Mr. P
VIP Member
*Since Saturday is the day and many members checkout for the weekend, I decided to post this afternoon.*
I post the following every year on Veterans day with the hope that we never forget the price paid by some, and the sacrifices made by so many in service to our Country.
In 2004 I invited CSM to contribute to this project. CSM is, as far as I know, the longest serving Veteran here. I am pleased he accepted my invitation to contribute, and this year agreed to a repost of his writing. Thanks CSM!
I have added all the new members since last year that are Veterans or active duty that have responded to my request for information. I have listed everyone in the order of response. I hope no one was left out.
Also, a special thanks to the families and spouses of all our service men and women current and former. You do not go unnoticed, your support and sacrifice are more valuable than you will ever know.
And of course, Thanks to Jimmy for a place to post.
Mr. P
************************************************** **************************************************
dmp
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: Active Duty Army:
May 92 - May 95
Apr 97 - Jul 00
Nat'l Guard
May 95 - Apr 97
Rank: SGT/E5
Unit: 5-3 Air Defense Artillery, Wackerneim Germany; HHC 1 Armored Div, Bad Kruetznach Germany; HHC 81st Infantry Brigade, Seattle WA; 57th MP Co, Camp Carroll, Waegwon South Korea; HHC I Corps, Fort Lewis, WA
************************************************** **
CSM
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: 1968- 2002 (six year break between 1983 and 1989)
1968-1983 Active US Army
1989-2002 Army National Guard
Rank: Command Sergeant Major E-9
Unit:
Other info: (retired) A little over 28 years of honorable service
************************************************** **
freeandfun1
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: Feb 1985 - Apr 1992
Rank: SGT/E5
Unit:
Other info: MOS: 11H - Infantry Anti-Tank (TOW)
************************************************** **
Bullypulpit
Branch: United States Navy
Date/s: 1979-1984
Rank: Photographers Mate 3rd class
Unit:
Other info:
************************************************** **
Gop-Jeff
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: 30 May 1998 - 29 May 2003
Rank: 2LT, 30 May 1998; 1LT, 1 Dec 1999, CPT, 1 Dec 2001.
Unit: 593rd Corps Support Group, Fort Lewis, WA, Nov 1998-Mar 2000; 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (The first Stryker Brigade), Fort Lewis, WA, Apr 2000-May 2003
Other info:
************************************************** **
HGROKIT
Branch: United States Air Force
Date/s: 9 Jul 76 - 11 Apr 88.
Rank: SSgt (E-5)
Unit:
Other info:
************************************************** **
JOKER96BRAVO
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: ETS Date (official) 04 OCT 04
Still inactive reserve.
Rank: E-5
Unit: 7th Infantry Division
Other info: Intelligence Analyst. 40% disabled vet of war!!!
************************************************** **
Frm Jarhead
Branch: United States Marine Corps
Date/s: 83-87
Rank: Cpl
Unit: 3rd MAW MAG 13 VMA 211 Wake Island Avengers
Other info:
************************************************** ***
Gaffer
Branch: United States Army/ United States Air Force
Date/s: July 66 to July 68 (Army)
Sept 1973 to Sept 1977 (Air force)
Rank: spec 4 (Army)/ Sgt. (Air force)
Unit: 196th Light Infantry Brigade Dec 24 66 to Dec 23 67 Vietnam (Army)
SAC (Air force)
Other info: drafted (Army)/ Enlisted Air Force
************************************************** **
Pale Rider
Branch: United States Air Force
Date/s: 10/79 to 8/87
Rank: TSgt
Unit: 474th Tactical Fighter Wing, Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, Nv
61st Tactical Fighter Training Wing, MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL
Other info: Integrated Avionics Instrumentation/Flight Controls Systems Specialist, F-4, F-16
60% Service Connected Disabled Veteran
************************************************** **
NATO AIR
Branch: United States Navy
Date/s: Active, August 2002 - present.
Rank: E-4
Unit:
Other info: Hello Mr. P,
I am an e-4, US Navy Active, August 2002-now. You'll be seeing me on a boat until January 2008.
Have a good day, may I please go on liberty now?
V/R
Eddie
************************************************** ***
Merlin1047
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: active service Jun 1966 - Sep 1973
Alabama National Guard May 1975 - Sep 1994.
Rank: CW4 (Chief Warrant Officer)
Unit:
Other info: * Ben passed away on 9/11/05. I know he is missed on the board and the Country lost a patriot.
************************************************** **
fubar
Branch: Army National Guard
Date/s: '83-89
Rank: E3
Unit: 5th ptn 26th MP Co, 26th Inf (Yankee ) Div, MARNG
Other info:
************************************************** ***
Jimmyeatworld
Branch: United States Air Force
Date/s: Served from 86 to 91.
Rank: Senior Airman
Unit:
Other info:
************************************************** **
drowe
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: 1992 - 1997
Rank: Sergeant E-5
Unit:
Other info:
************************************************** ***
no1tovote4
Branch: United States Navy
Date/s: July 1989 - July 1993
Rank: Petty Officer Third Class
Unit:
Other info: Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive - Russian Language)
************************************************** ***
Sailor Man
Branch: United States Navy
Date/s: 1969 - 1989
Rank: Lt. Commander
Unit:
Other info:
************************************************** ****
pegwinn
Branch: United States Marine Corps
Date/s: 1981-2003
Rank: Master Sergeant
Unit:
Other info:
******************************
Theim
Branch: Army National Guard (Wisconsin)
Date/s: June 30, 2005-present
Rank: PV2
Unit: 32nd MP Company (currently attending monthly drill at Co.C RSP, until ship for BCT)
Other info: MOS: 31b
******************************
Gotzoom
Branch: United States Air Force
Date/s: 1981 - 1994
Rank: Master Sergeant (E-7)
Unit:
Other info: 20270 - Radio Intercept Analysis Technician
20770 - Communications Collection/Systems
Supervisor
20771 - Morse Systems Supervisor
20772 - Printer Systems Supervisor
Kelly AFB, Texas - 1981
Keelsler AFB, MS - 1981-1982
Clark AB, Phillippines - 1982 - 1988
San Vito Air Station, Italy - 1988-1994
********************************
Johnney
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: August 1990- October 1999
Rank: Cpl
Unit:
Other info: Military Police (95B)
************************************
Archangal
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: 1964-1968
Rank: Sp E-5/ Sgt E-5/ OCS 2nd Lt
Unit:
Other info: resigned commission went back to E-5 to be with the guys...being a 2nd Lt was like being a Pvt...the brass ignored ya as well as the enlisted...was 11 Echo 40 tank commander...and armor intell...and
*******************************
GunnyL
Branch: United States Marine Corps
Date/s: 80 - 2000
Rank: GySgt
Unit:
Other info: 0369
*************************************************
theHawk
Branch: United States Air Force
Date/s: 1999-2003
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Unit:
Other info: 3C2(TechControl)
************************************************** **
MissileMan
Branch: United States Air Force
Date/s: Nov '79 to Jul '00
Rank: Master Sergeant
Unit:
Other info: Missile Maintenance
************************************************
ProudVet
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: 1966- 1967
Rank:Sgt E-5
Unit: 1st Cav Div
Other Info: 100% disabled by the VA.
**************************************************
90k
Branch: United States Navy
Date/s: 5/86 7/99
Rank: E-6 AO1(AW)
Unit: Unit, well damn I had a few during my tenure
Other info: Aviation Ordnance (AW) Air Warfare. Go Ordnance!
***************************************************
trobinett
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: 1965 1968
Rank: Specialist 4th class. E-4,
Unit: Supreme Headquarter Allied Powers Europa. The political arm of NATO. Headquartered in Mons' Belgium.
Other info: 72B40 ASA
****************************************************
Mr. P
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: 7/73 - 12/77
Rank: CW2 (Chief Warrant Officer)
Unit: C troop 1/17 Air Cavalry, 82nd Airborne Division
Other info: Helicopter Pilot.
Unit Chemical, Biological, Radiological warfare Officer
**************************************************
**************************************************
I post the following every year on Veterans day with the hope that we never forget the price paid by some, and the sacrifices made by so many in service to our Country.
In 2004 I invited CSM to contribute to this project. CSM is, as far as I know, the longest serving Veteran here. I am pleased he accepted my invitation to contribute, and this year agreed to a repost of his writing. Thanks CSM!
I have added all the new members since last year that are Veterans or active duty that have responded to my request for information. I have listed everyone in the order of response. I hope no one was left out.
Also, a special thanks to the families and spouses of all our service men and women current and former. You do not go unnoticed, your support and sacrifice are more valuable than you will ever know.
And of course, Thanks to Jimmy for a place to post.
Mr. P
************************************************** **************************************************
What is a Vet?
Some Veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing
limb, a jagged scar, a certain look in the eye.
Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone
together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg, or perhaps another sort
of inner steel... the soul's alloy forged in the refinery of
adversity.
Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept
America safe wear no badge or emblem.
You can't tell a vet just by looking.
So, what is a vet?
He's the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia
sweating two gallons a day making sure the armored personnel
carriers didn't run out of fuel.
He's the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks,
whose Overgrown frat-boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times
in the cosmic scales by four hours of exquisite bravery near the
38th parallel.
She (or he) is the nurse who fought against futility and went to
sleep sobbing every night for two solid years in Da Nang.
He's the POW who went away one person and came back another...
or didn't come back at all.
He's the Quantico drill instructor who has never seen combat,
but has saved countless lives by turning slouchy, no-account
rednecks and gang members into Marines, and teaching them to
watch each other's backs.
He's the parade-riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and
medals with a prosthetic hand.
He's the career quartermaster who watches the ribbons and medals
pass him by.
He's the three anonymous heroes in The Tomb Of The Unknowns,
whose Presence at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever
preserve the memory of all the anonymous heroes whose valor dies
unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean's
sunless deep.
He's the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket, palsied
now and aggravatingly slow, who helped liberate a Nazi death camp
and who wished all day long that his wife were still alive to
hold him when the nightmares come.
He's an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being, a person
who offered some of this life's most vital years in the service
of his country, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would
not have to sacrifice theirs.
He's a soldier and a savior and a sword against the darkness,
and he's nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on
behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever known.
So remember, each time you see someone who has served our
Country, just lean over and say, "Thank you!" That's all most
people need, and in most cases it will mean more than any medals
they could have been awarded or were awarded.
Two little words that mean so much, "Thank You!"
It's the soldier, sailor, marine and airman, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It's the soldier, sailor, marine and airman, not the campus
organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, sailor, marine and airman, who salute the
flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by
the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.
- Anonymous
*********************************************************************** ************************************************** *********************Some Veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing
limb, a jagged scar, a certain look in the eye.
Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone
together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg, or perhaps another sort
of inner steel... the soul's alloy forged in the refinery of
adversity.
Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept
America safe wear no badge or emblem.
You can't tell a vet just by looking.
So, what is a vet?
He's the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia
sweating two gallons a day making sure the armored personnel
carriers didn't run out of fuel.
He's the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks,
whose Overgrown frat-boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times
in the cosmic scales by four hours of exquisite bravery near the
38th parallel.
She (or he) is the nurse who fought against futility and went to
sleep sobbing every night for two solid years in Da Nang.
He's the POW who went away one person and came back another...
or didn't come back at all.
He's the Quantico drill instructor who has never seen combat,
but has saved countless lives by turning slouchy, no-account
rednecks and gang members into Marines, and teaching them to
watch each other's backs.
He's the parade-riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and
medals with a prosthetic hand.
He's the career quartermaster who watches the ribbons and medals
pass him by.
He's the three anonymous heroes in The Tomb Of The Unknowns,
whose Presence at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever
preserve the memory of all the anonymous heroes whose valor dies
unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean's
sunless deep.
He's the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket, palsied
now and aggravatingly slow, who helped liberate a Nazi death camp
and who wished all day long that his wife were still alive to
hold him when the nightmares come.
He's an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being, a person
who offered some of this life's most vital years in the service
of his country, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would
not have to sacrifice theirs.
He's a soldier and a savior and a sword against the darkness,
and he's nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on
behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever known.
So remember, each time you see someone who has served our
Country, just lean over and say, "Thank you!" That's all most
people need, and in most cases it will mean more than any medals
they could have been awarded or were awarded.
Two little words that mean so much, "Thank You!"
It's the soldier, sailor, marine and airman, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It's the soldier, sailor, marine and airman, not the campus
organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, sailor, marine and airman, who salute the
flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by
the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.
- Anonymous
USMB Veterans and Active Duty members.
THANK YOU!
dmp
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: Active Duty Army:
May 92 - May 95
Apr 97 - Jul 00
Nat'l Guard
May 95 - Apr 97
Rank: SGT/E5
Unit: 5-3 Air Defense Artillery, Wackerneim Germany; HHC 1 Armored Div, Bad Kruetznach Germany; HHC 81st Infantry Brigade, Seattle WA; 57th MP Co, Camp Carroll, Waegwon South Korea; HHC I Corps, Fort Lewis, WA
************************************************** **
CSM
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: 1968- 2002 (six year break between 1983 and 1989)
1968-1983 Active US Army
1989-2002 Army National Guard
Rank: Command Sergeant Major E-9
Unit:
Other info: (retired) A little over 28 years of honorable service
************************************************** **
freeandfun1
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: Feb 1985 - Apr 1992
Rank: SGT/E5
Unit:
Other info: MOS: 11H - Infantry Anti-Tank (TOW)
************************************************** **
Bullypulpit
Branch: United States Navy
Date/s: 1979-1984
Rank: Photographers Mate 3rd class
Unit:
Other info:
************************************************** **
Gop-Jeff
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: 30 May 1998 - 29 May 2003
Rank: 2LT, 30 May 1998; 1LT, 1 Dec 1999, CPT, 1 Dec 2001.
Unit: 593rd Corps Support Group, Fort Lewis, WA, Nov 1998-Mar 2000; 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (The first Stryker Brigade), Fort Lewis, WA, Apr 2000-May 2003
Other info:
************************************************** **
HGROKIT
Branch: United States Air Force
Date/s: 9 Jul 76 - 11 Apr 88.
Rank: SSgt (E-5)
Unit:
Other info:
************************************************** **
JOKER96BRAVO
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: ETS Date (official) 04 OCT 04
Still inactive reserve.
Rank: E-5
Unit: 7th Infantry Division
Other info: Intelligence Analyst. 40% disabled vet of war!!!
************************************************** **
Frm Jarhead
Branch: United States Marine Corps
Date/s: 83-87
Rank: Cpl
Unit: 3rd MAW MAG 13 VMA 211 Wake Island Avengers
Other info:
************************************************** ***
Gaffer
Branch: United States Army/ United States Air Force
Date/s: July 66 to July 68 (Army)
Sept 1973 to Sept 1977 (Air force)
Rank: spec 4 (Army)/ Sgt. (Air force)
Unit: 196th Light Infantry Brigade Dec 24 66 to Dec 23 67 Vietnam (Army)
SAC (Air force)
Other info: drafted (Army)/ Enlisted Air Force
************************************************** **
Pale Rider
Branch: United States Air Force
Date/s: 10/79 to 8/87
Rank: TSgt
Unit: 474th Tactical Fighter Wing, Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, Nv
61st Tactical Fighter Training Wing, MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL
Other info: Integrated Avionics Instrumentation/Flight Controls Systems Specialist, F-4, F-16
60% Service Connected Disabled Veteran
************************************************** **
NATO AIR
Branch: United States Navy
Date/s: Active, August 2002 - present.
Rank: E-4
Unit:
Other info: Hello Mr. P,
I am an e-4, US Navy Active, August 2002-now. You'll be seeing me on a boat until January 2008.
Have a good day, may I please go on liberty now?
V/R
Eddie
************************************************** ***
Merlin1047
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: active service Jun 1966 - Sep 1973
Alabama National Guard May 1975 - Sep 1994.
Rank: CW4 (Chief Warrant Officer)
Unit:
Other info: * Ben passed away on 9/11/05. I know he is missed on the board and the Country lost a patriot.
************************************************** **
fubar
Branch: Army National Guard
Date/s: '83-89
Rank: E3
Unit: 5th ptn 26th MP Co, 26th Inf (Yankee ) Div, MARNG
Other info:
************************************************** ***
Jimmyeatworld
Branch: United States Air Force
Date/s: Served from 86 to 91.
Rank: Senior Airman
Unit:
Other info:
************************************************** **
drowe
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: 1992 - 1997
Rank: Sergeant E-5
Unit:
Other info:
************************************************** ***
no1tovote4
Branch: United States Navy
Date/s: July 1989 - July 1993
Rank: Petty Officer Third Class
Unit:
Other info: Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive - Russian Language)
************************************************** ***
Sailor Man
Branch: United States Navy
Date/s: 1969 - 1989
Rank: Lt. Commander
Unit:
Other info:
************************************************** ****
pegwinn
Branch: United States Marine Corps
Date/s: 1981-2003
Rank: Master Sergeant
Unit:
Other info:
******************************
Theim
Branch: Army National Guard (Wisconsin)
Date/s: June 30, 2005-present
Rank: PV2
Unit: 32nd MP Company (currently attending monthly drill at Co.C RSP, until ship for BCT)
Other info: MOS: 31b
******************************
Gotzoom
Branch: United States Air Force
Date/s: 1981 - 1994
Rank: Master Sergeant (E-7)
Unit:
Other info: 20270 - Radio Intercept Analysis Technician
20770 - Communications Collection/Systems
Supervisor
20771 - Morse Systems Supervisor
20772 - Printer Systems Supervisor
Kelly AFB, Texas - 1981
Keelsler AFB, MS - 1981-1982
Clark AB, Phillippines - 1982 - 1988
San Vito Air Station, Italy - 1988-1994
********************************
Johnney
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: August 1990- October 1999
Rank: Cpl
Unit:
Other info: Military Police (95B)
************************************
Archangal
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: 1964-1968
Rank: Sp E-5/ Sgt E-5/ OCS 2nd Lt
Unit:
Other info: resigned commission went back to E-5 to be with the guys...being a 2nd Lt was like being a Pvt...the brass ignored ya as well as the enlisted...was 11 Echo 40 tank commander...and armor intell...and
*******************************
GunnyL
Branch: United States Marine Corps
Date/s: 80 - 2000
Rank: GySgt
Unit:
Other info: 0369
*************************************************
theHawk
Branch: United States Air Force
Date/s: 1999-2003
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Unit:
Other info: 3C2(TechControl)
************************************************** **
MissileMan
Branch: United States Air Force
Date/s: Nov '79 to Jul '00
Rank: Master Sergeant
Unit:
Other info: Missile Maintenance
************************************************
ProudVet
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: 1966- 1967
Rank:Sgt E-5
Unit: 1st Cav Div
Other Info: 100% disabled by the VA.
**************************************************
90k
Branch: United States Navy
Date/s: 5/86 7/99
Rank: E-6 AO1(AW)
Unit: Unit, well damn I had a few during my tenure
Other info: Aviation Ordnance (AW) Air Warfare. Go Ordnance!
***************************************************
trobinett
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: 1965 1968
Rank: Specialist 4th class. E-4,
Unit: Supreme Headquarter Allied Powers Europa. The political arm of NATO. Headquartered in Mons' Belgium.
Other info: 72B40 ASA
****************************************************
Mr. P
Branch: United States Army
Date/s: 7/73 - 12/77
Rank: CW2 (Chief Warrant Officer)
Unit: C troop 1/17 Air Cavalry, 82nd Airborne Division
Other info: Helicopter Pilot.
Unit Chemical, Biological, Radiological warfare Officer
**************************************************
**************************************************
Veterans Day 2006
By CSM
Another Veterans Day just like many others has arrived. There will
be flags, parades, and poems honoring vets everywhere that will bring a tear
to the eye and a swelling of pride to the heart. Some older folks will don
their old uniform, perhaps for the last time, straighten up their crooked
backs, and haltingly shuffle out into public. Some younger folks will
squeeze themselves into a not so old uniform that is just a wee bit too
small for them anymore but still gives a fair representation of that young
Marine, Soldier, Airman, or Sailor that so recently finished his or her
hitch. There will be others who are serving still, who will form ranks and
march down Main Street to martial tunes played by the high school band along
with the old and not so old vet. Proudly they will pass by, carrying flags
and banners, wearing patches and symbols that designate a forgotten unit or
battle in a war long over, or of even more recent events in far off lands.
There will be even more vets who, for whatever reason, will keep a low
profile. They will not march in any parades or wear any uniform. They will
not hear the poems and praise being broadcast in their honor. Yet they too,
will stand a little straighter and a little taller on this day. They too
will have that small gleam in their eye, that little spark, by which every
veteran, no matter his age, is marked as having served.
The older vets will look back and see the younger vets arrayed behind them
and grunt with satisfaction that they are leaving the country in good hands.
The younger vets will look ahead and see the older vets in front and,
perhaps with just a bit of awe, determine to carry on as they did. Those
younger vets will also look behind them and see those still serving, and
think that they too leave the country in good hands. Those still serving
will see the old and not so old vets in front of them, and perhaps with the
same sense of awe, will determine that their generation will do as well or
better as those in front of them. All, the young and old alike, will
remember those who were like them, yet gave more in their service. Many will
shed a tear or two for their lost comrades, and render that mental salute
reserved for those who gave full measure. Each and every one of them will
get that little tug at their heart when TAPS is played and the salute fired.
Then they will go home or back to their barracks and be themselves once
more, to be just as they have always been on every other day of the year.
Ladies and gentlemen, those veterans we seek to honor today did not serve
for glory. They did not serve for money. They did not serve position or
power. They served for ideals that some consider politically incorrect in
this day and age. They served for us, this country, and its people. You do
not have to heap praise on them, you do not have to throw flowers or money.
You do not have to genuflect before them or even shake their hands. In fact,
they do not ask for anything. They hope, however, that you will say "Thank you".
************************************************** ************************************************** **************************************************
I hope this post has been cause to reflect on those who have given, and those who have given everything in order for us to enjoy our way of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Please, remember those two words, "Thank You", not just for today, but always.
Have a nice Veterans Day, guys....SALUTE!!
Mr. P
******When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep? ~George Canning******
By CSM
Another Veterans Day just like many others has arrived. There will
be flags, parades, and poems honoring vets everywhere that will bring a tear
to the eye and a swelling of pride to the heart. Some older folks will don
their old uniform, perhaps for the last time, straighten up their crooked
backs, and haltingly shuffle out into public. Some younger folks will
squeeze themselves into a not so old uniform that is just a wee bit too
small for them anymore but still gives a fair representation of that young
Marine, Soldier, Airman, or Sailor that so recently finished his or her
hitch. There will be others who are serving still, who will form ranks and
march down Main Street to martial tunes played by the high school band along
with the old and not so old vet. Proudly they will pass by, carrying flags
and banners, wearing patches and symbols that designate a forgotten unit or
battle in a war long over, or of even more recent events in far off lands.
There will be even more vets who, for whatever reason, will keep a low
profile. They will not march in any parades or wear any uniform. They will
not hear the poems and praise being broadcast in their honor. Yet they too,
will stand a little straighter and a little taller on this day. They too
will have that small gleam in their eye, that little spark, by which every
veteran, no matter his age, is marked as having served.
The older vets will look back and see the younger vets arrayed behind them
and grunt with satisfaction that they are leaving the country in good hands.
The younger vets will look ahead and see the older vets in front and,
perhaps with just a bit of awe, determine to carry on as they did. Those
younger vets will also look behind them and see those still serving, and
think that they too leave the country in good hands. Those still serving
will see the old and not so old vets in front of them, and perhaps with the
same sense of awe, will determine that their generation will do as well or
better as those in front of them. All, the young and old alike, will
remember those who were like them, yet gave more in their service. Many will
shed a tear or two for their lost comrades, and render that mental salute
reserved for those who gave full measure. Each and every one of them will
get that little tug at their heart when TAPS is played and the salute fired.
Then they will go home or back to their barracks and be themselves once
more, to be just as they have always been on every other day of the year.
Ladies and gentlemen, those veterans we seek to honor today did not serve
for glory. They did not serve for money. They did not serve position or
power. They served for ideals that some consider politically incorrect in
this day and age. They served for us, this country, and its people. You do
not have to heap praise on them, you do not have to throw flowers or money.
You do not have to genuflect before them or even shake their hands. In fact,
they do not ask for anything. They hope, however, that you will say "Thank you".
************************************************** ************************************************** **************************************************
I hope this post has been cause to reflect on those who have given, and those who have given everything in order for us to enjoy our way of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Please, remember those two words, "Thank You", not just for today, but always.
Have a nice Veterans Day, guys....SALUTE!!
Mr. P
******When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep? ~George Canning******
