Thanking vets is fun

Free Republic | Feb. 18, 2007 | Elizabeth Altham

[TASMANIANRED]

I do every opportunity.

[DTogo]

GREAT post!

[Grizzled Bear]

Your stupid post is making my eyes water.

Grumble Grumble - **SNIFF**

[endthematrix]

""He said, "Um, I'm a vet. So what?"
I said, "Thank you."
He said, "Huh?"

That's situational awareness and shock, considering that DU'ers would just spit on them.

[endthematrix]

Thank A Veteran For Your Freedom
By J. L. Sager

It was a veteran, not a reporter,
Who guaranteed freedom of the press.

It was a veteran, not a poet,
Who guaranteed freedom of speech.

It was a veteran, not a campus organizer,
Who guaranteed freedom to demonstrate.

It was a veteran, not a minister,
Who guaranteed freedom to worship.

It was a veteran, not a salesman,
Who guaranteed freedom to own property.

It was a veteran, not a travel agent,
Who guaranteed freedom to travel.

It was a veteran, not a politician,
Who guaranteed freedom to vote.

It is a veteran who salutes the Flag,
Risks it all for the Flag,
And who is buried beneath the Flag.

[USNBandit]

It is kind of embarrassing, but I have a lot of people thank me when I'm at the airport. They spot me from my bad hair cut and I usually have to hand carry some of my flight gear. I am surprised how many older ladies tell me they feel safer knowing there are military men on the plane.

[steel_resolve]

right on, kool post.

[AirForce-TechSgt]

You are very welcome.

[Kirkwood]

I was riding with my brother in his truck. I noticed that a lot of drivers were passing us and honking the horn and giving a wave. I was about to say something when my brother read my mind and said it was because of his Purple Heart license plates. He was severely wounded in Viet Nam and spent a year at Walter Reed and was retired from the military instead of being discharged. Even more than 30 years later he is still having surgery to treat the complications.

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Great post.
I do every opportunity I get.

[chadwimc]

My wife and I had an opportunity to go on a river "dinner cruise". On another deck was a WWll reunion. While waiting to get off the paddle wheeler, I struck up a conversation with an old artillery man.
Me: "You with the reunion?"
Vet: "Yup".
Me: "Not many of you guys left, is there?"
Vet: "Fewer every year".
Me: "You guys changed the world for my generation. Thanks old timer".
I truly think that was the first time a stranger had said anything positive to him about his Army service...

[Sally'sConcerns]

Occasionally I'm able to get out of the house in order to go over to Lawton, Ok (Ft. Sill) for doctors appointments. My fiance's Mom takes me over there and so I'll buy lunch if I'm not recuperating from anesthesia. In January we were in Lawton and she wanted to go to IHOP. We had ordered and our meal had arrived when a young man dressed in green fatigues and short haircut sat down next to us. I overheard him order for himself and a friend who was going to be joining him shortly. Even before I was finished eating, I commented to my fiance's Mom I needed ketchup and the waitress wasn't around. Got up from the table, gave the waitress my credit card and told her to put his ticket on my card. I also asked her to tell him it was from someone who appreciated his service. Hopefully she did but I'll never know since we left before his meal was served. It felt wonderful!

[Prokopton]

A couple of weeks ago I thanked a young captain who was returning to Iraq. "Right back at you from your brothers and sisters" was his reply. Now I think of that every time I here of another soldier killed or wounded.

[ADemocratNoMore]

Dittos. I've been doing that since 9/11 and have had the honor to meet a wide range of people, from a fellow at my father's nursing home who fought in WWI, an artist who mentioned in passing that he had landed on Omaha Beach, Korean War Vets to name a few. A lot of times its a baseball cap or t-shirt that gives away their identity.

Probably my most moving experience was introducing myself to a man at the grocery store who was wearing a hat that had something to do with Vietnam. I usually say something like "Excuse me sir, but I'm guessing from your cap that you are a veteran?", and then thank them for their service to our country. This man got real choked up and said I was the first person that ever said that to him. A lot of times they wind up thanking me & all I can do is come back with is something like "No, thank you".

In closing since a lot of Freepers have military backgrounds, let me just say, my most sincere thanks to those of you in combat for your service to our country, to your brothers and sisters in arms, those in military service around the planet, those who have served in times past and those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. A special thanks also to our Police, Fire-Rescue and EMS personnel here at home. You are True Heroes, all.

[Theresawithanh]

I definitely second your reply.

A GREAT BIG thank you to all FReepers who serve and have served this great country, whether in the military or as a police officer, firefighter or paramedic!

Great post, Mrs. BlackElk!

[3IDVET]

Thank you, for thanking a Vet...I myself thank every Vet I come in contact with, especially Vietnam Vets, my Father died in Nam so those Vets are special to me. I also have been thanked many times and each time it's still a surprise and a very rewarding experience. Thanks again to all of you who have thanked a Vet Keep it up...GOD BLESS AMERICA ALWAYS 3IDVET

[WLR]

Thank you and your family for the sacrifice of your Dad and all the things you never got to do with him by his loss..

Neither he his brothers nor their familes are forgotten

W

[R. Scott]

As do I with the current crop of vets. I have also been thanked numerous times - I run Purple Heart - combat wounded tags.
My favorite watering hole is close to the gate at Fort Eustis, and I often buy a beer and give a “thanks” to recently returned GIs.

[Northern Yankee]

How thoughtful and sweet. Thank you SC. I am sure the veteran will never forget your kindness.

I love to see a veteran's face light up when they are thanked. It makes my day.

God Bless all those who are serving, and all those that have.