What does Veterans Day mean to you? On Veterans Day and all year long it is important to give thanks, honor & respect to the many brave men and women who have served our country. We welcome you to add your thoughts and comments about what Veterans Day means to you, about people who serve or have served in the U.S. Military, along with how you and your family honored the Holiday. Many of these posts will be shared on VetFriends.com and with television stations and newspapers. Thank you for your service.
I honor all these Veterans in silence The year 1964 I was just 16 years old and knew that someday I would have to sign up for the draft because that was the law. Your duty was to serve your country or be marred for life. To me that meant jail time, n...
I honor all these Veterans in silence The year 1964 I was just 16 years old and knew that someday I would have to sign up for the draft because that was the law. Your duty was to serve your country or be marred for life. To me that meant jail time, no job, no future, disgrace. So I enlisted in the Marine Corps and fulfilled my obligation. I was scared, but at the same time unafraid for it looked like I wouldn't be called for duty in the Republic of Vietnam. After training in San Diego radio school I went back to Camp Geiger, jump school, the works. I was later pulled off a Med Cruise and told I'd be going to Vietnam, 1st Bat Recon. Today I still wander the beaches hear back home and can't believe that I did service in South East Asia, inserted behind enemy lines and went on patrols for three or four days with only five other guys. I survived, some did not. My first parade I was embarrased because for some reason all these different groups for gay rights, religious activist, animal rights, and every other cival rights group had to be in a parade that was meant to honor our fallen. Those who fought and surrendered their lives were dissed and disrespected. I left the parade which was on Lake Ave went home and shed a few tears. That was the last parade I went to. Never again. Parades on Veterans Day are just that, a tribute to those that fought for our way of life, freedom, mom and good ole apple pie. Back then they called me a baby killer, murderer and whatever other adjective or noun they could conjur up, but I was only doing what I was suppose to by law. I couldn't just run because then by the same people I would be called a traitor, criminal, desserter, lose my job and be jailed.
So now I honor all these Veterans in silence knowing that we all have sacrificed something for many and pray that our future will leave many to their families. I love this country, I love this freedom, and still proud to be a United States Marine who gave service to his country right or wrong. Thank you
Cpl. H J (Mouse) Carter
USMC Recon
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A Mother's PostA year ago my 11-year-old daughter, Kaitlin, received an assignment to write an article for her history class (Troy, OH) as they studied WWI. Her article turned into a beautiful poem and has received some local notoriety and has been ...
A Mother's PostA year ago my 11-year-old daughter, Kaitlin, received an assignment to write an article for her history class (Troy, OH) as they studied WWI. Her article turned into a beautiful poem and has received some local notoriety and has been used by several of our local political leaders to honor our Soldiers at special events, like Veteran's Day. I thought I would pass it along for others to enjoy.
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A Mother's Post
by Kaitlin Pigg (age 11)
All in brown, they left the town;
He was marching, I was waving.
With tears in our eyes, we had said our good-byes;
Now began my time of waiting.
Months went by, without a reply;
He was fighting, I was praying.
My sorrow was deep, I could not sleep;
But in my dreams, he was saying...
Pray for the front Mom, pray for the men;
Pray that we'll hold the line.
Pray for our allies, pray that we'll win;
Pray I'll come home just fine.
Night and day I go to pray
At our churches wooden benches.
While my dear son fights far away
In Belgium's long, dark trenches.
My picture in his pocket, and his in my locket;
I will not desert my post.
To stand in prayer, for him over there;
My son, whom I love the most.
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God Bless America!
If this poem is used in a public setting, my daughter would be thrilled to have knowledge of the event.
Send info to: TippPastor@aol.com
YOUNG Marines participate in Veterans Day Projects
William Brown, TN
Their letters contain bookmarks with the young Marine Creed and Obligation on them along with a picture of the group.I am an adult leader with the Cumberland County Young Marines and every year they do projects for Veterans Day. Our town does not ha...
Their letters contain bookmarks with the young Marine Creed and Obligation on them along with a picture of the group.I am an adult leader with the Cumberland County Young Marines and every year they do projects for Veterans Day. Our town does not have a parade but does have a program at 11:00 on Veterans Day. Our young people get excused from school to come and take part in this program and then return to school. Plus this group of (20) Young People over the last three years have sent over 600 thank you letters to purple heart recipients, women of the military, and this year to men serving in Iraq that do not receive mail. They sent their letters to Fort Campbell to be sent to Iraq and passed out to soldiers who do not receive mail. Their letters contain bookmarks with the young Marine Creed and Obligation on them along with a picture of the group. This year we also got to welcome our 278 National Guard home from Iraq on November 8th.
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I will always consider myself a veteran.I enlisted in the Navy Reserve while attending college. NARDIV 703 was called to active duty from Navy Dallas. My unit NARDIV 702 was never called to active duty. All of us in our unit stood ready to serve i...
I will always consider myself a veteran.I enlisted in the Navy Reserve while attending college. NARDIV 703 was called to active duty from Navy Dallas. My unit NARDIV 702 was never called to active duty. All of us in our unit stood ready to serve if called to active duty, knowing it may mean leaving college and family for a while. That we were not called and only served on weekends and two weeks a year for four years, we are now being told we are not veterans. Boot Camp was required. At the time we enlisted we were just as committed as any other to serving our country. The Viet Nam war ended and we were not called. Some went ahead to active duty, some did not. We served. I know I did. I believe at the time I enlisted the guidelines were different as to the requirement for veteran status. I am sure we were never informed any differently. I was a part of the U. S. military and - served - proudly. I did serve in the Hospital corps. I am proud to have served and even if no one else does, I will always consider myself a veteran.
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Sam was so humbled to hear these small children shout out in pride for their country.One of our granddaughters (Shelby Cheyenne, 3rd grader) was having a memorial for Veterans at her elementary school. She called Grandpa and asked if he would come, ...
Sam was so humbled to hear these small children shout out in pride for their country.One of our granddaughters (Shelby Cheyenne, 3rd grader) was having a memorial for Veterans at her elementary school. She called Grandpa and asked if he would come, because he was in the Air Force and was a Veteran. We went, and my husband Sam was so touched by the kids at the school. Everyone stood and repeated the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Sam was so humbled to hear these small children shout out in pride for their country. He was mostly proud of the way they all said, "Under God" in the Pledge. He said that he wanted to video tape that and send it to our Capitol, Sacramento, California.
God Bless America and everyone in it. Connie Hieb, the Proud Wife of a Veteran.
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the Eagle we see is a sign of those who have departed keeping an eye on those of us in this GREAT Nation that stands for FREEDOMVeterans day has come and gone, like the winds of yesterday, all that is left is the cool air of November and the memories...
the Eagle we see is a sign of those who have departed keeping an eye on those of us in this GREAT Nation that stands for FREEDOMVeterans day has come and gone, like the winds of yesterday, all that is left is the cool air of November and the memories that for some, haunt our dreams or nightmares, for others it is a memory of the one's we shared our daily lives with, for the Combat soldier it is another day of remembering the greatness of our comrade's as they fought beside us to hope and have another day in the bush of the jungles of Nam or the sands of Iraq or the Mountains of Afghanistan and even the Icy terrain of Korea or even the beaches of Europe and the many Islands of where they fought.
BUT WE should all look up into our skies of America and see the Eagles as they FLY, and knowing within our hearts that the Eagle we see is a sign of those who have departed keeping an eye on those of us in this GREAT Nation that stands for FREEDOM to be sure that we always remember the great price paid for us to be able to see the Eagle flying free and to know in our hearts that they are all there keeping an eye on us and the ones they shared their love with while here on this earth.
Some day Brother, we will all gather together once again and there will be no more crying or fighting and guns roaring for the cause of peace for we will all have paid the ultimate price and will stand before our creator knowing we are truly FREE at last and enjoy the everlasting PEACE of eternity. God Bless all of you and may God once again Bless America...Vietnam Combat Veteran 68 and 69 America Division 11th Infantry Brigade. Robert Lee Horton Topeka Kansas
You have no idea what it is like unless you have been their, starring the enemy in the eye's when you know that it is the moment in your life that you decide is it him or me, you have no time to think you act or die, you do what you are trainned to d...
You have no idea what it is like unless you have been their, starring the enemy in the eye's when you know that it is the moment in your life that you decide is it him or me, you have no time to think you act or die, you do what you are trainned to do, knowing this decision is the most important of the day, will you live to see another day of heated battle or will you just be another number to those who do not understand or care yet they want to degrade us for our being Brave or our being the real Patriot's of America and standing up for our freedoms. To those of you who do care or have a loved one serving... I a vietnam combat veteran wish to salute all of you today for caring about us on this very special day for all veterans and tell you THANK YOU for those of you who are out their for us and for the many who did not return from Battle, let us NEVER FORGET THEM AND ALWAYS DISPLAY THE BANNER OF 'WE SHALL NEVER FORGET'. God Bless all of you fellow Vet's and families of those fallen brothers. LEE Horton Topeka Kansas - Combat Infantrymens Association. Company A11KS
YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN My name is not important, my Brothers is - you see it is his name on the wall not mine because of a landmine planted in those bloody jungle floors of the NAM. As we pushed forward through the jungle foilage on that HOT August ...
YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN My name is not important, my Brothers is - you see it is his name on the wall not mine because of a landmine planted in those bloody jungle floors of the NAM. As we pushed forward through the jungle foilage on that HOT August 19th day of 68 as the planes overhead flew over spilling millions of gallons of their acid spray upon us, and the rice paddie that we later drank out of. Little did we know that this day would be the beginning of our deaths some quicker than others, we crossed a small river to sweep an island with enemy elements on it. Once there we found the leaflets dropped on the island telling the enemy we were coming, and it was this day, that our brother James Karras would be taken home>. For those of us left (in our nightmares) we still patrol those Jungle floors every night as we drink the poison (agent orange) out of the rice paddies waiting for the call we all know is coming soon, and we hope silently as others scream at us profanity and telling us how awfull we are. Dear GOD can't they see the only reason they are alive is for what we did in other countries. Offering our lives but still for us Vietnam combat vets and others of other wars we are now awaiting to DIE from the acid rain our government sprayed us with in those bloody Jungles of Nam so that our government can silence our voice for good. I can't help but ask Dear GOD why my Brother James and not me, is this Hell or just the GATE of eternity. PTSD and AGENT Orange, The nightmare continues, and as the day's pass somewhere another one bites the dust, who cries, who cares, We/I DO The American Military Veterans. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN Robert lee Horton ns_volunteers@cox.net
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Hello I have a story that I'll share, this is the condensed version."Back in the day" when I served with the Marines,in the course of doing my duties alot of it was spent going in the field, for months at a time, not only did I make an impact as a fe...
Hello I have a story that I'll share, this is the condensed version."Back in the day" when I served with the Marines,in the course of doing my duties alot of it was spent going in the field, for months at a time, not only did I make an impact as a female FMF Corpsman,I made history(as I was told)as the first female to go out into the field while stationed in Yuma,Az. Back in the '80's. The "Gunners" found it hard to believe that a "female" was actually going out with them to the field, back then 1 corpsman served with a Batallion, we were out for 2 months at a time, me and "my" Marines. Needless to say I truly had to prove myself as a corpsman each day out there,I not only stepped to the plate I earned the right to be called "DOC".
Remember All those who Fought, and DIED to keep us FREE.We should All take a minute, or two, to Remember All those who Fought, and DIED to keep us FREE.
As we say: "FOR THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR IT, FREEDOM HAS A FLAVOR THE PROTECTED WILL NEVER KNOW!"
T...
Remember All those who Fought, and DIED to keep us FREE.We should All take a minute, or two, to Remember All those who Fought, and DIED to keep us FREE.
As we say: "FOR THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR IT, FREEDOM HAS A FLAVOR THE PROTECTED WILL NEVER KNOW!"
Thank You ONE, and ALL!!!
I say a prayer for you each day.I would like to say thank you to all the veterans past, present, future that serve our country. May God bless you always. I say a prayer for you each day.
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I say a prayer for you each day.I would like to say thank you to all the veterans past, present, future that serve our country. May God bless you always. I say a prayer for you each day.
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FORGOTTEN VETS OF WW II
DAVID H. OWEN, MA
As a surviving disabled veteran of WW II, I'm very sad, and shocked that so many of the people of the USA know nothing of the history of WW II. I would seriously hope that all schools throughout the world would make it mandatory for the teaching of W...
As a surviving disabled veteran of WW II, I'm very sad, and shocked that so many of the people of the USA know nothing of the history of WW II. I would seriously hope that all schools throughout the world would make it mandatory for the teaching of WW II History.Too many people don't realize that if we hadn't sacrificed for them to live in a free world today. Many of us gave our lives that others might live. Take a moment to think what our lives would be today if the Allies had lost WW II to the Germans, and Italians. We ask you all to comnsider
those sacrifices made for you on Friday, the 11th month, the 11th day, and the 11th hour.
"Lest We Forget"
Dave
324th Inf. 44th Inf.Div.
WW II
Love, prayers,and many thanks!GOD BLESS AMERICA! Our country is blessed. Blessed to have men and women devote their liberties at home, to fight for their country and flag.
I'm a Viet Nam vet (1970-1971), who proudly fought w/1st Cav Div and ...
Love, prayers,and many thanks!GOD BLESS AMERICA! Our country is blessed. Blessed to have men and women devote their liberties at home, to fight for their country and flag.
I'm a Viet Nam vet (1970-1971), who proudly fought w/1st Cav Div and 25th America Div. I lost a dozen good comrades, and many who came home, not entirely whole. My mind and thoughts are always w/them. I came to love them as my own blood because that's the way it is in war.
I thank and praise all who have trotted the steps I have. And, yes, thanks to fathers and mothers, etc. whom I'm sure, prayed everyday for their loved ones.
I thank my two older brothers, also Viet Nam soldiers, and for their safe return.
God bless you VETERANS, only you know what we carried on in combat. Always be proud - YOU ARE AMERICANS, and will never forget you, for your sacrifice.
Love, prayers,and many thanks!
Abraham
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HAPPY VETERANS DAY to each and everyone.To me, Veterans Day means; Honor, Respect, and the price we pay or have paid to keep our country free. Those who serve have great respect for our country or they would have never volunteered to protect those w...
HAPPY VETERANS DAY to each and everyone.To me, Veterans Day means; Honor, Respect, and the price we pay or have paid to keep our country free. Those who serve have great respect for our country or they would have never volunteered to protect those who have been left behind. I myself am a Veteran of the United States Navy and I proudly served. I have been retired now for nearly 12 years. If I could do it all over again I would to help protect and serve our great country. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! and GOD BLESS those who have served and are now serving in our Armed Forces. HAPPY VETERANS DAY to each and everyone. -MS1 Debra J. Taylor (USNRET)
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Every year, I stop and thank a veteran for their service to our nation. I thank God everyday that I came back alive and did not have to serve in the war zone. I was one of the last people to be drafted and I voted for President Nixon the same year....
Every year, I stop and thank a veteran for their service to our nation. I thank God everyday that I came back alive and did not have to serve in the war zone. I was one of the last people to be drafted and I voted for President Nixon the same year. I have found that serving our nation is one thing I can hold on too in these troubled times. Serving our nation is the greatest honor we have and to live in America and not know the cost of freedom is hard to believe, but many don't realize the cost. I pray this year that all who are returning to the states are welcomed with open arms and that those who disagree with what we are doing as a nation will keep their negative feelings to themselves while our troops come home to be with family and their many friends. Thank you to all who serve today and thanks to my brothers for serving when I did. God bless America.
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