Veterans/Service Men and Women - Messages to Peaceniks for 911

Soon it will have been one year since 9-11-01. During that year the United States has struck back against those who caused 911 and those who harbored and assisted the 911 terrorists. Also during that one year some citizens (and I will not call them Americans) have continued in their "blame America" pre-911 habits. We who FReep see them every day we FReep. They call America the terrorist and call our military evil.

I believe that these people do not understand what they do when they say the things that they say; or if they do understand they do not care. One reason they do not care (or do not understand) is that they only listen to one another. None of them have friends in the military or even try to make friends in the military. Those of Peace-Niks who have a military connection (some of them are veterans) don't seem to remember those connections today. I purpose to remind them.

I propose the following; let the FReepers and Lurkers who are veterans or current service men and women post a short, concise message to the Peace-niks here. Messages should be direct and to the point, but should not use offensive or obscene language. Tell them how you feel about their continued and unending protest of America and the military you served or are serving. Begin by "Dear Peace Protester" or "Dear Peace Activist" and end either with your name or "Veteran" or "Marine" or "Airman", etc. Add to that ending your rank, service, unit and general operational location (bearing in mind security for you current servicemen and women- loose lips sink ships).

What will happen to these messages? FReepers in Missouri, Colorado and California (and anywhere else) will deliver these messages to the Peaceniks. Some by printing them and handing them to the Peaceniks for them to read, some by putting them on signs for all to read.

We FReepers have expressed ourselves for months and this is an opportunity for vets and service FReepers and Lurkers to kick in their two cents. Lurkers, you may need to register to post a response (not a bad thing) or get to a FReeper to post for you.

Remember that the best messages are ones that are going to be received. Let these folks know how you feel in a way that could be read before your family, your pastor or reprinted in you hometown newspaper with your name at the bottom. That doesn't mean that it has to be passonless or tepid, just not so offensive as to turn off the reader in the first few words.

Protestors, just remember one very vital FACT:

Your very ability to protest against military action is insured by the very military you protest.

Their blood paved the way for you to criticize, so, if you must do so, do so with respect and dignity.

Ok, Ok, probability of that happening is low, because they just don't get it, or want to get it, but it needed to be said.

US NAVY veteran BUMP

I AM THE AMERICAN FLAG . . .

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer.

I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped I am saluted.
I am loved I am revered.
I am respected and I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war
for more than 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg,
Shiloh and Appomattox.

I was there at San Juan Hill,
the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome
and the beaches of Normandy, Guam.
Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me,
I was there.

I led my troops,
I was dirty, battle-tested and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me
And I was proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled
on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.

I have been soiled upon, burned, torn
and trampled on the streets of my country.
And when it's by those whom I've served in battle it hurts.
But I shall overcome for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth
and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness
to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips and used as bandages
for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms
of a grieving parent
at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,
I am proud.

MY NAME IS OLD GLORY
LONG MAY I WAVE.
LONG MAY I WAVE.

I don't need your thanks for I do what I know is right. I will stand the watch not only for those who just don't get it, but for my 2 year old son who one day will.

PERLING
FARSI LINGIUST
USN

For the Korean War Vet across the street:

You remind me of several retired Sergeants-Major in Junction City, KS outside the gates of Ft. Riley. When asked why they, as businessmen, refused to treat the young enlisteds with any dignity and tried their best to screw these kids out of every penny they owned, the unified response was, "This is the way I was treated as a soldier, now I'm going to get back some of mine."

Sir, I will not despise you for your service. I will, however, despise you for your betrayal of your brothers.

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