Posted on 11/03/2018 12:06:03 PM PDT by AFreeBird
KYIV, UkraineHow do you measure Americas greatness?
By the size of its economy, or the strength of its military?
By the height of its city skylines, or the audacity of the moon landings?
Perhaps, by the heroism of the Marines who landed on Iwo Jima, or of the Army soldiers who landed on Omaha Beach?
Maybe. But Americas greatness is not always measured like in the movies or a campaign speech. Sometimes, an anonymous act of gratitude is proof enough, even if we, as Americans, dont always see it that way.
In August, my wife, Lilya, and I were at dinner in Geyserville, California, with my younger brother, Drew, and his girlfriend, Gabrielle.
Wed been wine tasting all afternoon and had rounded off the day with a few cocktails to boot. Feeling a bit loosened up, my brother and I, as is our habit, slipped into a familiar topic of conversationthe war in Afghanistan.
You see, both Drew and I are U.S. military veterans. And, naturally, we get to talking about our wartime experiences whenever were together. Often a bit too loudly, as Lilya and Gabrielle gently suggested on that night in Geyserville.
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(Excerpt) Read more at dailysignal.com ...
Good read...Thank you!
I count my blessings
The sinking of the political scene is more a symptom of where the spirit of America has gone than a primary cause of it.
I wish I could stand up and be a one man band about it — I even wrote a song with not just a national but a worldwide view — but the logical side of me says, me and what army? If I have any fault left, the devil is sure ready to pick on it. I need spiritual coverage, or my desired ministry may fade away in a wishful whimper. One of the most dreadful cases I have heard about is William Cowper. He wrote sturdy hymns we use to this day. But his corporate prayer coverage was next to nil. The devil used a distortion of Calvinism to back him into a terrified, whimpering corner until he died (and Jesus finally told him it was all Satan’s lies). No thank you, I don’t want my last years to look like that.
Let’s vote, vote, vote... for the Lord’s mercy, on our knees. Will we forgive the foolish things that Democrats did in the power of the flesh? We should, if we want heavenly peace. Liberality is a powerful side of God. Secular liberalism is a feeble attempt to enact it by the power of the flesh.
.....”just that the number of choices in a typical grocery store was overwhelming”.....
I’ve read articles quoting leaders/officials from other countries who are stunned with our grocery stores , the ‘abundance’ displayed does stun many.
After spending three years stationed in Germany, my wife and I went to visit her parents in Southern California. We ran into a grocery store and I had the same experience: I was completely overwhelmed. Seems silly now, but it took a while to get used to the a abundance.
As for people thanking vets and buying meals or drinks, Ive been the recipient of many and Im far from loud. Being in uniform when traveling is enough for many people to stop and thank you. Im not a combat vetI was in the Air Force in an administrative position. Even when in uniform, I initially felt these encounters were almost a stolen valor incident. I realized after a while, that few civilians understand the differences and treasure their intent.
I must admit my most humbling incident. I was returning from a deployment, and I decided to get a real Chicago dog and a beer while waiting at OHare. A couple insisted on buying, and I realized even in one of the most liberal cities, Americans are Americans. Its a great country we serve; regardless of politics. Those from different counties, and those who spend a lot of time overseas immediately see it. We are blessed.
You are correct on both points, someone unsuccessfully tried to steal my camera while I was on public transportation.
I had a similar experience while wearing my father’s Navy cap. A few people thanked me for serving, but I never have (a big regret, btw). I don’t wear it any more... I don’t deserve the thanks, though I obviously appreciate where people who want to thank someone wearing a cap, jacket, etc. are coming from.
FWIW, my daughter is in JROTC and is very likely to join one or another of the services. I’m very proud of her, and just had to laugh when she was wearing her dress uniform when we stopped in Wallyworld on the way home, and some kind soul just couldn’t help but thank her profusely for serving. She was embarrassed, but naturally didn’t want to burst the guy’s bubble, so acted like he was right.
These incidents prove to me what kind of people live in this country...and THAT us what makes us great, not our buildings, wealth or geography (however great those may actually be). This article just reinforces my prior feelings.
These are the normal kind of Americans the left doesn't understand.
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Great article! Thank you for posting it.
Thank you for posting this!
I just sent a message to the author, suggested at the end of the article.
This is a “must save” that will be sent to other friends.
If anyone bothered to scroll down, there are comments there. They were hi-jacked by a socialist Canadian troll “Ivan” dissing the US for not having socialist health care. Americans replied.
Cool!
You would never know I was a Vet in public period as I wear nothing other then dress slacks, chaps shirts and Johnston & Murphy shoes and on occasion nice suits. I always liked clothes, so; like many others here in the 56-61 time period we mowed yards, shoveled snow etc. At 15 many of us worked construction in the summer.
You are spot on target. From Taiwan, to many other Asian countries to include Vietnam that damn sure was 3rd world one learns how great America is. Even Germany was down in 1957-60, and; we had Germans dig through our trash cans. Sad. Of all the places in America I love they are the historical plus the beautiful places well out of the way. Flaming Gorge looking from the Wyoming side to the Utah side at sunset is a sight few will forget. I grew up where history was all around us in upstate, NY plus we lived in VA. Yes, Yorktown is a battlefield that is as historic as any. The beauty of the Rockies near Vail and West back to the Adirondacks, the Smokies, plus so much more is why men have fought plus the freedoms only America has.
You can’t go anywhere in Upstate NY and not see some historic site.
True. My grandfather Marshall owned A.H. Marshall Dept. store. His summer camp on Lake Shore RD was about 7 buildings with a private camp for him and my grandmother. The Marshall men died/moved on, so; it was my granny Marshall and her husband a Johnson. The camp overlooked Valcour Island where the only Naval battle of 1812 took place. My older sister and I used to walk that shore line.
We’d find an occasional green bottle from that British Ship.
Strangely enough on the new this morning a couple of journalists mentioned this but said it is not an Australian thing. Well it is about time that changed. We are enlarging the Australian War memorial to properly honour those who fought in wars since WW2. About time I say!
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