A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....11-10,11,12-06....Honoring Veterans Everywhere

November 10, 2006 | Billie

[luvie]

Tony Ramey~Heroes in the Field
[click]

[Billie]

I did ask you for the list earler, and I did save it, which is how I found the graphic that was posted with it before. :) But many of them are so "busy" where I added "Amy's Place" that it would take me forever to get the text off, especially if the vignette is also pretty intricate. I usually didn't save original graphics after I sent the finished ones to Amy. :(

[Diver Dave]

Our nation's official day to honor Veteran's has now passed into history. But here at FR's Finest... every day is Veteran's Day where my sisters and brothers are recognized for their service to our country.

It's been a very busy two days here in dd's city. Allow me to share some highlights and photos.

The threat of rain and subsequent showers on Veteran's Day put a bit of damper on the annual Veteran's Day Parade in downtown Modesto. Spectators were few compared to previous parades, but the faithful who did attend were witness to about three hundred veterans and family members gathered at the end of the parade route to hear the Grand Marshall, keynote speaker Jon Cavalani, a Medal of Honor recipient, Vietnam soldier and former POW honoring our Vets.

Three Honor Guards led the parade... Members of The American Legion, Modesto Firefighters Honor Guard and a group of gentlemen dressed in WWII combat uniforms carried a 48-star flag.

Parade Color Guards



Medal of Honor Recipient
Jon Cavalani

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Faces in the crowd
A Proud WWII Veteran



A poster honoring a lost son

I came home from the parade an received a terrific surprise from my beautiful Navy Bride... a Red, White and Blue bouquet of flowers. Though she was not a member of the Armed Forces, she served our country as a military spouse and I have no problem honoring her as a Vet also.

In the afternoon, we made our way to the Modesto airport. One of the large hangers owned by Sky Trek, provided the venue for, "Honor the Heroes: Keeping America Strong". About 1300 people gathered for an outstanding program. The Army Reserve 91st Division Band provided stirring music. The governor's Honor Guard present Colors and Soldiers and Marines paid tribute to 11 area soldiers and Marines who died in the line of duty. Two local JrROTC units from Riverbank HS Navy JrROTC and Ripon Army JrROTC participated to make it a very memorable day. Three area veterans were presented the California POW Medal of Honor.

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Governor's Own Honor Guard

Honor the Heroes
Army Reserve 91st Division Band



50 State Flags Presented by Ripon HS Army JrROTC

Physical issues prevented us from staying for the entire 4 hour program, but the warmth created by the program helped counter the chilly 50 degree temperatures inside the Hanger.

Then, as if yesterday's activities weren't enough, we attended the 1st Worship Service at our church. The service began with the congregation singing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" followed by "America the Beautiful".

Following prayer, the Ripon Jr ROTC Honor Guard presented Colors. The orchestra accompanied the congregation in singing The Nation Anthem.

Pastor Wade then asked the veterans present to please stand to be recognized and remain standing while pins were passed out to those standing.

The pastor's message incorporated a video interview with his son, a recently honorably discharged combat Marine and a live interview with a Vietnam Army veteran. The veterans in the audience were invited to join them on stage to stand shoulder to shoulder with our brother being interviewed. It was a very humbling experience for me as I joined about 100 men and women on stage, all the while receiving a standing ovation for our service.

Thanks to y'all for sharing a GREAT Veteran's Day weekend with me and my fellow vets.

Salute!

[luvie]

Thank you so much for sharing all those great pictures of our heroes with us. It looks like everyone there was gratefully paying honor and respect to the ones who keep us safe...and who have done so in the past. God bless them all!...yourself included!

[Majie Purple]

Yes indeed!

T Y Sweet Billie U 2!

[Majie Purple]

Thanks much for the Veteran's Day Parade pics ping, Diver D.!

[Majie Purple]

Thanks much for Your Sunday pings too!

[luvie]

You're welcome, friend!
Hope you're having a great weekend!

[Majie Purple]

My T Y part goes with the Sunday greeting to Freepers...
The other part goes with the P T L & graphic...You probably already realize that LOL!
;oD

[Majie Purple]

Neato! You found one!
Purple graphic and purplized text even!!!
Thanks for the luv Luv...
Ditto + Hugs.

[onyx]

Hi ya Billie --- I trust you're enjoying your weekend too!

[Lady Jag]

[Majie Purple]

That's Awesome, L J!

[jaycee]

Thanks, Billie......its glorious!

[jaycee]

Thanks once again for this telling picture.

[Majie Purple]

Yes, very telling pic indeed jaycee.
J.C. is "The Way;The Truth and The Life!!!"
((((Glad to know that You know that you know that too!))))

[The Mayor]

Please join us for Military Monday!!

[Kitty Mittens]

Thank you All for the Daily Pings and Blessings! Our Lord Cover the Finest with His Protection and Grace.

(((((Hugs to All)))))

[luvie]

Amen!

[.30Carbine]

How lovely! Thank you for including me in the ping, dear Billie. Blessed Monday to thee! (;