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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....11-10,11,12-06....Honoring Veterans Everywhere
November 10, 2006 | Billie

Posted on 11/10/2006 7:12:48 AM PST by Billie










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 holidiay 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.

Realizing that peace was equally preserved by veterans of WW II and Korea, Congress was requested to make this day 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.










We as Americas owe much to the brave men and women who have fought to preserve our freedom, and though we are thankful every day for their sacrifice, two special days have been set aside to honor them each year:

  • Memorial Day honors the American Military who have died in their service for the country.

  • Veterans Day is to appreciate all who have served their country, both alive and dead.
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.





Every year the President of the United States urges All Americans to honor the commitment of our Veterans through appropriate public ceremonies. 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.











God Bless our veterans on this day and all others. We owe you our gratitude and our respect, for without you America would not be the strong and free country we know and love.






10-01-06 ~ Hall of Fame #17

THIS WEEK'S THREADS

11-06-06 Military Monday

11-07-06 I Pledge Allegiance

11-08-06 Warm Fuzzy Wednesday

11-09-06 Putting things wildly in perspective
Opinions by our own 'King of Ping'
Every Thursday at the Finest
The guy's good, folks!


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons
KEYWORDS: freepers; fun; patriotic; veterans
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To: Billie; dutchess; DollyCali; ST.LOUIE1; JustAmy; GodBlessUSA; Mrs.Nooseman; Colonel_Flagg; snugs; ..


Tony Ramey~Heroes in the Field

[click]

121 posted on 11/12/2006 12:42:25 PM PST by luvie (We didn't lose almost 3000 people that day.We lost one wonderful person at a time, almost 3000 times)
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To: NicknamedBob

I did ask you for the list earler, and I did save it, which is how I found the graphic that was posted with it before. :) But many of them are so "busy" where I added "Amy's Place" that it would take me forever to get the text off, especially if the vignette is also pretty intricate. I usually didn't save original graphics after I sent the finished ones to Amy. :(


122 posted on 11/12/2006 12:49:14 PM PST by Billie
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To: Billie; Mama_Bear; dutchess; DollyCali; The Mayor; GodBlessUSA; MEG33; LUV W; ...
Our nation's official day to honor Veteran's has now passed into history. But here at FR's Finest... every day is Veteran's Day where my sisters and brothers are recognized for their service to our country.

It's been a very busy two days here in dd's city. Allow me to share some highlights and photos.

The threat of rain and subsequent showers on Veteran's Day put a bit of damper on the annual Veteran's Day Parade in downtown Modesto. Spectators were few compared to previous parades, but the faithful who did attend were witness to about three hundred veterans and family members gathered at the end of the parade route to hear the Grand Marshall, keynote speaker Jon Cavalani, a Medal of Honor recipient, Vietnam soldier and former POW honoring our Vets.

Three Honor Guards led the parade... Members of The American Legion, Modesto Firefighters Honor Guard and a group of gentlemen dressed in WWII combat uniforms carried a 48-star flag.



Parade Color Guards



Medal of Honor Recipient
Jon Cavalani

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Faces in the crowd
A Proud WWII Veteran



A poster honoring a lost son

I came home from the parade an received a terrific surprise from my beautiful Navy Bride... a Red, White and Blue bouquet of flowers. Though she was not a member of the Armed Forces, she served our country as a military spouse and I have no problem honoring her as a Vet also.

In the afternoon, we made our way to the Modesto airport. One of the large hangers owned by Sky Trek, provided the venue for, "Honor the Heroes: Keeping America Strong". About 1300 people gathered for an outstanding program. The Army Reserve 91st Division Band provided stirring music. The governor's Honor Guard present Colors and Soldiers and Marines paid tribute to 11 area soldiers and Marines who died in the line of duty. Two local JrROTC units from Riverbank HS Navy JrROTC and Ripon Army JrROTC participated to make it a very memorable day. Three area veterans were presented the California POW Medal of Honor.

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Governor's Own Honor Guard

Honor the Heroes
Army Reserve 91st Division Band



50 State Flags Presented by Ripon HS Army JrROTC

Physical issues prevented us from staying for the entire 4 hour program, but the warmth created by the program helped counter the chilly 50 degree temperatures inside the Hanger.

Then, as if yesterday's activities weren't enough, we attended the 1st Worship Service at our church. The service began with the congregation singing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" followed by "America the Beautiful".

Following prayer, the Ripon Jr ROTC Honor Guard presented Colors. The orchestra accompanied the congregation in singing The Nation Anthem.

Pastor Wade then asked the veterans present to please stand to be recognized and remain standing while pins were passed out to those standing.

The pastor's message incorporated a video interview with his son, a recently honorably discharged combat Marine and a live interview with a Vietnam Army veteran. The veterans in the audience were invited to join them on stage to stand shoulder to shoulder with our brother being interviewed. It was a very humbling experience for me as I joined about 100 men and women on stage, all the while receiving a standing ovation for our service.

Thanks to y'all for sharing a GREAT Veteran's Day weekend with me and my fellow vets.

Salute!

123 posted on 11/12/2006 12:59:55 PM PST by Diver Dave
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To: Diver Dave

Thank you so much for sharing all those great pictures of our heroes with us. It looks like everyone there was gratefully paying honor and respect to the ones who keep us safe...and who have done so in the past. God bless them all!...yourself included!


124 posted on 11/12/2006 1:03:22 PM PST by luvie (We didn't lose almost 3000 people that day.We lost one wonderful person at a time, almost 3000 times)
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To: Billie
Yes indeed!

T Y Sweet Billie U 2!
125 posted on 11/12/2006 1:10:58 PM PST by Majie Purple
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To: Diver Dave

Thanks much for the Veteran's Day Parade pics ping, Diver D.!


126 posted on 11/12/2006 1:13:21 PM PST by Majie Purple
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To: MEG33; LUV W; The Mayor

Thanks much for Your Sunday pings too!


127 posted on 11/12/2006 1:15:56 PM PST by Majie Purple
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To: Purple Mountains Maj

You're welcome, friend!
Hope you're having a great weekend!

128 posted on 11/12/2006 1:23:00 PM PST by luvie (We didn't lose almost 3000 people that day.We lost one wonderful person at a time, almost 3000 times)
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To: Billie

My T Y part goes with the Sunday greeting to Freepers...
The other part goes with the P T L & graphic...You probably already realize that LOL!
;oD


129 posted on 11/12/2006 1:24:10 PM PST by Majie Purple
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To: LUV W

Neato! You found one!
Purple graphic and purplized text even!!!
Thanks for the luv Luv...
Ditto + Hugs.


130 posted on 11/12/2006 1:27:20 PM PST by Majie Purple
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To: Billie


Hi ya Billie --- I trust you're enjoying your weekend too!


131 posted on 11/12/2006 2:03:29 PM PST by onyx (I'm now a minority and victim of the democrats, but with full and free entitlements!)
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To: Purple Mountains Maj; Billie; Mama_Bear; jkphoto; ST.LOUIE1; snugs; GodBlessUSA; silent_jonny; ...

132 posted on 11/12/2006 2:27:00 PM PST by Lady Jag (Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid)
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To: Lady Jag

That's Awesome, L J!


133 posted on 11/12/2006 2:29:27 PM PST by Majie Purple
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To: Billie

Thanks, Billie......its glorious!


134 posted on 11/12/2006 4:53:20 PM PST by jaycee
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To: Purple Mountains Maj

Thanks once again for this telling picture.


135 posted on 11/12/2006 4:56:37 PM PST by jaycee
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To: jaycee

Yes, very telling pic indeed jaycee.
J.C. is "The Way;The Truth and The Life!!!"
((((Glad to know that You know that you know that too!))))


136 posted on 11/12/2006 6:57:09 PM PST by Majie Purple
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To: All
Please join us for Military Monday!!
137 posted on 11/12/2006 7:01:50 PM PST by The Mayor ( http://albanysinsanity.com/)
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To: MEG33; Purple Mountains Maj; Billie; LUV W; The Mayor; All
Thank you All for the Daily Pings and Blessings! Our Lord Cover the Finest with His Protection and Grace.

(((((Hugs to All)))))

138 posted on 11/12/2006 8:56:46 PM PST by Kitty Mittens (To God Be All Excellent Praise!)
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To: Kitty Mittens

Amen!


139 posted on 11/12/2006 9:32:52 PM PST by luvie (We didn't lose almost 3000 people that day.We lost one wonderful person at a time, almost 3000 times)
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To: Billie
How lovely! Thank you for including me in the ping, dear Billie. Blessed Monday to thee! (;
140 posted on 11/13/2006 12:38:05 AM PST by .30Carbine (I miss you, Countyline)
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