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Posted on 11/09/2003 10:19:22 PM PST by JustAmy
Edited on 11/11/2003 7:39:07 PM PST by Jim Robinson. [history]
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AT ARLINGTON
At Arlington,this special day
The morning sun lights every cross
Beneath each cross a hero lay
'Tis heavens gain, though countries loss
Once full of life and young men's dreams
They listened to their countrie's call
And faced the battles mournful screams
Then rallied forth and gave their all
The least we do, now, humbly pray,
And hold them in our memories
Those fighting still, those gone away
At Arlington we honor these
So let the trumpets sound aloud
As we salute with flag and sword
And though with tears, we stand here proud
In peace they stand before their Lord.
by Fish Hawk
God bless our Veterans
Your poem takes me back many years to when I visited Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A sobering experience. Then I think of Normandy (which I have not visited) and then the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, the "Punch Bowl". Thousands and thousands of crosses. Thousands and thousands of heroes.
Thank you, Fish Hawk, for bringing another of your wonderful poems here....(and for remembering to ping me to it).
Veterans Day ...
ROFL !!Mornin', everybody !
Have a cup while you Freep !
The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. On this, our Nation's 50th annual Veterans Day observance, we celebrate and honor the patriots who have fought to protect the democratic ideals that are the foundation of our country.
When the armistice ending World War I was signed on November 11, 1918, more than 4.7 million Americans put down their arms and turned to the work of strengthening our Nation. The end of that first global conflict was initially commemorated as Armistice Day. In 1954, the Congress renamed the day as Veterans Day to recognize all those who have served in our Armed Forces.
Throughout our history, loyal citizens from every corner of America have willingly assumed the duty of military life. And time after time, in conflicts across the globe, they have proven that democracy is mightier than tyranny. From World War I and World War II, to the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, to the recent battles in the war on terror, our military has built a great tradition of courageous and faithful service. Our veterans have helped bring freedom to countries around the world. Free nations and peoples liberated by American troops are grateful for the long, distinguished line of American veterans who have come to their aid.
Today, our veterans inspire new generations of Americans as we work to defeat terrorism and advance peace. In respect for and recognition of the contributions our service men and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world,the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2003, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2003, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with suitable commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
I don't think anyone would misconstrue my intention. That was for veterans
that sacrificed everything for the freedoms we have today ...
You ask me Why I Love Her?
You ask me Why I Love Her? Well, give me time and I'll explain. Have you seen a Kansas sunset Or an Arizona rain? Have you drifted on a bayou Down Louisiana way? Have you watched a cold fog drifting Over San Francisco Bay?
Have you heard a bobwhite calling In the Carolina pines, Or heard the bellow of a diesel At the Appalachia mines? Does the call of Niagara thrill you When you hear her waters roar? Do you look with awe and wonder At her Massachusetts shore, Where men who braved a hard new world First stepped on Plymouth's rock?
And do you think of them when you stroll Along a New York City dock? Have you seen a snowflake drifting In the Rockies, way up high? Have you seen the sun come blazing down From a bright Nevada sky? Do you hail to the Columbia As she rushes to the sea, Or bow your head at Gettysburg At our struggle to be free?
Have you seen the mighty Tetons? Have you watched an eagle soar? Have you seen the Mississippi Roll along Missouri's shore? Have you felt a chill at Michigan When on a winter's day Her waters rage along the shore In thunderous display?
Does the word "Aloha" make you warm? Do you stare in disbelief When you see the surf Come roaring in at Waimea Reef? From Alaska's cold to the Everglades, From the Rio Grande to Maine, My heart cries out, my pulse runs fast At the might of her domain.
You ask me Why I Love Her? I've a million reasons why: My Beautiful America, Beneath God's wide, wide sky.
Written by John Newman Mitchum
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