FReeper Canteen~FReepers:Please post a Christmas message to our troops~Troops: for you~20Dec05

Hearts of FReepers | Troops: Thank you for your service! | Honor our troops

[GummyIII]

 

To all who serve and have served  in our armed forces, at home and abroad:  

There are never enough words to express how valuable and appreciated the services of our armed forces  are.  We, as a group of folks dedicated to the support and love of  our troops, cannot begin to thank you enough for what you do and have done to protect the rights and freedoms of our country.  Many people forget that "our country"  is not just the land on which we live, but that it includes the very lives of the folks who live upon this land.   Long have you fought for our nation.  Since we were attacked on September 11, 2001, you have selflessly fought against global terrorism and for democracy in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Both countries have now successfully held democratic elections!! What an outcome!  What a victory!  On top of that, you have affected far more than these two countries.  The Saudi's have held municipal elections, the Iranians are fighting back against the theocracy that rules them, the Jordanians are reforming their market economics, and  much, much more!

You are shining the light of liberty in the darkest of worlds.  Because of you, we remain free.  Because of you, we remain safe.  Because of you, we are strong.  Because of you, we have hope for a bright future for our children.  And, because of you, the children of Iraq and Afghanistan have the hope of a bright future.  What a gift you have given!  Thank you.

In this holiday season (the Christmas season for me and for many of you), we want to share our wishes, support, love, concern, thanks, and praise. Today, especially, you will read many such messages throughout this thread, and  each day as we support you.  Thank you for all you do.  This thread  is dedicated to you. The Canteen is dedicated to you. May you always be blessed, and may your families be blessed.  

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Holidays

Gummy and the rest of the Canteen 

(FReepers, use this thread to share your messages to our troops. Your heartfelt words are what is important.  Graphics and HTML are welcome but not necessary.  Remember, a lot of our heroes are on slow connections!! )

To all who serve:  Here are some greetings to you from our Canteen folks.  Please continue to read the thread throughout the next 24+ hours for more messages in the progressing thread.

68-69Tonkingulfyachtclub writes:

"Dear Service Person

I don't know your name BUT I do know who you are.
YOU are a true Patriot and a Defender of our Freedom at home.
You choose to enlist when you did not have to.
You choose to put your life in harms way for us.
Know that at home there are millions upon millions
of people supporting YOU and your Brother and Sisters.
We will be waiting for YOU when you return.
May God watch over you and your Brothers and Sisters
in the military, no matter where they are stationed
or their job description.
Thank You for your service to our country.
Thank You for Standing the Watch."

A Viet Nam Vet

Laurenmarlowe writes:

"To all of our brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces all over the world and at home to keep us free, I humbly thank you for your service, and wish you a safe and Happy Holiday. God Bless you all." 

"My family and I can never re-pay the debt owed to America's military personnel and their family  members, but we can certainly express our sincere admiration and gratitude. Job well done, and may God bless you during the new year!"

Coop
Springfield VA

"Dear Heroes (cause that's what you are!),
Thank you so much for the sacrifices you are making on my behalf. I truly appreciate it! I hope that even if  you have to be away from your friends and family this Christmas, you'll find some happiness and joy where you are!! "

Hugs and smooches! StarCMC




"LUV W wants to thank all the members of our armed forces everywhere for the sacrifices you all make to keep our country safe from all forms of danger; and for protecting and fighting for democracy  around the world. God bless every service member at this Christmas season. I pray daily that you all will stay  safe and return to your families and your grateful country as soon as possible. Merry Christmas and happy  New Year to each and every one of MY HEROES!!!!"

Gabz writes:

To the Men and Women in our Armed Services

I say thank you to any I happen to bump into, but wish to take this opportunity, particularly at this special time of year, to extend my deepest thanks for all you do and all you sacrifice for the rest of us.  May God be with you.

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year

Children laughing, faces aglow;
A kiss beneath the mistletoe.
Carols playing and being sung--
Christmas season now has begun.

For those with their loved ones
And those apart,
Christ's birth and its season
Is steadfast in each heart.

God bless those who love, support, and serve our country.

Merry Christmas!
Fawnn

Eaker writes:
"The Eaker family has been in and behind the Military since we arrived in America in the early 1700's.

God Bless our troops and God speed to them!

We want you to come home too, but we want you home when you know that you are done, not on the liberal timetable."

Diva Betsy Ross writes:

Dear United States Soldier, Marine, allied solider and family member, My family sends our best wishes for a hopeful holiday season for you all. We are mindful that while we celebrate our holidays and carry out our own family traditions, that it is YOU who provide for our security. We know that even if you do not share our religious views, it is YOU who protect our religious celebrations. And so it is with a melancholy heart that we wish you a joyous holiday, a Merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah and peaceful New Year. Melancholy because we are so proud of you and what you are doing for peace in other countries - and we rely upon you to keep the peace thru out the world, yet we will just not be the same until you are home with us. May God always hold you close- The DBR family

Dear American solider, family member and allied soldiers. Thank you for protecting America- I am proud of you. I hope you come home safe and soon! Please do not get any broken bones. Jimmy (DBR's son), age 7.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all of our Troops that celebrate. For those that don't, *Thank You* for defending our country. We are so unworthy of your sacrifice.

To all of our Troops in the sandbox or floating somewhere on God's Earth, GIVE'EM HELL!! Thank you for ensuring that America is the greatest place to live in the world. May God comfort each one of you during this holiday season.

Happy New Year! Stay safe!!
Thank you from The Sailor, hotstreak, Timmy, and MoJo2001

Radu writes:

My heart-felt thanks go out to our military men and women serving around the world.  This Christmas Season, as every day, all are in my thoughts and prayers.  The same for the families who keep the home fires burning. Your part is just as important.  All of you are my heroes and your efforts and sacrifices are appreciated more than you may ever know. Thank you so much for ensuring our freedom. I have no other way to repay that debt other than to offer my full support.   I wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas, and for our Troops, a safe return home to your loved ones. 
From the hills of Tennessee, sending (((BEAR HUGZ))) your way!


Graphics by Moon and Back Graphics

[GodBlessUSA]

Gummy Thank you. You have created such a beautiful thread.
To Our Troops at Christmas time and always,

[TASMANIANRED]

Thank you for the thread and the opportunity.

[Soaring Feather]

Thank You. To YOU, my heart felt thanks for your service.

[SevenofNine]

WHOA report from Drudge site NY Times plan more crap and reveal more on spying on American citizens according to report from Drudge sources at NY Times

Also another report off hareetz wire you knew this going happen Bibi Nethaurauyu been elect Likud Party leader after stroke of Ariel Sharon yesterday

[luvie]

Bring Us Home Again

He slowly came awake today
and he lumbered to his feet,
for it was just two hours
before that he faded off to sleep.

He donned the day's attire and
grabbed his M-16.
He headed off to breakfast to keep
him strong and lean.

As he walked down to the chow line
he kept a watchful eye.
He didn't want the enemy
to take him by surprise.

As the chaplin said a special prayer
on this very special day,
he kept thinking of his family
that is oh so far away.

He rubbed his left breast pocket
where he keeps a picture of his wife
and a letter from his daughter that
he reads most every night.

He fought back a single tear
as he stared out at the sand,
wishing he could be back home
with his family close at hand.

He shook his head to clear his thoughts
and then be on his way.
He's defending our great country
and has little time to play.

When he got out to the fence line,
his buddy by his side,
he exchanged a "Merry Christmas"
followed by a tired sigh.

He climbed upon the watchtower,
his mouth a tiny grin.
He said, "Merry Christmas to the world"
and "God, please, bring us home again".

~Bradley A. Peraino~




GOD BLESS AMERICA
~~~~~~~~~~
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS

[SevenofNine]

Well Merry Christmas to all US troops lurking on Canteen thread and rest of the year

Guys if you get USA networks I think you could still could watch WWE having Monday Night Raw in Ahgatarion base tonight

Start 9pm est/pst tonight on USA networks

[La Enchiladita]

A Christmas Rose

Each December near my home
There blooms a Christmas rose
Unharmed by snow or bitter cold
This lovely blossom grows

I know not why it does not die
When wintery breezes press
I only know a brighter world
Comes from its loveliness

A legend says that Christmas rose
Came that first Christmas day
So that a child might have a gift
Before her Lord to lay

May God’s rich gifts be yours today
His blessings fall anew
And whether skies be dark or fair
May roses bloom for you . . .

U.S. Troops, you are now and forever in my heart,
our destiny entwined as through your strength, ferocity and gentle generosity
our nation continues to breathe free
May God bless you and yours through countless generations
You are the pride of America.

[Pistov Elf]

LISTEN UP PEOPLE!!!

Some of you are still on the Naughty List...time is short!!

Pistov

[TASMANIANRED]

[GummyIII]

But, Pistov...we KNOW none of our troops are on the naughty list!!!!!

[GummyIII]

Thread's up...

[AZamericonnie]

Supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen at more than 1,000 places across the U. S. and around the world.

~Tribute to Our Troops~

[La Enchiladita]

No, Shawn has not learned that prayer yet,
but the "Sailors" have an idea what it is...

[luvie]

(((((hugs)))))...GB!!!!! How are you this evening. That is a beautiful post!

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Evening Luv! :)
Hugs
I'm fine. How are you tonight?

[luvie]

Good evening, sir! How are you doing? (((hugs)))

[Mr. Silverback]

The Good Stuff for 20 December, 2005

The Word
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 2The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." --Luke 1:26-28

The Quote
"It is the common fate of the indolent to see their rights become a prey to the active. The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance; which condition if he break, servitude is at once the consequence of his crime and the punishment of his guilt." --John Philpot Curran

The Joke
Sign seen during a conference: FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR

The Hero--Today’s Medal of Honor Recipient

ADDISON E. BAKER
Posthumous Award




Baker and his co-pilot Major John L. Jerstad hold their B-24 Liberator "Hell's Wench" in formation over the vital Ploesti oil facilities. Jerstad also received the Medal of honor posthumously for this action. He and Baker were among 532 American airmen killed, captured or interned as a result of this mission.

Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Air Corps, 93d Heavy Bombardment Group
Place and date: Ploesti Raid, Rumania, 1 August 1943
Entered service at: Akron, Ohio
Born: 1 January 1907, Chicago, Illinois
Issued: 11 March 1944
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy on 1 August 1943. On this date he led his command, the 93d Heavy Bombardment Group, on a daring low-level attack against enemy oil refineries and installations at Ploesti, Rumania. Approaching the target, his aircraft was hit by a large caliber antiaircraft shell, seriously damaged and set on fire. Ignoring the fact he was flying over terrain suitable for safe landing, he refused to jeopardize the mission by breaking up the lead formation and continued unswervingly to lead his group to the target upon which he dropped his bombs with devastating effect. Only then did he leave formation, but his valiant attempts to gain sufficient altitude for the crew to escape by parachute were unavailing and his aircraft crashed in flames after his successful efforts to avoid other planes in formation. By extraordinary flying skill, gallant leadership and intrepidity, Lt. Col. Baker rendered outstanding, distinguished, and valorous service to our Nation.

Prior to the war, Baker was a member of the Ohio National Guard.

Memorial to the 93rd in the Honor Court at the Air Force Academy. The Academy's chapel is seen in the background.

[AZamericonnie]

Heartfelt & beautiful Gummy....Thank you for this evenings thread!

[luvie]

Doin' really good--in spite of having to work at the mall at Christmas time! LOL!

[Pistov Elf]

Ho! Ho! Nope! Not a single one of our Troops are on the Naughty List! But...a few wimpy FReepers still don't have the Christmas Spirit -- as they should! Let's get the Lead out!!

They'd better be posting some greetings to the Troops, and/or sending some Goodies (supplies) to them this Christmas and several times during the year!!

Also, it would earn the extra special points if they sent thank you cards, or visited some of our wounded troops in the Hospitals. And remember your Veterans too!!

Santa says "God Bless'em All!!

Pistov Salutes all our Brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen