A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....02-09-04....Military Monday

Billie, The Mayor

[The Mayor]

I'll do it in the morning, I would enjoy seeing them.

I never want to forget our Men and Women in harms way.
I/we Pray for them always, here and as a Church Body.
It gives us all a chance to reflect.

Good Night

[Diver Dave]

Tissue Alert indeed.
Wish I'd read further before my out of place previous post.
Salute to Detective Curtis Mancini.

[LadyX]

I had to laugh at my man-child, totally 'warped' by his years as a military brat, and in ROTC and police work years ago.

He was absolutely aghast at some members of the Police Pipe & Drum Corps who had not themselves had military service.

Rather than maintain proper at attention postures, focused totally on the intricasies of the service and honoring the American flag, they tended to fidgit and look around and shift their shoulders, muscles getting tired.

Steve, of course, would have dropped dead before breaking his stance, even with a heavy 20-lb. drum to support....yep - just like his mother not dropping the American flag in the Iwo Jima Monument Dedication Ceremony at Parris Island, with a 30-mph wind trying to yank it away..:))

[LadyX]

Priceless comeback, DD..:))
I luv it!

[dixie sass]

Perfect!

[dixie sass]

Smiling at you!

[JustAmy]

Thanks.

[dixie sass]

Wasn't sure if you would be coming on tonight. Just got awfully lonesome!!

Glad you are back. I had to slip away to a meeting tonight and have just gotten back.

[LadyX]

I'll be up late, dixie, napping those four hours..:))

[dixie sass]

Had to open another box of tissues. I'm going to call Nicky tomorrow and see if he has an email addy to send this link to him.

[dixie sass]

It surprises Nicky when I call him and ask him about things in Broward County that have made the national news. He doesn't use the computer other than for work. When he gets home, he tunes everything out except for his lady and her two sons.

He has two and 1/2 more years till retirement - in his 40's! He will stay on in another capacity until J. retires, I believe in five years.

He hasn't decided whether they will stay there or move to Tenn. They have property there.

[LadyX]

By the way, dixie, on the drive to Aiken today, there is debris everywhere from the ice storm of two weeks ago, even though it was cleared from the highways themselves.

Broken, snapped, downed trees and limbs all the way alongside the highway, and in town, too...many replaced utility poles...lots of tree service crews working on trees, with chipping machines to chew it up and load to haul away.
It will take months to complete the cleanup.

[LadyX]

He must have been involved in this in some way.

It had extensive coverage by newspapers and all the local television stations, too.

[dixie sass]

How sad to contemplate the destruction the storm left. That is such a beautiful part of the State and the drive to Aiken is such a pretty one.

Is the winery right outside of Aiken still in operation?

[dixie sass]

I'll find out tomorrow when I talk with him. He is so funny - "Lee, (very patiently)now how did you know what is happening here when I know that you are two states away?" He uses his most patient, policeman's voice - monotone - and then gets the little kid surprise when I tell him.

Kid brothers, sheeze!

[LadyX]

Will forward to you Steve's e-mail with two photographs, dixie...Stand By...

The Freepers reach is far and wide..:))

[dixie sass]

THAT is the absolute truth@!

[LadyX]

Have already sent it via blind copy, dixie, to your e-addy I already have - and to some others, too.

Might take several minutes to 'Send' them all.

[dixie sass]

I got it Maggie. The four men standing on the vehicle in the background look like Broward County personnel. I can't see them clear enough to tell.

When I looked at the horse picture and then panned through the rest of the photo the canine corps in the background, I can't stop my eyes from dripping.

The Drum and Bugle Corp what a handsome group. Your son is, as we all know, the handsomest one there! (At least I think so!) I don't know why I thought the was about the same age as Matthew. Matthew is (shudder)36 now.

Thank you Maggie for sending that to me.

[LadyX]

"The Drum and Bugle Corps"

Know that was just a typo, done in haste.

It is a (bag)Pipe & Drum Corps, like the ones in New York City who handled all the funerals of police and firemen after 9/11.

You will notice in the group photograph they all have Scottish kilts - made-to-measure outfits for each member, with tartans; the caps bearing their respective clans, and wearing the badge of the police units they represent.

Steve's letter was to the Chief of Police in Pinellas Park (near St, Petersburg) where he was an officer in the '80's. She served then, too, and was a good friend.

There is nothing more haunting and mournful than the sound of bagpipes honoring those who have gone to glory.....