FReeper Canteen ~ Happy 77th Birthday to The Purple Heart ~ 07 August 09

Serving The Best Troops And Veterans In The World | The Canteen Crew

[Kathy in Alaska]

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~ The FReeper Canteen Presents ~

Happy 77th to the Purple Heart

Canteen Mission Statement

Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.

President George W. Bush shakes the hand of Marine Cpl. Andrew L. Tinsley of Annapolis, Md., Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005, after Cpl Tinsley was presented the Purple Heart during a visit by the President and Laura Bush to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. White House photo by Paul Morse.

The Purple Heart is an American decoration-the oldest military decoration in the world in present use and the first American award made available to the common soldier. It was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by one of the world's most famed and best-loved heroes-General George Washington.

General Washington is often pictured as a cold, stern soldier, a proud aristocrat. Yet we know he showed sympathy and concern for his troops, and was not too proud to pray humbly on his knees for his beloved country and for the men who served it, and him, so bravely and loyally. His keen appreciation of the importance of the common soldier in any campaign impelled him to recognize outstanding valor and merit by granting a commission or an advance in rank to deserving individuals.

In the summer of 1782 he was ordered by the Continental Congress to cease doing so-there were no funds to pay the soldiers, much less the officers!

Deprived of his usual means of reward, he must have searched for a substitute. Shortly after receiving the "stop" order from Congress, he wrote his memorable General Orders of August 7, 1782, which read in part as follows:

"The General, ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers as well as foster and encourage every species of military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings, over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with due reward. The name and regiment of the persons so certified are to be enrolled in a Book of Merit which shall be kept in the orderly room." The order further states: "Men who have merited this distinction to be suffered to pass all guards and sentinels which officers are permitted to do. The order to be retroactive to the earliest stages of the war, and to be a permanent one."

Washington ended his order with: "The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all."

More of the story

After 150 years of disuse, The newly rediscovered description of the Badge of Merit from Washington's General Orders provided General John J. Pershing with an inspiration for a new decoration for “lesser" acts. In 1921, as the Army Chief of Staff, Pershing began organizing the revival of Washington's Badge. His effort was continued by his successor, General Charles Pelot Summerall.

Click for more

After becoming the Army Chief of Staff, General Douglas MacArthur finalized the renewal of the nation's oldest military decoration in 1932, just in time for the 200th Anniversary of Washington's birth.

MacArthur named the new award the "Purple Heart," rather than the Badge of Military Merit, and changed the definition of meritorious service to include combat wounds.

On February 22, 1932, the U.S. War Department created the Purple Heart decoration in the shape of a rich purple heart bordered with gold, with a bust of Washington in the center and Washington’s coat-of-arms at the top.

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Aug. 8, 2007) - When Gen. George Washington created the Purple Heart Medal in 1872, he probably never envisioned it would be so huge. Literally.

Artist Roger Baker mowed a 1,000-foot long rendition of the medal, covering 850,000 square feet, into a field at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Hamtonburgh, N.Y., near the town where the first awards were presented to Revolutionary War Soldiers. Mr. Baker said his creation is a "gift of art" to the American public.

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Please remember that The Canteen is here to support
and entertain our troops and veterans and their families,
and is family friendly

[The Mayor]

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list

August 7, 2009

Subtle Wisdom

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: Mark 8:34-38

If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. —John 12:26

When I was in college, my co-worker Bud, a fork-truck driver, often enriched my life with his pithy wisdom. We were eating lunch one day, sitting on the back of his fork truck, when I announced that I was transferring to another school.

“Why?” he asked.

“All my friends are transferring,” I answered.

Bud chewed his sandwich for a moment and then replied quietly and with subtle irony, “I guess that’s one way to pick a school.”

His words struck me with rare force. Of course, I thought. But is this the only way to choose a school? Will I follow my friends for the rest of my days, or will I follow Jesus? Will I seek His face and His will and go where He wants me to go?

Twenty-five times in the New Testament, Jesus said to His disciples, “Follow Me.” In Mark 8:34, He said, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” No matter what others do or what direction their lives may take, we must do what He asks us to do.

The words of an old song come to mind: “My Lord knows the way through the wilderness; all I have to do is follow!”

As I walk along life’s pathway,
Though the way I cannot see,
I shall follow in Christ’s footsteps,
For He has a plan for me. —Thiesen

To find your way through life, follow Jesus.
Bible in One Year: Psalms 72-73; Romans 9:1-15

[AZamericonnie]

Supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen
at more than 1,000 places across the U. S. and around the world.

~Tribute to Our Troops~

[AZamericonnie]

What a beautifull, straight up on the hour thread Ma & thank you for it! *hugs*

[SandRat]

WOO-HOO! You made it with a thread on the Purple Heart.

[Tanniker Smith]

Good evening, Kathy! Good evening, all!

[HopeandGlory]

Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Lord, Please Bless Our Troops, They're fighting for our Freedom.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

God Bless Our Republic

I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic, for which it stands;
one nation UNDER GOD,
indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.

Prayers going up

[mylife]

Good job Kathy. You deserve a medal!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Happy 77th Birthday to the Purple Heart

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies’ military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.

CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD

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New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Anchorage

To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.
To our military readers, we remain steadfast
in keeping the Canteen doors open.

The FR Canteen is Free Republic's longest running daily thread
specifically designed to provide entertainment and moral support for the military.
The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.

We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.

NOTE: CANTEEN MUSIC
Posted daily and on the Music Thread
for the enjoyment of our troops and visitors.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Honoring Our Heroes

2LT Rebecca USA (Daughter of U S Army EOD)
3 sons (armymarinemom and amdad)
AbnSarge USA
Allegra
aviator USAF
Brett USN (CindyDawg)
Brother and Son-in-Law (kalee)
Cannoneer No. 4
CAPT Future Snake Eater USA (RightOnline)
CAPT Jason Clendenin (friend of Frou)
Chris USA (amom)
Chuck USA (RightOnline)
COL Mike (gpapa)
CMS USA
ConorMacNessa USN USMC
David USAF (LUV W)
Defender2
Deven USA (Shimmer)
Ethan USMC (georgiabelle)
Fred (DocRock)
GulfWar1Vet USA
IS2 Brianne USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
IS2 Heather USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
Jade Falcon USN
JemiansTerror USA (Jemian)
Jet Jaguar USAF
Joel (NEMDF)
Jonathan USMC (AZbushgal)
Josh USN (doug from upland)
Karen USA (fatima's granddaughter)
Kenneth (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
Kevin USMC (skimask)
Kevin and David USA (vigilante2)
Laurita USA
LCPL Carter USMC
Lindsay (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
LT David (Coldwater Creek)
M1911A1 USMC (M0sby)
M1Tanker
Major joma89 USAF
MEG33's Navy Grandson
Michael USAR (RightOnline)
Mike1Sg USA (mystery-ak)
Milo828 USA (mystery-ak)
Nate USN (sneakers)
Old Sarge USA
OneLoyalAmerican USCG
PFC Alan USA (brother-in-law Stonewall Jackson)
PFC Dan USA (son of swmobuffalo)
PFC Jake USMC (son of Enough_Deceit)
Pvt Alex USA (son of Enough_Deceit)
Robert, Jeremy, Daynnis USA (SoldierDad)
Sat-Com Chris USA (son of KC Burke)
SGT Brian USA (repubmom)
SGT Dusty USA (MountainDad)
SGT Ev USA (Mozie)
SGT Gray USA (colorcountry’s son)
SGT Sean Reed (preed)
Son USCG (GodBlessUSA)
SPC Mike USA (AbnSarge)
SPC William Akin USA (Step-son of BlueLancer)
SSG Dustin USA (SIL of U S Army EOD)
SSG Mitchel USA (tina07)
SSG Spencer USA (grame)
SSGT Don May Jr USMC (debm29palms)
SSGT John Linde USA (JFoxbear)
Terrence USN (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
The Sailor
tongue-tied USN/USA
Tonkin USN/USCG
txradioguy USA
Valerie USAF (Shimmer)
Victor and Tony D USMC (weldgophardline)
William USA (jackv)

 

[Kathy in Alaska]

A PRAYER OF PROTECTION

The light of God surround you
The love of God enfold you
The power of God protect you
The presence of God watch over you
Wherever you are, God is,
And all is well.
Amen.

BLESS THIS HOUSE

 Bless this house O Lord we pray; Make it safe by night and day; 
Bless these walls so firm and stout, Keeping want and trouble out:
Bless the roof and chimneys tall, Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove ever open to joy and love.
Bless these windows shining bright, Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there, with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within, keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be Fit O Lord to dwell with thee;
Bless us all that one day we May dwell O Lord with thee. 

(Click on graphics for music)

A PRAYER OF PROTECTION

The light of God surround you
The love of God enfold you
The power of God protect you
The presence of God watch over you
Wherever you are, God is,
And all is well.
Amen.

BLESS THIS HOUSE

 Bless this house O Lord we pray; Make it safe by night and day; 
Bless these walls so firm and stout, Keeping want and trouble out:
Bless the roof and chimneys tall, Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove ever open to joy and love.
Bless these windows shining bright, Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there, with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within, keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be Fit O Lord to dwell with thee;
Bless us all that one day we May dwell O Lord with thee. 

(Click on graphics for music)

[Kathy in Alaska]

United States Marine Corps Band ~ National Anthem

[HiJinx]

Shoot...late to this parade!

[PERKY2004]

Happy Birthday Purple Heart!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Marines Construct Observation Posts

U.S. Marines use heavy equipment to flatten the ground to build new observation posts for Marines living on Patrol Base Jaker in the Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 30, 2009. The Marines constructing the post are assigned to the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, and the Marines living on the base are assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. John M. McCall

U.S. Marines use heavy equipment to flatten the ground to build new observation posts on Patrol Base Jaker in the Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 30, 2009. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. John M. McCall

[Kathy in Alaska]

And in first....The Mayor!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Kate Smith ~ God Bless America

[Kathy in Alaska]

You are only delayed for a good thing. Did it rain?

[HiJinx]

For about 5 seconds this morning, yes.
We’re having a strange Monsoon this year...there’s been nowhere near as much rain here as normal.

OTOH, Tucson has been getting hammered lately.

[Kathy in Alaska]

And in for second....AZ!!

[MoochPooch]

Evening, Kathy.

[Kathy in Alaska]

And rounding out the top three....Sand!!

[TASMANIANRED]

Evening Kathy, Hugs.

[SandRat]

Yup. This year’s Monsoon seems like for us it’s MonGone.

[AZamericonnie]

I was talking to someone this afternoon & asked “Where’s the monsoon?”

He said he got 4 drops of rain on his windsheild this morning in Phx.

That about sums it up. A no show thus far!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Gut Shabbes, Mooch....how has your week gone so far? Interesting editing? We’ve had mostly rain. Yippee!!

[HiJinx]

I’m seeing severe storm warnings for Santa Cruz, Pima, and Pinal counties every evening this week as I watch the Tucson channels.

Of course, Sierra Vista and Phoenix are outside that area, wouldn’t you know it...

[Kathy in Alaska]

Taz...((HUGS))...have you gotten some rest? Checked your freezer yet?

[TASMANIANRED]

Our official word, straight out of the Mayors office of emergency management.. 6.5 inches in 2 hrs.

[TASMANIANRED]

Checked the freezer last night. .Everything was rock hard..

Will confirm tonight..

Still no hot water.

[HiJinx]

That’s the kind of gully-washer we get...no wonder the basement flooded.

[LUV W]

God bless the purple heart recipients and ALL our heroes!

Thanks for this wonderful tribute, Kathy!

(((hugs)))

[HiJinx]

Off to get Chinese carry-out...anyone want me to bring back something?

Dim Sum?

Lo Mein?

Hot and Sour?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Yikes! No hot water is not fun. Are you needing a new heater?
Or is power part of the problem?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Off for home...back in a bit.

[LUV W]

How sweet of you!

Lo Mein, with beef, for me, please. I do like it if it’s not TOO hot! :D

[TASMANIANRED]

I’m looking for the blessing in the situation.

[TASMANIANRED]

The heater is relatively new.

Burner got wet..I’m hoping it just needs to dry out more.

[TASMANIANRED]

Safe trip...

[SandRat]

Drive safe.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Home safe and sound. No wildlife and only 1 idiot....trying to get into the roundabout right in front of truck with the right-of-way. Close, really close!

[The Mayor]

Thank you! And G'Night!

[AZamericonnie]

6.5 inches in 2 hrs

That sounds like a flood Taz!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Mayor, for today’s sustenance for body and soul.

[mylife]

Sounds like a deluge!

[AZamericonnie]

Leftovers would be appreciated.

I cooked dinner & others showed up so I gave away mine.

Looks like peanut butter for me!:)

[SandRat]

At least you’re home safe.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, AZ, for the red, white, and blue tribute.

[SandRat]

Searching for Noah?

[SandRat]

50?