base for military personal being shipped to Afganistan and Iraq. I have the opportunity to host a mulitude of friends on their last days in the states.
It will always cherish those moments as my fmaily provides some laughter smiles and freindship as they prepare for their deployment.
My perspective changed on how they think and what they deal with on a daily basis when my best freind was deployed in Afganistan and was upset becuase his meal time was disrupted by mortor attacks. It was so casual how he addressed it. I sitting back here was freaking out. His life perspective ws drastically different from what I experienced. I am greatful to him for showing me how comfortable I had become thinking what he was going through was comparable to things I have experienced.
Shortly after this a freind came on the second to last day he was stateside. Knowing he would be home for the holidays, we had a full Thanksgiving dinner prepared for him, his wife, and their new baby. He told me how things hadnt been the easiest for him in the past couple of years and how life in the military had helped him own up to whom he should be. It came out that he had to sell a computer just to come out and visit since he was planning on his paycheck to cover the expenses of his new family. It felt so little to give to pay for his gas, get him some stuff for the baby, and some food for the trip home and have on his long flights which would bring him to war.
I am so greatful for each these men. Thier choices to leave their families and little ones at home and fight for our country is not an uncommon story. It is one that should be apprieciated. Our personal experiences effect our thinking and how we view the world. Each of these men should me how much I have to learn about truly appreiciating the sacrafices they choose to make on a daily basis.
Thank you to them and so many other people in my life and across this country that have choosen the same.
- Frank Nordstrom, MO
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Viet Nam HD
It is just recently that I am feeling comfortable about being a vietnam vet. This past summer I visited the Wall for the first time. Then for the last two nights I watched Viet Nam HD on the History channel. Last night I even got to watch it with my son ( a retired Captain in the Navy) This has been one of the best Veterans Day for me and I wish all veterans a great day and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
- Richard S. Jensen, Sr, PA
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