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Post by Tom Dlugosh on Nov 13, 2012 2:31:03 GMT 9
Attended a small Veterans Day celebration (no parade anymore) here in town and was pleased to see that we still had several WWII veterens. One Army WAC was 100 years old. She walked in on her own and STILL fit in her uniform. All in all, a very moving ceremony.
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Post by Jim on Nov 12, 2013 0:40:09 GMT 9
To all my Veteran Buddies here, If any of you were in before I was, Thanks for setting an example that I hope I followed............. To those that came after, thanks for paying everything forward for me...................... The Old Sarge
From Capt Brownshoes, aka Roger D'entremont , a 27th FIS Six driver:
NOW SHE IS A TEACHER!!!
In September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a History teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock, did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks in her classroom. When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks. 'Ms. Cothren, where are our desks?'
She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn the right to sit at a desk.' They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.' 'No,' she said.
'Maybe it's our behavior.' She told them, 'No, it's not even your behavior.'
And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period. Still no desks in the classroom. Kids called their parents to tell them what was happening and by early afternoon television news crews had started gathering at the school to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.
The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the desk-less classroom. Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he or she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.'
At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it. Twenty-seven (27) U.S. Veterans, all in uniform, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall. By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned.
Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. They went halfway around the world, giving up their education and interrupting their careers and families so you could have the freedom you have. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.'
By the way, this is a true story. And this teacher was awarded Veterans of Foreign Wars Teacher of the Year for the State of Arkansas in 2006. She is the daughter of a WWII POW.
Do you think this is worth passing along so others won't forget either, that the freedoms we have in this great country were earned by our U.S. Veterans?
................... I did.
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Post by pat perry on Nov 12, 2013 2:06:27 GMT 9
This from Ross S. Pat P. Hand salute to all of you  A little history everyone should know (authored by Rich Galen):
Frank Buckles is dead.He didn't die this week. He died in February 2011 at the age of 110. Why do we care? Frank Buckles was the last living American veteran of World War I. At the time, World War I was not known as World War I. It was known as "The Great War." We didn't know we were going to have to number world wars back then. The short history for the beginning of The Great War is this (from PBS.org): -- On June 28, 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and his wife are assassinated in Sarajevo. -- One month later, on July 28, 1914 Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. -- Three days later, on July 31, Russia mobilizes her armed forces. -- A day after that, on August 1, Germany declared war on Russia. -- On August 3, Germany declared war on France. -- On August 4, Great Britain declared war on Germany. -- On August 6 Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia. -- On August 23, Japan declared war on Germany so it could seize German assets in the Far East. It took less than two months from the day that Archduke Ferdinand was killed for the world to be completely engulfed in war. It took until April 6, 1917 – nearly three years after Ferdinand was killed – for the United States to join the fight under the command of Major General John J. Pershing. The Great War ended with the signing of an armistice on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918 — November 11. Hence, Veteran's Day today. The actual end of The Great War is marked by the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. The harsh terms of Versailles, according to some, led to the rise of Adolph Hitler and the beginning of World War II on September 1, 1939 – just 20 years later – with the German invasion of Poland. The Great War was not that great. It was a horribly brutal engagement. According to Wikipedia.com there were over 16 million deaths and 20 million wounded during the war. Of those killed 116,000, and about 205,000 wounded were Americans. A year after the cessation of hostilities, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 of each year to be celebrated as Armistice Day. In 1921 Congress adopted legislation establishing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery to honor those soldiers, killed in action, whose remains had never been identified. On June 1, 1954 the Congress changed the name of "Armistice Day" to "Veterans' Day" to honor not just the veterans of The Great War, but World War II and Korea as well. As we know all too well, we have been involved in too many wars since Korea, so today honors the veterans of all of those conflicts, in all of those places, over all of those years. Similarly, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was never officially named but originally was approved to honor the dead of The Great War. Additional memorials were added for the deceased of World War II and Vietnam. With the advent of DNA technology, the Unknown Soldier in the Vietnam memorial was identified as First Lieutenant Michael Joseph Blassie in 1998. He was buried with full military honors in Jefferson National Cemetery, Missouri, near his hometown – it was the same cemetery in which his father was buried, bringing closure to his family. Secretary of Defense Bill Cohen said in 1998: "It may be that forensic science has reached the point where there will be no other unknowns in any war." Be better if human development reaches the point that there will be no other wars in which service members killed in action need to be identified. Nevertheless, carved into the marble of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is this legend: "Here rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known but to God." Veterans' Day isn't as big a deal as it used to be when I was growing up. I actually remember when it was called "Armistice Day" even though I barely knew what the word "Day" meant, much less "Armistice." Veterans' day is not a Monday holiday. The symmetry of 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month has been preserved and it is always celebrated on November 11th. Frank Buckles was a boy of 17 when The Great War ended. He lived another 93 years. We honor his memory as we honor the memory and service of every man and woman who has participated in the defense of America, in peace and war, since April 19, 1775 when the American Minutemen clashed with the British Redcoats at Lexington and Concord.
Wars may not be "Great" but the men and women who fight them are.
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Post by Jim Scanlon (deceased) on Nov 12, 2013 2:07:01 GMT 9
I echo the sentiments of The Old Sarge.
I look back at those who served before me, and hope I was able to live up to the standards they set, and am thankful for all who came along-side, while I served, and all of those who chose to serve after me.
On this Veteran's Day, there are too many to even begin to name, who I am thankful for, but suffice it to say:
My fellow Patriot Warriors, THANK YOU, for your willingness to serve our nation and its people, by putting your lives on the line.
I got the following from Lugnuts, and published it in my Veteran's Day Blog piece, and thought it would be appropriate to post on this Day of Remembrance.
Jim Too
"I was not in combat but my airplane was. I would inspect it every day sometimes 2 or 3 times. Then they would come with bombs to hang under the centerline of the airplane and three more under each wing. They carried 12 500 pound bombs making it 6000 pounds of ordnance to drop on the enemy or to blow up a bridge or road. They found out that more bombs were needed to take out a bridge.
I didn't serve in combat, but my airplane did. It did it so effectively that the enemy would occasionally sneak onto the flight line with a satchel charge hoping to blow up at least one airplane. Most of the time, the bad guy would die trying to accomplish his task but there were a few who wanted to stay alive. They were POW's but I don't know what they did with them, or to them. The actual number of infantry combat guys is small compared to how many people it takes to support each combatant. I would be counted in that number of support people because there were many times that an airplane was called in to save the platoon that was surrounded and would be wiped out without an air strike.
Since I have been out of the military, I have been approached several times by people who see my cap that identifies me as a Vietnam vet. They shake my hand and thank me for my service. I usually don't know what to say except, You're welcome. I am proud to be a veteran and I served willingly. I was luckily not in harm's way but my airplane was."
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Post by pat perry on Nov 12, 2013 3:57:23 GMT 9
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Post by adart on Nov 12, 2013 7:29:05 GMT 9
My wife and I attended the Veterans Day Program put on by the middle school in town. What a great program the kids put on for us vets. This also is a great way for the kids to learn about our nations history. Also a good way to carry on to the
next generation. Have a Great Veterans Day
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Post by Mark O on Nov 12, 2013 9:59:09 GMT 9
Awesome, awesome, awesome stories everyone. I couldn't be more proud to know all of you. Thank you for everything, and not the least of which is your service.
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Post by Jim Scanlon (deceased) on Nov 12, 2013 10:15:33 GMT 9
My bride and I had a pleasant Veteran's Day surprise.
We stopped at an Applebee's for supper, and for me to get a free meal.
We only had to wait a few minutes to be seated, less than ten.
It was a very good meal, tasty, quickly served and a pleasant waiter.
When the waiter brought the bill, he just put it on the table and I didn't look at it, but handed him my credit card.
After he left, I looked at the bill and both meals were free, only the Pepsi was charged.
When he returned with the bill for me to sign and handed me my credit card, I questioned him about De's meal not being charged.
His response, she also served, and thanked us.
Needless to say, the young man got a nice tip.
Will I go back to that Applebee's?
You bet your sweet bippy we will.
Jim Too
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Post by MOW on Nov 12, 2013 12:13:42 GMT 9
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Post by ma1marv on Nov 14, 2013 2:12:42 GMT 9
WOW is about all I can say! Good for you Jim and I'm sure you left a respectible tip! I had a rather -at first - unpleasant Veterans day. I spent my Sunday, Monday, AND Tuesday in the confines of the Great Plains Regional Medical Center! Although it turned out to not be ALL that bad! It started on Sunday morning at 5:00 AM with a rude awakening and having to vomit. Lots of green, viscous stuff and blood. then the other end let go and more nasty stuff along with blood. SO - off to the hospital emergency room I went. I had to call Diane ( my sweeetheart!)-who lives in North platte - to come get me and take me to the ER - 25 or so miles away. After the arrival and initial inspection by the MD on call, a couple of wonderful tests were performed. The nasal gastric tube was probably the worst of everything! Then off to the room and bed. On Monday the Doc that I have made an appearance and decided what was needed - a look down the throat to see what is actually going on. The operation was a success - they found a tear in the esphogus wall and repaired it. Now I'm on a "SOFT" diet for a few days. (Is pizza soaked in beer considered SOFT?) I did get to meet several very nice and amazing young ladies who were more than cordial to me and all wanted to make sure I was comfortable and taken care of. Turns out one was curious about if I knew a Robert Donnelly. Yes - that was my father. She had taken care of him when he was at that same hospital and later when he needed in-home care. I thanked her for all of her efforts to help dad. Another nurse was a grade school student when my sister worked at one of the local grade school - several years ago! That was a surprise. One other nurse I have to mention is a very close friend of the fiance of the son my sweetheart Diane. She was suprised to see me and even more so when Diane came to visit. I was also surprised to see that my regular MD had lost a considerble amount of weight and - best of all - we share a common interest! He is part owner of a large winery outside of North Platte. We discussed his vinyard and the grapes and problems keeping the deer and rabbits out! Well I'm home - I missed the school programs at Hershey and Sutherland and the veterans parade in North Platte and the supper and festivities we had planned at the Legion Post in Hershey. I missed seeing all my firends and fellow veterans, but I discoverd that there are many others who appreciate us for what we all have endured. We all gave ourselvs to our duty and our country. OH - an in an email I received from one Korea vet who lives in Grand Island, I was able to get him lined up with a Veterans Flight to DC just the week before. He was very happy about getting to go on that flight! SO - all in all - the past few days were not as bad as I thought! I hope all enjoyed the day! MArv   |
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Post by Mark O on Nov 14, 2013 2:36:03 GMT 9
"Not all that bad"??!!! Gee whiz MArv!
Make sure it's just cheese pizza, and I'm happy you made some sweet lemonade out of that lemon!
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Post by Jim Scanlon (deceased) on Nov 14, 2013 3:46:13 GMT 9
SO - all in all - the past few days were not as bad as I thought! I hope all enjoyed the day! MArv
Seeing your medico owns a winery, he might agree with pizza soaked in beer being a "Soft Food".
I'm pretty sure soaked pretzels or chips would qualify.
Keep healthy.
And, yes, the tip was more than I would normally leave, close to 25%.
Jim Too
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Post by Bullhunter on Nov 14, 2013 12:16:40 GMT 9
My wife and I just got back from Branson, MO and it is very different there. Everyone says hello and thanks veterans for their service. With my retired ID card I got 15% off everything, just about. Took the Branson Train for a two hour trip through the Ozark Mts, paid for one ticket and got the wife's for free. Christmas lights were up and everyone was in the spirit. The whole week we did not here one curse word or profanity of any kind. Only hear a horn blow once and just one siren for a medic ambulance. This week its veterans week in Branson with lots of free stuff for vets. Most of the workers thanked us for using and stopping at their business. I had several housekeepers how we liked their hotel and after I answered the replied. Thanks for staying with us, because of you I have a job. I've never heard things like this other places. Have you? Most of our country has went to crap. Attachments:
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Post by Jim Scanlon (deceased) on Nov 14, 2013 12:47:08 GMT 9
My wife and I just got back from Branson, MO and it is very different there. Everyone says hello and thanks veterans for their service. With my retired ID card I got 15% off everything, just about. Took the Branson Train for a two hour trip through the Ozark Mts, paid for one ticket and got the wife's for free. Christmas lights were up and everyone was in the spirit. The whole week we did not here one curse word or profanity of any kind. Only hear a horn blow once and just one siren for a medic ambulance. This week its veterans week in Branson with lots of free stuff for vets. Most of the workers thanked us for using and stopping at their business. I had several housekeepers how we liked their hotel and after I answered the replied. Thanks for staying with us, because of you I have a job. I've never heard things like this other places. Have you? Most of our country has went to crap.
Well, fast food places are, well, fast food places. Not always very friendly.
But, I only remember stopping at one of them over the years, and that was because we had such a big meal at Noon, we only wanted something light in the evening.
We have stayed at several different hotels, and they have all been the same; thanking us for staying with them.
We have reservations for Branson next month for three nights and two shows.
We have tickets for The Miracle of Christmas and the ShojiTabuchi Christmas shows.
I hope to get to the Military Museum while there.
Thanks for your report.
Branson is different.
Many of the shows are openly Christian and make no excuses for being Christian or Patriotic.
Prices are "cheap" for the quality of the shows, at least half what you would pay to see the same show in some city auditorium.
Hotel rates are very good, and I don't know of any really bad hotel/motel in town.
Food prices are not bad and they cater to tourists who are from The Heartland of America, good food, plenty of it, and you don't have to go to the bank for a loan to have enough to pay for it.
Looking forward to our trip next month.
Jim Too
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Post by Jim Scanlon (deceased) on Nov 15, 2013 6:15:49 GMT 9
M. Ross sent this to me, and I think we all need to watch President Reagan and listen to his words.
You have to supply your own Kleenex.
Jim Too
This is a really good video. Humbles you right down to your toes, and makes you PROUD to be an American.
It's from a time when the United States had a President who loved his country ... and his country loved him !!
M. Ross
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Post by Jim Scanlon (deceased) on Nov 16, 2013 6:54:19 GMT 9
I sent a note to Applebee's, thanking them for supporting our Military and for the Free Meal they gave De and I on Veteran's Day.
Here is the reply I got from them.
Dear Jim,
At Applebee’s we’re working hard to be America's favorite neighbor. It is a real privilege for us to serve our veterans and active duty military. The men and women of our armed forces give so much for the sake of our country; we’re grateful for this opportunity to give something back - approximately 5 million free meals since 2009. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts about this Veterans Day.
If you’d like, please visit our Thank You Movement page at www.thankyoumovement.com. There you can thank our military servicepersons along with millions of other grateful folks. Thanks again on behalf of Applebee’s.
Sincerely,
Cristina F.
Sr Guest Relations Specialist
Will I continue to eat at Applebee's?
Sure will.
Jim Too
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Post by Jim Scanlon (deceased) on Oct 28, 2014 9:55:54 GMT 9
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Post by MOW on Nov 8, 2014 8:20:45 GMT 9
It's Saturday morning here in Korea and the Veterans Day weekend has begun. Lots of free food around here for us over the next 4 days, geez just what I need hehe. Monday is an official 'USFK Training Day', which is what they call any day needed to make a 4 day weekend, which is all the time. Good grief I even remember the last time they had ONLY a 3 day weekend here.
Happy Veterans Day guys.
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Post by LBer1568 on Nov 8, 2014 23:35:11 GMT 9
Right back at ya MOW. Hope you enjoy and remember those who went before us, now work with us, and those who have yet to join us. I am going to VA Cemetery later to place flags. Big job. Lorin |
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Post by f89j1905 on Nov 9, 2014 12:57:13 GMT 9
Currently in Branson MO for Veterans Week. Very moving video presentation yesterday by Collage of the Ozarks of their students accompanying WWII veterans back to various battlefields and Concentration Camps. New trip this past summer to Vietnam described by a student that accompanied a former AF Colonel POW. This morning a documentary on "The Ghost Army" a;Top Secret Deception Unit in WWII, amazing!
Tomorrow the wife goes to the Women Veterans Rose Petal Ceremony and Luncheon and & I go to KrispyKreme for a donut!
Great to be in a city that honors Veterans year round not just this week, all of the shows we attended recognized the vets in the audience by branch of service. A special part of the Brett Family Show was Andrea Brett reciting her poem I AM A VETERAN. Check it out on Youtube. |
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