Many people don’t understand the nature of the freedom we have. They think that if we are free, there shouldn’t be an army, or any other military force. COME ON PEOPLE! WAKE UP! It’s because of the army and other military forces the you have this precious commodity called freedom. There are people in other parts of the world who would give their lives to have just a little of the freedom you have. I’m a 48 year old disabled veteran and I love the USA. I would gladly give my life to keep this country free. I’m passing the torch of freedom to you. It’s time for you to do your part to keep this country of ours free. Maybe after you have a taste of military life, you’ll realize what kind of price has been paid for you to enjoy all this. Where else can you openly insult the leader of the nation you live in on national TV. I’ve lived in parts of the world where people are imprisoned simply for speaking out against taxes. Thank your lucky stars you don’t live there. You live in the freest nation on the face of the earth. Enjoy it. But remember, a tremendous cost has been paid for you to do this. This Memorial Day weekend, please remember those who paid the ultimate price and those that are fighting for your freedom at this very moment.
I served in the US Army, 5th Infantry Division, 105th S&T Bn, Co B, Ft. Polk, Louisiana as a truck driver (64C10-70, light, heavy) and I’m proud of it!
I’m also listed on a memorial at the Vernon Parish Veteran’s Park in Leesville, Louisiana.
And not only on one day a year. Let me encourage you all the next time you see a veteran or someone in uniform:
Politely walk up to them
Reach out with a warm (and firm) handshake and a sincere smile
Look them straight in the eye, and
Personally express your gratitude to them for their service - past or present.
I’ve gotten in the habit of doing this - whether at home or while I’m traveling. It’s a great way to meet people and to thank those who have and are currently protecting the freedoms you and I enjoy.
And you don’t have to have an outgoing personality to do this. A simple and sincere “Thank you for your service” is quite ample. Most service personnel I have met are most appreciative.
I figure it’s the least I can do for those who have given the most…
Well said Jeff. My dad served on the USS Nimitz from 1982-1986, and I’m dern proud of him. I’ve heard the phrase Freedom isn’t free a million times, and ya know what, there is no phrase more true. I love our vets and our servicemen and servicewomen.
Thank you to all veterans, past, present, and future!
A heartfelt thank you to ALL those who put themselves in harms way to protect our freedom and in particular to the men and women of Canada’s Armed Forces and members of these Forums.
Well said. Both of my grandfathers are/were veterans. My uncle is also a vet. All of my relatives and friends who are serving or have served have never regretted joining the different branches of the military. While I have never served in the military, I always respect everyone who is currently serving or are veterans. God Bless America!
Here’s a tip from a Vietnam vet. Whatever you do, whatever you say, please, please avoid any use of the word “incoming” in any context. It can cause a bad case of tachycardia.[swg]
Guys, you gotta give credit were credit is due. God bless you Jeffery, we are safe becuse of people like you. I don’t know how many people of you are into sorrta rock, but here’s a song that says it all. http://www.playlist.com/playlist/15789601547 track number 9. God Bless all. And a thumbs up to everyone that keeps this country safe. [bow] [bow] [bow]
From one vet to another, happy memorial Day! As you served on a Tin Can (which one, incidentally?), you might be interested in an old movie called “The Enemy Below” (Robert Mitchum, Kurt Jurgens). I’d also like to recommend a book called “Iron Coffins” by Luftkapetane Herbert Werner; It is a book that gives some balance to an otherwise Godawful war.
One last thing: If you out there are a vet and haven’t looked into medical benefits, this might now be a good time to do so. You earned them, so use them. To all of you, God bless each one of you.
Thank-you Jeffery I also Am a veteran as most know I spent 17 years in the USN and I now work at the Veterans affairs Dorn Medical Center here in columbia, SC. I have found more personal reward/wealth working here with my fellow vets than any other job I have had. and when my wife and I are out in town ( US Army base Fort Jackson is here) and we come across a soldier getting ready to eat and we have extra cash we make sure we buy there lunch or dinner we enjoy doing it for what they do for us.
Basicly as Jeffery said its time for you who can to walk in our shoes if its just for 4 years. You will come out with a complete different view of things.
with that i’m posting a email I receive from a freind and want to share with you all I posted it in coffee shop/diner but all don’t come in there
Once each May, amid the quiet hills and rolling lanes and breeze-brushed trees of Arlington National Cemetery, far above the majestic Potomac and the monuments and memorials of our Nation’s Capital just beyond, the graves of America’s military dead are decorated with the beautiful flag that in life these brave souls followed and loved. This scene is repeated across our land and around the world, wherever our defenders rest! . Let us hold it our sacred duty and our inestimable privilege on this day to decorate these graves ourselves – with a fervent prayer and a pledge of true allegiance to the cause of liberty, peace, and country for which America’s own have ever se! rved and sac! rificed. … Our pledge and our prayer this day are those of free men and free women who know that all we hold dear must constantly be built up, fostered, revered and guarded vigilantly from those in every age who seek its destruction. We know, as have our Nation’s defenders down through
