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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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Veterans Day
Veterans Day for me is usually a quiet day of reflection. I think back to my Navy days and all the wonderful people I met and worked alongside. I think about my uncles who were both in WWII and the sacrifices they made and the peril they faced. I am active in the catholic War Veterans Post 1959 and dedicate time to that. I am a writer of rhyming poetry and I have posted three Veteran poems on my Facebook page. Anyone is welcome to view them. I served as a plane director aboard an aircraft carrier during the Korean War. I want to wish all veterans good health, long life and may God Bless You for what you have done and sacrificed. A profound well done, thank you for your service and Welcome Home
- John V. Kosek, Sr., OH
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USMC
Well I am proud to be called a Veteran I served my country 4 years active duty and 40 years I served my country as a civilian I would have give my life at anytime that I was called on to do so.
I served in Vietnam War from 8/66-8/67 in The U.S. Marine Corps. My unit was H&S Co 3/9 3rdMarDiv FLC.
I was on two major operations and lost several great friends and warriors. I am proud to be call a Veteran but I am more proud to be called a Christian in this wonderful country that God has made.
There is alot of my life while in Vietnam I cant remember and I think God did that for some reason so I live with that everyday.
I LOVE THE U. S. STATES OF AMERICA WITH ALL MY HEART.
AND TO THOSE WARRIORS STILL FIGHTING I PRAY THAT WE WILL WAKE UP BEFORE WE LOSE ONE MORE PERSON AND BRING OUR WARRIORS HOME AND SEND THE ILLEGALS OUT OF HERE AND PUT OUR VETERANS TO WORK. SOMETIMES IT IS HARD TO STOP TYPING BUT I WILL LEAVE ALL BRANCHES WITH THIS SEMPER-FI. SGT DONALD HANEY. USMC. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
- Donald Haney, KY
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Honoring Women who served
Veterans Day is our chance to remind the 98% of America that has never served....just what it means to be a military person.
This is an opportunity to educate people on the role WOMEN play in serving this great nation, both in and beside the uniform...past and present!
On this day we are all one, marching in step with one another, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard; Women and Men; Active, Guard, Reserves; Officer, Enlisted; Soldier, Mother, Sister, Spouse, Father, Son and Daughter....we wear the uniform so that other dont have to....we fight not because we hate what is in front of us, but because we love what stands behind us-counting on us....
WE ARE AMERICA!
- Cassaundra StJohn, TX
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Veterans Day
To all Ive served with, [past and present Have a great Veterans Day!!!! Service before self is everything. My thoughts and prayers go out to our troops everyday.
- James M Massara, FL
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Veterans Day
My mother is the proud mother of 9 sons. We are from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. All nine of us served in the US Army between 1962-2005. We contributed over 150 years of service to our country. We ranged in rank from Specialist to Command Sergeant Major. 6 of us retired with 20 or more years, and 3 served between 6-9 years. All of us are living except one, he is buried in the VA Cemetary in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
- Rickey Williams, AR
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What it means to me
I am a Viet-Nam vet and to me Veterans Day means that I think of all the friends I lost because of that damn war. But we were fighting for the greatest country of all but alot of people didnt feel that way. When I came back fromm Nam I got off a plane in Califorina thinking I would see happy people to see us but I got spit on so as not to cause a scene I got away from that place. But now I see people welcoming the Vets back home. I to am proud of all the vets that are fighting for the most wonderful country USA. And to all you Viet-Nam Vets welcome home. And to all you Vets that didnt come home may God rest your soul, I know Jesus accepted everyone of them to his Kingdom.
- Ron Wheeler, NC
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Veterans Day
Bless Our VeteransI am a Army Veteran from the Vietnam War Era and I know how important a simple THANK YOU is. I am sending a THANK YOU to all of our Active Duty service members and Veterans for your sacrifice and commitment to this great country of ours. Your Nation is proud of you and can never repay you enough for all you have done and are doing. God Bless Our Troops and Veterans. From a humble Veteran.
- David Mac Donald, OH
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history
Thank YouI would like to say thank you to all our veterans past and future. I believe we should thank you every day of the year not just on certain days.
- shadirelys, FL
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Veterans Everywhere
Veteran to AllAs a former member of the U.S. Army, I am most proud of the military history of my family. My father, U.S. Navy Retired WWII Veteran now deceased. My son John who served in the U.S. Army, during Desert Storm/Desert Shield. All of my Uncles. Both of my brothers; Jim who served during the Korean War U.S. Air Force; Joe U.S. Navy; Vietnam....all of my male cousins, too. So far, I am the only female to serve. I would love to be the last in my family, too. I wish that for ALL families who live and endure the military lives of their choice. Its our way of saying, God Bless American. From this veteran to all veterans......Thank You. Jeanne
- Jeanne Dexter NALLY, FL
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Pelelieu 1944
Semper FiOn September 15,1944 I was an FMF Corpsman aboard the USS Tryon as Marines went ashore on Peleliu to capture this fortified island from the entrenched Japanese. They captured the island but at a horrific cost in lives of our valiant Marines. This is a prime example of Darwins survival of the fittest but only meaningful when viewed on a large scale. Individual heroism and sacrifice of the fittest ensured the survival of our great nation. These Marines and so many other brave men gave so much for our country. No one could ever give more.
Semper Fi, and RIP
- Arnold Steele, CA
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what veterans day mean to me
Veterans Day is a day of honor and joy !
- Mya Lafargue, LA
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Veteran Day
My sister Beuna lives in Hawaii and she called me to tell me about going to The Veterans Day Ceremony at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. One of the Speakers were Honorable Max Cleland, now Secretary American Battle Monuments Commission. She was surprise when I knew who he was and that he had lost both of his legs plus his right hand in Vietnam War when a grenade exploded during his service. In fact, Max is the same age as my sister and I am two younger and served in Vietnam as a Marine 1962-1966 luckily my body came back whole. I am so grateful the American people now see some worth in us the military soldiers who were drafted in the Vietnam War. It shows in Washington D.C!
- Bruce Bearss, OH
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Edward J. Ryan/Anzio
Every Veterans Day since my father, Edward J. Ryan died I have posted a somthing in his memory. He was a disabled veteran of Anzio, WWII. He was wounded in May, 1944 at the age of 17. He lost his left arm and most of his right hand and was at Walter Reed for many months before returning home to Summit, NJ. He soon met our mother, Carolyn Crane Ryan and they married in 1952. He went to work for the Jersey Central Power and Light Co. They proceeded to have the 4 of us, raised us in NJ, sent us all to college. They were married almost 50 yrs. when he passed away in 2003. My mother died the following year. Neither of my parents ever said, I cant do that. My father played tennis with us, pitched many a ball and taught himself to play golf at age 65. They were an amazing couple. I am proud of not just my veteran father but also my mother who saw past his disabilities and married him despite the objections of her family. I miss them geatly. Darby Ryan Stevens
- Darby Stevens, WV
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veterans day
Ill never understand what you have been through.Ill never be able to thank you enough.I hope that someday ill be able to repay the favor.
- nolan, NH
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Video
We came across a story about an ID bracelet that was found in a field in Wales which we discovered belonged to an American Soldier from Syracuse, NY who serrved in WWII. We reunited it recently with his family and captured the story in this video.
We are releasing it now before Veterans Day as a small token of our appreciation for all our Veterans and those who so bravely serve in the armed forces.
http://www.fineartoffamily.com/2010/11/a-long-lost-bracelet-finds-its-way-home/
The Fine Art of Family
By Monica Ric Kosann
- Rod Kosann, NY
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Veterans Day
VETERANS DAY! WHAT THIS MEANS TO ME IS THAT WE ALL SHOULD BE THANKFUL FOR THE FREEDOM WE HAVE TODAY FOR WHAT OUR FELLOW VETERANS HAVE DONE FOR. IT SHOULD NOT MATTER WHAT BRANCH OF SERVICE YOU SERVED IN OR WHETHER YOU ARE A MAN OR WOMAN. BEING A FELLOW VETERAN MYSELF ALONG WITH MY DAD, I AM PROUD OF HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE MY COUNTRY. THIS VETERANS DAY NOT ONLY SHOULD YOU THANK THOSE WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY AND ARE STILL WITH US TODAY, BUT WE ALSO NEED TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY WHO WILL NOT BE HERE WITH US BUT IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND IN OUR HEARTS. TO ALL MY FELLOW VETERANS, I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR OUR COUNTRY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
- David J. Tucker, PA
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