Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: cooptire on November 05, 2008, 11:01:34 PM
Title: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: cooptire on November 05, 2008, 11:01:34 PM
Just so I don't forget to say this here, I want to take this time to say a big THANK YOU!!!! to the men & women who defended this STILL great country and made it possible for people like me to live a good life. Whether it was the Marines, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and the others who protects us all, I sincerely appreciate what was done for me, my family and for all of us. I haven't forgotten, I will not allow my children to forget and I will do what I can to always support our veterans.
God Bless the USA! God Bless our Veterans! God protect the men and women who protect us!
THANK YOU!
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: MikeBjerum on November 06, 2008, 06:18:03 AM
Can't improve on that, so will just add another -
THANK YOU !!!
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: Big Frank on November 06, 2008, 06:44:09 AM
You're welcome, and thank you to the rest of the guys and gals.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: Hazcat on November 06, 2008, 06:53:39 AM
Our pleasure to serve good people and a still great country.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 06, 2008, 11:34:57 AM
With the election going the way it did it's important to remember, our Veterans serve "We the people" not an administration. They serve to defend America, not a particular regime.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: PegLeg45 on November 06, 2008, 11:45:05 AM
Thank you Veterans.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: Solus on November 06, 2008, 12:18:27 PM
As a Veteran, I want to say the Thank Yous are appreciated, but that it was my honor to serve.
To the men and women currently serving, you have my thanks for taking over when it was my time to Stand Down.
Thank you all for your your commitment.
There is a company that supports Veterans each year on Veterans Day and each year I get misty eyed over it.
That company is Golden Corral Restaurants. Each Veteran's Day, Veterans eat free there, no questions asked.
While I am not a big fan of their food, I am moved each year by the support they show.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: MikeBjerum on November 06, 2008, 12:57:05 PM
GOLDEN CORRAL MILITARY BUFFET:
From our Patriot Guard Ride Captain:
On Monday 17 NOV 08 from 5 to 9 pm, all 485 Golden Corral restaurants across America will offer any person who has served in the United States Military (including National Guard and Reserves) a "thank you" dinner buffet and beverage on the house - no identification required. This will be the eighth annual "thank you" dinner for our nation's heroes from Golden Corral restaurants, who have provided over 1,835,000 complimentary meals to military personnel over the history of the event and contributed over $2.53 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization. For the second year, Golden Corral's guests and restaurant teams may send personal greetings to America's military personnel on active duty overseas. From 1 SEP through 17 NOV 08, special postcards will be available at all Golden Corral restaurants for sending messages of thanks and encouragement to the troops overseas. They will be delivered to our troops prior to the Holidays. In 2007, over 55,000 Military Appreciation post cards were delivered to military troops stationed overseas. To locate a restaurant near you refer to http://www.goldencorral.net/ and enter your zip code.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: cooptire on November 06, 2008, 01:15:13 PM
To borrow from m58, "May I be the American that our veterans deserve!"
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: shooter32 on November 06, 2008, 01:56:33 PM
To borrow from m58, "May I be the American that our veterans deserve!"
+100 GOD BLESS OUR VETS
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: twyacht on November 06, 2008, 05:13:28 PM
Living here in FL, without the wife, (temporarily), I was invited by a fellow marine electrician that is also a member of the local VFW to a dinner and drinks. He is a Vietnam Vet and he and I are working on the same boat. He shoots from time to time, and is pissed about the election, and has never heard of DRTV!
Well, he's getting ready to retire (semi) next year, and I'll be sure to let these guys know about this forum. I feel honored to be invited to a gathering on a very special day, with a such a honored group.
All the Veterans here at this forum, have my utmost respect and gratitude. Thank You and God Bless You and your families.
On a side note,
We are losing WWII veterans at an astonishing rate to ravages of time, and the ones that are at the 'ol VFW will be in for quite a treat as I hear a local Harley- Davidson (of course), chapter is showing up for a tribute in their honor.
For my Grandfather, a WWII, and Korean War veteran, who is missed to this day, I'll save a "chair" for him to have a cold one and smile like only he could.
One of my favorite pictures of all time: (http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/kiss-1.jpg) God Bless.
Tom W.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: TSB on November 06, 2008, 05:36:19 PM
On Monday 17 NOV 08 from 5 to 9 pm, all 485 Golden Corral restaurants across America will offer any person who has served in the United States Military (including National Guard and Reserves) a "thank you" dinner buffet and beverage on the house - no identification required. This will be the eighth annual "thank you" dinner for our nation's heroes from Golden Corral restaurants, who have provided over 1,835,000 complimentary meals to military personnel over the history of the event and contributed over $2.53 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization. For the second year, Golden Corral's guests and restaurant teams may send personal greetings to America's military personnel on active duty overseas. From 1 SEP through 17 NOV 08, special postcards will be available at all Golden Corral restaurants for sending messages of thanks and encouragement to the troops overseas. They will be delivered to our troops prior to the Holidays. In 2007, over 55,000 Military Appreciation post cards were delivered to military troops stationed overseas. To locate a restaurant near you refer to http://www.goldencorral.net/ and enter your zip code.
Another Restaurant to consider, though I believe a tie may be warranted for dinner! (I don't own one personally!)
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants Recognizes Veterans on November 9
In their annual salute to all veterans McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants will again provide free meals in honor of Veterans Day. All veterans can receive a free lunch or dinner entrée at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants nationwide on Sunday, November 9. Vets should show proper identification (VA card, VFW card, veterans ID, discharge papers, etc.) Reservations Are Strongly Encouraged! Last year the company served nearly 15,000 vets nationwide. A complete list of participating restaurants may be found at www.McCormickandSchmicks.com.
Oh, and Thanks to all my fellow Vets!
"I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God!"
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: TSB on November 06, 2008, 06:38:40 PM
I served in the Army Reserve in the '80's, but I am in awe of the young men and women who serve our country today. My service was insignificant compared to their's. I deserve no thanks. They deserve all the thanks, love, and support we as a country can muster.
Yes you do!
Thank you! Without the Reserve Units and National Guard we would be in serious trouble in the Middle East!
Tim
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: MikeBjerum on November 07, 2008, 01:13:27 PM
As the days go by I'll be around, but I always seem to forget.
Remembered this as I was sitting hear and did not want to forget ...
Just so I don't forget to say this here, I want to take this time to say a big THANK YOU!!!! to the men & women who defended this STILL great country and made it possible for people like me to live a good life. Whether it was the Marines, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and the others who protects us all, I sincerely appreciate what was done for me, my family and for all of us. I haven't forgotten, I will not allow my children to forget and I will do what I can to always support our veterans.
God Bless the USA! God Bless our Veterans! God protect the men and women who protect us!
THANK YOU!
[/glow]
+1
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: saltydogbk on November 07, 2008, 01:41:30 PM
It profoundly changed my life having the honor to serve the people of the United States of America. It is I who should thank them.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: PegLeg45 on November 07, 2008, 02:40:26 PM
Another famous photo.....
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: 2Late45 on November 07, 2008, 06:54:44 PM
Growing up in the 50/60's it was always thought of as doing one's duty. In reality, it truely was an honor...
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: 2HOW on November 08, 2008, 05:58:56 PM
Personally I wish I could still serve, its an honor. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE AND THOSE WHO SUPPORT OUR PEOPLE IN UNIFORM. The family's are so important. TOUJOURS PRET
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: Big Frank on November 09, 2008, 01:24:34 PM
We had a Golden Corral restaraunt here but it went out of business. When I went there on Veteran's Day years ago I turned around and left because the line went all the way around the building.
This year I'm getting $40 in free play from a nearby casino. http://www.saganing-eagleslanding.com/location.htm Anyone with a military ID or discharge papers can show up from 12.00am - 11:59pm and get $40 credit just by showing your DD-214, ID, etc. There are over 20 casinos in Mchigan but I don't know if any of the others are doing that.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: jaybet on November 11, 2008, 07:04:19 AM
Veterans, Thank you one and all for your service to us and our great country.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: Hazcat on November 11, 2008, 07:16:38 AM
Just A Common Soldier
He was getting old and paunchy; And his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, Telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in, And the deeds that he had done. In his exploits with his buddies; They were heroes, everyone.
And 'tho sometimes, to his neighbors, His tales became a joke. All his buddies listened, For they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer, For ol' Bob has passed away, And the world's a little poorer, For a soldier died today.
He won't be mourned by many, Just his children and his wife. For he lived an ordinary... Very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family, Quietly going on his way. And the world won't note his passing, 'Tho a Soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth, Their bodies lie in state. While thousands note their passing, And proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories, From the time that they were young. But the passing of a soldier, Goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution, To the welfare of our land, Some jerk who breaks his promise, And cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow, Who in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his Country... And offers up his life?
The politician's stipend, And the style in which he lives, Are sometimes disproportionate, To the service he gives.
While the ordinary soldier, Who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal, And perhaps a pension...small.
It's so easy to forget them, For it is so long ago, That our Bob's and Jim's and Johnny's, Went to battle, but we know.
It was not the politicians, With their compromise and ploys; Who won for us the freedom, That our Country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger, With your enemies at hand; Would you really want some cop-out, With his ever waffling stand?
Or would you want a Soldier, Who has sworn to defend, His home, his kin and Country, And would fight until the end?
He was just a common Soldier, And his ranks are growing thin. But his presence should remind us, We may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, Then we find the Soldier's part, Is to clean up all the troubles, That the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor, While he's here to hear the praise. Then at least let's give him homage, At the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline, In the paper that might say, "OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, FOR A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."
Just A Common Soldier By: A. Lawrence Vaincourt - copyright 1985
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: shooter32 on November 11, 2008, 08:15:22 AM
A BIG THANKS YOU to all our VETERANS !!!!! With out you we have no FREEDOM.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: 1776 Rebel on November 11, 2008, 08:56:18 AM
For all those that gave all..
May God Bless all veterans this day of remembrance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB76cYS8Ehw
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: MikeBjerum on November 11, 2008, 10:03:59 AM
I had juggled my day to attend Veterans Day programs (two) and a supper this evening, and now because of the weather everything has been cancled :'(
Heard on the radio that I can get a refund on the meal ticket for the Legion supper that was canceled, but I think they can keep my donation.
Appropriate to have gloomy weather as we remember the sacrafice made by so many so we can be FREE!
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: MikeBjerum on November 11, 2008, 10:13:05 AM
As I've been typing I've been listening to Trace. I don't know if it is age or what, but every year it gets tougher and tougher to do Veteran's services, lately I've been getting a strange feeling everytime we drive into or even start planning for Fort Snelling, and I can't make it through this song ever since visiting Arlington last fall.
Age - Maybe, awarness - could be, flat out disgust with people over their treatment of our leaders and soldiers - probably, or the lack of wisdom expressed last Tuesday - partially. I don't know which it is, but it is painful to think of what others have given for me :'(
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: mosbear on November 11, 2008, 10:30:30 AM
To them who perished defending freedom and to you still standing guard, thank you!
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: Ksail101 on November 11, 2008, 11:05:57 AM
Hey Everyone- Thank you for all the kind words. I would also like to thank all those past Vets that paved the way for us today.
For all those Vietnam Vets had to suffer with people not understanding PTSD and doing the hard work to make places like the VA accountable and start to learn how to treat us. I thank you.
For all the WWII vets that came home and showed the world the work ethic of an American Soldier, and made America what it was and still is today. I thank you.
For all those that went into Korea and Bosnia are always over looked cause their war wasn't as "Glamorous". I thank you.
For those that Stormed into Kuwait and fought in the Darkness of Burnt Oil and saved an entire Race of People. I thank you.
And for those that I got to serve next to, the ones that I was in firefights with, the ones that helped bring me home but ultimately stayed "Over There," the ones that have been forced to go on their 4th and 5th tours, the ones that saved my life when I thought I was done for in Mosul. I thank you.
For all those that served in Peace time and stayed mentally and physically tough and made all the other Countries of the world afraid to attack us cause of your strength, I thank you.
One last one for all of YOU here at Downrange for giving me what you have. Your friendships and support has made me a better man. So I thank you.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: Hazcat on November 11, 2008, 11:09:58 AM
Well said, Soldier!
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: PegLeg45 on November 11, 2008, 01:08:33 PM
Yes, well said Ksail101.
I went to get a haircut today and the gentleman that cuts my hair (when I don't do it myself) is a Veteran. On my way out, I said "thank you for serving this country". He looked at me kind of funny. He told me that I was the first person that had said those words to his face in a long time. I thought how sad it is that more people don't speak up. It's not enough just to think it, we need to say it more. Veterans, past present, living, and passed on are what built this country and now maintains our freedom.
From the original Revolution to Iraq, we are what we are because of you.
Thanks, again.
CG (PegLeg)
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: blackwolfe on November 11, 2008, 08:51:51 PM
I am not a Veteran but want to thank all of those who are. Thank you for your service and sacrafices you have made. I especially admire the courage of those that have joined since 9-11. They know.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: Teresa Heilevang on November 11, 2008, 10:47:11 PM
It wasn't the Yankees who wrote the thing - it was Julia Ward Howe, an admirer of John Brown - the terrorist. If you like history and the Civil War, here's a webpage entitled "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" What It Really Means:
http://www.plpow.com/Atrocities_BattleHymn.htm
Some have never read anything like this and some are going to connect for a further understanding.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: m25operator on November 11, 2008, 11:20:11 PM
Called Dad and Dad in law, my dad, vet from Korea, but was stationed in Alaska and whitehorse Canada, radio operator, watching the russkies, and my dad in law, ww2, stationed in the Phillipines as an MP. Today is Dad in laws birthday. Thanked them both, and I need to thank all you guys and gals that fight the good fight, thanks to Ksail, our newly adopted son.
I just finished watching " To Hell and Back " for the 50th time, Just seemed appropriate. ;D
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: Teresa Heilevang on November 11, 2008, 11:27:24 PM
And before the day is over.........................
THE HISTORY OF VETERANS DAY
1918 World War I, then normally referred to simply as The Great War (no one could imagine any war being greater!), ended with the implementation of an armistice [temporary cessation of hostilities_in this case until the final peace treaty, the infamous Treaty of Versailles, was signed in 1919] between the Allies and Germany at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November, 1918.
1919 November 11: President Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations_" The original concept for the celebration was for the suspension of business for a two minute period beginning at 11 A.M., with the day also marked by parades and public meetings.
1920 On the second anniversary of the armistice, France and the United Kingdom hold ceremonies honoring their unknown dead from the war. In America, at the suggestion of church groups, President Wilson names the Sunday nearest Armistice Day Sunday, on which should be held services in the interest of international peace.
1921 Congress passes legislation approving the establishment of a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. November 11 is chosen for the date of the ceremony. According on October 20, Congress declares November 11, 1921 a legal Federal holiday to honor all those who participated in the war. The ceremony was conducted with great success.
1926 Congress adopts a resolution directing the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on the observance of Armistice Day. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, most states establish November 11 as a legal holiday and at the Federal level, an annual proclamation is issued by the President.
1938 Congress passes legislation on May 13 making November 11 a legal Federal holiday, Armistice Day. The United States has no _actual_ national holidays because the states retain the right to designate their own holidays. The Federal government can in fact only designate holidays for Federal employees and for the District of Columbia. But in practice the states almost always follow the Federal lead in designation of holidays.
1941- 1945 1950- 1953 World War II and the Korean War create millions of additional war veterans in addition to those of the First World War already honored by Armistice Day.
1954 On June 1, President Eisenhower signs legislation changing the name of the legal holiday from Armistice Day to Veteran_s Day.
1968 Congress passes the Monday Holiday Law which established the fourth Monday in October as the new date for the observance of Veteran_s Day. The law is to take effect in 1971.
1971-1975 The Federal observance of Veterans Day is held on the fourth Monday of October. Initially all states follow suit except Mississippi and South Dakota. Other states changed their observances back to November 11 as follows: 1972- Louisiana and Wisconsin; 1974- Kentucky, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, South Carolina, West Virginia; 1975- California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming
1975 Legislation passed to return the Federal observance of Veteran_s Day to November 11, based on popular support throughout the nation. Since the change to the fourth Monday in October, 46 states had either continued to commemorate November 11 or had reverted back to the original date based on popular sentiment. The law was to take effect in 1978.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 12, 2008, 01:46:34 AM
It wasn't the Yankees who wrote the thing - it was Julia Ward Howe, an admirer of John Brown - the terrorist. If you like history and the Civil War, here's a webpage entitled "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" What It Really Means:
http://www.plpow.com/Atrocities_BattleHymn.htm
Some have never read anything like this and some are going to connect for a further understanding.
Just a LITTLE bit slanted M'ette, While it's REASONABLY accurate, "Yankee vandals" ? Please. And it wasn't "The South" that hung John Brown, It was the US government, By chance, the Captain entrusted with suppressing JB WAS of southern birth (Robert E. Lee) He was an Officer of the FEDERAL Army not a state of Virginia militia officer and the troops he led were a Company of US Marines, Federal not state troops.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: Teresa Heilevang on November 13, 2008, 01:15:14 AM
Ahhhhhhhhh.. I didn't write it.. nor did I know.. I just posted it..
THAT... is precisely why I love you Tom... You are a political scholar....and I depend on you more than you know for.. "more than you know".. ;)
Thanks for the corrections.
Title: Re: Veterans Day 2008
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 13, 2008, 01:21:27 AM
Ahhhhhhhhh.. I didn't write it.. nor did I know.. I just posted it..
THAT... is precisely why I love you Tom... You are a political scholar....and I depend on you more than you know for.. "more than you know".. ;)
Thanks for the corrections.
It isn't really WRONG on anything just the tone. Darn, M'ette, now I have to let my hat out a notch, maybe two ;D
One thought that came to mind was that the intent of the Founding Fathers was that the army was supposed to remain small, dominated by State militias, it's only purpose was intended to be the defense of America IN America. If a service was to become large and be deployed overseas it was intended to be the Navy, with it's integral land force the Marines. It was not really practical to deploy the Army as they did not have their own transport, If they needed to rely on the Navy for mobility, why not just use the Marines who were already familiar with Navy methods and were already aboard ships.