A moment of reflection on 11-11-11

[Orangeyes]

Today, on Veteran's Day I would like to take a moment to thank some of the people in my life who served our country so that I could grow up free because of their sacrifices.

To my Uncle Eddie, my Godfather and one of my hero's, to my father-in-law Greg, Uncle Norbert, Uncle Louie who brought home many scars from WWII, Cousin's Charlie and Eddie. To my good friend Chuck who lost his life in Viet Nam.

None of you are forgotten and are in my thoughts and prayers today.

 

[SkanSU]

As much as I hate war and will oppose it with my very soul:

To my Uncle Bob, and Uncle Al ... both medal recipients in WWII. To my good friend Bob, lost in Viet Nam and my very close friend Pat, lost to the effects of being Agent Oranged in Viet Nam. And,of course, to my son who has already deployed 3x to the mideast.

 

[BleedsOrange44]

To my grandmother Elaine who served in WWII. To my cousin Brad who was in the Marines on a ship outside of Iraq for awhile and Afghanistan at one point as well. Words can't express how greatful I am for the service my family and others have provided. My prayers and thoughts go to those families who have lost loved ones from their great sacrifice to allow us to banter all day about sports. And also to those who sill have friends and family overseas, and pray every day they don't get that dreaded call.

SkanSU - I hope your son is home and stays home. But I greatly appreciate everything he and his colleagues do on a daily basis. We should remember this more often, and shouldn't need a day to tell us to, but here's wishing you and yours all the best.

Orangeyes - I'm so sorry for your loss. You clearly have a family with a lot of military history. Their efforts are not forgotten here. Your family members and friends you've listed were clearly great men who believe in a great cause and dedicated their lives to fighting for that. The ultimate respect and gratitude to you and yours from me.

 

[arbitragegls]

To all the families that have had a person serve our country...our hearts know the caring and love we feel for them and you. To the members of this board who have had or have a member serving to keep our country free and provide rights we have that no other country has...I say thank you...and that is never going to be enough.

 

[jordoo]

My brother is out now but served in the last two wars. Both of my grandfathers served in WWII.

 

[BleedsOrange44]

My brother is out now but served in the last two wars. Both of my grandfathers served in WWII.

jordoo your family's service in the military is a credit to you and your family. Their service and dedication is much appreciated and NOT taken for granted.

 

[Flacusian]

To my Father who landed on Utah beach in Normandy on D-Day and as a Captain led his troops across France, Belgium and into Germany while earning the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. When things get contentious from time to time I remember the words of my Father who used to put things into perspective by saying "At least nobody is shooting at me".

 

[baggerbob]

On this veteran's day may we all remember the men and women who served before, with and after us. Having served during the Vietnam era but not in Vietnam, my hope is at this time next year all our troops are home, from every corner of the globe. It's time to heal ourselves as a nation even with our faults but still the greatest nation on earth. I'm still proud to have been able to serve and salute all who have.

 

[A Clockwork Orange]

To my Father who landed on Utah beach in Normandy on D-Day and as a Captain led his troops across France, Belgium and into Germany while earning the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. When things get contentious from time to time I remember the words of my Father who used to put things into perspective by saying "At least nobody is shooting at me".

My grandfather landed on Utah Beach as well Flacusian. Part of the 4th Infantry Division, through Belgium (Hurtgen Forest) right up to Hitler's doorstep. May his service along with my father in Vietnam and my brother's in the '90s never go unnoticed.

 

[SWC75]

My dad was wounded on Iwo Jima by a grenade, (and the guy who walked in front of him in that instant didn't make it). My Uncle was an airplane mechanic for the guys who "flew the hump" in India. Both were nice guys with the same doubts and fears we all have, (and maybe a few more) but they rose to the occassion when their country needed them.

Dad was scared of flying but flew all over the Pacific in his marine uniform.

 

[jordoo]

Both were nice guys with the same doubts and fears we all have, (and maybe a few more) but they rose to the occassion when their country needed them.

Dad was scared of flying but flew all over the Pacific in his marine uniform.

To me this is what makes them so heroic. They are normal people who rise to the occation and do what has to be done. In speaking with my brother over the years, I have heard the same kind of things. The men and woman who serve all have fears like you and I yet they serve anyway and back each other up.

 

[jordoo]

jordoo your family's service in the military is a credit to you and your family. Their service and dedication is much appreciated and NOT taken for granted.

Thank you. I am proud of them, but they are just a few of so many over the many years of this county and my family is lucky that they all came back. There are plenty of family who have paid a much bigger sacrifice than mine through there service.

 

[Flacusian]

My grandfather landed on Utah Beach as well Flacusian. Part of the 4th Infantry Division, through Belgium (Hurtgen Forest) right up to Hitler's doorstep. May his service along with my father in Vietnam and my brother's in the '90s never go unnoticed.

4th Infantry, yes that is exactly right. My father was decorated for valor when in Belgium they captured a Nazi paymaster and were holed up in a small town and were surrounded by German forces. My father had his troops throw every bottle of wine they could find out into the streets and when the Nazi's would advance during the night they could hear the sound of crushing glass so as to be alerted to the postition of the enemy. They spent 3 days/ 2 nights in the town before reinforcments came in from the rear. It wasn't until I was well into adulthood that my father shared intimate details of the things he experienced in the war. The film "Saving Private Ryan" closely reflected the experience my father had during the war and I remember being profoundly affected as I left the theater when I saw the movie. I was fortunate enough to not have been in any war although I did have a draft card the Vietnam war was ending as I graduated from High School. I have recently been watching the History Channel special on the Vietnam war and as I reflect upon the incredible personal sacrifices made by those who have served I realize how incredibly fortunate I am to enjoy the freedoms which they fought for and so many gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives so that we may continue to enjoy the freedoms we have as Americans.