Tuesday is Veterans Day. This is the day that we need to take a moment and think about all of the sacrifices they have made for us. From the time of this nations birth, to the battles against evil today, our soldiers have stood in the face of danger, vowing to give their lives, if necessary, to protect our freedoms, our Constitution, and our lives, against all enemies, foreign or domestic. They stand, the men and women of our uniformed services, together, bound by their courage, and commitment to the preservation of freedom, and humanity. Our freedom, and the freedom of many around the world, is guaranteed, not by our government, not by our opinions, but by our men and women in uniform. Whether it's 100* outside, or 0* outside, calm, or windy, raining, or shining, our American Soldiers stand between us, and Tyranny, Opression, Injustice, and Inhumanity. They don't call in sick, they don't get to take the holidays off, they don't get to take their kids down to the parade in town, that is to honor their fallen brethren, they continue straight through, until the job is done. So, if you know of a veteran, young or old, I encourage you to stop, think about what you have, and then turn to that man or woman that vowed to protect you, and say "Thank you, thank you for what you have given us, thank you for being courageous enough to voluntarily join our military ranks, and stand for our freedoms." It's the very least you can do for the years of nightmares he has had to live with to protect you, the years of fear, and anguish, heartache, and hurt, physical, and emotional pain. Remember, more than blood has been left behind in the battlefield. Every soldier has lost a part of their soul in battle. I have personally seen the decades of tears, and sorrow that plague our soldiers for the things they have seen and done. Don't forget, they served, are serving, or have died for US, ALL OF US, and they cannot be thanked enough.

 

THANK YOU Garry USMC

 

Thanks wmjoe. And thanks to all the other veterans.

I would also like to say thanks to two people's families (though they probably won't see them on here). SPC Tuazon and SPC Harrison were two guys in my unit in Iraq who were killed while on missions. To their families: Thanks for the sacrifice your family made.

 

Thanks for this reminder Joe.

 

I wish to thank.....Robert Stiffler (my grandpa, in a nursing home U.S. Army), Erik Johnson (My father, U.S. Army Green Beret, Viet Nam). Tom Carrothers, U.S. Army, door gunner Viet Nam, Brandon Johnson (my brother, U.S. Army Combat Medic, Post Gulf War security, and Operatin Iraqi Freedom). All of you on here, that have served in times of peace, or war. David Stiffler, U.S. Army (served several peace time years). Bob Clark, U.S. Army (Nevada, member of the team Black Hawk Down was based on).

 

I exluded myself from my list, as I was medically discharged half way through my AIT, and am not considered a veteran, but I will NEVER, fail to remember any day that is set to honor our heroes, our fallen, or our nations creation.

 

My sister was discharged half way through basic. She fell and injured her knee and it was getting worse instead of better so they decided to let her go.

Myself, I did area security at the Pentagon right after 9-11. From there I went to Afghanistan for 8 months. Then did two tours in Iraq, a year each. Was military police for all of it except my last tour in Iraq. They changed my job so I was doing civil affairs for that one.

 

Hopefully the citizen's of our great country will continue to hold our members of the U.S. Military in high regard.

 

Guys thanks for recognizing us we couldn't do it without all the support of so many back home.
25 years & counting Airborne Pathfinder & Air Assault Infantry 3-combat tours, it's about time I leave this to the young hoahos

 

Wow, I sure would of thought the folks on FTE were a bit more patriotic. Considering everyone of us owes a debt of gratitude to our nations veterans.

 

US Navy peace time veteran here. Got out just before Viet Nam hit the fan. My thanks go out to the veterans of all branches of the service for keeping us all safe. SALUTE!

 

I always remember and think of those who have served for our country, but I have never singled this day out for some reason..I spread it out as evenly as I can thruout the year..Memorial Day, July 4th..just about anytime I'm off and enjoying freinds family and my freedom.
I give more thanks and prayers during the Holidays at Thanksgiving and Christmas when our men in uniform are separated from they're familys. Being a veteran myself, I often wondered why " I " am not somehow " entited " to the day off??? Well, whad"ya know, finaly with this wacky new work schedule, I've got one....finally got one , I'm going to run a couple of errands, work on the old truck a bit and enjoy a few cold frosties!

I think most Americans do much the same thing,and while it is good to get the acknowledgement, I also believe our Veterans don't demand a special pat on the back...thats reserved for those who have served and lost together.
But a thank-you is always good so...todays the day! SALUTE!

Your Humble American........

 

It sounds like you are part of a family that has given and keeps on giving. I am curious though, why is it that you don't think the folks here on the FTE aren't patriotic enough? From the reraction to your thread so far I have seen nothiong but praise. Did I miss something?

Later Man...

 

I suppose I was a little disappointed by the high number of views, and such a small number of thank yous. I would of thought that with so many members, and so many that have clicked the thread, that more members would of least posted a quick thank you. Perhaps I am too patriotic, and think that everyone should be willing to say thank you for your service to our freedom, but alas, this is America, and I suppose the silent thank you is equally as important.

 

My father, 1969, the reason I am who I am. The reason I joined my senior year, my brother joined, his senior year, and the reason I say acknowledge everyday of life in this nation, and everyday that we have set aside for honoring, and remembering.