My Morning Mantra

[Per-Ling]

I am in the United States Navy, the greatest navy the world has ever seen, and serve my country with pride. I pass anti-war protestors who scream at my DOD sticker every morning. For 4 days of the workweek it doesn't affect me. But towards the end of the week, after 60 hours in a classroom, 30+ hours at home studying while neglecting my wife and 2 year old to learn a language most of those protestors have never heard of but have certainly heard of the atrocities of those who speak it, I can't help but be affected by those so unappreciative of this nation's caretakers.

Those of you in this Freeper community, who start my every with your analysis and humor, I salute you and the support you give our military. Let there be no doubt of this generation's willingness to stand for our peers who see fit to ignore their heritage. Instead of going to ladies nite at some hip downtown club, my classmates and I go to the Legion. It's great to be among those who get it. This site provides me the same fellowship.

But I serve those protestors as much as I serve my son. This oft-used poem in military ceremonies, helps keep my mind reminded of that.

God bless and hold you all..

My Name is Old Glory by Howard Schnauber

I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world's tallest buildings. I stand watch in America's halls of justice. I fly majestically over great institutes of learning. I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world. Look up! And see me!

I stand for peace - honor - truth and justice. I stand for freedom I am confident - I am arrogant I am proud. When I am flown with my fellow banners My head is a little higher My colors a little truer. I bow to no one. I am recognized all over the world. I am worshipped - I am saluted - I am respected I am revered - I am loved, and I am feared.

I have fought every battle of every war for more than 200 years: Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomatox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, the deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Philippines, the rice paddies and jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Guadalcanal New Britain, Peleliu, and many more islands.

And a score of places long forgotten by all but those who were with me. I was there. I led my soldiers - I followed them. I watched over them. They loved me. I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima. I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me, and I was proud.

I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt, for I am invincible. I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my country, and when it is by those with whom I have served in battle - it hurts. But I shall overcome - for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stand watch over the uncharted new frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon. I have been a silent witness to all of America's finest hours.

But my finest hour comes when I am torn into strips to be used for bandages for my wounded comrades on the field of battle, When I fly at half mast to honor my soldiers, And when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother at the graveside of her fallen son.

I am proud.

My name is Old Glory.

Dear God - Long may I wave.

[HighRoadToChina]

Thank you. Please tell the "power that be here" your thoughts! ;-)

[Balata]

MeeknMing, would you please hit your ping lists for us to get the word out about the Brochure in post #5.

Thanks for the help.

[Balata]

I see you have pinged Jim Robinson HERE. The only other thing I could suggest would be to put it on its own thread and ping the FReepers who have the large ping lists.

Good luck, it's a GREAT Brochure. If you do this ping me, I'd be happy to help.

[alisasny]

I was wondering about the parents of our military joining the "peace" protests. What is that about? How would a soldier or sailor feel to know their parents were out protesting yesterday? If I had a child in military I would be so proud and supportive. It seems the media actively seeks such parents but I just dont understand them at all.

[MeekOneGOP]

Sure. I ping coming up !!

[MeekOneGOP]

Thanks, HRTC !

From your post #5...

I want you and all your classmates to know that we are behind you all the way. Here is something dedicated to all of our military. As is with most Americans.

THE BROCHURE ON IRAQ TO COUNTER THE PEACENIKS AND TO INFORM REAL AMERICANS ON THE REAL REASONS WHY THE US AND OUR ALLIES ARE GOING TO IRAQ ... TO LIBERATE IRAQ!

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! Right Click on picture and then select "Save Target As"

---

Please let me know if you want ON or OFF my General Interest ping list!. . .don't be shy.

[MeekOneGOP]

And here is to Tony Blair, who is our best ally on that side of the pond in our War on Terror...

Tony Blair: The price of my conviction

But there are also consequences of 'stop the war'. There will be no march for the victims of Saddam, no protests about the thousands of children that die needlessly every year under his rule, no righteous anger over the torture chambers which if he is left in power, will remain in being.

I rejoice that we live in a country where peaceful protest is a natural part of our democratic process. But I ask the marchers to understand this.

I do not seek unpopularity as a badge of honour. But sometimes it is the price of leadership and the cost of conviction.

If there are 500,000 on the [Stop the War] march, that is still less than the number of people whose deaths Saddam has been responsible for. If there are one million, that is still less than the number of people who died in the wars he started.

So if the result of peace is Saddam staying in power, not disarmed, then I tell you there are consequences paid in blood for that decision too. But these victims will never be seen, never feature on our TV screens or inspire millions to take to the streets. But they will exist none the less.

President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair of England walk out to address the media in Cross Hall at the White House Nov. 7. "We've got no better friend in the world than Great Britain," said the President during his remarks. White House photo by Paul Morse.

[dware]

Thank you for your service. Stay safe.

[martin_fierro]

But towards the end of the week, after 60 hours in a classroom, 30+ hours at home studying while neglecting my wife and 2 year old to learn a language most of those protestors have never heard of but have certainly heard of the atrocities of those who speak it, I can't help but be affected by those so unappreciative of this nation's caretakers.

So true on so many levels. Well said.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Let there be no doubt of this generation's willingness to stand for our peers who see fit to ignore their heritage.

[swheats]

===>Thank You

[FreepLady]

Reading that poem gave me chills. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for being a hero in times of crisis. God bless you and your family today and always.

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[Admin Moderator]

Thank you!

[Texagirl4W]

I don't know you,Per-Ling, but I'm so proud of you. I'll put you and your wife and son in my daily prayers.

My oldest brother was in the army for 27 years, leaving a wife and 4 children twice to serve with honor in Vietnam. His baby was afraid of him when he returned the first time as the child never could remember him. He died in 2000 from a brain anurism. He had the most beautiful Military funeral I'd ever seen, even the military guard was in tears.

I wish you the very best and God speed. And may God bless America.

[ohioWfan]

But I serve those protestors as much as I serve my son.

Thank you Per-Ling, for your service and your sacrifice.

You serve to protect the freedoms of those who are too stupid or too arrogant to even recognize it, and who protest against you! May they sometime wake up to their folly, and may God bless you and your family with protection, and with an abundant and long life!

[Balata]

Thank you for your service to our country and also for your contributions here at FR. Hopefully with the pings many more FReepers will stop by and visit your thread.

[Balata]

Thanks MnN for helping to get the word out. It's FReepers like you that allow FR to function at a more optimum level by dissemination of conservative information.

Thanks my FRriend...

Balata

[MeekOneGOP]

Excellent. Thank you...

[MeekOneGOP]

Thank you...