My little town did this for local veterans and service members.
Posted on 11/11/2014 9:02:11 AM PST by NKP_Vet
A VETERANS DAY GREETING FROM THE VFW NATIONAL COMMANDER ‘Our veterans deserve our lasting gratitude and respect’ November 10, 2014
Our great country produces a lot of things. But the standout, the strongest, most resilient, honorable, dedicated, committed and true American product will always be the American veteran. Veterans exist to protect our way of life and on Nov. 11, Veterans Day, we join with the hundreds of thousands of patriotic Americans across the nation in paying tribute to America’s most selfless citizens.
On Veterans Day we honor those who are dedicated to something bigger than themselves. We honor every man and woman who has proudly worn the uniform of our armed forces and bravely defended America from the many evils of the world. Whether serving here at home or abroad, this elite group of individuals has ensured that we are able to live our daily lives free of tyranny and fear.
This relatively small group of individuals does not ask for anything from us in return. Our veterans have bravely answered the call to preserve the values upon which our nation was founded and their service should make every American feel a deep sense of pride.
For those currently deployed, we pray for their safe return, and the VFW stands ready to support their families while they are away.
Our veterans deserve our lasting gratitude and respect. Each and every American veteran has had a significant role in shaping America’s past, our present and undoubtedly, our future. Though we cannot repay them for their many sacrifices, we must show our appreciation through whatever means possible.
This Veterans Day, I ask all Americans to join me in focusing your thoughts of thanks to those who fight to protect our way of life. We are truly privileged to have such noble and extraordinary citizens.
And to my fellow veterans, I thank you for your commitment and extraordinary sacrifice. I’m proud to call you my comrades!
John W. Stroud VFW Commander-in-Chief
NKP_Vet Master Sergeant, Retired, USAF, Lifemember, Veterans of Foreign Wars
My dad served two tours in Vietnam. Among the medals he was awarded, he got 46 Air medals. You got an Air Medal every time you had 20 missions. Now, those missions could be attacking enemy positions, inserting and extracting troops, or:
One day, dad was coming back from a Beer Run to Danang. His Huey was loaded to the gills with rockets, machine guns, and Ice-Cold Coors, his crew was making their way back to Quang Tri when an alert came over the radio- A platoon was pinned down and taking fire from NVA forces. Since he was in the area, he volunteered to get them out.
After pickling a few rockets into enemy troop positions, and his door gunners sweeping the area, he got the platoon on board his chopper and began flying them back to their Fire base.
Tired, exhausted, and wounded, the Marines heard dad say over the intercom: "Got some ice-cold beer in the back if you want it". Needless to say, their day immediately got better.
Why my dad didn't get the Medal of Honor for this, I'll never know.
Nice. Very touching.
Beautiful tribute. Much appreciation to all of the vets.
Hugs and kisses to all of our vets. My heroes, I love you each and never will forget your service and dedication.
God Bless you, NKP_Vet. Sending you a hug today.
My uncle was with the 101st Airborne for the invasion of Normandy. He told me that he was luckier than a lot of his buddies who got shot on the way down. He also participated in the Battle of the Buldge, where he was wounded. I asked him did he get a Purple Heart. He said no and I asked him why. He said he was embarrased to mention the wound because he got shot in the ass. He showed me the scar where the bullet went in the top of ass sideways and came out. He told me he put a bandaid on it and never mentioned it again. I said “you should have gotten a PH”. He said “bullshit, it was nothing”. He was awarded the Bronze Star for actions at Bastonge. He passed away a few years ago and I was pallbearer at his funeral. My Uncle Willie. Hell of a man.
What a great story. Thanks for sharing to all to know about.
Thank you for sharing about your, Uncle Willie.
Great stories and tributes on this thread.
O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on your departed veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country. Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of your Son they may share in the joy of your heavenly kingdom and rejoice in you with your saints forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
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