My thoughts on Veteran's Day

[Padraig18]

Today we honor our veterans for risking their lives preserving the liberties Americans cherish and making it possible for so many suppressed people of the world to taste these same freedoms. It is the day we give thanks to these brave men and women by showing them the respect and recognition they rightfully deserve.

Gen. Douglas MacArthur aptly described America's citizen-soldier as "one of the world's noblest figures." With dignity, self-sacrifice and determination, they gave of themselves without question when our nation called.

Many didn't make it home alive from these conflicts. Those who did were changed in ways only people who have engaged in war understand.

There are more than 25 million living American veterans. They are our family members, our neighbors and the many strangers we pass each day in the course of our busy lives.

Our veterans are true American heroes whose contributions deserve praise more than just on one designated day. Whether known or not by us as individuals, we owe them gratitude on not only this special day, but the remaining 364 days of the year, as well.

This is the 50th anniversary of what's called Veterans Day, but the roots of the holiday date back to the end of World War I when the nation chose to honor those who served in that conflict on the anniversary of the Armistice -- Nov. 11.

Emporia, Kansas, is credited with celebrating the first Veterans Day. Instead of simply honoring World War I veterans, the people of that community saluted all our former soldiers in a 1953 observance. The next year, an act of Congress signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed Nov. 11 Veterans Day.

There are numerous Veterans Day activities planned throughout the country today. There are sure to be many veterans participating in these events, but the true meaning of this day is for the rest of us -- those who have never had to bear arms in defense of this country -- to be present and give thanks.

It is little to ask of us to salute those who gave so much.

[phillybri]

1. Kick

:kick:

[Padraig18]

2. Thanks!

:hi:

[Palacsinta]

3. Thanks from my daughter and husband.

Your words are appreciated.

[Padraig18]

4. You are most welcome!

Their sacrifice is much appreciated, as well. :hi:

[jonnyblitz]

5. thanks padraig

gay desert storm vet (who managed to never get found out) here. :hi:

[Padraig18]

8. My b/f never got found out, either.

He said 'don't ask, don't tell' worked OK for him. :hi:

[liberalmuse]

6. Lovely words

for those who deserve our respect and contemplation today. I'm going to call the White House and suggest they show respect for our veterans and soldiers by not pulling their benefits or sending them to fight unjustifiable wars, without adequate logistical support on top of that.

[glarius]

7. We still call it Armistice Day & celebrate it today also...All over Canada

on "the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month," (as it was originally designated at the end of World War 1)...There will be a minute's silence, followed by appropriate commemorations, band music, speeches etc....The best to all our American friends from your friends in Canada!
edit--We also call it Remembrance Day...

[Padraig18]

9. Vanity kick

:hi:

[Padraig18]

10. And another.

:hi:

[Swede]

11. My dad and lots of uncles were in World War II

None were killed or wounded but they all came home changed forever.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

12. Odd that you should quote Dougout Doug on Veteran's Day

Since he was the commander of the unit that drove homeless WWI vets out of their encampment on the Mall in Washington, and did so quite ruthlessly, I might add.
I know that his actions later in life eclipised that little skirmish in many people's eyes, but for those veterans who were brutalized by a fellow veteran that day, his actions were reprehensible. Especially in light of new research that shows that McArthur volunteered for the duty after several other officers refused to carry out the orders.

[Padraig18]

13. It was just a good quote.

Appropriate to the day. :hi:

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

15. Oh, I agree. I was just pointing out that little-known factoid

about him.
Did not mean to disparage your quotation choice.

[alwynsw]

14. You got me all teary eyed

Thank you so much for this thread. It hits particularly close to home in my family.

There have been very few men in my family who have not served in the military, beginning with the Revolution. My mom made bombs in WWII imitating Rosie the Riveter. I've had relatives in my direct line in every major conflict through WWII. Unfortunately, my great grandfather was on what I consider to be the wrong side in the War of Northern Agression (term for you, ya old geezer). He was in Hilliard's Legion (Alabama) and was with Lee at Appomattox. (What can I say? Still no relatives born north of the Mason=Dixon Line.) Before that, being Irish ruffians, we generally pissed off Brits until ggggreat grandpop was sentenced to transportation before the Revolution. Guess which side he fought on!

I've had cousins in Korea, Viet Nam, Desert Storm, Afganistan, and Iraq. About the only excursions we missed were Nicuragua in the '30's and the Boxer Rebellion. We're not a warlike family, just patriotic sorts. I did my service in the Air Force in the early and mid '70's.

Whether we agree with the leadership or not, we've pretty much lived the old saying, "My country, right or wrong."