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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2012 6:57:15 GMT 9
As I came out of the supermarket that sunny day, pushing my cart of groceries towards my car, I saw an old man with the hood of his car up and a lady sitting inside the car, with the door open.
The old man was looking at the engine. I put my groceries away in my car, and continued to watch the old gentleman from about twenty five feet away.
I saw a young man in his early twenties with a grocery bag in his arm walking towards the old man. The old gentleman saw him coming too, and took a few steps towards him.
I saw the old gentleman point to his open hood and say something. The young man put his grocery bag into what looked like a brand new Cadillac Escalade. He then turned back to the old man. I heard him yell at the old gentleman saying:
'You shouldn't even be allowed to drive a car at your age.' And then with a wave of his hand, he got in his car and peeled rubber out of the parking lot.
I saw the old gentleman pull out his handkerchief, and mop his brow as he went back to his car and again looked at the engine.
He then went to his wife and spoke with her; he appeared to tell her it would be okay. I had seen enough, and I approached the old man. He saw me coming and stood straight, and as I got near him I said, 'Looks like you're having a problem.'
He smiled sheepishly, and quietly nodded his head. I looked under the hood myself, and knew that whatever the problem was, it was beyond me. Looking around, I saw a gas station up the road, and I told the old man that I would be right back. I drove to the station and went I inside. I saw three attendants working on cars. I approached one of them, and related the problem the old man had with his car. I offered to pay them if they could follow me back down and help him.
The old man had pushed the heavy car under the shade of a tree and appeared to be comforting his wife. When he saw us he straightened up and thanked me for my help. As the mechanics diagnosed the problem (overheated engine), I spoke with the old gentleman.
When I shook hands with him earlier, he had noticed my Marine Corps ring and had commented about it, telling me that he had been a Marine too. I nodded and asked the usual question, 'What outfit did you serve with?'
He said that he served with the first Marine Division at Guadalcanal, Pelieliu, and Okinawa .
He had hit three of the worst ones, and retired from the Corps after the war was over. As we talked we heard the car engine come on and saw the mechanics lower the hood. They came over to us as the old man reached for his wallet, but was stopped by me. I told him I would just put the bill on my AAA card.
He still reached for the wallet and handed me a card that I assumed had his name and address on it, and I stuck it in my pocket. We all shook hands all around again, and I said my goodbye's to his wife.
I then told the two mechanics that I would follow them back up to the station. Once at the station, I told them that they had interrupted their own jobs to come along with me and help the old man. I said I wanted to pay for the help, but they refused to charge me.
One of them pulled out a card from his pocket, looking exactly like the card the old man had given to me. Both of the men told me then that they were Marine Corps Reserves. Once again we shook hands all around and as I was leaving, one of them told me I should look at the card the old man had given to me. I said I would and drove off.
For some reason I had gone about two blocks, when I pulled over and took the card out of my pocket and looked at it for a long, long time. The name of the old gentleman was on the card in golden leaf and under his name was written: 'Congressional Medal of Honor Society.'
I sat there motionless, looking at the card and reading it over and over. I looked up from the card and smiled to no one but myself and marveled that on this day, four Marines had all come together because one of us needed help. He was an old man all right, but it felt good to have stood next to greatness and courage, and an honor to have been in his presence.
Remember, as we approach another Memorial Day, OLD men like him gave you, and all of us, FREEDOM for America . Thanks to those who served and still serve, and to all of those who supported them, and who continue to support them.
[glow=red,2,300]America is not at war. The U.S. Military is at war. America is at the Mall. [/glow]
If you don't stand behind our troops, PLEASE feel free to stand in front of them!
Remember, Freedom isn't Free. Thousands have paid the price, so that you can enjoy what you have today.
LET'S DO THIS: JUST 19 WORDS:
GOD OUR FATHER, WALK THROUGH MY HOUSE AND TAKE AWAY ALL MY WORRIES; AND PLEASE WATCH OVER AND HEAL MY FAMILY; AND PLEASE PROTECT OUR FREEDOMS, AND WATCH OVER OUR TROOPS, WHO ARE DEFENDING THOSE FREEDOMS. AMEN
:thanks :salute :us_flag :patriotic-flagwaver :god_bless_usa
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Post by LBer1568 on May 4, 2012 8:41:28 GMT 9
I had the pleasue of meeting and talking with Major Bernard Fisher when he came through Tyndall AFB after his tour in Viet Nam. Bernie was the AF Medal of Honor awardee for his rescue of his wingman in A1E. He landed in rice patty, left his plane even though VietCong were firing at him and his wingman. He pulled wingman out of downed aircraft, carried him back to his own A1E and then took off and saved them both. I asked him how he was able to do it, when wingman outweighted him by a bunch. He said I have alkways asked myself why I even thought of landing to save him. But adrenalimn does wierd things to a man in danger. Bernie was a great guy and very soft spoken. But he still got the MOH. And yes, he flew six's before and after his Nam tour.
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Post by Jim on May 21, 2012 23:45:06 GMT 9
need not say more Attachments:
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Post by Gene on May 22, 2012 5:54:12 GMT 9
I had the pleasue of meeting and talking with Major Bernard Fisher when he came through Tyndall AFB after his tour in Viet Nam. Bernie was the AF Medal of Honor awardee for his rescue of his wingman in A1E. He landed in rice patty, left his plane even though VietCong were firing at him and his wingman. He pulled wingman out of downed aircraft, carried him back to his own A1E and then took off and saved them both. I asked him how he was able to do it, when wingman outweighted him by a bunch. He said I have alkways asked myself why I even thought of landing to save him. But adrenalimn does wierd things to a man in danger. Bernie was a great guy and very soft spoken. But he still got the MOH. And yes, he flew six's before and after his Nam tour. check this out on the A1 E....
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Post by steve201 (deceased) on May 22, 2012 10:32:23 GMT 9
I've read this quite a few times over the yrs...and it always brings a tear to my eyes....us vets just know when one of our own are in trouble.....
Steve
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Jim Scanlon (deceased)
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Post by Jim Scanlon (deceased) on May 22, 2012 12:48:16 GMT 9
THE SOAPBOX OF OZ MEMORIAL DAY MMXII
Next week I will honor those military members who gave their all, that all of us might be free. Will you join me in honoring our Republic's true heroes? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was hot and humid in the Federal City. It usually is in August. Some wispy clouds coming in from the mountains of Virginia. A typical Summer day. He walked down the tree-lined street, limping a bit, even with his cane. He wasn't old, but not really young. His hair was getting gray, and it wasn't as full as it used to be. There was something about him, and the way he walked, that made me stop to look at him. Something. I just couldn't put my thought to what it was. I decided I would continue to walk behind him, as we were headed in the same direction. He didn't seem to be in a hurry, but was walking with a purpose. We crossed a couple of streets, then, he turned to a concrete path. The path led to a park-like place. I stopped, just to watch. He continued walking along the path, then came to a stop. He stood, hesitating, then turned down a gentle slope. As I watched him, I saw his shoulders droop a bit, not much, but enough that I noticed. He stood very still. It was quiet there. Very quiet. It seemed as though the sounds of children playing on the grass across the way had stopped, as well as the sounds of birds and traffic. Very quiet. Then he turned again and walked down the path to a certain place. He turned and looked. His hands were at his side, but the right hand was beginning to reach out. He pulled it back. Then stood there. He looked around, as if waiting for someone he knew to be there. Then, he took a step forward. His right hand began to move. Slowly, but steadily. Finally that hand reached out, and touched the mirror-like, polished black granite. As I got closer to him, I saw it was a certain place on that piece of stone that he was touching. He stood there, leaning forward, hand on the stone wall. I noticed a drop of water hit the walkway, and then another. It was obvious they were tears from his lined face. His shoulders slumped even more, and he shook as if sobbing. Then I heard his voice, quavering with grief, as he said a name. I don't know how long he stood there, maybe seconds, maybe minutes. All I could hear were the quiet sobs, and the repeating of a name. I stood transfixed, as if in the presence of some spectacle that is seldom seen. He took his hand from the Wall, stepped back, and stood still. Tears were streaming down his face, unashamed. Then his shoulders straightened, he stood erect, at attention. He reached up with his left hand and took off his cap. The his right hand moved, sharply, in a salute. He stood at attention, saluting the Wall. After a few seconds, his hand came down and he put his cap back on. Then he turned toward me, his face shining, yet obviously showing grief. I didn't know what to do. I noticed his cap had a set of pilots wings, and the twin silver bars of a captain. Both pinned to an Air Force logo. As he walked toward me, I reached out my right hand, taking his. I looked him in the eye and said 'Thank you for serving'. He got a bit of a smile on his face, and thanked me. His grip was solid, youthful, warm. Nothing else was said. Nothing else needed to be said. Then I did some thing I have seldom done. I saluted him, tears running down my face. He returned my salute, then began walking. He stood taller than he had when he walked to the Wall, and walked with more of a bounce to his step. I walked to the Wall, to the place where he stood. I remembered the name he had spoken and looked where he had placed his hand. There was the name. I stood there, looking. Then, without any will of my own, I reached out, an touched that name. I don't know how long I stood there, touching the name upon that black wall. It didn't matter. Then I stood at attention, and saluted. As I walked away from the Wall, my mind was filled with thoughts of all those names, over 58 thousand. Why are there names there? Why are they not with their families and friends, instead of remembered by their names carved in granite? Does it really matter? It does to their families and their friends. I hope it matters to you. I know too many of those names on that black granite Wall, too many. They were mostly young They left us too soon. This Memorial Day we are still at war in places far from home. Young men and women, placing their lives in Harm's Way every day. There is no great reward for what they do. No, and they are not looking for reward. For some, too many, they may not come home to spend time with family and friends, but in the back of an Air Force transport, in a Flag Draped Coffin. They know that. Yet they still go. Will there be a Wall for them, or will they be forgotten, swept aside, as new conflicts arise? I hope they are remembered by more than their families and friends. I hope our nation will never come to the point that they forget those who gave everything to defend freedom around the world. There are many whose names will never be etched in to that Black Granite Wall. They didn't die in Nam, or from wounds they got there. But, they died from Agent Orange, other elements they were exposed to, and other reasons. They will never make the Wall, but they will make the “Wall” of our hearts. Pray for our military, no matter where they serve, or what their job. They are all in it together, dedicated to preserve our freedom As I stood one day at The Wall, I looked at the names, many of them I knew, far more I didn't. They all gave their lives, doing what they felt was right. Too many. Too young. Who am I?, you ask. Just another veteran. I was at Breeds Hill, then at New Orleans, Mexico City, San Juan Hill, the Marne, the Bulge and Iwo Jima, Chosen Reservoir, in the A Shau Valley, Baghdad and a thousand other battles. Just another veteran.
OLD PASTOR OZ
“Love the People, Preach the Word”, Rev. Walter Duff, Founder of Village Missions -------------------------------------------------------------------
You have my permission to pass this on, if you feel others may want to read my rantings. I only ask that you do not publish it without my permission. Thank you. Jim Scanlon
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Post by Jim on May 26, 2012 11:24:35 GMT 9
Excerpt from General John A. Logan's Memorial Day Order
General Order No. 11, May 5, 1868“Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.”
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2012 2:03:05 GMT 9
All of you be safe, enjoy your holiday festivities, cherish the time with your families and friends,
Remember our deceased brethren from all our wars, police actions, or whatever else you'd like to call them, during hostility or not. Pray for their souls and their families.
NEVER FORGET the innocents who lost their lives by terroristic action.
Vow that these lives will not be lost in vain.
REMEMBER THEM ALL, and GOD BLESS.
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Post by Jim on May 27, 2012 7:49:58 GMT 9
On 12 May 1962, Gen. Douglas MacArthur addressed the cadets at the U.S. Military Academy, delivering his farewell speech, "Duty, Honor and Country." He described the legions of uniformed American Patriots as follows: "Their story is known to all of you. It is the story of the American man at arms. My estimate of him was formed on the battlefields many, many years ago and has never changed. I regarded him then, as I regard him now, as one of the world's noblest figures -- not only as one of the finest military characters, but also as one of the most stainless." Gen. Douglas MacArthur
Gen. MacArthur continued:
His name and fame are the birthright of every American citizen. In his youth and strength, his love and loyalty, he gave all that mortality can give. He needs no eulogy from me, or from any other man. He has written his own history and written it in red on his enemy's breast.
But when I think of his patience under adversity, of his courage under fire, and of his modesty in victory, I am filled with an emotion of admiration I cannot put into words. He belongs to history as furnishing one of the greatest examples of successful patriotism. He belongs to posterity as the instructor of future generations in the principles of liberty and freedom. He belongs to the present, to us, by his virtues and by his achievements.
In twenty campaigns, on a hundred battlefields, around a thousand campfires, I have witnessed that enduring fortitude, that patriotic self-abnegation, and that invincible determination which have carved his statue in the hearts of his people.
From one end of the world to the other, he has drained deep the chalice of courage. As I listened to those songs of the glee club, in memory's eye I could see those staggering columns of the First World War, bending under soggy packs on many a weary march, from dripping dusk to drizzling dawn, slogging ankle deep through mire of shell-pocked roads; to form grimly for the attack, blue-lipped, covered with sludge and mud, chilled by the wind and rain, driving home to their objective, and for many, to the judgment seat of God.
I do not know the dignity of their birth, but I do know the glory of their death. They died unquestioning, uncomplaining, with faith in their hearts, and on their lips the hope that we would go on to victory. Always for them: Duty, Honor, Country. Always their blood, and sweat, and tears, as they saw the way and the light.
Duty. Honor. Country -- these are not for bargain sale or discount.
Post Your Opinion: How will you observe Memorial Day?
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Post by Mark O on May 27, 2012 10:48:36 GMT 9
The Old NFO posted this blog post under the title, "'Nuff Said." I was going to pick a couple of my favorites to post here, but quickly decided they all are good. Worth a visit to this post my friends. oldnfo.blogspot.com/2012/05/nuff-said.html
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Post by Mark O on May 27, 2012 11:06:25 GMT 9
In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. www.vfw.org/Community/Buddy-Poppy/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Flanders_Fields
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MOW
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Post by MOW on May 27, 2012 17:19:37 GMT 9
In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. www.vfw.org/Community/Buddy-Poppy/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Flanders_FieldsWe should be posting some photos soon of this weekends Buddy Poppy Drive of my VFW Post 10216 www.vfw10216.com/buddy_poppy.htm
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Post by Jim on May 28, 2012 6:18:01 GMT 9
Remember who paid for tomorrow Attachments:
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Post by pat perry on May 28, 2012 7:14:46 GMT 9
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Jim Scanlon (deceased)
Senior Staff
FORUM CHAPLAIN
Commander South Texas outpost of the County Sligo Squadron
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Retired: USAF NBA: Spurs NFL: Niners MLB: Giants NHL: Penguins
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Post by Jim Scanlon (deceased) on May 29, 2012 11:53:14 GMT 9
You may have seen this before.
If so, it won't hurt to read it again, and again.
Be sure to have a Kleenex handy for the ladies reading it.
Jim Too
:god_bless_usa
Daddy’s Poem
Her hair was up in a pony tail, Her favorite dress tied with a bow. Today was Daddy's Day at school, And she couldn't wait to go.
But her mommy tried to tell her, That she probably should stay home; Why the kids might not understand, If she went to school alone.
But she was not afraid; She knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates Of why he wasn't there today. But still her mother worried, For her to face this day alone. And that was why, once again, She tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school, Eager to tell them all. About a dad she never sees, a dad Who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in Back, for everyone to meet. Children squirming impatiently, Anxious in their seat.
One by one the teacher called On a student from the class. To introduce their daddy, As seconds slowly passed.
At last the teacher called her name, Every child turned to stare. Each of them was searching, A man who wasn't there.
"Where's her daddy at?" She heard a boy call out. "She probably doesn't have one," Another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back, She heard a daddy say, "Looks like another deadbeat dad, Too busy to waste his day."
The words did not offend her, As she smiled up at her Mom. And looked back at her teacher, who Told her to go on..
And with hands behind her back, Slowly she began to speak. And out from the mouth of a child, Came words incredibly unique.
"My Daddy couldn't be here, Because he lives so far away. But I know he wishes he could be, Since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know All about my daddy, And how much he loves me so.
He loved to tell me stories, He taught me to ride my bike; He surprised me with pink roses, And taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes, And ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him. I'm not standing here alone.
'Cause my daddy's always with me, Even though we are apart; I know because he told me, He'll forever be in my heart"
With that, her little hand reached up, And lay across her chest. Feeling her own heartbeat, Beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere there in the crowd of dads, Her mother stood in tears. Proudly watching her daughter, Who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life. Doing what was best for her, Doing what was a right.
And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd. She finished with a voice so soft, But its message clear and loud.
"I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star. And if he could, he'd be here, But heaven's just too far.
You see he is an American Soldier And he died just this past year,, When a roadside bomb hit his convoy And taught Americans to fear.
But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away." And then she closed her eyes, And saw him there that day.
And to her mother's amazement, She witnessed with surprise, A room full of daddies and children, All starting to close their eyes.
Who knows what they saw before them; Who knows what they felt inside. Perhaps for merely a second, They saw him at her side.
"I know you're with me Daddy," to the silence she called out. And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed. But there on the desk beside her, was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.
And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her shining star. And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far.
It has been said that it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.
There must be many children in the same boat as this little girl, thanks to our servicemen and their families for the sacrifice they are making to keep our country free. The ULTIMATE sacrifice is being left behind. Don't forget them.
PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS!!!
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Post by Jim on May 24, 2013 1:06:52 GMT 9
Excerpt from General John A. Logan's Memorial Day Order
General Order No. 11, May 5, 1868“Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.”
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Post by Jim on May 24, 2013 1:10:44 GMT 9
Why God Is Too Important To Ignore - would your grown kids and grown grandkids show this to the children? Would you give it to your kids/grandkids?
What will you tell your kids and grandkids about America on Memorial Day?
Friends,
This coming weekend is Memorial Day, a time to remember the brave men and women of our military who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, fighting for the freedoms that make America the most exceptional nation in the world.
But it’s important to remember that the freedoms these heroes laid down their lives for are freedoms from God, not the government.
Our founding fathers had tremendous faith in God and recognized that such faith was necessary to create an exceptional nation. And each day, I pray that the nation does not forget about God’s powerful role in our history. That’s why I had my team at Learn Our History create the new DVD, One Nation Under God. It’s our most important DVD yet, and for a limited time I’m giving it away for FREE when you try Learn Our History.
CLICK TO WATCH A PREVIEW OF YOUR FREE DVD, ONE NATION UNDER GOD
One Nation Under God makes it fun for kids to learn the story of His love for America. This animated film follows the adventures of five time-traveling history students who explore God’s role in American history and who stand up for the belief that God belongs in school.
If you haven’t yet tried the Learn Our History DVD series for the kids in your family, I urge you to order your copy of One Nation Under God while I’m offering it for FREE during this limited-time promotion. All I ask you to cover is just $4.95 shipping and handling, which is a small price to pay for helping your child understand that God and faith are at the very core of our nation’s history.
What’s more, if your children enjoy One Nation Under God, you can help inspire their love of history all year long. That’s because Learn Our History will send you an email letting you know about our latest DVD, about once a month. If you want it, there’s nothing you need to do—we’ll send it at the regular low price. If you don’t want it, just let us know. The choice to buy is always yours, and you’re never under any obligation to purchase anything. Plus, every Learn Our History DVD you decide to try comes with a full money-back guarantee.
So, please help to keep God in American history by ordering your FREE copy of One Nation Under God. But hurry—this is a limited-time offer and our supplies are reserved for the earliest responders.
I hope you have a relaxing and safe Memorial Day with your families. Please take a moment to remember our heroes, past and present.
Sincerely,
signature
Mike Huckabee
PS – Remember, we can work together to teach our children about God’s role in American history. Learn Our History’s latest DVD, One Nation Under God, makes it easy and FREE. Order your FREE copy now!
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Post by LBer1568 on May 25, 2013 2:24:11 GMT 9
As I was growing up, I had several uncles who had served in WWII. I had a couple who wore the wounds well. They were both US Army tank crews under Patton. Neither liked to talk about the war, but both had Purple Hearts. They have both gone on to greener pastures now, but I remember them well. I also remember being part of the team from our church to go to all the local graveyards and placed new US Flags on the VFW/American Legion brass plates that adorned the veterans graves. I always considered that a special honor. And my father, also a vet, told me to always salute the flag after placing it on the marker. He said those were all hero's and deserved our respect. Today that honor is passed on to younger members. But I am always proud to say I served my time, and I still honor those who served before me, with me and since then. May God Bless them all. Lorin
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Post by pat perry on May 27, 2013 10:36:07 GMT 9
From Dave Adams 456th FIS - Pat P. We may not have been "The Greatest Generation." But "We Were Soldiers Once......And Young." Mansions of the LordThis is a hymn sung at the end of the movie; 'We were Soldiers'. If there is a statement to be made here it is simply that we morn the loss of so many of my generation and hope they are in a better place. It relates to all generations of those who served and died. 58,209 Viet Nam 36,516 Korea 405,399 WW2 116,516 WW1 625,000 Civil War 25,000 Revolutionary War en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_military_casualties_of_war
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Post by Jim on May 28, 2013 1:32:59 GMT 9
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