The FReeper Foxhole Celebrates Veterans Day - November 11th, 2003

various

[snippy_about_it]

Lord,

Keep our Troops forever in Your care

Give them victory over the enemy...

Grant them a safe and swift return...

Bless those who mourn the lost.
.

FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer
for all those serving their country at this time.


...................................................................................... ...........................................

U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues

Where Duty, Honor and Country
are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.

Our Mission:

The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans.

In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support.

The FReeper Foxhole hopes to share with it's readers an open forum where we can learn about and discuss military history, military news and other topics of concern or interest to our readers be they Veteran's, Current Duty or anyone interested in what we have to offer.

If the Foxhole makes someone appreciate, even a little, what others have sacrificed for us, then it has accomplished one of it's missions.

We hope the Foxhole in some small way helps us to remember and honor those who came before us.

To read previous Foxhole threads or
to add the Foxhole to your sidebar,
click on the books below.

Veterans Day



To our veterans - Thank You


Veterans Day

A day set aside to honor our country's living veterans. At the Foxhole honoring veterans is a major part of our mission.

Whereas we will not forget those who died or our POW/MIAs, and course those who are currently serving, today we specifically honor those men and women living among us who have served our country in times past, our living veterans.

Especially here at the Foxhole we are blessed to have veterans as part of our Foxhole family both as readers and contributors.


We would like to welcome all our veterans to the Foxhole on this very special day as we attempt to honor you and thank you for your service to our country. Freedom is not free and our debt to you and those gone before you can never fully be paid. May God richly bless you all. Welcome home and we will never forget.

It matters not where, when or how your served; here at home or in a foreign land, in the air, at sea or on land; in peacetime or in war, on the battefield or behind a desk; on supply lines; as an engineer, a mechanic, an infantrymen, a cook or medic. You chose to volunteer or fullfilled your duty by the draft and served America and we are forever grateful. Every job is important as they all support each other and the cause of freedom.

Some sacrifices are greater, yes, and some service more dangerous than others, yet all service is sacrifice by the troop and their family and we highly respect that service. Some gave all, all gave some.

Thank you all - from SAM and snippy




"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman." --Thomas Paine, Founding Father



"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their Nation."
--George Washington


"Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain."
--Dwight D. Eisenhower


"We must not forget the past. We must not forget those who sacrificed, but we must also remember the reason for their sacrifice. They died so tyranny would die. They died to create a better world for those of us who followed them. Their sacrifice was not in vain."
--Secretary of State Colin Powell as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, observing the 50th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1991.


"America was founded on the principles of liberty, opportunity, and justice for all, and on Veterans Day we recognize the men and women of our Armed Forces who have valiantly defended these values throughout our Nation's history.

These remarkable individuals have helped to make our Nation secure and to advance the cause of freedom worldwide. By answering the call of duty and risking their lives to protect their fellow countrymen, these patriots have inspired our Nation with their courage, compassion, and dedication.

Our proud veterans have also helped to shape the American character. They have given us an extraordinary legacy of patriotism and honor, and their service represents the highest form of citizenship."
--George W. Bush


Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.

--- Department of Veterans Affairs







It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the courts
who has given us the right to keep and bear arms.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN, who salutes the Flag,



and serves under the flag.


ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD,
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT
SHINE UPON THEM.
(CholeraJoe provided the above graphic - Thank you CJ)








I brought this next poster over from a Veterans Day thread SAM posted last year. I think it best represents the Foxhole's year-round effort in honoring our veterans by the history we bring to our readers.

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FReeper Foxhole Armed Services Links

[snippy_about_it]

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime.

In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.

While Veterans Day is typically a tribute to America's living veterans, it is always appropriate to include a moment of respect for those who gave their lives for their country.

The signing of the World War I Armistice took place in a railway coach near the battle zone in France. The bugles sounded "cease firing" and the hostilities ended, marking a most significant moment in world history.

Although 11 a.m. remains a traditional hour for this type of tribute, a moment of silence is appropriate at any time and may be followed by an instrumental or vocal rendition of "Taps."

Taps with 30 second drum roll
Windows Media Player


Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh -- Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Then good night, peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear -- Friend, good night.



Taps - The bugle call was written during the Peninsula Campaign of the Civil War
by General Daniel Butterfield, with an assist from his bugler, Oliver W. Norton, in 1862.

Like other things of great value, the security this country enjoys did not come cheaply. Part of the cost has already been paid by Americans who answered the call to military duty when their country needed them. They served in 11 wars from the Revolution to the Persian Gulf, earning the special distinction "veteran."

But another part of freedom's cost must continue to be paid long after the guns have been silenced. This debt is owed America's veterans.

Some need their country's help, even as their country once needed theirs, to readjust, to recover from wounds or to overcome hardships of age and infirmity. Most need and ask nothing in repayment of their sacrifices.

Let us continue to help those veterans in need with the greatest possible compassion and efficiency. To the rest, since they ask no special help, we can best pay tribute this day by recognizing what they have achieved and joining them in their resolve to keep America strong and free.

Today is Veterans Day and all across the country, flags are flying and events will honor the men and women who have served our nation so that we may live in peace and security.

Today has a special meaning, with many members of the uniformed services on the ground in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere.


We welcome your well wishes to our veterans and please share any pictures or stories you might have of your own service or a friend or family member. If you'd like to post a picture and have no server just send me a freep mail and we can post it for you.

Thank you and enjoy your Veterans Day!

[snippy_about_it]

you should all have blue auras about you
so we would instantly be able to identify you
instead you blend in amongst us

brothers, fathers, sons
sisters, mothers, daughters
white collar, blue collar and pink

history may be written on your face
but we are unaware

minus the aura painted blue to surround you
perhaps instead, we who know who we are
should carry ourselves with a smile in passing our countrymen

being forever thankful that you chose
to serve and defend the country
in which we so fortunately live

To all our veterans -- Thank you

sai 11.03

[snippy_about_it]

SAMWolf





from a far off country your parents brought you
to the land of the free and the home of the brave
and you became one of America's sons


as you grew, the fabric of your soul
became intricately woven among the threads of Old Glory
your spirit sings the songs of our founding fathers



for payment not required you volunteered to give all
you joined the many that fight for the freedom we possess
you band of brothers, our beloved countrymen



in harms way you proudly served, came home and served again
older now and out of uniform you continue to serve in both words and deeds



your love of country, deeper than home grown
blessed with knowing the true meaning of liberty and freedom
causes you to respect America's flag and all it stands for

your love of country will never die
and when you've given her all you have to give
you will rest in the bosom of her for eternity

a blessed Veterans Day to you SAMWolf

it's easy to love you
and call you my friend


sai 10.03

[snippy_about_it]

[snippy_about_it]

.......FALL IN to the FReeper Foxhole!



Happy Veterans Day Everyone!
Please join us in thanking our veterans for their sacrifice and service.


If you would like added to our ping list let us know.

[snippy_about_it]

Restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day:

A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Today, there are more than 26-million veterans in the U.S., about one of every eight adults. The largest number, 8- million, served during the Vietnam War, and about 6-million fought in World War II.

Veterans Day 2003: Nov. 11

Who Do We Celebrate Today?

26.4 million - The number of military veterans in the United States; this is a ratio of about 1-in-8 (or 13 percent) of U.S. civilians 18 and over. LINK

1.6 million - The number of veterans who are women. LINK

In the most recent period of service (August 1990 or later), women accounted for nearly 16 percent of all veterans. In contrast, women make up about 4 percent of World War II veterans and 2 percent of Korean War veterans. LINK

9.7 million - The number of veterans who are age 65 or over. LINK

57.4 - Median age of the nation’s veterans. LINK

2.6 million - The number of black veterans. Additionally, 1.1 million are Hispanic, 284,000 are Asian and 196,000 are American Indian or Alaska native. (The numbers for blacks, Asians, and American Indians or Alaska natives cover only those reporting a single race.) LINK

Vietnam-era veterans account for the largest share of all veterans, about 3-in-10. The next largest share, about 2-in-10, served during World War II. LINK

Where Do They Live?

7 - The number of states with 1 million or more veterans. These states include California (2.6 million), Florida (1.9 million), Texas (1.8 million), New York (1.4 million), Pennsylvania (1.3 million), Ohio (1.1 million) and Illinois (1.0 million). LINK

17 - The percentage of Alaska civilians 18 and over who are veterans, the highest rate in the country. Veterans account for about 16 percent of the adult population in Montana, Nevada, Wyoming and Maine. LINK

27 - The percentage of Hampton, Va., adult civilian residents who are military veterans. Hampton, near the country’s largest naval station at Norfolk, has the highest concentration of veterans of any place with 100,000 or more residents. Clarksville, Tenn. (near Fort Campbell, Ky.), and Fayetteville, N.C. (home of Fort Bragg), followed closely. LINK

Poverty

5.6 - The poverty rate for veterans, much lower than the 10.9 percent of the adult population in general in poverty. LINK

Disabilities

Almost 3-in-10 veterans have disabilities. LINK

$18.5 billion - The aggregate amount of money received annually by the 2.4 million veterans receiving compensation for service-connected disabilities. (These figures came from the soon-to-be-released Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2003.)

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Veterans Day bump!

[E.G.C.]

Good morning to you Snippy and everyone at the Freeper Fxohole.

Folks, today is Veterans Day. If by chance you happen upon a veteran, take a moment to thank him or her for the freedoms we have today.

[snippy_about_it]

Good morning Matt,

Happy Independence Day to you and a big Happy third birthday to your son!

Thank you for stopping in with your well wishes for our veterans today.

[snippy_about_it]

Good morning EGC.

We are off to a cold and rainy Veterans Day today.

[snippy_about_it]

Look what I found! Thank you for your service CholeraJoe and Happy Veterans Day.

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That's CholeraJoe on the right assuming command of the 1st Strategic Hospital, Vandenberg AFB, CA, 2 July 1989.

After completion of the Aerospace Medicine Primary course in 1982, he returned to Eglin AFB, FL where he flew with the 55th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing and the 20th Special Operations Squadron of the 1st Special Operations Wing at nearby Hurlburt Field.

After temporary duty in Honduras in 1985, and several tours with Air Force Systems Command and Strategic Air Command, he assumed command of the 1st Strategic Hospital, Vandenberg AFB, CA on July 2, 1989. During this assignment he flew numerous missions with Detachment 8, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron in support of missile launches, range safety, night recovery, and over-water rescue missions.

CholeraJoe's Military Honors include the Meritorious Service Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 2 oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Recognition Ribbon and the Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one bronze star.

CholeraJoe's FR homepage

[Do the Dew]

Good Morning Snippy.

I called my father first thing this morning to thank him for his service. He is a good man and served his country proudly.

Thank you for a wonderful thread to honor our Veterans on this special day.

[snippy_about_it]

Thank you Do the Dew for stopping in and mentioning your dad. He served in the Marines in Vietnam, correct?

[CholeraJoe]

LOL! You never lose anything, do you , snippy? Thanks.

[Valin]

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.


Armistice Day Changed To Honor All Veterans


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.

On Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American war dead were brought from overseas and interred in the plaza beside the unknown soldier of World War I. One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean War. In 1973, a law passed providing interment of an unknown American from the Vietnam War, but none was found for several years. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from that conflict was placed alongside the others. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, The 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.

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.


National Ceremonies Held at Arlington


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.

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

[manna]

Present!

[snippy_about_it]

LOL. Not if it's important to me. ;)

[snippy_about_it]

Happy Veterans Day manna.

[snippy_about_it]

Dad of Foxhole FReeper Samwise




Here is the picture of Daddy's sled dogs when he was in Alaska/Aleutians. They were soldiers too. Dad said they kept him from freezing to death one night.


One of Dad's buddies is giving him a lift.


I commented to Samwise I thought her father was a handsome man. Her response - You are correct. He was very good looking. He said that when he got home from the war, the girls all wanted a medal or a ribbon. They even took some of his uniform buttons. Of course, he didn't tell me that--he told my husband. LOL


Working in the field - I have the camera that Dad used to take these pictures. He loaned another GI some money and the camera was collateral. Dad was never one to spend much money, and he loaned the other guys money a lot. He said they were bad about wasting it. He said that once he loaned a lot of money to another GI for an emergency of some sort. Never expecting to see the money again, Dad forgot all about it. Years after the war, Dad got a letter with cash from the guy, paying the debt in full.


The tent on the right is Dad's. They held prisoners in the building in the back.