Ace of Spades HQ

November 11, 2012

Veterans Day
— Dave in Texas

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, in 1918.

I never feel up to the task, but it needs to be remembered.

This day was known as Armistice Day, in the United States, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. A treaty that regrettably could not resolve deep historical conflict, and laid the foundation for another global conflict.

At the end of WWII it was changed from a remembrance of the end of WWI to a remembrance for all veterans and has been so until today.

Which is good and proper.

This isn't Memorial Day. That day is reserved for those who gave their all. This day is set aside for all those who served.

God bless them for their service. For their families. And God bless those who serve today, and their families again.

We owe them so much, and can repay so little. Except to offer our gratitude, and respect.

Update (sigh). Please take bitter political crap somewhere else. Not this thread. There are plenty of other places for you to emote. Not. Here.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at 10:23 AM | Comments (186)
Post contains 185 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Thank you to all of you who served. And considering the state of our nation, it is even more poignant and meaningful on this Veteran's Day. G-d bless you.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at November 11, 2012 10:27 AM (XkWWK)

2 You're right, we can never repay them and thank you seem so inadequate. But thank you, all of you. You humble me and make me proud, all at the same time.

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at November 11, 2012 10:27 AM (2rMmy)

3 May we all make a serviceman or woman proud.

Posted by: Justamom at November 11, 2012 10:28 AM (Sptt8)

4 God Bless our Brave men and women of Our Armed Forces !!!!!!!!!!! Thank You All For Your Service !!!!!!!!

Posted by: Extremely grumpy momma bear at November 11, 2012 10:29 AM (zkSgu)

5 Veteran's Day and 4th of July have always been my favorite holidays. Even more so than Christmas.

It just sucks that so many gave so much and we are now where we are as a civilization regardless. Nonetheless, thanks for your service, vets. It certainly isn't your fault that the civilian leadership of this country has been a bunch of fools.

Posted by: Capt. Obvious at November 11, 2012 10:29 AM (P2Ufm)

I posted this on another thread, but think I should say it here as well. If you have the means, you should consider donating to a charity that helps the military.

I'm going with The Wounded Warrier project.

Posted by: Lily at November 11, 2012 10:31 AM (igSv+)

7 A thank you to the men and women who serve is so very little, but it's the best I have to offer. Thank you for not only defending us, but showing us honor. We need that example more than ever right now.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at November 11, 2012 10:32 AM (GEICT)

8 Wow. What a pathetic bunch.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at November 11, 2012 10:38 AM (GEICT)

9 Thank you veterans. As Col. Jessup would say, we want you on that wall, we need you on that wall--and I imagine without exception, here, that we are grateful for it.

Posted by: Conservative Crank at November 11, 2012 10:38 AM (1zwZo)

10
Thanks Dad. Semper Fi.

And my thanks to all who have and are serving.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at November 11, 2012 10:38 AM (PHb2k)

11 Thanks for serving, comrades -- happy Veterans Day.

Posted by: Minesweeper at November 11, 2012 10:38 AM (sMt7r)

12 God bless all who served and continue to serve in this dangerous world.

Posted by: Deli LLama at November 11, 2012 10:39 AM (lGu1O)

13
A moment to reflect.

And then here's what America's currently active servicemen and servicewomen can expect during a second Obama term: being crudely and abruptly turfed out, often just short of full retirement benefits. Those who remain will be trying to defend the country with ageing, obsolescent, perpetually shorthanded warplanes and warships.

That's what's happening in the UK right now. The cradle to grave welfare state must be protected at all costs, including gutting the military.

http://tinyurl.com/amyf28j

Posted by: torquewrench at November 11, 2012 10:39 AM (ymG7s)

14 I see there are veterans day trolls? Really?

Posted by: Conservative Crank at November 11, 2012 10:39 AM (1zwZo)

15 The Last Voice Of WWI Has Fallen Silent This Veterans Day http://politicalhat.com/?p=544 This past year, the last surviving veteran of the 1st World War passed away at the age of 110. She was Florence Green, a British citizen who served in the Women's Royal Air Force as an officers' mess steward. For the first time since the guns stopped on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918, the voices from that most horrible war are now silent. Though begun as Â“Armistice Day,Â” Veterans Day has expanded in the United States as a day for all those brave men and women who fight to keep us free. Poppies have become the traditional symbol of remembrance for that war. John McCrae's poem is still moving and appropriate: "In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. "We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. "Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields." Though none are left from that war, let us never forget them. http://youtu.be/Qw02WwiUD8Q Requiescat in pace

Posted by: The Political Hat at November 11, 2012 10:40 AM (sZTYJ)

16 We can never repay the debt we owe to all those who gave their all to defend this country. All we can do is pay it forward by making sure this country stays a beacon of freedom in a world clouded with greed, hate, and envy.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 11, 2012 10:41 AM (B9up3)

17 It's hard to swallow, the America these people served for no longer exists, replaced by a nation of idle creatures fed by the government that crave nothing more than shallow, cheap thrills. It's hard to feel any shred of the patriotism that was once a core part of my identity in light of the faltering, sputtering wreck that the American experiment has become.

Posted by: Cato at November 11, 2012 10:42 AM (IZFgK)

18 Annual Band of Brothers marathon on Spike....I normally get a little lump in my throat when I watch the opening, especially when the veterans are interview....after what we've been thru this week, I was crying.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at November 11, 2012 10:43 AM (YMqWj)

We had our usual Veterans Day ceremony at church today where all the vets stand up in front of the congregation and the pastor says a prayer over us.

The difference was that this was the first Veterans Day when my son could stand next to me at the ceremony. Last November he was in Afghanistan. The previous 3 he was stationed in Sicily.

Posted by: digitalbrownshirt at November 11, 2012 10:43 AM (eHwT1)

20 Makes me want to vomit that public sector unions who helped bankroll the "anti-U.S. military president", gets a paid day off tomorrow, profiting off of the sacrifice of veterans.

Posted by: Deli LLama at November 11, 2012 10:44 AM (lGu1O)

21 deleted [DiT] find somewhere else to express that

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at November 11, 2012 10:44 AM (HDgX3)

22 21 We had our usual Veterans Day ceremony at church today where all the vets stand up in front of the congregation and the pastor says a prayer over us. The difference was that this was the first Veterans Day when my son could stand next to me at the ceremony. Last November he was in Afghanistan. The previous 3 he was stationed in Sicily. Posted by: digitalbrownshirt at November 11, 2012 02:43 PM (eHwT1) Thank you so very much. Thank you for serving. Thank you for teaching your son those values. Thank you to your son for his service. And God bless your families for their sacrifice.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at November 11, 2012 10:46 AM (GEICT)

23 Band of Brothers marathon on Spike

The speech that gave the series its name;

St Cripsin's Day Speech

WESTMORELAND. O that we now had here
But one ten thousand of those men in England
That do no work to-day!

KING. WhatÂ’s he that wishes so?
My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin;
If we are markÂ’d to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
GodÂ’s will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires.
But if it be a sin to covet honour,
I am the most offending soul alive.
No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England.
GodÂ’s peace! I would not lose so great an honour
As one man more methinks would share from me
For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!
Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made,
And crowns for convoy put into his purse;
We would not die in that manÂ’s company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is callÂ’d the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is namÂ’d,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say Â“To-morrow is Saint Crispian.Â”
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say Â“These wounds I had on CrispianÂ’s day.Â”
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But heÂ’ll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words-
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-
Be in their flowing cups freshly remembÂ’red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall neÂ’er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he neÂ’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accursÂ’d they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint CrispinÂ’s day.

Posted by: kbdabear at November 11, 2012 10:46 AM (wwsoB)

24 Piss off. Save the politics for another thread. If you can't muster a simple thank you for our servicemen, at least have the class to STFU.

Posted by: Conservative Crank at November 11, 2012 10:46 AM (1zwZo)

25 Thanks Bro. Thanks Dad (and R.I.P.).

Posted by: Zombie Moron What Died in a Bizarre Gardening Accident at November 11, 2012 10:46 AM (hPlLv)

26 I know that we must now endure the unendurable. But not matter what, let it not be said that those who served were fools or suckers or did so in vain. They served for a noble cause and an ideal, one that has led to the greatest society that the world has even known and will ever know. The fact that it was squandered perhaps, or stolen by an insidious force that infected the children of those who liberated the world should never diminish what they did. Whatever is to come, so be it. We'll get through it, mostly by following the example set by our men and women in uniform. G-d bless them always.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at November 11, 2012 10:47 AM (XkWWK)

27 Those of us who have not served can only guess at what it means to serve. I salute you.

Posted by: eman at November 11, 2012 10:47 AM (sRus3)

28 God bless them all.

Posted by: Andy at November 11, 2012 10:48 AM (OZPoa)

29 Ok, No bitterness or political angst here. I offered this in thanks to those who serve, and who served, and their families and loved ones. Take it somewhere else, it's not needed or welcome here.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at November 11, 2012 10:49 AM (pUqSw)

For my son Brian aka "Doc" and his Marines:

Halfway down the trail to Hell,
In a shady meadow green
Are the Souls of all dead troopers camped,
Near a good old-time canteen.
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddlers' Green.

Marching past, straight through to Hell
The Infantry are seen.
Accompanied by the Engineers,
Artillery and Marines,
For none but the shades of Cavalrymen
Dismount at Fiddlers' Green.

Though some go curving down the trail
To seek a warmer scene.
No trooper ever gets to Hell
Ere he's emptied his canteen.
And so rides back to drink again
With friends at Fiddlers' Green.

And so when man and horse go down
Beneath a saber keen,
Or in a roaring charge of fierce melee
You stop a bullet clean,
And the hostiles come to get your scalp,
Just empty your canteen,
And put your pistol to your head
And go to Fiddlers' Green.

Posted by: digitalbrownshirt at November 11, 2012 10:49 AM (eHwT1)

31 You people that want to have some temper tantrum bitch fest, take that shit to another thread. Show some damn respect.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at November 11, 2012 10:50 AM (GEICT)

32 The military remains a great institution. Especially for unskilled boys casting about for their futures. The Marines, the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, they'll make a man out of you, instill discipline, direction, honor, pride. Even if you serve out through peacetime and never get called up for battle, you're a better man for it. Government, it seems, can't do much right. But the armed services are an area where that's not true. The spirit and will of the men overcomes the beaurocrat inertia and languor. I salute every man and woman who has served throughout the years. Your have not only served your country, you have become a finer person in the process!

Posted by: Cowboy at November 11, 2012 10:50 AM (WcgMM)

33 I sent the book World War Z to soldiers in Iraq several years ago. There was still fighting going on at the time. I sent that book because I thought it might offer a strange sort of distraction from the very real dangers they faced. Perhaps they would joke about who in their unit would make a shitty zombie or who would be the best zombie slayer. I hope they liked it.

Posted by: eman at November 11, 2012 10:52 AM (sRus3)

34 Thanks Dad. R.I.P.

Posted by: harleycowboy at November 11, 2012 10:53 AM (+9AX9)

35 God bless all who served and still serve. Thank you for your courage and sacrifice.

Posted by: Liberty Lover at November 11, 2012 10:55 AM (b4W5O)

36 BCochran and Dave, it seems the plague of the catchphrase 'But...' has infected all corners of the body of American society. Nothing can be appreciated or paid respect to without first being viewed through the prism of politics. Sad isn't it.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 11, 2012 10:56 AM (B9up3)

37 As sad as it is DiT, you might as well just shut down the comments on this thread.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at November 11, 2012 10:56 AM (GEICT)

I was as shocked and depressed about the election as anyone. It was nice to read what a friend posted on his Facebook page:

It really disturbs me as to the attitudes I have witnessed since the election. No amount of liberal influence or resistance can alter the basic biblical and moral beliefs I have as a Christian and a Patriot. I will never concede, I will never waver on my beliefs, and I will most certainly never cease to fight for the freedoms won through the blood and sacrifice of those before me until they push the sovereign soil of my America over my dead corpse....Great men and women won these freedoms, who will be the great men and women who fight to preserve it?

My take was a little different:

re the election: HL Mencken- "Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want and deserve to get it good and hard."
People want leaders that reflect the desires of their hearts, see- Saul. 1 Sam 8:18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day. 2Chron 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

This is a spiritual battle. What we need is to pray for another Great Awakening.

Posted by: Lurking Device Turned Off at November 11, 2012 10:57 AM (xOO2V)

Question

Does anyone know how the military vote went? I noticed that the astronauts got to vote from the space station and it made me wonder if they made it as easy for the deployed troops to vote or did their ballots go down in that plane crash.

Posted by: KC at November 11, 2012 10:58 AM (i7KmQ)

40 39 BCochran and Dave, it seems the plague of the catchphrase 'But...' has infected all corners of the body of American society. Nothing can be appreciated or paid respect to without first being viewed through the prism of politics. Sad isn't it. Beyond sad, beyond pathetic. Absolutely furious right now.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at November 11, 2012 10:58 AM (GEICT)

41 AGAIN: THIS THREAD IS TO HONOR THE VETERANS. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ALL OTHER POLITICAL COMMENTARY OUT OF RESPECT FOR THEIR SERVICE.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at November 11, 2012 10:58 AM (XkWWK)

42 Thanks to all here who served, including your family members. If they're in harms way now, I pray they come home safely.

Posted by: Pete at November 11, 2012 10:59 AM (q6gSc)

43 God Bless the men and women who have served this nation well, keeping her safe from all manner of harm.

The good in them cannot be contained and, even after their official service is completed, they continue to serve in other capacities within their communities.

Today, there are vets helping out the folks affected by Sandy.

http://tinyurl.com/aqempnl

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at November 11, 2012 10:59 AM (piMMO)

44 kdkabear, somewhere else.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at November 11, 2012 10:59 AM (pUqSw)

45 My dad proudly wears one of his old military caps wherever he goes (and no, he's not balding -- full head of hair!) He's approaching 80. My brother, learned a skill while in the Navy, enabling him to provide for his family. Another good friend was able to pay for a great education after his Airforce service. All three generations keeping us safe over the years. Keep them all safe and in our hearts.

Posted by: red, white and blue at November 11, 2012 10:59 AM (LpQbZ)

46 Happy Veteran's Day to all who've served.

(I always though "veteran" meant not active duty, at least colloquially. Is this true?)

Posted by: Baldy at November 11, 2012 11:00 AM (opS9C)

47 I will do this all day long, if I have to waste my Sunday afternoon doing it. This thread is to honor and thank veterans. That's it. Period.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at November 11, 2012 11:01 AM (pUqSw)

48 Thanks as always to our vets.

Posted by: chemjeff at November 11, 2012 11:02 AM (d/5qf)

49 DiT can you just ban these idiots instead of deleting comments. If you don't want to waste your Sunday, I'm sure there are volunteers that would be glad to.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at November 11, 2012 11:03 AM (GEICT)

50 For everyone who has signed on the dotted line to put it all on the line, thank you.

Posted by: BuckIV at November 11, 2012 11:03 AM (+4mBJ)

51 Fine scob, you're banned for ignoring my request.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at November 11, 2012 11:04 AM (pUqSw)

52 May God bless all veterans living and dead. May we never forget their sacrifice. Thank you.

Posted by: ChristyBlinky, raving lunatic about Benghazi at November 11, 2012 11:04 AM (baL2B)

53 God bless these men for what they have given, sight unseen, for their families, neighbors, countrymen, and generations yet unborn. It would be unworthy of us to abandon such sacrifices so nobly given, while the cause of liberty is not yet dead. It is easier to be bitter, and harder still to fight, that trap weighed on my mind but minutes ago. Thank you for banishing it! These men and women, these soldiers, our truest friends, fought to the last. If we are to be worthy of their sacrifice, so must we.

Posted by: Cato at November 11, 2012 11:04 AM (rXX5A)

54 Thank you Dave. My son is an airman serving in South Korea.

Posted by: small town girl at November 11, 2012 11:05 AM (xagT+)

55 4 different years I've had my boy overseas on Veteran's Day. This year I have him sitting in my living room, watching football, waiting for the pot roast to be done. God bless America, land that I love.

Posted by: mama winger, stranger in a strange land at November 11, 2012 11:05 AM (P6QsQ)

56 28--- Well said, JJ Sefton. Thank you for writing that. Thanks to everyone who has served or is now serving, including, of course, morons and moronettes. I raise a toast today to my brother (USAF), my nephews (USMC and Army), and my BIL (Army medic.) And especially to that soldier I met in the dentist's office last Thursday, who lost his leg in Iraq and told me it was no big deal and coulda been worse. Tomorrow we are going to the D-Day Memorial in Bedford VA for their annual Vet Day ceremonies. They have a great program.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at November 11, 2012 11:05 AM (C8mVl)

57 Thanks Scob for thinking many donned this nation's uniform just to defend your right to sound like a spoiled 13 year old. What worthless pogue bait.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 11, 2012 11:06 AM (B9up3)

58 Anybody else? This thread, to honor vets. Period.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at November 11, 2012 11:07 AM (pUqSw)

59
I posted this on another thread, but think I should say it here as well. If you have the means, you should consider donating to a charity that helps the military.

I'm going with The Wounded Warrier project.

****

HQ'd here in Jax. A point of pride for those of us who live here.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at November 11, 2012 11:07 AM (piMMO)

60 I am touched at the recognition to veterans each year - so in contrast to when I served in '72-'76. During my tenure I saw the resignation of a V.P. for corruption, and a president for lying. I hope it happens again in the next two years, and in the same order. On a happier note, I finally received by Chivery KCCO Mil t-shirt on Friday, and am wearing it with pride today.

Posted by: Radar at November 11, 2012 11:08 AM (Z64pB)

61 Apologies for bitchy comment about unions.

Have been raised to have the utmost respect for military. Have long history of family service in military dating back to Civil War, WWI, WWII, Nam, brother was a Marine and nephew just out of Army. Don't think people today have any respect for military. Just yesterday was at Championship Division II game. Military was present and Wounded Warrior donation was to be presented.

Band played America the Beautiful to honor military and Happy 237th Birthday to the Marines. After National anthem, everyone was told to sit down, then on the field they presented award to Wounded Warrior Foundation with a wounded veteran present to help accept the award. NO ONE STOOD UP for the wounded veteran. Sad.

People like us need to make up for the others.

Posted by: Deli LLama at November 11, 2012 11:08 AM (lGu1O)

62 small town girl, God bless him and keep him, and bless you too mom. Families serve too. They always have, in their way.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at November 11, 2012 11:09 AM (pUqSw)

63 59 ....Wounded Warrior project. HQ'd here in Jax. A point of pride for those of us who live here. Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at November 11, 2012 03:07 PM (piMMO) I'm wearing one of their wristbands right now.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at November 11, 2012 11:10 AM (GEICT)

64 56 4 different years I've had my boy overseas on Veteran's Day. This year I have him sitting in my living room, watching football, waiting for the pot roast to be done. God bless America, land that I love. Posted by: mama winger, stranger in a strange land at November 11, 2012 03:05 PM (P6QsQ) Oh Lord, I may cry. You are blessed, and so are we by your wonderful kids.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at November 11, 2012 11:10 AM (XkWWK)

65 Honor Our Military Let's honor our military, The men and women who serve, Whose dedication to our country Does not falter, halt or swerve. Let's respect them for their courage; They're ready to do what's right To keep America safe, So we can sleep better at night. Let's support and defend our soldiers, Whose hardships are brutal and cruel, Whose discipline we can't imagine, Who follow each order and rule. Here's to those who choose to be warriors And their helpers good and true; They're fighting for American values; They're fighting for me and you. By Joanna Fuchs

Posted by: The Dude at November 11, 2012 11:10 AM (tw6Ar)

66 Today in church the preacher asked everyone who had served or are serving to stand up and let us cheer for them. There were lots. Old, young, men, women, black, white, hispanic and a few old hippies with ponytails down to here. They all stood up and we clapped and clapped. No one wanted to be the first to stop clapping.

It was hard for our preacher. His little brother, a young Marine, was killed in Iraq in 2006 on his second tour, one week shy of his first wedding anniversary. He came home in a flag-draped casket.

I owe these vets a debt I can never repay.

Posted by: mama winger, stranger in a strange land at November 11, 2012 11:11 AM (P6QsQ)

Members of my -extended- family, those with the surname 'Bonesteel', have served this nation since before it was a nation, beginning with a local New York militia in 1715. Except for short breaks in the 1830's and 1870's, a man and/or woman named Bonesteel has worn this nation's uniform almost continuously ever since and in every war and conflict.\

In my immediate family, I have three brothers (one of whom is dead) who have worn the uniform. My father served during Korea, an uncle in WWII. Two cousins in Vietnam. A nephew served in Iraq, My direct ancestor served in the Civil War, another in The Revolutionary War.

It's not merely a geneology. It is a history of freedom and liberty.

Many Americans can say much the same. I'm not alone in this heritage.

If you forget the service and sacrifice of any of those who came before, you've lost your heritage, you've lost your history...and you'll lose your freedom.

Always remember. Never forget.

Posted by: Warren Bonesteel at November 11, 2012 11:11 AM (WwR1j)

68 Thank you for your service, Dad. I've always been so proud to say that my Dad served in the Navy.

Posted by: Stormy at November 11, 2012 11:11 AM (RQZ2H)

69 A bunch of us from work went out to dinner on Friday and we were joined by a friend of one of us. This fellow is a history teacher in a local school and served in the Marine Corps. He speaks Japanese and has a beautiful Japanese wife who is a belly-dancing instructor. I hate that mutherfucker.

Posted by: eman at November 11, 2012 11:11 AM (sRus3)

70 Posted by: mama winger, stranger in a strange land at November 11, 2012 03:11 PM (P6QsQ) Our pastor has a nephew who's now missing one of his lower legs.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at November 11, 2012 11:12 AM (GEICT)

71 Here's to you godfather, survivor of USS Indianapolis

Posted by: The Dude at November 11, 2012 11:12 AM (tw6Ar)

72 I am going to go to the parade tomorrow in New York City. Believe it or not, we have one every year. I don't care if I'm the only one there. It has to be done.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at November 11, 2012 11:12 AM (XkWWK)

73 My Uncle Mike who's in his early 90s was Big Red One in WWII. He was a combat engineer; one of the guys who went ashore early on D-Day. Never talked about it a lot; can't comprehend the carnage he saw.

Posted by: Pete at November 11, 2012 11:13 AM (q6gSc)

74 My Army punk little brother just got his butter bars, and both my Dad and my wife's Dad were in the Navy.

But I always think mostly of the WWII generation today. Maybe because so many of them are passing away.

My grandfather was in the Army Air Corps and was stationed in Greenland for most of WWII ferrying planes and supplies to the European theater.

The Mrs.' grandfather (whose folded flag sits across the room as I type this) was stationed on the USS California at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked.

Great men all.

Posted by: Andy at November 11, 2012 11:13 AM (OZPoa)

75 And.... thanks to all the families who committed to the sacrifice.

The moms and dads who continue to raise a family while their spouse is on deployment.

The parents who drive their son or daughter to the enlistment center.

The communities who throw parades to celebrate them.

And the organizations, such as Wounded Warrior Project, who honor their service and sacrifice and help them return to life back home.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at November 11, 2012 11:13 AM (piMMO)

76 Nice image, btw. And, as most of us know, Weasel Zippers honors our troops every day. Looking at some of those up close and personal images really pierces the soul. I never fail to linger and pray. Each one is a son, brother, dad, nephew, friend. Each one is a person with a life. Too many people are too far removed from this fact.

Posted by: red, white and blue at November 11, 2012 11:13 AM (LpQbZ)

77 Thanks to all veterans, especially all of my uncles who served in WWII and my Dad who served in Korea.

Posted by: Witchfinder at November 11, 2012 11:13 AM (s/PhC)

Yes, we certainly express our desire to honor those who serve. Perhaps we should put that desire into action. Maybe we can ask a vet if there's anything we can do for them. Or go to a VFW and buy somebody a drink. I 'm at a loss for ideas.

But I know the most treasured possession I have is Dad's Ike jacket from WWII. RIP Dad, I miss you every day.

Posted by: Lurking Device Turned Off at November 11, 2012 11:14 AM (xOO2V)

79 The Wounded Warrior project is great. Also, if you are lucky enough to live near a VA hospital, consider volunteering. One of my sons goes to the VA a couple of hours a week just to play checkers (or whatever) with the vets. Often he and other volunteers give parties there too. The vets love it and the teens learn soooo much!

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at November 11, 2012 11:14 AM (C8mVl)

80 Then keep it to that scob. I appreciate the frustration about our present political circumstances as much as anyone. This isn't the place for that.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at November 11, 2012 11:15 AM (pUqSw)

81 And.... thanks to all the families who committed to the sacrifice. The moms and dads who continue to raise a family while their spouse is on deployment. The parents who drive their son or daughter to the enlistment center. The communities who throw parades to celebrate them. And the organizations, such as Wounded Warrior Project, who honor their service and sacrifice and help them return to life back home. Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at November 11, 2012 03:13 PM (piMMO) And, the groups that make sure there is always someone to greet them at the airports. Bless them all.

Posted by: red, white and blue at November 11, 2012 11:15 AM (LpQbZ)

82 I think of my father came home from WWII an embittered man, who gained success by hard work and good values but who was never happy. My friend whose unit was left to die in Viet Nam but who made it back and never would fly the flag again after he got home. My friend who had to fight the VA for heart surgery while he was dying and won, and lived a few more years. My friend who sat in a bus station rocking and talking to himself until by some luck his old CO found him there and took him to get help. My friend who worked a night job for twenty years because if he slept at night, he had dreams. They gave. They sacrificed. Some of them learned important lessons of life during and afterward, others didn't. They all shared one thing. Honor.

Honor is a choice.

Posted by: SurferDoc at November 11, 2012 11:16 AM (6H6FZ)

83 got high schoolers? send them to this http://www.ww2museumtours.org/normandy-academy/itinerary.html

Posted by: pointsnfigures at November 11, 2012 11:16 AM (EBPRt)

84 The veterans of the Battle of Macho Grande deserve their own statue.

Posted by: eman at November 11, 2012 11:17 AM (sRus3)

85 In addition to the Wounded Warrior Project, and along the lines of NDH's comment extending thanks to the families, the Fisher House is another charity worthy of your donations.

Posted by: Andy at November 11, 2012 11:17 AM (OZPoa)

86 I would especially like to thank all the veterans of the 11th Armored Division who liberated my mother and her relatives fro Mauthausen-Gusen in 1945. I don't think there is anyone alive who appreciates a US serviceman more than those who they liberated. G-d bless you all.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at November 11, 2012 11:17 AM (XkWWK)

87 My dad and his twin brother ended up in the same German POW camp. Dad was 78th ID (Lightning). Both made it out alive. Dad had pneumonia 3 times and weighed 130 lbs when he was liberated by the Russians. He weighed 190 when he landed. My older sister was born 9 months after his return. He passed away 9 years ago, his brother 5. Thanks!

Posted by: Putter at November 11, 2012 11:18 AM (JHWGg)

88 Thanks Andy. It is.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at November 11, 2012 11:18 AM (pUqSw)

89 Toys for Tots is still a good one.

Posted by: navybrat at November 11, 2012 11:18 AM (7lI5u)

90 But I always think mostly of the WWII generation today. Maybe because so many of them are passing away.

******

And they were far too humble to demand a monument to their service. I am so glad that so many have now made the trip to D.C. to visit the monument and to reminisce with their brethren.

Donate to Honor Flight to make that trip a reality for the few who remain, while there is still time.

http://www.honorflight.org/

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at November 11, 2012 11:19 AM (piMMO)

91 Probably no family in modern US history has served and suffered as much as the Sullivan brothers.

On the night of November 13, 1942 an American cruiser force under the command of Admiral Scott engaged a Japanese naval force sent to dislodge the American forces on Guadalcanal. During the ensuing combat Admiral Scott and most of his staff were killed when Japanese naval fire scored direct hits on USS San Francisco. Also hit during the combat was the light cruiser USS Juneau.

When USS Juneau sank, she took with her to a watery grave five brothers named Sullivan - George, Francis, Joseph, Madison, and Albert. After this it became military policy to keep brothers from serving together. DD-537, a Fletcher class destroyer, was named and commissioned as the USS The Sullivans to honor these five brothers. This ship can now be visited in Buffalo, New York.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 11, 2012 11:20 AM (B9up3)

92 Toys for Tots is still a good one. Posted by: navybrat at November 11, 2012 03:18 PM (7lI5u) Yep. And if you see a person in uniform in a restaurant, it's not that hard to secretly pay their bill.

Posted by: eman at November 11, 2012 11:20 AM (sRus3)

93 FWIW, my grandfather's cousin was the 1st Pennsylvanian and the 8th American to be wounded in WWI. My grandfather served in the same war as a pilot. My great grand uncle fought at Gettysburg, assorted uncles were in WWII. I could go on and on. It is good to remember and be grateful for those who've served .

Posted by: Baldy at November 11, 2012 11:21 AM (opS9C)

94 Toys for Tots... Marines. Yes. Here. http://tinyurl.com/b8gtv3b

Posted by: Dave in Texas at November 11, 2012 11:21 AM (pUqSw)

95 Don't forget: http://soldiersangels.org/ November's Mission - Adopt a Family for Christmas - Six Months of Christmas - Cards & Letters - OP Outreach - Help a Veteran Directly - What are You Doing Sunday? Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit with hundreds of thousands of volunteers providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, veterans and their families

Posted by: red, white and blue at November 11, 2012 11:21 AM (LpQbZ)

96 Have been donating to Wounded Warriors for years and years now. Another good charity is:

Help Hospitalized Verterans (HHV) - Craft Kits for Vets

Saw first hand when visiting BIL in VA hospital what joy of having something to do and also patients who are unable to do kits get gifts from other patients when kits are completed for them.

Have saved every "thank you" postcard from a hospitalized veteran.

Posted by: Deli LLama at November 11, 2012 11:22 AM (lGu1O)

97 Thank you, dad. Thank you, Pop.

Posted by: Truman North at November 11, 2012 11:23 AM (VjoLb)

98 75 My Uncle Mike who's in his early 90s was Big Red One in WWII. He was a combat engineer; one of the guys who went ashore early on D-Day. Never talked about it a lot; can't comprehend the carnage he saw. Posted by: Pete at November 11, 2012 03:13 PM (q6gSc) First, G-d bless your uncle. Second, if he is still with us (please G-d), if at all possible, try and ask him to talk about his experiences as best he can. It is vital we preserve this history before it passes.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at November 11, 2012 11:24 AM (XkWWK)

As a 21+ year Air Force veteran, I thank those that have served this country before me. I thank those of my brothers (and sisters) in the profession of arms I had the good fortune to serve with. And last but certainly not least, I thank those that have and will come after me who pick up the baton and carry it into the future.

And I would also like to thank those that are thanking us. We are a humble lot who don't really seek praise for doing what we think of as merely "doing our duty." I spent much of my career in special operations, we tended to learn to do things without recognition and that stuck with me for the rest of my career outside of special operations. But I can tell you that nothing lifts up the spirits of a veteran or an active duty member as much as a random stranger stopping us to shake our hand and say thank you. When it happened to me, I was never sure what to say back to them except that I appreciate the support. We all do.

Posted by: Brian448 at November 11, 2012 11:25 AM (1qvHS)

100 A truly great man Ted Rubin. He survived the concentration camps of Nazi Germany, was impressed by the American soldiers who rescued him from that Hell, immigrated to the United States, joined the US Army, chose to fight in Korea, fought valiantly, became a POW of the North Koreans, did acts of bravery and compassion to help fellow POWs survive, and came home to the US. Ted was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Korea.

http://annapuna.blogspot.com/2009/08/saint-in-hell.html

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 11, 2012 11:28 AM (B9up3)

101 Don't forget:

http://soldiersangels.org/

****

Yes! They allow average non-heroes such as myself to do something, a little something, to say "thanks".

Something that everyone can do is work on their Christmas card project. All you have to do is buy Christmas cards, sign a message and your name, and hand them over to SA. They will make sure they get into the hands of service members.

They also do cards for returning men and women.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at November 11, 2012 11:28 AM (piMMO)

102 Since it was once Armistice Day, I think of that war too. Here is a very moving painting of some gassed men from WWI: http://tinyurl.com/a55dpwj

Posted by: Baldy at November 11, 2012 11:30 AM (opS9C)

103 >> Donate to Honor Flight to make that trip a reality for the few who remain, while there is still time.

Oh hell yes.

Dave and I were visiting the WWII memorial last year with some other morons and there was a group of them there (from Wisconsin, IIRC). It was a humbling and moving experience.

Posted by: Andy at November 11, 2012 11:30 AM (OZPoa)

104 This is what I wrote a couple of years ago today. Context: I was looking at this picture:

http://tinyurl.com/9wtewdc

A MOMENT FROZEN IN TIME

A young boy, maybe 10 or 11 years old. Standing tall, in his best suit, trying oh so hard to be a man at that particular moment. A Marine, in full ceremonial garb, presenting that boy with the flag that had recently draped the boy's father's casket.

The boy is devastated. His whole world has crumpled around him. The man he called "dad" is gone. The man who hugged him, who lifted him up to the sky, laughing, as the boy cried in delight "Daddy!" is no more, and he is far too young to fully understand why this must be so.

The Marine is devastated. He is presenting a memento to a child who can not possibly understand why life as he knows it has been demolished, never to return. The Marine is holding on to his self control with every fiber of his being, when all he wants to do is hug the boy tight and tell him that it's OK to grieve, he doesn't have to be a man at this particular moment, he is free to be a little boy. The Marine has seen combat, he has seen horrible, terrible things. He's held comrades as they bled out on a dusty Afghanistan road, directed fire into hostile locations that he knew held women and children, but he had, reluctantly (dear God how reluctantly) to do it to ensure the safety of his men. He is a hero in every sense of the word, but nothing has prepared him for this.

We (you and I) are devastated. We observe this tableau from a distance. We (or at least I) are horrified at the reality this picture forces us to confront. The picture hits us like a mule kick to the heart. How many of us are willing to hazard our loved ones for freedom?

Make no mistake, what this little boy's father died for was our freedom. The boy is being presented with that flag "On behalf of a grateful nation". Much as his father did, that little boy is paying the price of freedom in full. My not so little anymore boy wants to go into the armed forces where he might very well die. He's willing to chance that for an ideal. I'm willing to let him go in the service of that same ideal. Every signer of the Declaration of Independence was willing to pledge "our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." for this country. Most of them did indeed pay with their fortunes and some with their lives. Can we in the 21st century expect to do less, or are our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor now worthless?

Today of all days, my heartfelt thanks goes out to all of those men, women and their families whose answer to that question has always been "Hell no!". They are the rock upon which this nation rests.

Posted by: Weirddave at November 11, 2012 11:31 AM (aH+zP)

105 Always wished my godfather got to complete a life long goal, being able to see three different centuries. Born in 1899, survived WWII, told in 71 that he had 6 months to live due to cancer and yet lived till 1991. He was first generation American as his family felt the winds shift and fled Poland. He loved this country and did anything she asked of him

Posted by: The Dude at November 11, 2012 11:32 AM (tw6Ar)

106 honorflight.org

Posted by: Dave in Texas at November 11, 2012 11:32 AM (pUqSw)

107 When I was a little kid growing up we had a neighbor who was hit with mustard gas in WWI, he had a bad lung as a result and moved a little slow. Still made it into his 90's.

Posted by: @PurpAv at November 11, 2012 11:33 AM (gy+bf)

108 Thanks for keep us safe. And thanks for lending us your sons and daughters.

Posted by: ryukyu at November 11, 2012 11:33 AM (Cvyuv)

109 If you have it, or can find it, Episode 26 "Remember" from the BBC's "The World at War" series is about as moving as you can get, especially the opening. YouTube or Hulu may still have it.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at November 11, 2012 11:33 AM (XkWWK)

110 Thanks dad USN LST-1140 rest in peace. We will never see another generation as them.

Posted by: Chavez the Hugo at November 11, 2012 11:33 AM (vd51j)

111 You're welcome, Dave.

Posted by: Andy at November 11, 2012 11:34 AM (OZPoa)

112 I give to the Wounded Warrior Project- please check it out.

Posted by: Timwi at November 11, 2012 11:34 AM (pdhxN)

113

My mom's brothers Howard and Francis left the family farm in Nebraska and joined the Army. Francis was in the South Pacific for two years; Howard in Europe. They both saw more of the world than they really wanted to; came home and worked hard for another forty years.

Thanks, and Rest in Peace.

Posted by: Jim in Virginia at November 11, 2012 11:35 AM (EGrGz)

114 Thanks to all who have served and to those still serving.

Posted by: Ronster at November 11, 2012 11:36 AM (nQMHQ)

115 We have an Honor flight here every year. I think I'm off the pitty pot. If they could fight for us for centeries, well we can fight now. May God Bless all those who have and will serve.

Posted by: Infidel at November 11, 2012 11:37 AM (Vk6ZI)

116 106 ...Much as his father did, that little boy is paying the price of freedom in full. Posted by: Weirddave at November 11, 2012 03:31 PM (aH+zP) THIS. I can only imagine the devastation my grandfather felt when he got the news my uncle was killed in the Pacific. And my dad never really spoke of him all that much because it was so painful. But sometimes he would wake up at night sobbing and that's all you needed to know.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at November 11, 2012 11:38 AM (XkWWK)

117

Its always amused me how Service seems to run in Families...

My Father's? I can trace direct ancestors back to the French and Indian War... including both sides of the Civil War. G'Dad? Army Artillery France WW1, Father? WWII and Korea Navy, myself Navy Ret.... my Son is Navy, currently stationed in Guam....

Mom's side? not a single one of them served.... always made for some 'interesting' family reunions....

Posted by: Romeo13 at November 11, 2012 11:38 AM (lZBBB)

118 Anybody know what model of machinegun that is? I've never been able to identify it. Something French?

Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at November 11, 2012 11:39 AM (celt+)

119 I'm a USAF vet, but, for me, the Navy has the best hymn of all the branches. - Eternal Father, Strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bid'st the mighty Ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; O hear us when we cry to thee, for those in peril on the sea. _ http://www.you tube.com/watch?v=4Iu8y2pvuRg _ Link under name.

Posted by: BumperStickerist at November 11, 2012 11:41 AM (RuUvx)

120 Thanks Grandpa. If you didn't survive those shark infested waters after your ship was destroyed Dad would never have been born. Nor would his 11 younger brothers and sisters.

Posted by: Lurking Canuck at November 11, 2012 11:42 AM (bmBLU)

121 I visited the American cemetery in Cambridge earlier this year. All those gravestones... Requiescat in pace

Posted by: The Political Hat at November 11, 2012 11:42 AM (sZTYJ)

122 Taro, IIRC what those poor Doughboys are using in that photo is a French made machine gun. Forget the exact name but the thing was pure junk. Could see through the magazine to see how much ammo was left, which in trench warfare France meant mud got in the magazine causing the gun to jam. It seemed impossible to interchange parts between two or three of the guns to get one working. And one American soldier said they did find a use for the gun, as parts to make a still. So there was a silver lining.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 11, 2012 11:44 AM (B9up3)

123 All Quiet on the Wester Front Full Movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxQT580KhHc

Posted by: The Political Hat at November 11, 2012 11:45 AM (sZTYJ)

124 Even if the America I know is gone, I am glad to have grown up in a free and ethical society.

Thank you, Veterans.

I hope all of you serving in 'hot' zones will come home soon.

Posted by: Sgt. York at November 11, 2012 11:46 AM (XElIv)

125
This was posted yesterday, but many may have missed the rescue of Roger Locher by BG Steve Ritchie. Long but worthwhile.

http://tinyurl.com/8rcb3tf

Posted by: Doctor Fish at November 11, 2012 11:47 AM (lDWQr)

126 The French gun was referenced on Military Channel's Top Ten program while describing the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) It's called the Chauchat. -- from wikipedia --- Over time the Mle 1915 Chauchat's uneven performance in the muddy environment of the trenches have led some modern experts to describe it as the "worst machine gun" ever fielded in the history of warfare. The gun's reputation was further damaged by the near total failure of the Mle 1918 Chauchat, in US .30-06 caliber, a different model which had been specifically designed and manufactured for the A.E.F. in France during World War I _

Posted by: BumperStickerist at November 11, 2012 11:48 AM (RuUvx)

127 >> Anybody know what model of machinegun that is? I've never been able to identify it. Something French?

Looks kind of like a Hotchkiss.

Posted by: Andy at November 11, 2012 11:48 AM (OZPoa)

128 Special thanks to Louis Zamperini, a veteran who inspires me. And to all the men and women who have fought for freedom. My family honors you.

Posted by: TD at November 11, 2012 11:49 AM (+uFux)

129 Heroes. All.
From our hearts to yours: Thank you. God bless and preserve your legacy.

Posted by: ShameTheShameless at November 11, 2012 11:50 AM (TFeHR)

130 Anna, you have better eyes than I do. I don't see the characteristic curved mag of the POS Chauchat in the pic.

Posted by: Andy at November 11, 2012 11:51 AM (OZPoa)

131 deleted

Posted by: Jones in CO at November 11, 2012 11:51 AM (8sCoq)

132 #120 Apparently it's a French M1916 37mm gun. (See the sock link and then you can do some other image searches for more.)

Posted by: andycanuck at November 11, 2012 11:53 AM (nkiQM)

133 agree with Andy, upon further review it looks like a hotchkiss. The chauchat is the French gun that the big bald former marine on "Top Ten" made fun of during the "Machine Gun" episode.

Posted by: BumperStickerist at November 11, 2012 11:54 AM (RuUvx)

134 My grandmother had many illnesses and surgeries in her life. She told me she got through them by thinking of what the men in the Bataan Death March endured. Puts things in perspective.

Posted by: Baldy at November 11, 2012 11:55 AM (opS9C)

135 fuck it. It's not a longbow. Of that I am certain.

Posted by: BumperStickerist at November 11, 2012 11:55 AM (RuUvx)

136 Definitely not a Chauchat. It's on a tripod and there's no magazine.

Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at November 11, 2012 11:56 AM (celt+)

137 I never feel up to the task, but it needs to be remembered.

Hard to do it all in one day. Your approach of commemorating anniversaries of big events gets close.

Keep up the fire, DiT.

Posted by: fluffy at November 11, 2012 11:56 AM (z9HTb)

138 >> Apparently it's a French M1916 37mm gun. (See the sock link and then you can do some other image searches for more.)

Yeah, that's it.

I wasn't fully sold on the Hotchkiss because the barrel looked too short.

Nice work.

Posted by: Andy at November 11, 2012 11:57 AM (OZPoa)

139 Andy Canuck for the win. Wisdom is knowing that there is still much to learn. Grace is being able to admit ignorance without acting like Hitler in his bunker.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 11, 2012 11:57 AM (B9up3)

140 Andycanuck is correct. It's a 37mm. Wow, that's a kickass piece.

Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at November 11, 2012 11:57 AM (celt+)

141 Special thanks to Louis Zamperini, a veteran who inspires me.

I gather you read Unbroken

Posted by: fluffy at November 11, 2012 11:58 AM (z9HTb)

142 110 Thanks for keep us safe. And thanks for lending us your sons and daughters. Posted by: ryukyu at November 11, 2012 03:33 PM (Cvyuv) *************** ^^ This ^^ I couldn't have said it better, so I just swiped it. Hope ryukyu doesn't mind. God bless you all.

Posted by: Boomer Redneque, tablet edition at November 11, 2012 11:59 AM (5HDWX)

143 More info on the M1916 37mm than most will ever care about.
http://www.forgottenweapons.com/cannon/m1916-37mm-gun/

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 11, 2012 12:01 PM (B9up3)

144 WWI completely ruined Western Civilization

It killed all the upper class of England and German. It lead to Hitler.

Just think about this 700,000 soldiers died in a land battle in one place

TEN TIMES the number that died at Hiroshima

http://tinyurl.com/aveuf

Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at November 11, 2012 12:01 PM (wR+pz)

145 146 WWI completely ruined Western Civilization It killed all the upper class of England and German. It lead to Hitler. Just think about this 700,000 soldiers died in a land battle in one place TEN TIMES the number that died at Hiroshima http://tinyurl.com/aveuf Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at November 11, 2012 04:01 PM (wR+pz) ************************ Interesting perspective. Thanks!

Posted by: Boomer Redneque, tablet edition at November 11, 2012 12:05 PM (5HDWX)

146

Thanks to my Grandpa for his service in WWI. R.I.P.

Posted by: Boots at November 11, 2012 12:11 PM (neKzn)

147 First, G-d bless your uncle. Second, if he is still with us (please G-d), if at all possible, try and ask him to talk about his experiences as best he can. It is vital we preserve this history before it passes. Posted by: J.J. Sefton at November 11, 2012 03:24 PM (XkWWK) It is sad the history that has gone untold and now has slipped into the mist of forgotten time. Happens with everything, I guess. My uncle was a snuffy with the 6th MarDiv on Okinawa. I never knew it until, he wrote me a letter ribbing me about being a Hollywood Marine (MCRD San Diego) he being a Parris Island sand flea. Well, I told that to my cousins, after I graduated boot camp as was on leave and they were stunned. They had no idea he was even in the Marine Corps. Never talked about it. He's one of the most soft spoken individuals I have ever encountered in life. He'll talk with me when, he won't even talk with my Dad (42 years Navy). All Marines being brothers and we share a common disdain for swab jockeys - Sorry Dad, we do and I've put up with your shit for years :-). A few harrowing stories, but not much and he doesn't much like to do even that. I never press him and that will all pass into the mist sometime soon. It is sad, but I think that many things like that are better left to die with him, when he goes.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Waiting for the Sun at November 11, 2012 12:12 PM (6Y1Zo)

148 A great big hug and thank you to all those serving-her in the US, and in harm's way. And a great big hug to the spouses and children at home, hoping and praying for their loved one who is in harm's way. May they come home soon and safe. To military morons and 'ettes, you guys rock. Thanks for keeping us safe.

Posted by: moki at November 11, 2012 12:12 PM (wi/sM)

149

Many thanks to all that served and are serving, your families too.

One time, I thanked a man, and he thanked me back. I think this too is good and proper.

UhOh! I'm late:

Posted by: Brian448 at November 11, 2012 03:25 PM (1qvHS) - spoken better than I could have.

Again thanks.

Posted by: dDan at November 11, 2012 12:13 PM (q1RJB)

150 Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before usÂ—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotionÂ—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vainÂ—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedomÂ—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. Gettysburg Address Woods and Smith were veteran's too. This day is especially bitter this year. Thanks you vets. You are not fogotten

Posted by: Thunderb at November 11, 2012 12:16 PM (Dnbau)

151 146 WWI completely ruined Western Civilization The more I delve into the politics, geopolitics, social issues of the time and the war and its myriad ramifications, the more I agree with that.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Waiting for the Sun at November 11, 2012 12:17 PM (6Y1Zo)

152

Dick Winters, of "Band of Brothers" fame, was once asked by his grandson, "Granpa, were you a hero?"

And in Major Winters humble and self-effacing way, he told his grandson, "No, but I served in a company of heros."

The men who served in the 101st all pledged to be together "at the last jump".

Dick Winters passed this year, and has made "the last jump".

He personified the basic decency and goodness of the American soldier in our eyes. We owe them .....everything. And we pay it foward to the future.

Keep the faith. These are the times that try men's souls. Whether it was that cold winter in Valley Forge, the ungodly heat and disease of New Guinea, the bitter cold and long retreat at the Chosin Reservoir, they never let us down.

It is our duty and honor not to let them down. Nobody is asking anyone to repeat the Bataan Death March. Keep your nerve, keep your heart.

"...That this nation of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the Earth."

Posted by: Reader C.J. Burch writes..... at November 11, 2012 12:18 PM (Md8Uo)

153 God bless all haved served or are currently serving.

Posted by: seamrog at November 11, 2012 12:20 PM (gC4+L)

154 Thanks to my Grandfather, who served in the marine Corps during WWII and fought at Tarawa

Thanks to my Dad, who served during the Cold War in the Navy

To those that followed me in Uniform and that I had to leave almost five years ago (retired after serving 26 years in the Navy), thank you for your service and sacrifice

Posted by: Mjölnir, the banhammer from the gates of Hell at November 11, 2012 12:22 PM (Jls4P)

155 Thank you to all veterans, past, present and future. The greatest of America.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at November 11, 2012 12:22 PM (i0App)

156

Nice statement of fact Reader C.J. Burch.

God Bless our Country

Posted by: Infidel at November 11, 2012 12:23 PM (Vk6ZI)

157 My deepest thanks and respect to all veterans, past and present.

Included amongst these are my father, RIP, who served in the occupation force after WWII ("protecting all the bars in Germany" he would say), and two grandfathers who served in WWII. One died in north Africa, and the other traveled war theaters teaching other military doctors about the new wonder drug penicillin.

I got goosebumps yesterday reading the link to the Marine site that chronicles the history of that branch back to the American Revolution, and it felt good to feel that way after the past week. In the course of our history there have been innumerable times when things looked bleak, when our side was defeated or outnumbered and tired of the fight, and yet they persisted and eventually prevailed. Perhaps the best way to honor our veterans is to try to emulate them.

Posted by: Mayday at November 11, 2012 12:24 PM (F3s39)

158

159 Perhaps the best way to honor our veterans is to try to emulate them.

-----------------------------

Amen.

Posted by: Boots at November 11, 2012 12:25 PM (neKzn)

159 My brother (deceased, Agent Orange) and I both served in the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam, different years. He was in Co. A, 4th Bn., 47th Infantry Regt. An Infantry company had about 200 men at full strength, which they hardly ever met. Ponder this roll call of Co. A's KIA, in around 2 years combat, their casualties were horrifying. I hope some here look at this site, it is beyond excellent.

4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, Vietnam
http://tinyurl.com/bcv8as9

God bless them all, and all our veterans.

Posted by: JHW at November 11, 2012 12:29 PM (B38OD)

160 Nobody is asking anyone to repeat the Bataan Death March.

Actually, we are. Mostly we are asking young men (and women) to be ready. When I was in, I did not appreciate the gravity of what I was doing at the time. Age, wisdom, etc.

Posted by: fluffy at November 11, 2012 12:37 PM (z9HTb)

161 Thank you for remembering.

Posted by: Alabama Mike at November 11, 2012 12:49 PM (Id+yE)

162

Thank you to all who served.

Posted by: GT 5.0 at November 11, 2012 12:57 PM (wb/qi)

163 Andy, thanks for mentioning Fisher House!

Bless them all!

Posted by: Hrothgar at November 11, 2012 01:02 PM (Cnqmv)

164 I had a great uncle Angus, who died in battle after WW1 ended but they were still fighting as they had no communications.

Posted by: madamex at November 11, 2012 01:05 PM (1zsKV)

165 I have had the honor of knowing, and serving with, some truly great men. I have wept when some of those men passed to the next life, my own father among them. Dad--You were the BEST. I will love you always.

Posted by: rld77 at November 11, 2012 01:21 PM (nEa93)

166 The service was small and the honor was great.

Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde, NC Chapter at November 11, 2012 01:27 PM (yh0zB)

167 Over by my window sill The moon was still On my cigarettes and wine Sometimes thereÂ’s where I pray to Jesus Sometimes thereÂ’s where I pray to die. -Round Eye Blues Thank you and God bless and grant peace to all our vets.

Posted by: VW Zao at November 11, 2012 01:32 PM (vWZa0)

168 Thanx Honey!! You always honored your Oath. {R.I.P} USASA 66-70 ... and THANK YOU to every Vet and active troop. May God Bless and keep you safe. ~V~

Posted by: Spitfire at November 11, 2012 01:34 PM (p/3BC)

169 To my Father, father in law, Husband. Thank you for serving! To My 3 Children and niece ...NOW serving (3 of them overseas right now) I salute you! To all who have served, and are serving, I honor and respect you.

Posted by: bern at November 11, 2012 01:40 PM (CFiSM)

170 To all my comrades with the 229th Assault Helicopter Bn, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Vietnam-1972. Garry Owen. You are not forgotten.

Posted by: Moshe Ben Avram at November 11, 2012 01:41 PM (D6//X)

171 For my son, who is stateside, and my newish daughter in law, who is 'away', many thanks to you and all those who have and are serving.

Posted by: VW Zao at November 11, 2012 01:47 PM (vWZa0)

172 May God Bless all who served. I always get a tear in my eye when I see armed service men in person. One night I had stopped at a restaurant to get something to take home. I saw a number of them at a table. I offered to buy them all a drink but they refused, but thanked me. I give to Wounded Warriors Monthly, I think it is a very worthy cause. My late father was on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. My brother is 10 1/2 years older than I am. My father used to tell him stories of his service. He never told me, it must be because I was a girl. God Bless you, Daddy. Love Carol

Posted by: CarolT at November 11, 2012 02:12 PM (z4WKX)

173 Forgive the vast majority for remembering you only once a year, and then oh so briefly. You have ensured our right to be clueless, selfcentered, full of sloth and more than relieved when your rememberance has passed again. Some of us do indeed think of you more often, wondering at your ability ot function without bitterness or utter contempt. Thank you all.

Posted by: and irresolute at November 11, 2012 02:32 PM (DBH1h)

174 Thank you for the recognition of service.

A grateful nation means more to veterans than just acknowledgement of service or an 11th hour.

It means voting. Some of you failed to show up when it mattered.

We showed up when called and some of us died. You...

I want to thank you for...well, I can't think of anything to be grateful for your effort.

For those of you who failed to make the minimal effort as citizens, fuck you.

-1SG Nosworthy, active duty

Posted by: Pieter Nosworthy at November 11, 2012 04:00 PM (kkYto)

175 Thanks to all of you. Thanks, Dad and Rest in Peace.

Posted by: Die Trying at November 11, 2012 06:23 PM (w7J/R)

176 As one of my fellow vets who signed on the dotted line - putting their life on the line, I salute you my brothers and sisters. God bless you alll

Posted by: Piffmonster at November 11, 2012 06:36 PM (+T6x+)

177 Late this afternoon my husband and I went over to the cemetery at Ft Sam and wandered around randomly for a bit. We came across a the grave of a Michael C Cornwell, who was a POW. Googled on the phone and read some stuff about the Korean POWs. I've read a lot about the Vietnam POWs but not the Korean guys. So today I'm learning about this part of history because I stumbled on the grave. Korea really is the Forgotten war. I have several relatives who served in the Air Force and Navy and survived war to live long lives afterwards. The one who lost his life in combat was my uncle who joined the Merchant Marines in 1941 to help the Brits fight Hitler. Though technically he wasn't in the military, he got into the fight against the Germans early, and was killed when his tanker was sunk by a U-boat. I honor the service of all of them.

Posted by: stace at November 11, 2012 06:52 PM (m+UHL)

178

Ya know,

This veteran has alot to say. We don't do what we did for parades, or accolades on NFL halftime shows. And I do appreciate the thank you's so don't get me wrong. But if you really want to thank a vet, make sure their votes count. No more 'they were mailed to late" or the "votes were on a plane that crashed". If you really want us to defend the Constitution, can you at least let us play by it's rules?

Posted by: John at November 11, 2012 07:50 PM (sl9ms)

179 "I never feel up to the task"

Who does, Dave?

Posted by: MattP at November 11, 2012 11:51 PM (+3yVq)

180 If it matters to anyone, and I realize it probably doesn't, I've got my great uncle's discharge from "The Great War" framed and up on my wall. I was pondering upon that this past Veteran's Day.

Posted by: MattP at November 12, 2012 12:14 AM (+3yVq)

181

With the passing of Florence Green in February of this year, this VeteransÂ’s Day/Remembrance Day is the first in the 94 years since the end of the Great Wat to pass without a living veteran of that war.

Posted by: Ajay at November 12, 2012 03:01 AM (u3N3z)

182

A veteran Â– whether active duty, retired, National Guard or Reserve Â– is someone who at one point in his/her life wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount of Â‘up to and including my life.Â’

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

To all my fellow veterans:

Have a good VeteranÂ’s Day. We all should take time to remember the fallen and continue to support those still serving.

HOOAH!

SFC MAC

Posted by: SFC MAC at November 12, 2012 06:31 AM (TLbgU)

183 THANK YOU, RYAN, MY BELOVED SON (SGT. RYAN MICHAEL FOTI) R.I.P. SON, YOU GAVE YOUR ALL, TO EVERYONE UNTIL THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT TO GIVE. MOM

Posted by: KELLY FOTI at November 12, 2012 07:33 AM (eoZNI)

184 THANK YOU. To the veterans in my immediate family and to the veterans (past and present) in the extended family called America...thank you.

Posted by: community*stalwart at November 12, 2012 09:43 AM (n35Vb)

185

"SFC MAC"

You're one unusual cat if you're both a Sergeant First Class (SFC)and a Chief Master at Arms (MAC).

Posted by: MattP at November 12, 2012 11:42 AM (+3yVq)

186 On that very day, my father's father was in uniform, on a troopship in the middle of the Atlantic, headed for the front.

On that very day, my mother's father was in uniform, on a trooptrain in Germany, headed for the front.

Upon the news reaching them, the ship and the train turned around.

Only after that day did either of them meet the women who would become my grandmothers. So, without that armistice, the odds are good I'd not be here.

Thanks to all who wore our nation's uniform, in wartime or peace, stateside or abroad, past, present or future. We owe you. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

Posted by: Leonie Alemann at November 12, 2012 07:48 PM (ixKn7)

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