[SwedeSteve]

I salute all my Brothers in Arms on this very important day !! I found this online and felt it poignant enough to share:

Veterans Day
K. W. Andrus
Colonel, USMC (Ret)
I asked a friend whom I knew to be a veteran what
Veterans Day meant to him-and I listened
carefully to what he had to say:
"I don’t know quite where to begin,” he said slowly,
“For me, the meaning is in my heart.”
“I am proud to be an American who responded to my country’s call
and when called upon, I did my part.
Did I fight for freedom? Yes! our politicians will tell you,
as they strut and pontificate this Veteran’s Day.
Flags and red, white and blue bunting will adorn their platforms
as they glamorize sending young Americans into harm’s way.”
“Did I fight for your freedom? Its very difficult to say.
I have to remind you of a sign that adorns a place nearby,
Placed prominently on the green of the Boise Veterans Hospital.
In bold letters that have made some cry,
It says in patriotic language so noble and so American,
THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS VISIBLE HERE
But many of the veterans who visit there will be reluctant to tell you-
Only if you have been in combat, is that message really clear.”
“Did I fight for your freedom? Hell no! is my first response.
I fought for the lives of friends and comrades caught in dark places.
Under fire, and besieged with stress unknown to most,
Killing other men and never quite able to forget they had faces.
Unable to have the luxury of grief for good friends suddenly dead,
your particular freedom nor anyone else's ever crossed my mind.
At least not then, and would not even now as I ponder these thoughts,
except, somehow, reason has to be found for those left behind.”
“Did I fight for your freedom? I guess I did, and mine too.
Some understanding person, maybe who had even been there,
Realized Veterans needed their day, a day of parades, remembrances
small American flags on Veterans graves, help for the cross we bear.
Freedom, the word is over used, but maybe appropriate for Veterans Day,
gives a tangible reason why wars must be fought.
Do not forget, as sweet as the word freedom sounds and is over used,
Freedom as you know it was very dearly bought.”
Last night they came to see me in my deep sleep, still young while I am old.
Sweede, Mel, Roger, others, whispering approval of what I just told.
K. W. Andrus
Colonel, USMC (Ret)
Veterans Day, 1996

[oldjarhead]

Thanks, Swede...
a good message.

[mtncrash1]

Nice one Steve. A salute right back to you nad to all the others. Thank You and God Bless.

[DWFan]

New Year's Day
Valentine's Day
Martin Luther King Day
President's Day
St. Patrick's Day
Arbor Day
April Fool's Day
May Day
Mother's Day
Memorial Day
Father's Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Christmas

We can celebrate these and every other day because of those we honor this day...
Veteran's Day

[White Rook]

Quote:       Originally Posted by DWFan

New Year's Day Valentine's Day Martin Luther King Day President's Day St. Patrick's Day Arbor Day April Fool's Day May Day Mother's Day Memorial Day Father's Day Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Halloween Thanksgiving Christmas We can celebrate these and every other day because of those we honor this day... Veteran's Day

Amen DW. I think sometimes the People of this Country seem to forget that. I say THANK YOU to ALL of our Veterans.

[sagehopper]

Hope the Vets Hospital in Boise changed their policies.. I applied for work in their lab a few years ago, and as a Navy vet with 2 Purple hearts (Navy Corpsman with FMF), I not only didn't get a job there, but they told me the reason was that I had too much education. Whodathunk it. Same reason in Reno and Phoenix.

[deserthobbies]

bullcrap, any Vet should have 1st priority if you meet the requirement for the Job, no one in my eyes is overeducated , I learn new things everyday and im 56.

[Seabeescotty]

Thank you for the post, and for rattling my head. I, for the first time in years, stayed home today. Number one reason, I had a shipment being delivered, that required a signature. I got wrapped up, and didn't let the guys in, today, and I'm ashamed. The rest of the evening will belong to them, and the apology for the lapse in memory will go on, for some time. Thank you for the post. I hope all veterans had a good day, on this special 11/11. God bless all of you, who answered the call to arms! Can Do!!

[SwedeSteve]

Some of us actually have a busy life like you Scooty !! I am not one of them. I hope every one of you were personally thanked today for your service to your country !! If not, I am doing it now !! May God Bless you and yours !! You are the metal, the backbone, the stalwart guardians of this countries fate !! I am wholeheartedley bursting with pride to call myself a Veteran !!

[Soldier Medic]

it brought a tear to my eye. thanks, i needed to read that.

[privateer]

Thank You Steve.
My Submarine Motto was "Venator - Necator" (Hunter - Killer)
our Fleet Motto was "Power for Peace"
My Motto was and still is to this day - I am an American fighting man.
I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense. I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command I will never surrender my men while they still have the means to resist. If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy. If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way. When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause. I will never forget that I am an American fighting man, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

John.

[billy]

like i said in that thread i posted.
thank you!

[cajun 48]

Might be a day late and a dollar short but spent my day popping caps and shaking hands and sharing hugs with the vets I knew and the new friends I just met. Made me feel proud. CTTC ajb (USN Ret)

[SwedeSteve]

Yet again, I am allowed to celebrate this Veteran's Day with you, my friends !! May God hold you and keep you !!

Isaiah 6:8 "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us"? And I said "Here am I ! Send me "!!

[SwedeSteve]

Where is jerry ??

[Ninja Piper]

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"

For all those who stood up and answered "Here am I" Thank you.

[SwedeSteve]

And to all of those who would go now !!