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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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Honoring AllVeterans
I would like to say thank you to all U.S. Veteran's for their Honesty, Integrity, Bravery and Courage and to Bless and THANK them every day and to let them know how very much they are appreciated!!!! Especially my father, Mr. Frederick W. Norcross 1st Marine Division, L Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines who was written up in the Danbury, CT. newspaper for his outstanding bravery when his Marine Co. landed at Guadacanal and he was the first off the boat and went ahead to protect his entire Co.!!! He remained a man of courage, Honesty and until I lost him on Jan. 28, 2002. But I Thank God for him and all men like him and would like to hear from anyone from that time or their survivors.. GOD BLESS and THANK ALL OF YOU, from Nancy Bodin-Libor, a Loving Daughter
- Nancy Bodin-Libor, CT
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What Veterans Day Means to Me
To our endless WWII Veterans who served before me. To My Brothers and Sisters in Arms, who served in Vietnam, and all of the Men and Women of Our Armed Forcres,who have served in battle up to now, in our present War against Terrorism around the World, I say God Bless You. I take every opportunity no matter where, or when, to stop a veteran or active duty personnel and say Thank You For Your Service, and May God Keep You Safe. On Veterans Day here in Prescott, AZ, the VA goes all out to show our graditute to all Veterans and Active Duty Personnel that attend.
God Bless Our Veterans and Soldiers and God Bless America.
- James Kemo Francis, AZ
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Veterans Poem
Hi,
I?m 48 years old and have always been a civilian. Thank You.
I hope the poem helps.
Respectfully,
Poet, Richard E. Berg
Beachchair@verizon.net
Cell/text: 508-272-2286
?21Guns, Under the Red, White and Blue?
Both hands cold,
His tags I hold,
Just 18,
Now not so bold.
Downdraft against Med-Evac flight,
Sniper fire under dark of night,
Bolted electricity, PM 9:23.
Airborne ICU breathing you,
20 units stop the dam bleeding,
Diminished pulse another transfusion,
Chopper spinning into confusion,
No movie magic, no illusion,
No take 2 in a combat rescue, PM 9:32.
Night sky crack-pop-time stop,
No confirmation, no communication,
Decent 400 feet, 200 feet, minus 100 Sir,
Morphine drip, slip and holler,
Displace IV and cervical collar,
Failing lung and lacerated face,
Another marker in the death race.
Smack-down into base-camp perimeter,
Shattered glass, rotor bent, burnt scent,
Cut fuel-line, PM 9:39.
Shrapnel puncture leg and gut,
Sedate and cut,
Clamp and amputate,
Close.
Stop everyone, suture no more,
Soldier dies, close eyes, we cry,
Time of Death, PM 9:54
Regroup, re-stock,
Clean blood-soaked floor,
Next patient please.
New Re-Con unit, day 1 or maybe 2.
The Army, Navy & Air-Force Crew,
Marines, Coast Guard and Reserve Companies too,
Keep it over there, not here,
The velocity atrocity,
Every-time someone dies,
Even enemy eyes,
They cry,
Take it home in their heart,
And die a little too.
Don?t like it, despise it,
Must be another way,
But until then,
Time and again,
They are the heroes,
Defending our freedom,
From start till the end.
When does it become,
Peace and Democracy,
In what generation?
I?m sorry anyone has to be at war,
More sorry, some don?t come home.
You get the call, a parent?s night-mare,
Realizing your soldier child became an angel,
Living a dedication beyond words.
I?m the Mother of, the Father of,
The Sister and the Brother of,
The Son, the Daughter and the Grand-parent of,
The Boyfriend, the Girlfriend, the Best-friend of,
The Teacher and the Officer of.
Don?t forget, never forget,
The violence that brought us here,
Our contribution to the world,
And the responsibility,
That comes with freedom and power.
These Soldier Children are our future Veterans.
Save the economy and bail out Wall Street,
Play to Lobbyist and screw Main Street,
But don?t ever consider letting a Vet.
Worry about housing, healthcare or enough to eat,
21 Guns under the Red, White and Blue,
His boots, came home, alone.
Both hands cold, his tags I hold,
Just 18 now not so bold,
His story gets told,
His flag I fold,
1 more year,
He?ll never be that old.
- Richard E.Berg, MA
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Veterans
When I came home from vietnam there was no thank you or welcome home.All I got was baby killer call all types of from A-Z even had raw eggs thrown on me. Has time went on I would not trust or talk to folks about nam.
Now after forty years being back people come up to thank for a job well done. One night we went to toys R us to pick up some toys for the grandkids I sat in the car as my wife went into the store I had the window down to let the cool air in. A man came up to the window and he salute me and reply good job marine this caught me off guard .i turn my head to look at him I was shock to see a major in the marine corps. I thank him and as he walked away I got out of my car and said to him sir when turn around I salute him. This was two buddies from differnt era of time showning marines are brothers even if they are gray or young.
- David Dye, IL
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Veterans Day
Happy Veterans Day to all of those who are serving and who have served!
I am proud to call myself a Veteran. From setting up a base in Kyrgyzstan, evacuating Americans out of Liberia; providing humanitarian aid throughout the Horn of Africa, and even providing aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrina in our own country; I can truly say I?ve done some amazing things and been around some incredible people all fighting for what we believe in and helping those who need it the most.
That?s what it?s all about, right? It?s about love of country, love of people, and love of freedom. It?s about helping those in need and protecting the weak from those who want nothing more than to destroy them.
There are many Veterans today who have given so much, not only for the price of their freedom, but incredibly for the price of others? freedom. When service members come home to their families missing arms and legs because they?ve been blown up in another country while trying so desperately to bring change and hope to that country, THAT is selflessness.
And THAT is what being a Veteran is all about. Veterans face fear and trudge forward. Veterans give their last breath so others might go on breathing. Veterans fight those who would kill innocent civilians without pause. Veterans protect those who cannot defend themselves. Veterans are the most noble of creatures on this Earth.
On this Veterans Day, take a moment out of your busy day to pause and reflect on these brave men and women. Take a moment to listen to the stories of some of the Veterans who have given so much for so many.
http://useucom.wordpress.com/2009/11/11/our-veterans-our-defenders-of-freedom/
- Kristi Beckman, AE
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thank you
i am only a kid but i do know each and every day we should thank our troop members,send them gifts,letters,food,our love,our blessings and our prayers.just do some thing to show you care because it takes a lot of bravery to be in theses wars they have surviving our country. so each and every day we should give them blessings prayers and our thank yous to them.
- ashley, VT
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What VDday Means to Me
November 11th means a day that all Veterans from all the wars died, was wounded, or fought for freedom. My Uncle Thomas Wood was in WWII service in the Army. This made me want to serve also, so I joined the Navy stayed in 4years got out an went back into Air Force reserves. Just about done total 27 years great times to bring freedom to all who live in this world. Never forget freedom is not free until to fight for God, Country, an the World.
- victoria jadel perez, CA
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Veterans Day
I am extremely proud of everyone in my Family Line that had served in the Military--their were 15 in all-serving in WW-1-: WW-2-: Korean War,: Vietnam War,: Persian Gulf War and in the Kosovo-Serbian Conflict- presently I have a Grandson that had enlisted in the U.S. Marines and I believe he will probably be sent to the Afghanistan-
- Edward Prabucki, NY
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A Living World War II Vet
I am the Proud Daughter of PFC Narciso B.Cordero who is a retired World War II Veteran of the United States Army. He will be 92 in Oct. 2009 and still has vivid memories of his War. As he Proudly tells his stories of being an advanced radar operator the top in his class with tears in his eyes. Remembering his wife and infant son he left behind. This amazing man lives in Tampa Florida where he was sent to boot camp 66 years ago. I Salute them All for my Freedom!!
- Rita Cordero, IL
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All gave some; some gave all.
We brothers of wars thank of freedom and what our each and everyone of our fathers, brothers, sons, mothers, sisters, ect,ect gave so that each of you may live and speak without fear. we thank of Guys and Gals that gave arms,legs,minds,even their lives so we could come home to these freedom and more, We cry for those fighting beside us that never made it home,who became our familys in all the wars. We pray that their lives may never be forgotten. That the many Veterans who did make it home not be forgotten, many of which have nothing even a place to sleep. Veterans as myself who can't even get medical help. So before you go to sleep to night thank GOD first your freedom and those Guys and Gals.
- Jonathan Holmes, KY
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Veterans of Foreign Wars
Ninety years ago, on November 11th at five oclock in the morning, in a railway carriage in France, the Armistice between the Allies and Germany was signed, thus agreeing to stop hostilities six hours later. Consequently at 11:00am, or the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns of the First World War fell silent.
The First World War had left nearly 20 million military and civilian dead, at least that many wounded, and Europe nearly buried under rubble. The war to end all wars was over. However, then there was the Second World War and the Korean War, so November 11th, originally known as Armistice Day, became known as Veterans Day as of 1954. A day we now use to honor all who have served our country, especially those who have given their last full measure.
For those who have served in our military, Veterans Day is a day that reminds them of the friends they served with, those they fought with, and those that didnt come home. For the families of fallen service members they are reminded of their loss and grieve for their hero. Families with soldiers, sailors, airmen or marines currently serving on active duty will reflect on their current status, and Blue Star Mothers hope and pray that they will not join the ranks of the Gold Star Mothers.
Our current military is unique in the fact that it is an all-volunteer force. Any soldier, sailor, airman or marine who is currently serving, willingly raised their hand and said they would serve; and if need be, give their life for our country. This special group of patriots is typical of all who have fought when our country has asked for their service. Whether it was World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, or the War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, soldiers have had a choice to make. They could answer the call to serve, or the draft demand to serve if there was one at the time, or they could ignore the call and hide from their duty. This choice speaks volumes about the men and women of our U.S. military. This choice is about honor. Honor demanded they accept the call, and in honor, most answered the call.
This Veterans Day let us return that honor. Let us reach out to the Veterans in our midst and thank them for their service in defense of our country. Let us reach out to families of deployed heroes and stand beside them in support of their loved one who is in harms way. Let us reach out to the families of the fallen heroes and thank them for their sacrifice in preserving our freedom.
This Veterans Day let us return that honor by being worthy of the gift of freedom that each and every Veteran has fought to defend and protect.
The following is a poem I wrote in honor the many friends who served in the Vietnam War.
INTO THE NAM
by Jonathan Holmes
Into the Nam went the 9th Marines,
on a beach at Da Nang they stormed ashore.
Getting used to C-Rats and cold canned beans,
they were ready to die for the honor of the Corps.
It was still '65 when some others landed,
like "The Herd" and "The Big Red One."
Sent to Bien Hoa and An Khe they banded,
"Tropic Lightning", "Screaming Eagles", each by the ton.
Back in The World there was less to fear,
for nothing was as bad as a day in The Nam.
Trench Foot; Kraits; and ALICE pack gear,
were first to unnerve even the calm.
On patrol in the bush was a bad time for all,
with punji stakes, toe poppers, and trip wires around.
Grunts looked for Charlie with many a close call,
tough going near Cu Chi where tunnels abound.
Riding a Huey into a Hot LZ,
1st Cavalry did meet the NVA.
M-60s and Bloopers made noise near Plei Me,
and the valley called Ia Drang was red that day.
F-4 Phantoms flying low level strikes,
began what was called the Rolling Thunder.
Ho Chi Minh Trail resorted to bikes,
which made the Gooks start to wonder.
Dust Off missions usually saved the day,
when the Viet Cong did their worst.
Medivac Choppers only a few klicks away,
extracted the wounded who needed help first.
Brown Water Navy patrolled the Mekong,
especially the Rung Sat Special Zone.
Most hoped they wouldn't be too long,
as the Swift Boat's engine continued to drone.
Summer of '67 saw heavy fighting at Con Thien,
in the north on the edge of the DMZ.
Green Berets and "Cidgees" had been over-run,
and for miles NVA was all the Marines could see.
By the time most had the thousand-yard stare,
thoughts of their DEROS date had been stirred.
Thirty days and a wake-up their only care,
short-timers waited for the Freedom Bird.
The taking of the hill numbered 875,
was a job that was given to the 173rd.
November near Dak To - not many alive,
but cries of wounded can still be heard.
The Five O'Clock Follies in the city of Saigon,
could not explain the massive build-up.
Many a coffin being made by the Cong,
would help to bring their courage up.
Recon and Rangers could see it coming,
the SEALs and SOGs saw it too.
The NVA and VC were up to something,
then in '68 it all came true.
For 77 days around Khe Sanh,
the Marines kept fighting so bitterly.
The Tet Offensive had barely begun,
at Lang Vei was left only Willoughby.
Fighting for the Citadel in the city of Hue,
how many really died - none can tell.
Suicide Squads hit Saigon during the day,
and even the U.S. Embassy almost fell.
By May '69 they were at Hill 937,
up in the A Shau Valley highland.
The 101st fought hard 'till day 11,
later Hamburger Hill was just abandoned.
More Cherry LTs and FNGs,
were unsafe for others while In Country.
Humpin' through jungles, daring not to sneeze,
'till a sniper would zap 'em from the trees.
In late '72 most things had gone sour,
and Grunts just tried stayin' alive.
General Abrams you see, had lost all his power,
and the South did what it could to survive.
Nixon had decided that we would slowly pull out,
our allies didn't need us anymore.
Winning the war was now in doubt,
as politicians wanted us out of the war.
The fall of Saigon was a great big mess,
it had come in April of '75.
Many returning Vets were treated as less,
most thought they were lucky just to be alive.
People now know that the War is over,
except for the night-fright here and there.
For the Vietnam Vet it's no roll in the clover,
when you've been through Hell and there're few who care.
Many good men have their name on The Wall,
who gave their lives far away in The Nam.
Remember the Vet who answered the call,
when you see him - extend him your palm.
Lastly, I'd like to leave you with this thought written on a C-Rations case by a U.S. Marine:
"For those that will fight for it, freedom has a flavor the protected shall never know."
-- LCpl Edwin L. Craft, USMC
Bravo Co, 3rd Anti-Tank Battalion "Ontos"
Khe Sanh Combat Base, Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam.
(During the "Tet Offensive" - February, 1968)
- Gary Jacobson, ID
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Hello family, neighbors, colleagues, and friends
Veterans of Foreign Wars
by Gary Jacobson © 2002 http://pzzzz.tripod.com/veterans.html
Veterans yet hear the distant rumble of echoes
Still feel memories shooting from furtive shadows
Still smell the choppers churning clouds of dust
Into the maw of hell by duty thrust
Still every night thru gunfire charging
Never forgetting
Selling his soul in fevered battle?s pit
Rushing headlong to war thru it
Thru stifling fears of blood and mud cussed
And discussed...
Because he must!
Why, oh why
Does he tears of remembrance cry
For boys so valiantly brave
Sent forth an imperiled world to save
Offering their all for the heart of freedom
In copious shadows of war?s maelstrom
By convictions forced to fight and almost die
His brothers interred in a black marble wall lie
Spirits at last in rest and peace sigh
Having fought the good fight for you and I
Battling despots craving for power's lust
Because he must!
Veterans advanced a world of harm and danger
Forged ahead to meet the foe wielding hateful anger
Fetid smells of carnal death all around
Captured in every sound
No one can really know unless he was there
Unless he too for his country, arms did bear
Combating the life and death cliffhanger
Haunted yet by war?s fleshly doppelgänger
Then, and now no stranger
All life resting on his hair-trigger.
Veterans, once the hope of our nation
Answered in honored pride the call to action
Princes to the kingdom, sweet flowers of youth
Swept away to ride bestial ogres of war uncouth
Carried far and away by winds of war that blow
So our world in peaceful harmony might grow
Liberty?s sword to peoples of the earth bestow
Through foul weather and napalm?s breeze
Agent Orange defoliating life and trees
Through cruel war?s grim legacy leaves...
The veteran gave us his most priceless gift
Though war did unexpectedly his whole life shift
Duty bestowed by greater love
Blessed by the mercy of
Courageous by virtue of
Resolute in dedication of
Determined in hope of
Brave by the strength of
Undaunted valor in spite of
Heroic honor on the order of
Bold in the light of
Lionhearted because of
Mother, country, humanity, freedom, God above
Our very way-of-life, all interwove.
- Peter Goda, PA
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