A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....11-11-04....Thank You, Veterans

Dutchess

[Mama_Bear]

If it's okay, I'd like to personally thank some special veterans who are dear to my heart:

My husband: Navy
My son: Navy, Gulf War
My father: Navy, WWII
My father-in-law: Navy, WWII/Vietnam
Three brothers-in-law: All Navy
Two nephews: One Army and one Navy (scubachick's husband)

I wish so much that my two dads could be here today to see this thread and know how much their service is appreciated. There were many years when I think they were never thanked for what they did for America.

[deadhead]

I join you all in honoring our Veterans today.
Bless our Military, past and present.

[deadhead]

Happy Veterans Day to my brothers :-)

[Gabz]

I didn't think I could possibly tear up again today......you just did it to me.

[jwalsh07]

Hey where is my picture? LOL Too old, it faded away?

[Mama_Bear]

Like most of our veterans, my father-in-law didn't talk much about the war. It wasn't until after his passing that my husband found this commendation and learned a bit about what his dad did in the Navy.

---

The Commander Amphibious Forces,
United States Pacific Fleet, commends
ENSIGN C**** D***** K******,
UNITED STATES NAVY

For service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:

“For excellent service in the line of his profession as a Boat Group Officer of a United States ship, from April 16 to April 20, 1945, during the amphibious assault on Ie Shima. By cool, collected and capable direction, he repeatedly led various landing craft through difficult navigational hazards to and from the beaches in the face of enemy sniper and machine gun fire. Through his initiative, energy and devotion to the duty under adverse conditions, he contributed materially to the success of the assault operation. His conduct gives evidence of his great value to the naval service.”

R. K. Turner
Admiral, U. S. Navy

---

I hope you all will indulge me this vanity post. My husband and I are very proud of his father.

[Texagirl4W]

This is such a beautiful thread today. I shed quite a few tears just looking back on this. Seems like I've had a lump in my throat all day.

[Aquamarine]

Thanks for sharing that with us MB. With time we tend to forget the huge sacrifices that our family members made back during WWII. My husband's father spent a year on a ship in the South Pacific near Hawaii and his uncle went MIA in the Philippines.

[LadyX]

We appreciate your sharing with us this honor for jk's father, Lori.
Sad that so many were so scarred they have thus buried deeply the thngs they endured.
For them, and for all those who served and now serve our nation, I render an appreciative salute:

[Mama_Bear]

Hugs to you both.....thank you for understanding. My FIL never did call attention to his service, but I don't have a problem with it. :-)

[deadhead]

"Too old, it faded away?"

LOL, no...not too old and faded. Put the pic I had in your birthday album we gave you. Scan your pic and email it to me :-)

[deadhead]

"My husband and I are very proud of his father."

Wonderful commendation, and you both have every right to be proud. Isn't it amazing what we find out after our loved ones pass on. Bless your FIL

[Mama_Bear]

With time we tend to forget the huge sacrifices that our family members made back during WWII.

Yes, that is true.

My husband's father spent a year on a ship in the South Pacific near Hawaii and his uncle went MIA in the Philippines.

We owe them so much. We lost so many good men in the Pacific, and in Europe, Korea and Vietnam......men that were actually just boys. I pray for the day when our freedom doesn't come at such a heavy price as we have had to pay throughout history to defend it, and are still paying in Iraq today.

[Mama_Bear]

Wonderful commendation

Thank you, Colleen.

I am typing through tears. I have held up pretty well today, until the evening news came on and I watched the reports of the Veterans Day parades, and about the memorial service for the two Fresno Marines we lost last week. I can't imagine the grief the families are feeling. How does any parent bear such a loss?

[deadhead]

"How does any parent bear such a loss?"

I don't know, I guess having faith is the only way to get through such a loss. Prayers for the families who have lost loved ones. BTW, your Marine Corp Birthday thread was wonderful. Thank You, ((((Mama_Bear)))).

[LadyX]

NOT TOO LATE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE
OF THIS!!!
(spread the word to every veteran you know)

We've been twice to the one in Aiken, and it is on the honor syystem (only civilian spouse pays), and they really knocked themselves out to be warm and courteous and helpful, and had a FULL menu, including sirloin steaks slapped on the grill in front of you.

Golden Corral’s Fourth Annual
2004 Military Appreciation Monday

Free dinner to our nation’s military, past and present
To show our thanks

Monday Night November 15, 2004 from 5-9PM

Veterans’ Day honors our military personnel, past and present, for their willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. All 400+ Golden Corral restaurants spanning 39 states join together once again to offer these patriots a Free “Thank-you” Dinner Buffet on Monday Night November 15th from 5-9PM.

The offer is based on the honor system, no ID required; members of U.S. Reserves and National Guard are included in this special recognition offer. Once again the Disabled American Veterans Organization with 2.3 million disabled veterans, their families and survivors, will have members in the restaurants to distribute literature, sign up new members and volunteers, and accept donations in support of the DAV. An estimated 252,000 veterans attended last year helping this event raise over $241,000 for the DAV.

[LadyX]

Would you three use your master PING Lists to convey my post above about the Golden Corral?
Would really appreciate it ---

[JulieRNR21]

Don't know if anyone has posted this poem; but it is one of my favorites. The red poppy is worn on Veterans Day (Armistice Day) in remembrance of all who have made the supreme sacrifice:


In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

...Lt. Col. John Macrae

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Monday Night November 15, 2004 from 5-9PM

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1277245/posts?page=136#136

[deadhead]

Thank You, I have emailed this info to family and friends.