A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day 07-01-02

Billie

[Billie]

A Few of FR's Finest.....
......Every Day

FR is a Treasure Trove of talented, compassionate, patriotic, wonderful people who gather every day to discuss the latest news and issues;  salute
and support our military and our leaders;  tell a few jokes;  learn a new
word;  write poetry;  pray for those in need;  and congratulate those who
are deserving. Thank you, Jim Robinson, for giving us the vehicle in which
we can express ourselves.

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.  I
can remember lurking when there were only a few regulars who posted, and now there are over 60,000 who have registered for posting privileges. The forum is read daily by tens of thousands
of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest November 11, 2001

So many people have written me since my original Veteran's Day Tribute, asking how they, or a loved one, could be included in that tribute. Since I can no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I've been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.

Still that doesn't seem to be enough. I think there's never been a better nor more appropriate time to keep the faces of our own Veterans and Active Military in front of FReepers--every day! That's why I wanted to do yet another Daily Thread .....ABOUT FReepers .....and FOR FReepers. But not only about our Military FReepers; for all FReepers! Wouldn't it be nice to get to know a few of the other FReepers as well? That's why, in addition to seeing FR's Finest Military Personnel every day, I thought it might be fun to feature a different FReeper (or FReepers) each day. If you would like to be pictured, or know someone who would, please FReepmail me and we'll turn the spotlight - on YOU - for the day!

And do let me know if you'd like your picture added to the groups of Veterans/Active Military below. I will keep this page updated, and continue to add them to the comment section of the original Veteran's Day thread as well.

TOP: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete
MIDDLE:  T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
BOTTOM:  YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1

TOP:  Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet

MIDDLE:  4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga

BOTTOM:  Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

TOP:  mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette

MIDDLE:  Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid

BOTTOM:  gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

TOP:  porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP

MIDDLE:  RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian

BOTTOM:  USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

TOP:  spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68

MIDDLE:  FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797
BOTTOM:  usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack

TOP:  g'nad, AgThorn's son Justin, SLB, AgThorn's son Brett

MIDDLE:  fish70, razorback-bert, CheneyChick,Leroy S Mort, Mark17

BOTTOM:  Terry's Take, Taxman, DinkyDau

TOP:  ValerieUSA's son Grant, SK1Thurman, kd5cts, RangerVetNam,

dansangel and .45man's son-in-law Tony

BOTTOM:  rangerX, Old China Hand, Trish, Howlin's dad, Mustang

TOP: ohioWfan's son, MamaBear's father-in-law, MamaBear's dad, ladtx

MIDDLE:  The Mayor's niece, M.Kehoe, Beach_Babe's son-in-law

BOTTOM:  deadhead's dad, HiJinx, Severa's hubby, viligantcitizen's granddad.

                     

          We Were Soldiers Once.....

.....and Marines, and Sailors, and Air Force.

As always, this group is a mixture of veterans both of past wars and of peacetime, as well as some who are serving today.  JustAmy's contributions to the group below are representatives of four different wars...World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.  What a proud and patriotic family she belongs to! To all of you we are recognizing today, please know that we appreciate you for serving your country; for being there then, and for being there now, we salute you!

Thank you for Serving!

TOP: Q6-God, Scan59, Mama Bear and JKPhoto's son, ofMagog

MIDDLE:  Big'ol_freeper, JustAmy's great uncle, Prodigal Son

BOTTOM:  JustAmy's husband, JustAmy's brother-in-law, JustAmy's brother.

Q6-God:  Active US Army Paratrooper (LRSC) E-5 ATL TM2-3;  scan59:  US Navy and USN Reserves;  Mama_Bear and JKPhoto's son:  US Navy, photo was taken at boot camp;  ofMagog:  US Army, retired, was shot up in a Cold War 'operation', PhD in psychology, retired; worked 2 years in the Nixon/Ford White House.  big'ol_freeper:  US Army, active;  JustAmy's great uncle:  WW I;  Prodigal Son:  US Army, Ex Infantryman (8 yrs) MOS-11C (mortar man) Stationed in Germany at various posts. 6 months as part of IFOR/SFOR in Bosnia in 96-97.  JustAmy's husband:  WWII, US AirForce;  JustAmy's brother-in-law:  Korea;  JustAmy's brother:  US AirForce, Vietnam.

WEEKEND THREAD

06-29,30-02 Freeper Memorial Wall

[daisyscarlett]

As so many of our soldiers will be far away from home on Thursday when we in the USA celebrate Independence Day, so, too are many Canadians away today as their country celebrates their Independence Day. May God Bless and keep them and may they all be back with their loved ones soon....

A member of the Canadian Army based at the Kandahar Air Base watches the movements of fellow soldiers riding in an armored personnel carrier as they head off of the main road leading into Kandahar, Afghanistan, and onto a desert road Sunday, June 30, 2002. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks for the reminder.

Happy Canada Day to our neighbors to the north.

[daisyscarlett]

Thanks for my country fix for this a.m.

George Strait, OMG, be still my heart....he is definitely a great Texas product...whew...

[ST.LOUIE1]

Well, cookies aren't the only thing she's addicted to. But far be it from me to tell you about how much she likes Margaritas.

My what a big MOUTH you have! LOL!

Oh....oh....oh! You've just flattened my heart! sniff, sniff. : (

But, you're right, this bear does love Margaritas
and I understand from Billie that lodwick makes the best Margaritas in all the land. (Hint, hint.) :-)

Lodwick, it's a little early for a 'bear' to be drinkin', don't you think?

I HAVE heard that you're a great bartender.

But when are you going to learn to drink what you mix?

[daisyscarlett]

I love your new additions to the opening, Billie. You do such a nice job of arranging them. Thanks to all for sending you their photos so we can salute them and thank them for their Service.

I seem to be having both cable problems and computer problems this a.m.....umm...hope they are fixed by Weds...lol...

[Mama_Bear]

it's a little early for a 'bear' to be drinkin', don't you think?

Yes, it is - I didn't say I wanted one now. LOL! I am always a good bear - everything in moderation, so I will wait until the sun is over the yardarm. Let's see, that would be in 1 hour and 43 minutes, to be exact. ;-)

I'll be back later. Try to stay out of trouble.

((((((hugs))))))

.........

[Diver Dave]

Mornin' again. I'd like to share an experience from Friday night if I may.

Five of us went to the Oakland A's/ SF Giants baseball game in Oakland. Logan was a big hit in his Giants uniform BTW.

As dusk turned to darkness, the usual airplane with the lighted Toyota advertising made passes over Network Associates Coliseum as well as the Goodyear blimp. We were sitting there, the sky is completely black, and Mrs. DD looked up and there was "Old Glory" passing overhead.

The blimp replaced the tires advertising with a large lighted American Flag graphic. It was really beautiful to see.

Mama Bear, you'd love going to the recently remodeled stadium. They have a Jose Cuervo Margarita bar within the big bar area. And there's no cover charge to watch the drunks in the latter innings of the game. Don't know the price of a margarita, but at $4 for a hot dog, I can only imagine...

[ST.LOUIE1]

it's a little early for a 'bear' to be drinkin', don't you think?

Yes, it is - I didn't say I wanted one now. LOL! I am always a good bear - everything in moderation, so I will wait until the sun is over the yardarm.
Let's see, that would be in 1 hour and 43 minutes, to be exact. ;-)

Yes, you ARE a *good* bear, but ....not 'always'. LOL

I'll be back later. Try to stay out of trouble.

I'll try. : )

((((((hugs))))))

((((((hugs)))))) back to you. : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

We were sitting there, the sky is completely black, and Mrs. DD looked up and there was "Old Glory" passing overhead.

Must have been a beautiful sight.

Any pics of Morgan in his uni?

Hi, Dave!

[ST.LOUIE1]

Coffee, tea, or...juice?

Is she for hire?

Two housekeepers 'are' better than one. : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

Afternoon, ladies. : )

[g'nad]

Good day to you, lovely lady! Thanks for the pings. Had a busy, fun weekend with the kids and friends. Enjoyed the evenings outside with a cold homebrew and a good cigar...

Today in history:

Gettysburg, PA July 1, 1863

After the discovery on June 30 that Gettysburg was occupied by Brigadier General John Buford's division of Federal cavalry, the Confederates on July 1 sent the divisions of Major General Henry Heth and Major General William Pender of Hill's Corps, down the Chambersburg Road to drive Buford away and occupy Gettysburg.

The battle began at 5.30 a.m., when shots were exchanged over Marsh Creek. In the face of Buford's resistance, Heth pushed on cautiously until he reached a point about two miles west of Gettysburg. Here he deployed two brigades in line, and pressed ahead; it was nearly 10 a.m. Federal General John F. Reynolds, commanding I Corps, arrived on the field at this point, and determined to engage Herb. He ordered I Corps and Major General Oliver 0. Howard's XI Corps to march to Gettysburg.

Soon after 10.30 a.m., I Corps arrived and engaged Heth along McPherson's Ridge. By 11.30 a.m., Heth had been defeated and forced to withdraw to Herr Ridge. Early in the action, Reynolds was killed, and field command devolved upon Howard. A lull now settled over the field as both sides brought up reinforcements. The Federal I Corps deployed to defend the western approaches to Gettysburg, while XI Corps formed up north of the town. Buford's cavalry covered the flanks. Howard left one division in reserve on Cemetery Hill. His strategy was simple: delay the Confederates long enough to enable the rest of the Federal army to concentrate. Lee arrived on the field after noon. He had initially hoped to avoid a general engagement since the strength of the enemy was unknown, and the terrain in the Gettysburg area unfamiliar. But, soon after noon, Rodes's division of Ewell's Corps arrived on Oak Hill and attacked the right of I Corps. At 2 p.m. Heth's division joined the attack on I Corps. At 3 p.m., the battle spread north of the town when Jubal Early's division of Ewell's Corps attacked down the Harrisburg Road and crushed the flank of XI Corps. At about the same time, west of Gettysburg, Pender's division relieved Heth and assaulted I Corps' position along Seminary Ridge. By 4 p.m., both Federal corps were in retreat through Gettysburg to Cemetery Hill. Federal losses numbered slightly over 9,000, including some 3,000 captured, compared with Confederate losses of about 6,500.

The day's action had resulted in a Confederate victory, but Federal forces held onto the high ground south of Gettysburg, where their position was soon strengthened by reinforcements.

[Mama_Bear]

As dusk turned to darkness, the usual airplane with the lighted Toyota advertising made passes over Network Associates Coliseum as well as the Goodyear blimp. We were sitting there, the sky is completely black, and Mrs. DD looked up and there was "Old Glory" passing overhead.

How moving that must have been.

We had our "Land of the Free" service at the Methodist Church in Visalia yesterday. Every year they have the same service honoring all four branches of our military, and every year I say I am not going to cry, but I always do. The Boy Scouts participate by marching in with the Colors. Then we said the Pledge of Allegience and sang The Stars Spangled Banner and other patriotic songs. At the end of the tribute to the military, which featured music from each branch while photographs were projected on a large screen of the congregation's military family members, most of whom died in battle, Taps was played for our fallen soldiers and sailors. I defy anyone to sit through that service and not tear up. I wish all of my FreeRepublic friends could have been there to see that program.

If you, or anyone reading this, ever happen to find yourself in Visalia the Sunday before the fourth of July, you must come to this service. It will be an experience you won't forget.

[lodwick]

Hi Miss Bear - can we hold off till the sun
is somewhere near the yard arm? ;-)

Great news: Baby Billy was ordered back to his
mom, freeper mini_teacup earlier today!

Still working on TheList, so I'll be in & out
till later today.

Keep having fun with it. Go Canada Go. JL

[lodwick]

Hi Daisy - thanks for bringing us the news
and pics we need to know and see. It is very
much appreciated. JL

[LadyX]

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAH - my conmputer says I cannot download it...:((

oMmi - I'm delighted to finally 'see' you!
You indeed look like Hemingway, and a first cousin twice removed from Cobby!
(No - not a kissin'cousin!)
LOLOL

[whoever]

Click on picture.

I Am Learning, Lord

My life has taken many falls and tumbles 'long the way.
The many trials have left me in a sure state of dismay.
For with each trial, I tried alone to tend, and soothe, and mend,
Instead of giving them to God - and on Him just depend ...

But, I am learning, Lord.

It seems I was determined to carry all the load.
I longed for smoother pathways. Yet, I walked a rocky road.
Little did I understand, God waited patiently
to pave a new beginning with a better life for me.

But, I am learning, Lord.

It took a real disaster to bring me to my knees;
To finally call upon the Lord and say, "God help me, please."
He came with no delaying, with strong arms that could hold -
The weight of all my burdens; He gladly took the load.

And, I am learning, Lord.

What a needless cross I carried, all because I could not see -
what a friend I have in Jesus, and the love He has for me.
Peace I find when troubles hover, 'though the outcome is unknown.
For if yet the road is rocky, I won't walk it all alone.

For, I am learning, Lord.

[Diver Dave]

Must have been a beautiful sight.

A beautiful sight indeed.

Any pics of Morgan in his uni?

Got pictures, but no url for them. (It's Logan BTW :^) )

[lodwick]

Afternoon Louie - I'm still a good student
of the gin&tonic - prolly take me a lifetime
to learn it all. ;-)

[lodwick]

For hire? My guess is YES.

But she may be a good girl
working her way through Graduate School.

Wonder what she's majoring in?