[DoughtyOne]

I felt that our veterans and current members of the military deserved a thread today. I hope that folks will join me in wishing them well on this thread.

[RetiredArmy]

Veterans Day 2002

Or as I like to proudly call it:

"Defenders of Freedom and Liberty Day!!!

[Militiaman7]

VETERANS DAY 2002

Saluting:All Veterans
Thank you for your service

Remembering all those who have given their all for our liberty and freedoms

[leadpenny]

Check out C-SPAN. John Kerry is speaking at the Wall. Live.

[ladyinred]

What a wonderful post! Thank you for doing this.

My heartfelt thanks to all who have served, past and present to preserve our lives and freedoms. We can never repay the sacrifices you have made.

Happy Veterans day from a grateful nation!

[Cold Heat]

On this day, I solemly dedicate my thought and prayers to all that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

I also hope for the safe return of those in harms way.

My heart goes out to the families who long for their loved ones as I deal with the guilt of knowing that someone did indeed die in my place.

Bump for all the Vets on this special day.

[austingirl]

Thank you and God bless you to all the veterans and their families.

[Copperhead61]

My undying gratitude to the men and women of the armed forces who voluntarily give up part of their freedom to ensure we keep all of ours. God bless you and your unselfish families.

[WSGilcrest]

[Mixer]

Everyone should be sure to also check out the FR's Finest tribute. The more of these the better. All of our heroes shoukd be thanked as often as possible.

Here is the FR Finest thread.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/786703/posts

[Moose4]

God bless all the active military folks and veterans here on FR! Thank you!

In memory, SGT Henry P. Gregory Sr., Army 1944-46. My father. And in memory of all those who never came home to our shores.

}:-)4

[Rushmore Rocks]

Today I salute my father, Delvin Leroy Whipple. He left the Kansas farm to enlist in the 7th Cavalry in Fort Bliss, Texas. Horses were something he knew well. Next came the Army Air Corps, then the Air Force. He served in the Philippines durning WWII and in Germany after the war. The military was his life and his career.

He is now a hale and hearty 85 years old and,(weather permitting) plays 9 holes of golf every day. My husband and I are blessed to have both him and my mother living with us for the past 7 years.

He is my hero.

[pubmom]

To all of our military members, a deepest heartfelt thanks for all the sacrifices you've made. God bless you all!

[Skooz]

Lawrence Nean Taylor

April 1935 - September 2002
United States Air Foce 1952 - 1974

B-29 Tail Gunner in the Korean War; Boom Operator in KC-97s and KC-135s for the remainder of his service, including several tours in Vietnam.

God bless you, dad. You were a soft-spoken man with more decency and maturity than anyone I have ever known. You showed me what it is to be a man, and I will never be half the man that you were. Rest in Peace.

[Feiny]

Veteran of the Month for November

[Feiny]

[bkwells]

Thank you for the post from an Active Duty Navy Senior Chief.

[T Wayne]

Many thanks for the thread.

To all the others posters, many thanks for Your service to your country and for the respect shown to the other Veterans who have served and died for their country.

I would also like to honor my 5 Uncles who served during WW2 and Korea, especially Uncle Joseph who was killed in a bomber crash shortly after takeoff, My oldest brother who served in the Army, '57-'59, My next brother who served in the Army (in Europe) '68-'70.

And my Son Geoffrey, USMC, '95-'99

And those souls from LZ San Juan Hill, 1970. Bravo Btry, 6/11 Arty, in support of the 4/3 Inf. Btn.

T. Wayne, Arty Recon Sgt., Charlie Co. 4/3 Inf., Feb 1970

[maxwellp]

We Americans honor our veterans today, including the ones who never made it home. And we thank them. We pray for our current military all over the world. As President Bush said today in a speech to all veterans "They are the best Americans".

[xzins]

Today at the Veteran's Day program I had the honor to be seated next to a WWII POW. G_S_ was held by the Germans at Stalag Luft #4 in both Germany and Poland until the end of the war. He is an old man. I prayed the opening prayer and when I sat down, GS handed me an old crumpled piece of paper. On it was written "The Airman's Prayer." I said to him, "G_, would you mind if I used this in my closing prayer?" His elderly head nodded.

After the program I asked if he was on email. He nodded again. He was a man of few words, I guess. I asked if he would send me a copy of the "Airman's Prayer." Again, he nodded, so I gave him my address. He allowed me to write it on the reverse side of his crumpled piece of paper.

I just had this arrive on my computer and thought I'd share it with you all. I wondered about the numbers as I read the prayer at the meeting today. I've got moist eyes as I write this now to you.

God Bless America. God Bless you G_S_. God bless you soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen out there.


"The Airman's Prayer"


NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP
AND PRAY THE LORD MY SOUL TO KEEP
AND SHOULD I DIE UPON THE MORROW
LET NO ONE GRIEVE IN USELESS SORROW
FOR WHEN I GO INTO THE BLUE
I BUT TAKE THE CHANCE AS OTHERS DO
BUT SHOULD I RETURN TO LIVE AND TELL
OF THE THIRTY-FIFTH TIMES I CHEATED HELL
I'LL THANK YOU LORD FOR BEING KIND
AND PUTING AT REST AN UNEASY MIND
IN ANY EVENT I HOPE YOU KNOW
THAT NO MATTER HOW, OR WHERE, OR WHEN I GO
THAT WHEN I GO INTO THE BLUE
I'M CLIMBING THE STAIRS THAT LEAD TO YOU
AND BECAUSE I'M NOT AN ANGEL YET
ITS AS CLOSE TO HEAVEN AS I CAN GET

THE THIRTY-FIVE MENTIONED WAS THE REQUIREMENT OF MISSIONS
TO FLY BEFORE WE COULD GO HOME. I ONLY FINISHED 25 AND
WAS SHOT DOWN ON THE 26TH
THANKS FOR LETTING ME SHARE THIS WITH YOU
GR___ L. SW________

[Faithfull]

Mere words can't express my appreciation to all of you who have served our country. I thank you and will remember you and yours in my prayers. May God Bless you really good!