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Location: St. Louis, MO., Marco Is., FL, Nestor Falls, ON | I know this is a little late, but none the less powerful.
“Definition of a Veteran”
A Veteran – whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve,
is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made
payable to “The United States of America”, for an amount of “up to
and including my life.”
That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who
no longer understand it.
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Thanks sir, that is a fact. I never served, so those who did; especially those who gave everything to do so, did that for me. I will not forget that. |
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Location: nationwide | Thank you and all veterans past, present and future. We can never thank you enough.
Corey Meyer |
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| I believe there should be two years of mandatory service after high school. Too few people appreciate what we have, how we live, and how many people gave their lives, limbs, families, etc. fighting for it. I never served myself, and looking back that probably was a mistake. Too few people have any sense of honor, courage, pride, duty, respect, or dedication these days. |
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| if it was not for our veterans.... oh dam i dont even want to think what it would be like |
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| Never to late to say thanks
Semper Fi! |
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Location: Algonquin, ILL | Both of my Pride and Joys, My Son & Grandson.
If you think being an MP is tough try being an MP's Parent
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| I agree with everything said here and the quote starting this thread says it all. It really does pain me to see, hear and realize as to how many "Americans" have forgotten or don't care what the veterans do for each and every one of us...including those that don't understand or care.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, this "Politically Correct" world we live in today, the concept of P.C. that everyone is trying to shove down everyone's throats...will do us more harm than good in the long run as it's byproduct of a P.C. environment is a bunch of soft-willed people that think everyone needs to be all nicey-nice to everyone and no one should have their toes stepped on or feelings heart. All of that of which builds strength and character is being stripped away... |
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Location: Ogden, Ut | Nice words guys. I would have a hard time adding to it in an appreciable fashion.
As I seem to find myself saying a lot this fall, "Thanks just doesn't seem like enough".
S. |
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| esoxaddict - 11/13/2007 12:44 PM
I believe there should be two years of mandatory service after high school. Too few people appreciate what we have, how we live, and how many people gave their lives, limbs, families, etc. fighting for it. I never served myself, and looking back that probably was a mistake. Too few people have any sense of honor, courage, pride, duty, respect, or dedication these days.
I will neither agree, nor disagree. I will point out, however that that would invalidate pretty much the founding principles of our gratitude towards those who served, be it in peace or war. It would place much less emphasis on those who chose to put their lives on the line, and those who did and paid the check. Instead it would create a lot of, "I'm a vet, I did two years, I deserve those things."
I wanted nothing more than to serve in the Navy. When I got to boot camp, it was as though my life dreams had been realized, only to be shattered by the fact that I had re-constructive surgery when I was 15. It kinda ruined my world for a while.
I have nothing but the utmost of respect for those who serve, have served, and will continue to serve.
Thank you for what you do, no matter the capacity. |
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| If I could do it all over again....knowing what I know now about my career these past 12 years...if I could go back and do it all again....I go into the Marines and follow in the footsteps of both of my grandfathers, as well as two of my best friends growing up from our childhood days....I also have a brother in the Coast Guard. I know the Coast Guard isn't looked up to or thought of in the same light as the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines...but...still....they do their share at times and in places as well.
I believe I would have gained more out of life in the Marines than I have within my current career/profession...that's for sure... |
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| Well said guys! I can't imagine a U.S.A. without the valor and dedication of our men and woman in the armed forces. I once heard a person say that people always say "I HAVE THE RIGHT", and he corrected such a statement by saying NO, you've been given the right... it can be taken away, and to those who fight to protect those simple freedoms we all take for granted I say THANK YOU.
May God bless our troops, and God bless America!
Edited by musky-skunk 11/13/2007 4:18 PM
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Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Bob- Thank you! Thank you to all of my other fellow veterans who served this nation, God Bless you. Especially to those who didn't come home alive or came home with shattered bodies. Regardless of whether you served in the Marine Corps, the US Army, the US Navy, the US Air Force, or the US Coast Guard, thank you. War is hell. But it's also a team effort. If you haven't been there you can't possibly appreciate that simple fact. Ask any combat Marine who served in Vietnam what they thought when they heard the sounds of those Airforce or Navy fighter's coming in hot & low w/ naplam over enemy positions.
It seems that to have been drafted is viewed today as a stigma by some. To those who would denigrate anyone's service, I say shame on you. You have no clue as to the sacrifices that those veterans made to ensure your freedom. The men & women of the US Coast Guard have no reason to feel any less proud, they also put there lives on the line to protect the USA.
You know what? Many of those who were drafted also bled and died for your freedom, and their sacrifices were no less great than those who volunteered. I still remember that letter- "Your friends and neighbors have selected you. " - right! I served from March 27th 1966 to March 27th 1981. I also remember a lot of friends who didn't return. The one's who got that same notice and fled to Canada, or elsewhere are the one's who didn't sign the check, denigrate them for what they were.
Thank you to all who are currently serving our nation. I pray that God protect you and bring you safely home to your families.
Al |
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Location: Fishing the weeds | Well said, Bob. The absolute best and most meaningful 8 years of my life. God bless "All" who have served. Volunteered or Drafted, the main thing is you did your part and didn't run. Pat |
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| It was 20 years ago this week I left for basic training.
Oh how the world has changed since then.
Thank you to all that have served but even more to those that are serving now at a time of war.
Keith |
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Location: The Sportsman, home, or out on the water | ESOX Maniac - 11/13/2007 5:56 PM
It seems that to have been drafted is viewed today as a stigma by some. To those who would denigrate anyone's service, I say shame on you. You have no clue as to the sacrifices that those veterans made to ensure your freedom. The men & women of the US Coast Guard have no reason to feel any less proud, they also put there lives on the line to protect the USA.
Al
Al,
Drafted or not they are still veterans, in this Veteran's Book. Drive hard, and live free.
Thank and hug a vet for what you have. Drive on soldier, drive on.
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Location: Lebanon,Mo | Thanks to everyone,and special thanks to my Dad for leading the way in Vietnam. |
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Location: Rhinelander, WI | I received the following in an email awhile back and though it does pick on the French a bit I think it sums up a lot of good points about the American Military and the American Soldiers who are willing to lay down there lives to protect not only American Citizens but people in need all around the world. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Back when Colin Powell was Sec of State he was being interviewed in England by a group of international reporters when a French reporter asked him: "Does America expect to retain control of any of the territory you have conquered recently?"
Powell slowly responded with: "Yes. We will surely retain control of some territory. It will be like the territory we retained in France after World War II. If you will check you will see that we retained an area of about six feet by three ft for each American lost in France who is buried there."
Dead silence.
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Then there was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break one of the French engineers came back into the room saying "Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami v ictims . What does
he intend to do, bomb them?"
A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: "Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?"
Once again, dead silence.
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A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, 'whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English.' He then asked, 'Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?'
Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied 'Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German.' you could have heard a pin drop!!
Nail A Pig!
Mike
Edited by MRoberts 11/14/2007 11:14 AM
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Location: Hugo, MN | rpieske - 11/13/2007 8:11 PM
I know this is a little late, but none the less powerful.
“Definition of a Veteran”
A Veteran – whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve,
is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made
payable to “The United States of America”, for an amount of “up to
and including my life.”
That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who
no longer understand it.
Bob,
I have never seen it stated any better than that! |
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Location: Elk River, Minnesota | I will admit that I have been one to forget about the sacrifice that many have made for this country. but...BUT!! I can honestly say I am a changed man. What did it you may ask? GO SEE SOME TROOPS COME HOME FROM WAR. I had the opportunity to watch as a bus-load of troops were on their trip home from Iraq. They travelled up 371 to Bemidji this summer. I happened to be in town that day, and decided to stick around since it was happening. I tell you...that was EXTREMELY MOVING!! Never before had I felt the emotion of seeing our guys come home. It brings me to tears just thinking about it..
I know that all I own, all that I do, and everything around me is here because of those who were, are and will be putting their lives on the line for me to be able to live here in freedom and without fear. My gratitude to all who make that sacrifice to this great country of ours!!
THANK YOU!!
Steve |
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Location: Spencer, Wisconsin | Excellant string of comments for the veterans who with out them we would not enjoy freedom as we do today. This past weekend I spent with family in Minnesota where I lost another one of my heros, my uncle, who along with my late father was part of a group of young men dating back to WWI, WWII, and the Korean war who served their country. The total amount of my heros who served? = 10. To say 10 sons of my grandmother and granfather was a record that probably not be repeated in our life time (Imagine how many stars were in the window during those times). So when I reflect on veterans day I think of heros who have sacrificed in the past and the present. I have nothing but ut most respect for these troops.
Attending a funeral of a veteran is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life. The most powerful part is the ending of the funeral, the 21-gun salute and last but not least the playing of taps always brings tears to my eyes.
So when I reflect on current day and past heros it holds a near and dear spot in my families hearts.
GOD BLESS YOU VETERANS! |
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| Freedom isn't free! Thanks to all those who've served! |
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Location: addison, il | semper fi devil dog. i feel you loud and clear. it seams as if we saw very few flags flying till 911 then it became a fashion statement just like these yellow magnet ribbons. little do these band wagon trend setters know the money doesnt go to the troops. the only way to support the troops is to get the ribbons from the v.f.w. u.s.o. american legion. not the local fast stop. the days of support are truely long gone............ god bless the men and women of the stars and stripes. freedom is a blessing and a gift paid for in blood lives and lasting night tremmors and a burrdon to carry till the end. semper fi till i die. steve vanbussum. |
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| A friend told me today that after the deer hunt, he and his wife are going down to LA. His son is leaving for Iraq. He's a good kid, and in the Infantry. I toldJeff, to tell him Thanks, and to return safely.
When I got to GE in 1975, the Commander told me our mission was to hold the Russions at the Rheine. We had 3 days, until the troops from the states got there. That was when I really appreciated what being in the Armed Forces meant. It was just the cold war, but I still remember the hackles standing up as I heard what our mission was.
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Location: Eagle River, Alaska | I'm a little late here but really appreciate this thread. As a dentist in the Air Force I wasn't exposed to the dangers of the "real" troops who patrol the front lines for the United States of America but I felt myself as a significant little cog in the big wheel of service working on many of these young men and women whose lives are put in the path of danger for the rest of us. Unless one has been in the military it is hard to understand the feeling of comradarie which exists there.....it's a great feeling being around those who snap to attention everytime they see the American flag.....those who don't denigrate the concepts of honor, tradition and service because it is politically incorrect today.... We are becoming a country whose leaders have never see military service....that is sad, as well as a mistake.
To really show your appreciation take opportunities you can to help veterans, or active military people whenever you can. In my current dental practice I see older veterans on an infrequent basis, and without being obvious about it, many of these men I don't charge for the work done for them, or seriously lower what they pay......it does not seem like a sacrifice but a small repayment for what they have done for me. I have a good friend who is a fishing guide and he arranges halibut charters every year where he takes out recently returned vets from Iraq and Afganistan free of charge. Every little bit helps. I presently live near Fort Richardson Army Base whose troops are now returning from more than a year deployment to Iraq......short about 60 of their number......60 who gave up everything serving their country. Many have arranged to make sure these returning troops have somewhere to be for Thanksgiving and Christmas if they can't be at home. Help out wherever you can.
Thanks,
Brian D. Wight, ret Maj, USAF |
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Location: Rhinelander, WI | Read the following and tell us which current politician said it:
…From the very beginning, the American dream meant putting into practice the dreams of the Old World.
From the very beginning, the American dream meant proving to all mankind that freedom, justice, human rights and democracy were no utopia but were rather the most realistic policy there is and the most likely to improve the fate of each and every person.
America did not tell the millions of men and women who came from every country in the world and who—with their hands, their intelligence and their heart—built the greatest nation in the world: "Come, and everything will be given to you." She said: "Come, and the only limits to what you'll be able to achieve will be your own courage and your own talent." America embodies this extraordinary ability to grant each and every person a second chance.
Here, both the humblest and most illustrious citizens alike know that nothing is owed to them and that everything has to be earned. That's what constitutes the moral value of America. America did not teach men the idea of freedom; she taught them how to practice it. And she fought for this freedom whenever she felt it to be threatened somewhere in the world. It was by watching America grow that men and women understood that freedom was possible.
What made America great was her ability to transform her own dream into hope for all mankind.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The men and women of my generation heard their grandparents talk about how in 1917, America saved France at a time when it had reached the final limits of its strength, which it had exhausted in the most absurd and bloodiest of wars.
The men and women of my generation heard their parents talk about how in 1944, America returned to free Europe from the horrifying tyranny that threatened to enslave it.
Fathers took their sons to see the vast cemeteries where, under thousands of white crosses so far from home, thousands of young American soldiers lay who had fallen not to defend their own freedom but the freedom of all others, not to defend their own families, their own homeland, but to defend humanity as a whole.
Fathers took their sons to the beaches where the young men of America had so heroically landed. They read them the admirable letters of farewell that those 20-year-old soldiers had written to their families before the battle to tell them: "We don't consider ourselves heroes. We want this war to be over. But however much dread we may feel, you can count on us." Before they landed, Eisenhower told them: "The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you."…….
My previous post beat up on the French a bit. The above words are from the new French President Nicholas Sarkozy, he spoke them to our Congress on November 7th.
If you have the time read the entire speech at the following:
http://www.nysun.com/article/66054?page_no=1
When will we find a U.S. politician with the courage to speak that highly of the U.S. and U.S. military, I hope soon, but sadly I don’t see any out there now?
This Frenchman apparently gets it, I wish more U.S. politicians WOULD!
Nail A Pig!
Mike
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Location: Oregon | esoxaddict - 11/13/2007 12:44 PM
I believe there should be two years of mandatory service after high school. Too few people appreciate what we have, how we live, and how many people gave their lives, limbs, families, etc. fighting for it. I never served myself, and looking back that probably was a mistake. Too few people have any sense of honor, courage, pride, duty, respect, or dedication these days.
I would agree and I haven't served either. There is a big difference between many of the kids today and when I was raised. Remember when you used to refer to someone else's dad or male teacher as "Mr."? And how you used to wear your shirt tucked in? Oh, and if you wore a hat, the bill was facing forward? Kids of today mostly have no idea what "respect or dedication" is.
RM |
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Location: St. Louis, MO., Marco Is., FL, Nestor Falls, ON | I, too, am in favor of a draft. But probably not for the same reason as many. I believe it is too easy to commit troops to battle when they are "professional soldiers." It is too easy for the public not to buy into the risks endured by the military. That's because "They volunteered....they knew what they were getting into." When every parent, every politician, every family has a vested cause with the military, they will be appreciated, supported and not used carelessly or without regard for the consequences. The draft ensures that everyone has an ox being gored in the fight. Don't get me wrong or infer that I am against the action in which we are currently invoved. If my son or daughter were at risk, I would make sure the politicians representing my interests were truly voting their conscience and not political infighting or power grabbing. I have had my fill of it from both parties. America deserves better than it is receiving from both sides of the aisle. And our troops certainly deserve better support. It is so easy to say, "I support the troops" at the same time cutting off funding. Being an American has nothing to do with race, religion, gender or even political persuasion. It has everything to do with identifying yourself as subscribing to a set of national principles that transcend diversity without erasing it.
My best friend, a retired USMC CWO-2, says, "Politics: comes from the Greek word "poly" meaning many; and tick, a blood sucking parasite." Where are the statesmen today? If you see one out there vote for them. Vote for those who are honorable, honest and really desire what is best for America and Americans. Vote out those who are power hungry, egotistical, self serving and blind to the damage they often do to those they should be serving. OK....I'll get off my soapbox.
Edited by rpieske 11/16/2007 4:14 PM
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| Bob, if we did that there wouldn't be any politicians left. And it's our OWN fault, because we all do the same thing -- we vote for whomever tells us what we want to hear, regardless of whether its truth or fiction. So whatever lying SOB is the BEST at lying gets elected, and we all have the nerve to complain when things don't go our way. Nevermind truth, nevermind honor, or justice, or what is right, whoever gets up there and tells us how he/she will make things better for us personally is the one who we vote for, most of us knowing full well that they don't have the means OR the intent to deliver what they have proposed.
Which is ANOTHER reason to have a draft -- if everyone has something personally at stake, something to lose, and a serious and very real interest in what goes on in the world instead of reading about it in the paper or watching it on TV, then and ONLY then will we all gather together and collectively work towards that which benefits the country as a whole instead of looking out only for our own personal interests, other citizens of the country (and the world) be #*^@ed.
Guess I'll get off my soapbox too. |
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