Veteran's Day observance

[Griff]

Anybody get out? I had the day off so I took my favorite Marine out to lunch after going to a ceremony in Endicott. Judging by age and garb it looked like the Korean Era vets were in attendance and a fair number of Vietnam vets sporting POW/MIA gear. One guy had peace slogans on his fatigues. Pretty small turn-out considering.. Anyway, thanks guys. You are so much better than the politicians you're always cleaning up after.

[Elspode]

I had to work, but it is totally quiet today.

Thanks to all the Vets. We appreciate the freedoms that you protect.

This is always a difficult day for me. I think of my father who passed away 8 years ago, now. I still miss that decent and honorable soldier who fought in three wars for our country. Thank you all veterans, past and present.

[xoxoxoBruce]

We owe a great debt of gratitude to our nation’s vets. They give us freedom. Freedom to enjoy our happy, healthy pets. Pets without diseases and maladies that would make the pet owning experience....uh...excuse me.

What...... military?.......no kidding....oh shit.

Ahem...nevermind.

[slang]

I took two weeks off from getting drunk alone in the dark to go and visit my brother currently serving in the Army....so that we could drink together and bitch about Dems.

I met briefly with each of his chain of command and was very impressed. It was particularly important for me to pass on the message that we (from Pa.) greatly appreciate their sacrafice and commitment.

There is still much work to be done in Iraq but the base that I was at is ready willing and able to tackle the challenges ahead and they need our support. What support we offer depends on each of us. Maybe just a quick "thank you" as you pass a uniformed soldier, buying a soldier's lunch in a line at BK, saluting a private, a pat on the back, a handshake....some supplimental destructive devices and or ammo for said. Your participation is entirely voluntary but even if they are a bit uncomfortable, it helps. Their jobs are tough and don't pay nearly what they are worth.


So.....I thank all of our veterans, from the lowest of the ranks to the top brass. I pray that we always have people that think enough of this country to volunteer to serve.

And to all of you veterans here.... thanks even though we may not agree on much. Thanks to your pappy, Mari and to you too Bruce.

[BrianR]

You're all very welcome!

[slang]

(pats BrianR on the back, shakes his hand, salutes slopily and hands him a LAW)

What, you expect some free fatfood too?

[Elspode]

Make it through The Big One, live to be 80 and then...this. Just don't seem right.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...s/parade_death

[Kitsune]

Didn't get the day off, here. For some reason, most businesses in the South are quick to shut down on Sunday but not Veteran's Day or Memorial Day.

I've not attended any of the speeches or parades, before, but did find out how important the little things are two years ago while hanging my American flag out before heading off to work. No one ever does such things in apartment complexes, but as I finished attaching the flag down to the railing outside of my door, I looked up to find someone watching me complete the task. The older gentleman smiled to me and said, "Thank You". By the look on his face, you'd think I made his day.

I should have been the one thanking him.

[zippyt]

In case every body didnt' know 11/10 is the USMC birthday ,
I found this a few years ago , it still brings a tear to my eye.

My friends, it was once said......
"O Lord, we have long known that prayer
should include confession. Therefore on behalf of the
Marines and their guests here gathered, I confess their sins:

Lord, they're just not in step with today's society.
They are unreasonable in clinging to old-fashioned ideas
like patriotism, duty, honor and country.
They hold radical ideas believing that they are their
brother's keeper and responsible for the Marine on their flank.
They have been seen standing
when colors pass, singing the National Anthem at
ball games, and drinking toasts to fallen comrades.
Not only that, they have been observed standing tall;
taking charge and wearing their hair unfashionably
short.

They have taken Teddy R's and JFK's words too seriously and are
overly concerned with what they can do for their service and country
instead of what they can do for them.

They take the Pledge of Allegiance to heart and believe
that their Oath is to be honored.
Forgive them, Lord, for being stubborn men and women
who hold these values as genuine.
They are aware of the price for honor and
with total command of their spirit, they have been willing
to pay that price.

After all, what more can you expect? They're Marines!


O Lord our God, bless these men and women of ideals,
continue to raise up in this nation strong leaders
and deliver us from "me first managers" and
"don't ask me" followers.

Be our honored guest this day, Oh Lord, and join with us
in laughter, good food, good drink, and the telling of tall tales and
legends that occasionally exceed the truth.

We bow our heads to those who were lost in places that had
names meaningless until the mud-Marines landed,
and in that mud reaffirmed the one legacy that
brings all Marines together, the blood and tears shed for
service and each other.
Watch over and keep safe those who wear this nation's uniform with
special attention to their families and loved ones everywhere.

With brandy and cigar in hand, I salute you all for through this day
and all the following nights and days ahead,
God bless you,
God Bless this great
nation and God bless the Corps."

Amen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARINES, AND GOD BLESS!

SEMPER FI