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 Welcome to our Special Thanksgiving Salute To Our Troops!
Thank you to all of our Troops and their family members on this day of Thanksgiving. To show our appreciation, we've asked some FReeper FRiends to share a special message with all of you. |
Hi Troops, thank you all for the sacrifices that you are making while
protecting our country, fighting terrorism, liberating the oppressed and
bringing peace around the world.
You all are making a huge difference ~ great job!
You are in our prayers,
Blackie and Barbara Owens
Eugene, Oregon
Here in the Netherlands we don't have Thanksgiving. And maybe it seems that there are lots of Europeans that are opposed to what you are doing in Iraq.
But let me tell you that lots of people support the American troops. You are there to ensure freedom and democracy have a new start.
You gave us that too when we were ruled by a brutal dictator. One day people will understand.
Friso Stammen (knighthawk)
the Netherlands
Dear Lord, daily I thank you for giving American men and women the spirit of honor and sacrifice that enables them to defend our country and its principles. These warriors are Saints, and are to be honored as such. I pray that you will protect them from harm, and give them comfort as they are separated from families and friends this season of Thanksgiving. I am humbly thankful that you bless this country with these people. Please Bless them all.
Amen
Aeronaut
On this day, when so many people are together celebrating Thanksgiving, our thoughts are with the families who have an empty chair at their tables. Empty because a loved one is serving our country in a land far away.
And our thoughts and prayers are with those men and women who are serving, doing so much to give people the Freedom they long for. Giving those people a new reason to be thankful themselves.
So to our troops, their families, and to our veterans who have done their part to ensure our Freedom over the years, THANK YOU .
radu and hubby, Dana and Petey
My father served in WWII; he was a humble man who loved his country. He raised us to believe in God and Country; to serve both with reverence and respect. Although at times I found this to be overbearing as a youth, I now know how fortunate I was to have him as a father. He served so his children would not have too; he fought so we could be spared the horrors of war. He died a few years back; I never thanked him for his words and guidance. Today I thank all of you instead.
I'm 41, never served in the military. Because of men and women like my father, and you, it is has not been warranted. Today we send our youngest and brightest off to foreign lands to undo the mistakes of the generation that preceded them. I see the faces of those who have fallen; I see the faces of those who carry on; I see the grace of God in each of you.
During the Holidays I will be blessed to enjoy the company of my family. I will share gifts with my wife and two little girls. I will be thankful for all the freedoms and liberties granted me. I will pray unceasingly for God to protect you; to give you strength and courage; to be with you. I promise you, I will never forget your sacrifices. My children now understand who real heroes are.
May God Bless and Keep you, may His face shine upon you. Godspeed.
From PigRigger
GUYS AND GALS, KEEP UP YOUR FAITH, EVERYONE BACK HOME A RE SUPPORTING YOU 100%. TRY TO PASS A PEACEFUL HOLIDAY. IN 30 YEARS, EVERYBODY WILL BE SAYING "I REMEMBER WHEN...." SO DON'T BE DISCOURAGED, THIS WILL PASS TOO. ALL THE LOVE AND WARM HUGS FROM NORTHERN CALI.
From sheli
The last time I was asked for a Thanksgiving essay was in 5th grade. I now have a Grandson that age plus two other Grand kids, their mother (my daughter), my son and my wife. Of course I am happy for their love and to have them in my life.
However, for those who do not know me but Serve to protect me and my loved ones, I am truly grateful.
Thank you, Troops,
larryjohnson,
USAF(Ret)
Maine
Thanksgiving 2003
As we sit in our dining rooms,
And give our thanks to Him.
Let’s say a prayer, for those abroad,
Our troops, remember them.
They fight for us and we all know,
They’d like to be home too.
To see their families and their friends,
And eat some turkey too.
So bow your heads and say a prayer,
That home they soon will be.
God keep them safe, and guide their paths,
They fight to keep us free.
Flurry 11/12/03
God Bless our troops and our leaders.
From Flurry
We want to wish all of our TROOPS a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know at our dinner we will be thinking of you and praying for your safety.
Thank You and God Bless ALL of You
From LiveFreee
To Our Brave Men and Women of the U.S. Armed Forces,
Please know that America is behind you now more than ever in your mission to root out the terrorists in Afghanistan, Iraq, or wherever they may be. We pray for your safety and admire your courage and commitment. You are the heroes of a great Nation, and because of you and the people who wore the uniform before you, America is free. Please be safe and get home to your loved ones soon. Thank you for your sacrifice.
The Vetrone Family (NYCop)
I'm just sending my prayers and thanks to all the US Military chaplains away from home for the holidays. Having had contact with a US Army chaplain in the Baghdad area, I know that chaplains are not only going short on sleep tending to spiritual needs, but helping with good works with the Iraqi civilians. And as I told the chaplain, "the silent majority" back home is praying for better days for all our personnel and for the Iraqis. May Providence guard you all,
from an Okie in California
From VOA
Dear Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines,
You are heroes proved in liberating strife. Around my table we will be thanking God that there are patriots like you willing to go into harm's way on our behalf. You have our love and support, and our prayers that you will return home soon.
God Bless You All,
Mr. Silverback, Rambette66, Silverback Jr., Jetgirl and Tankboy
To Our Troops: A Thanksgiving Wish for You
My wish for you this holiday
is that you all had a dish
of Thanksgiving dinner from home.
Roasted turkey stuffed with love
gravy and mashed potatoes
happy wishes, and apples pies.
You have volunteered to be
in A strange land defending our nation
upholding your oath to defend our
Bill of Rights and our Constitution
and protecting these rights you
give to a poet as me the right to
write in poetry...
To THANK YOU all so far from
home for your gift of love
of country, family and traditions.
To a nation of freedom and plenty of rift...
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GIFT.
bentfeather
To our Troops,
I cannot picture your face, I cannot know your history or family, though who knows, maybe I have passed them on the street, but I do know what your service means to me, my family and our nation.
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful that because of your service, your sacrifice and your dedication to a cause greater than yourself, I can safely travel to see some of my extended family and celebrate this American holiday.
It is because of you, each and every one of you, that I go about my business, every single day, without fear.
You have taken up the cause of those who preceded you in service to our nation. You, instead of me, do shoulder the fear. The fear that comes with not ever knowing, exactly, how truly safe you are. You are willing to give your life, for your nation, so that we can live and breath freely, taking advantage, if we choose, of all the bounty and opportunity this nation offers.
So even if I do not know you, I know what you are about. And I know that you and the uniform you wear, will always, ALWAYS have a deep and appreciative place in my heart.
Thank you for keeping fear at bay, thank you for your sacrifice, thank you for the hard work you do everyday, thank you for loving your nation and thank you for making a difference in this world.
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for you, each and every one of you.
May God keep you safe and return to home soon.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Lynn & family in Indiana
(Republic)
ON THIS VERY SPECIAL OCCASION, ALTHOUGH MANY OF OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE FAR AWAY FROM HOME CONDUCTING A VERY IMPORTANT MISSION, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE TIME OUT TO WISH ALL THE US SOLDIERS AND SOLDIERS FROM OUR NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES WHO ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO PROVIDE PEACE AND SAFETY, A WARM AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING. EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU ARE IN ALL OF OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS NOT ONLY JUST ON THANKSGIVING, BUT ON EVERY SINGLE DAY THAT PASSES US BY. YOU ALL ARE THE " WORLDS GREATEST". GOD BLESS. KATIE T. SABLAN IN GUAM, USA
ALSO, TO MY BROTHERS JULIAN AND DENNY TAIJERON,
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM YOUR BIG SISTER, MY HEART IS ALWAYS WITH YOU BOTH NO MATTER HOW FAR APART WE ARE. FAMILIES ARE STRONG AND WILL ALWAYS PULL THROUGH. GOD BLESS YOU AND EVERYONE OVER THERE. WE ALL LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH. HURRY HOME!
From taijeron
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Dear Military Personnel;
A big, hearty thank you from our family in Central Florida. We really appreciate all you are doing to combat the horrid scourge of terrorism. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Thank you for keeping us free.
The Stich family
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
From The Right Stuff
"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King about all gods." -From THE BIBLE: Psalm 95: 1-3
Wherever you are on this Thanksgiving Day, our family prays that you are granted bountiful blessings of joy, peace, and happiness. In Jesus' name. Amen.
From Cindy
Hello all you wonderful young people. How I wish I could be there with you for Thanksgiving, but I'm afraid I'm not very useful!! But as I have my dinner, I will think of you all with a heart so full of pride for the fine Americans I am blessed to witness.
Stay safe, come home soon, we love you all.
AuntB
aka Billie Nix, Hornbrook, California
Wishing our Troops a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. My heartfelt "Thank You" to each of you for serving our great nation.
Colleen
(deadhead)
http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/america.html
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Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
Through the great spaces in the sky.
Be with them always in the air,
In darkening storms or sunlight fair;
Oh, hear us when we lift our prayer,
For those in peril in the air!
Eternal Father, grant, we pray,
To all Marines, both night and day,
The courage, honor, strength, and skill
Their land to serve, thy law fulfill;
Be thou the shield forevermore
From every peril to the Corps.
O Trinity of love and power!
Our brethren shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
To our brave servicemen and women, no matter what command they serve, no matter where they are, they MUST know that we as Americans stand behind them and their families. As I write this, my husband is many miles away serving aboard a US Navy fast attack submarine as a sonar technician, this is our second deployment. I've been asked before, 'How do you do it, being a military spouse?' My response is 'I just do'. The same can be said for those who serve in all branches of the US armed forces. They just do. And for that, you, the soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guard, and Marines, deserve our utmost praise, respect, and gratitude. Here's to a very Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are, from this Navy family.
-Severa
wife of Freeper Hostel, STS3(SS) Currently on deployment
mother of two very active sons, JJ and Robbie
To Our Military in The Middle East:
Know that when we celebrate Thanksgiving Day in this house, you will be remembered and when we give thanks and prayers, they will be for all of you. Thank you so much for fighting for our freedom and safety! We love you, admire you and, in our own way, fight for you. We are currently watching a situation concerning a Colonel West and will do everything we can to see that this man receives a medal. God Bless you and keep you close. And please, watch your own rears.
Angel & Joan Lopez
(maxwellp)
Dear Soldiers and all other of our military serving in Iraq
Thank you all for your service to our country! You will
be pretty lonely spending your holidays in Iraq. There are
many people here at home that are so grateful to you all.
I am thinking of you daily and pray you all get back home
safe and sound. Thank you again, Best Wishes, Diane Wilber
From PwII
Thank you so much for all you do for our country and for the world!
You are an inspiration to us all!
Patty, Heath and Adam
Greenville, SC
From 4everontheRight
It seems odd to me for us to use the saying "we support our troops", when it is indeed the troops who support us. I want to thank all of the troops for their service and hard work, on behalf of my family.
May God bless you , and your families all with a bountiful homecoming soon!
We wave our yellow banners here in Erie PA, and everyday my family and I say a prayer of thanks that there are brave men and women who are fighting for the freedoms of all Americans.
We will not forget our troops on our national holiday as we give thanks for our freedoms and rights, we will not forget you on any day, ever.
Thank you, and may God have mercy on those who oppose you, and your task at hand.
Happy Thanksgiving.
The Donovan Family
Erie PA
From No More Gore Anymore
I am especially thankful this year for all of the wonderful men and women in our military who sacrifice so much that we may live in freedom. An old Thanksgiving hymn comes to mind:
We gather together, to ask the Lord's blessing,
He hastens and chastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing, cease then from distressing,
Sing praises to His Name, He forgets not His own!
May God bless all of our military and their families on this Thanksgiving.
From Miss Marple
What I am thankful for:
The courage & strength you make evident by where you are and what you are doing. Because of your unselfish heroism, I can sleep safely and know my children are safe. God bless you and yours.
From magnumsgirl
I am sorry that you will be so far from home this Thanksgiving.
I sincerely hope that it is the last Thanksgiving you ever
spend away from your families.
There are many back here that pray for you and wish you well.
We are thankful that, we as a country have, have a military
that we can be so proud of. Thank you from the bottom
of my heart.
patj
My deepest and heart felt Thanks to each and every one of the men and woman who are doing what must be done.
Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
From There's millions of'em
To say "thank you" to our soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen seems too little.
At this time of year, when we do express our gratitude, our military is at the top of the list. I am not well-spoken and cannot express myself as well as many on this site. But, in my heart, and the hearts of those close to me, we rejoice. We live in the greatest country in the world. And, it is due in large part to the sacrifice these men and woman give for us. We are grateful.
Come home safe and soon.
God Bless you all!
Helen
From ozaukeemom
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks. So that is what I want to give to you. Thanks.
Thank you for being willing to stand the watch for the world. Thank you, because of people such as you, me and my family can sleep peacefully at night.
A hero is someone who knows the risks, but does it anyway. That makes you heroes.
God Bless.
From beachn4fun
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Thanksgiving is a time to stop and reflect on the blessings in our lives. As this holiday season approaches, we are thankful for every blessing in our lives. LadyHawk and I have both served on active duty.
We KNOW what the sacrifices our military make every day.
We want to thank all the members in our military for making our Thanksgiving special. If it weren't for our military, we wouldn't be free to bow our heads and pray to the divine power of our choice.
The brave men and women in uniform who make their unselfish sacrifice for us are not given the credit they deserve. We want each and every one of them to know the we thank GOD for blessing us with such fine caliber of people.
We also know first hand that there is another special force behind every one of these very special soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and guardsmen. That is their families. Let nobody ever forget that they to are making sacrifices for our freedom.
We want to thank the wives and husbands. We want to thank the sons and daughters. We want to thank the mothers and fathers. We want to thank each and every person who has a very special family member or friend in the military. Thanks for these folks who are also making a very special sacrifice for America. Thanks also for the Canteen and the folks who keep it running to support our troops.
Lastly, LadyHawk and I would like to thank God for our President and the leaders who support him. We pray that they make the wise decisions necessary to bring all of our military home safe.
With a humble and grateful heart,
SouthernHawk and LadyHawk
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In years past, when Thanksgiving rolled around, my family gave thanks for good friends, for good health, and for good fortune. We thanked God for watching over loved ones living away from home, and we rejoiced in the return of those who had been away.
This year, most all of our family is home. But a new generation has answered the patriotic call to duty, and our circle of friends has widened to include many who still serve. So this Thanksgiving, we are going to give thanks for loved ones who are absent, and for friends who have come home safely.
We thank CDR Tom T., who patrols the skies over the eastern seaboard for the U.S. Coast Guard. His vigilance keeps us safe.
We thank CPL Tom B., a young artilleryman who just came home. He fought off nightly mortar attacks with his unit at the Baghdad International Airport and saw things no young father should see. But he volunteered, trained, fought, and survived so that you and I could sleep well at night. Thank God for young men like Tommy.
We thank SPC Anna C., a Blackhawk crew chief, who kept her helicopters flying in Afghanistan and kept alive the AirMobile tradition. She is home now with a new baby, waiting for her husband to return.
We thank CW2 Mary L., who led her intelligence team to provide the best information possible to GENs Sanchez and Abizaid, who also suffered nightly mortar attacks, and whose team survived them all. Mary is a reservist who answered the call and served proudly. She is home now, having passed the torch to another capable (volunteer) professional.
But above all others, we thank God for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation. My family always says a special prayer for a young NCO from Alabama. Although no relation, he shared our name. He took action to save a little girl's life, protecting her from the blast of ordnance she was playing with. He lost one leg immediately, and lost his fight for life on the flight to Ramstein in Germany.
We often wonder, briefly, why this nation we love is blessed with such men and women. Then, we know to thank God for His Providence, because He is the source.
To you that I've named, and to the many who read this, you have the undying thanks of my family for your selfless service and sacrifice. Go with honor, go with courage, go in God's good Grace. Do the job your country has asked you to do, come home when the time is right. We're here for you now, and we'll be here when you come home.
From HiJinx
Thank you Troops for everything you do to keep America safe. This world would be a dark place without brave and honorable people like yourselves. I'm grateful to have been born in such a wonderful country. My family is safe and warm because of Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
Now eat up and have a fantastic Thanksgiving!
Love you all,
Beth and Family
From Bethbg79
Happy Thanksgiving Brothers and Sisters
I know it must be hard for many of you being away from home during Thanksgiving and the holidays.
Know that your sacrifices are appreciated by myself and millions upon millions of other Americans.
Thank You for your service to our country.
Thank You for Standing the Watch.
Mr.Tonkin
T FOR TIME TO BE TOGETHER, TURKEY, TALK, AND TANGY WEATHER.
H FOR HARVEST STORED AWAY, HOME, AND HEARTH, AND HOLIDAY.
A FOR AUTUMN’S FROSTY ART, AND ABUNDANCE IN THE HEART.
N FOR NEIGHBORS AND NOVEMBER, NICE THINGS, NEW THINGS TO REMEMBER.
K FOR KITCHEN, KETTLES CROON, KITH AND KIN EXPECTED SOON.
S FOR SIZZLES, SIGHTS, AND SOUNDS AND SOMETHING SPECIAL THAT ABOUNDS.
THAT SPELLS
T H A N K S
FOR JOY IN LIVING
AND A JOLLY GOOD THANKSGIVING ! From tomkow6
Thank you troops, veterans, families, and allies, wherever you are all around the world.
I can never thank you enough for all you have given,
and continue to give to keep the greatest country on earth free and safe.
For those of you far from home,
prayers for your safety and success in your missions.
Without your efforts I would not be able to share
Thanksgiving day with friends and family. THANK YOU!
From Kathy In Alaska (Ma)
Happy Thanksgiving Troops!
I am sure to be so far from home under such circumstances may make this Thanksgiving a little less than wonderful. Please know that you are in the hearts and prayers of many people this day, and every day.
I am "in awe" of the magnitude of what you have accomplished in the Middle East. I am proud of the United States and its actions to finally put an end to the brutality, terror and barbaric acts the Iraqi people have suffered for so long and to finally put an end to terrorism.
America is standing up for you and your efforts. We are thankful and grateful for the sacrifices that our troops and their families make to protect and preserve our way of life.
I can never thank you enough for all you do to protect the United States and my personal freedom. You are truly the best that America has and each of you are truly my hero!
May G-d Bless you and keep you in the safety of his love.
LindaSoG
Dear Heroes,
Thank you so much for everything you are doing to defend the freedoms we take for granted here in the United States. I call you a hero because, in the words of Norman Schwartzkopf, "It doesn't take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who go into battle." You may think you are just doing your job, your sworn duty. But it is much bigger than that to me, and I am eternally in your debt for the sacrifices you have paid for our country. You make me SO proud to call myself an American! God bless you today and may He bring you home safely to the arms of your loved ones and to a country that will honor you for your service!
With MUCH appreciation,
StarCMC*
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you to our troops, veterans, and their families for everything you've done to ensure that America stays the "home of the free and land of the brave". May God watch over you while you are far from home. May your loved ones know just how grateful we all are for their sacrifice. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God continue to bless each and every one of you and your families.
From MoJo2001
Please click on each of the Turkey's for a special song. Mouse over to check what selection we have chosen. Most of the songs are fine for everyone, but we will give you a warning if it is unsuitable for children. Thank You!!   
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Preheat oven to 350ºF. Place 
