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

Dutchess

[Billie]

A Tribute to our Veterans...Past and Present

In 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month, the world rejoiced and celebrated. After four years of bitter war, the Allied powers a signed a cease-fire agreement (an armistice) with Germany at Rethondes, France on November 11, 1918, bringing World War I to a close. The "war to end all wars" was over.

A Tribute to our Veterans The Origins of Veterans Day

In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, became the focal point of reverence for America's veterans.

Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation's highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as "Armistice Day."

Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was "the War to end all wars," November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle.

Armistice Day Changed To Honor All Veterans

An answer to the question of how to pay tribute to those who had served in this latest, great war came in a proposal made by Representative Edwin K. Rees of Kansas: Change Armistice Day to Veterans Day, and make it an occasion to honor those who have served America in all wars. In 1954 President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.

On Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American war dead were brought from overseas and interred in the plaza beside the unknown soldier of World War I. One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean War. In 1973, a law passed providing interment of an unknown American from the Vietnam War, but none was found for several years. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from that conflict was placed alongside the others. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, The 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.

A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.

National Ceremonies Held at Arlington

The focal point for official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day continues to be the memorial amphitheater built around the Tomb of the Unknowns. At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb. The nation's tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath. The bugler plays "taps." The rest of the ceremony takes place in the amphitheater.

Someday We'll be Veterans Too...Pray for Us as We Pray for You

God Bless You..our Veterans ...thank you for your service for our country...and for being there as a support for us as we carry on your tradition...

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 11-08-04 Military Monday 11-09-04 What they're wearing to the Inaugural Ball 11-10-04 Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps.

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[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.