Free Republic

Well, that would be good if I knew how to write HTML...but I don't, I leave that to my webmaster. I would be happy to e-mail the image to someone who does have the ability to write HTML to have it posted for all to see.

Today was a very special day for Veterans everywhere. Today the commanders from our local American Legion and VFW posts accepted, on behalf of Veterans, an emblem that was created especially for the Veterans. To date, there has never been an "official" emblem for Veterans. Veterans clubs each have their own, but Veterans as a whole do not have one. By these two organizations accepting this presentation it moves us closer to making it an "official" Veterans emblem.

This I think is long overdue to many Veterans who deserve this kind of recognition. We decided to forego waiting for Congressional approval, which will take months or years, and make it a part of todays Veterans Day Ceremonies. It was only a local ceremony, but through the VFW and the American Legion we hope this finds its way into other posts across the country. We are also planning on a similar presentation to a Chapter of the VVA in another part of the state, after the first of the year.

We would like to be able to make this same kind of presentation to Veterans through other similar organizations throughout the upcoming year. Anyone who can help, please let me know.

I don't know how to post images here so cannot show you the emblem....any help would be appreciated.


Our thanks to all Veterans everywhere for their service in protecting our freedoms.

Today was a very special day for Veterans everywhere. Today the commanders from our local American Legion and VFW posts accepted, on behalf of Veterans, an emblem that was created especially for the Veterans. To date, there has never been an "official" emblem for Veterans. Veterans clubs each have their own, but Veterans as a whole do not have one. By these two organizations accepting this moves us closer to making it an "official" Veterans emblem.

This I think is long overdue to many Veterans who deserve this kind of recognition. We decided to forego waiting for Congressional approval, which will take months or years, and make it a part of todays Veterans Day Ceremonies. It was only a local ceremony, but through the VFW and the American Legion we hope this finds its way into other posts across the country. We are also planning on a similar presentation to a Chapter of the VVA in another part of the state, after the first of the year.

We would like to be able to make this same kind of presentation to Veterans through other similar organizations throughor the upcoming year. Anyone who can help, please let me know.

I don't know how to post images here so cannot show you the emblem....any help would be appreciated.


Our thanks to all Veterans everywhere for their service in protecting our freedoms.

My son also is in Iraq; 9 months into his second deployment. I just got off the phone with him, and right now he is in Qatar for a few days R&R...before heading our to work on their next mission before coming home. He is a combat engineer heading "somewhere in northern Iraq", for their next work mission. They have been in Southern Iraq for all these months, so I am not looking forward to the next couple of months. Its supposed to be the last one before coming home....but I refrain from saying it is the final one.....for obvious reasons.
Our thanks to your sons and daughters, husbands & wives, or any other loved one who is currently serving. Especially those who are currently in Iraq or Afghanistan. Our prayer list grows everyday as names are added to our Wall of Heroes. We pray for them and their families daily, often several times a day. The prayer I posted earlier, is a prayer I say many times a day as well as more specific prayers for our troops and their families. I don't just read it, it is said from the very heart and soul of my being.

God Bless

Our Prayer for the Troops and Their Families

Heavenly Father

We thank you that we live in a country where we are free to choose.

We also thank you that there are those who would choose to leave their
Families behind and give their lives to fight for freedom.

We ask that you keep them in your care, give them strength and lift them up
As on wings of an eagle, and bring them safely home.

For those who are wounded in battle, we ask for strength and wisdom to carry on.

For those who are missing or imprisoned, we ask for mercy, strength and courage,
Until they safely return to their families.

For those who pay the ultimate sacrifice with their lives,
We ask that you comfort the families and friends in their time of sorrow.

We also ask that you keep watch over the families here at home, give them
Strength and courage while they pray for their loved ones safe return.

Amen

This prayer is for all those military members, and their families, who are serving,
Those who have served and to those who will answer the call to serve in the future.

Jimm Mooney 01/17/2005
Blue Stars For A Safe Return
www.bluestarsforsafereturn.com

Thanks for your service, no matter where you are, you are still serving. We are still behind you 100%. Your service in your role here is just as important here as it is anywhere else in the world. And we thank you!!!!

My son also volunteered for a second deployment, as a national guardsman. And I talk to many of the wives and parents of people servng in his unit, as well as several of the guys over there now; THey ALL support their mission. I support their mission, 100%. Am I fearful for my son and the others?...of course, but also damn proud of those like him who would step up to the plate. Our freedoms were won and maintained by those willing to step up to the plate, even at the risk of giving their own lives for those who would speak out against them.
There has been no Draft in over 30 years....yet they keep standing up and taking the oath of service. Not only to enlist, but also to re-enlist again and again. This includes guardsmen, reservists and active duty. Those who are serving, and claim they are against the mission...and have enlisted or re-enlisted since 9/11 should have gotten out or not enlsited in the first place. Anyone who is against war or going to war has the choice of enlisting or not...the military is where our warriors are trained, its where we are taught the tactics for war. To think one would never use them is ludicrus. Anyone who would think such a thing is something of a mindless idiot. Its like saying I'll learn to read...but will never read.


Even after departing the military, we warriors remember our training and the sacrifices we made during our own service. But, we may never have to use that training of warriors as we grow older. Hopefully, and thankfully there are those of younger generations who are willing to step up to the plate and fill those shoes, once filled by the older generations, and train to be warriors. Warriors who volunteer to be warriors, not drafted like many were when I was a young man. No, I was not drafted, I volunteered at 17.

And, thankfully we have not had to stand guard duty in our own backyards, rifles in hand defending our own property from tyrants. Although, should that happen many of us would once again, pick up a rifle and do so, even as private citizens. Rather, we send our warriors off to fight or maintain presence in other lands, for the rights and freedoms of others, as well as to preserve our own freedoms here at home. We have bases all over the world where men and women stand guard over freedom. Any one of which, if not for our presence might not be free today.

Disagree if you will, but facts are still facts, men and women have laid down their lives for freedom, and still continue to do so today somewhere in the world for your freedom to stand up and voice your opinion. My son, and many other sons and daughters have volunteered to fight in a cause they beleive in....Freedom!!!! Not just for us, but for others as well.

I still stand proud and tall and remove my hat when my flag goes by, and I remember those who fought and died that it may still wave proudly. I also remember those who continue to fight for freedom even for those who would not stand and pledge allegiance to the flag or to this country. The same men and women who are willing to die so that others might enjoy the same freedoms we here at home enjoy, people they have never met who still deserve to be free. They also stand guard around the world, preserving freedom for many others including us.

So argue if you will, the fact remains....FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!!!! There is a price to pay, some will pay a higher price than others. Its not paid in the courtrooms or on the street demonstrating...its paid on the field of battle by our warriors. All warriors pay a price, some pay a higher price with their lives. But, the price is paid by those who are willing to stand up and take the oath of the warrior to protect and serve this great nation all over the world as necessary. If you have never taken this oath, or are not willing to....then I say, SIT DOWN AND SHUTUP!! But, you have the right to speak out....many have died and others continue the fight giving you that right.

For those who are serving today....THANK YOU!!!!
For those who have served in the past...THANK YOU!!!

Words alone cannot express our thanks....we have to go out and show it, and say it again and again. I have made it my life to say thanks to our service men and women...and to our veterans. I know that I am not alone, but many more are needed...not enough thanks are being passed out, yet. But we are working on it.

Well said Mom. Very enlightening as well. As a parent with a son in Iraq now, I can empathize with your feeling of pride, yet there is also fear. Your letter should be read by all media, unfortunately it probably wont even be given a second thought by most of the media. Its not something that would "stir the pot" enough.

Though well written and definitely from the heart of someone who has seen another side of the "greiving mom". Apparently she had her greiving moments....and now she just wants her glory at the expense of those who still serve and those who we still mourn the loss of. The Media is looking for stories that would turn the hearts away from supporting the cause...like Cindeeeee....not the facts or the true hearts.....but more fiction than fact, and more heartless than heartfelt.
The more sinister they can make it sound, the more the story sells. We had a "peace" activist show up at our Military Family Support Group here in town last week, looking for support for their "Peace Rally" this past weekend. The things they were trying to tell us about, were questioned by all of us parents of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan....their response was "its what we read someplace". THey could not remember where they read it or who they heard it from....but not one of them apparently had heard it from the soldiers who are in the field. They take what they read in the papers and take it for 100% fact, when in reality we all know that there might be about 2% fact....the rest is written in to sell the story.

After we discounted each of their "facts" with what we know to be true from our own experiences and what we have heard from the front lines...they still had the gall to hand each of us a flyer and ask if we would be interested in showing up for their rally.
I shoved mine back at them and said " You apparently cant hear very well.....not only do I personally support the troops and their mission, I own and run a company that focuses completely on encouraging others to support the troops, show their patriotism and honor our Veterans. All of us here have given you our perspective which does not match your view of "reality", except ours is based on facts that we have gathered from the source and through personal experience not heresay gathered through the media."

The "peace" activist left at that point and we went on with our meeting....but we did notice one thing, The cards we had been passing around to sign to send to the troops was never signed by her. Altough at one point she did say that she too supported the troops....go figure. I just wonder, how can they say they support the troops yet do so much to demoralize them?

Mom, please pass on to your soldiers our sincerest gratitude for their service. They have our utmost respect and we stand behind them 100%. They are doing a job that not everyone can or will do so that the rest of us can sleep in our beds at night. Our prayers are truly with them an with your family here at home. If you would please add their names to our Wall of Heroes we would be honored. (if you have not done so already)

God Bless

With what we do I have the opportunity to personally shake hands with at least one military member almost every weekend, many of them are home on leave or just returning from Iraq or Afghanistan. At first, they are kind of taken aback by our enthusiasm. But once they realize who we are and what we do and that we are honestly appreciative of their service they soften a bit; and some even stay and visit with us for a bit.

I also get the distinct pleasure of meeting many veterans and shake their hand and say thanks. I have met veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia, The Gulf War, and OIF....Most of whom say simply, "thanks are not needed we were just doing our job".

The rewards for these thank yous cannot be bought at any price. So get out there, shake a few hands share a few hugs, tears and laughs. You will walk away with a different feeling inside because you did.

Thanks Star for todays posting....awesome Challenge...We will be out again this weekend down in Ontario, OR...on their "Yellow Ribbon" street (Oregon Ave)...promoting troop support, patriotism and reminding people to honor our veterans as well.

Challenge taken!!!!!

For those who want to look at these and all of our other Patriotic and Troop Support designs, our new store is now online. You can find our "If You Won't Stand Behind Your Troops. Feel Free to Stand in Front of Them" Shirts and Sweatshirts on the lower half of the T-shirt or Sweatshirt pages. Here it the link to our store http://bluestarsforsafereturn.com/products/store.htm
It is the first one listed on the second portion of the page.
EVERYDAY is Troop Support day with us...and Tomorrow we will be out promoting it again...right here at home. Our Thanks to all who serve, and to those who have served proudly before.

God Bless

Since I havent figured out how to post the really cool graphics, I'll just have to say thanks to those who can. To our service members, a sincere thanks for all you do wherever you may be. For those away from home, may you return safely home to your freinds and family when your job is done.
To all of our military, enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and remember the pancakes in the Canteen are the best, as is the company. Sit a spell and relax if only for a few minutes, our hearts and prayers are always with you.

God Bless each and everyone of our Service members and their families all over the world.

Sorry, I wont be able to attend. But, we are organizing our own Support our Troops and Their Misson for this Saturday, to correspond with a "Peace Rally" that is in conjuction with Sheehans cowardly group.
We have a new Saying on a shirt that we think many of you should wear on Sunday...."If You Won't Stand Behind Your Troops, Feel Free to Stand In Front of Them" It has some cool Grahics too with a Flag background and a really mean looking Eagle. We will be wearing ours, and are encouraging others in the area to wear one too, (several have already purchased or ordered them). We will have our Support the Troops and Their Mission signs and a Banner as well.
So even though we can't be with you in person, we will be with you in spirit...and doing our part here.

God Bless

Thought the Freepers might be interested in this!!! This Saturday Sep 17th is National Support Our Troops Day...for more information visit this link. www.calltothenation.com
I just found out about it, or would have posted it sooner....hope some of you can put something together, even if it is making some signs and standing out on the corner someplace. I know I will be participating.

We here at Blue Stars For A Safe Return support our troops. We may be on the West Coast, but our displays and shirts are appearing all across the country, coast to coast!!

We just spent the weekend working to remind others to support our troops, and also thanking our Veterans. We encourage everyone we talk to to display something....anything to show their support....and not just talk about it. It was a long 4 day weekend...but oh so worth it. We actually got to personally thank and shake the hands of a few who had just returned from Iraq....what an honor.

The men and women of our armed forces are the best of the best. Thanks for all you do....and to the Veterans who have gone before....Thanks for paving the way for all of us, and helping to keep this country free.....GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!

"the best way to undermine an hysteric is to totally ignore her".


I suppose you think we should just ignore terroists too...maybe they will go away.....????? Are you for real?

hmmm...interested in some great beachfront property in Antarctica, I hear its going real cheap.

WOW!! Thanks for the update. Greg must really make his mother proud....being home and encouraging her to go and continue the fight here at home. Welcome Home Greg for your leave, I know you are proud of your Mother, doing what must be done here. We are also proud of you for your service to this great nation, doing what must be done over there.
God Speed to all of you...sure wish I could join you in your trek to Texas. But we will be praying for a safe journey for all of you there and back.
yes....we should all get together and help spring for an airline ticket home For Greg's Mother, so she can spend a little time with her Hero before he has to go back. Count me in ....cant do much, but would be willing to kick in a little towards it.

Eagles Away....
Prayers going UP...

Wouldn't it be GREAT if 10.000 vehicles like rolling thunder descended upon Crawford Texas in support of our brave men and women fighting for freedom, rolling up behind the 100 or so at the media whore vigil.


If only one of them vehicles was a monster truck, might be interesting to see Sheehans car and the rest flattened...as they drove up....gotta make room for the incoming cars you know...lol

Actually...a convoy of humvees with soldiers added to the mix would be awesome to see....with huge yellow ribbons tied to each.....and a big sign that read " Kick ASS in Iraq and Take NAMES Later When the Dust Settles"

My heart goes out to your family, as well as my thanks for raising such a fine young man. His willingness to stand in the gap for us, and for others, is a direct reflection on his parents as well. Our sincerest Thanks for his service and our deepest sympathies for his sacrifice.

Can I have your permission to place his name on our Fallen Heroes Wall as a way to honor his service to this great nation?
Its because of men like Phillip and those he served with that we can rest comfortably in our own beds at night. We will continue to pray for your family, thanks so much for sharing the post.

God Bless

If you think that Saddam Hussein was not behind the World Trade Center Bombing to some degree, you are sadly mistaken. Saddam has been providing training grounds and facilities for terrorists; and funding ( to the tune of millions per year) for their causes for years. So, part of going after the person/persons responsible included Saddam....and lets not forget the troops in Afghanistan who are also hunting terrorist...not to mention other places around the world.....Forget the MWD...Saddam had plenty of time to move them....and he was a master of hiding equipment and material....not to mention selling them. He was watched for years moving nuclear missiles from place to place...and suddenly they dont exist....yeah right...if you beleive that I have some tropical land in Antarctica for sale.
I am not sure I would agree with you about the "idiot commander in chief" Comment either. At least Bush had the Balls to stand up and say Enough!!! I think "the other guy" you voted for would still be sitting on his hands. ...and we would be fighting the terrorists in our own backyards by now...which means now he would be hiding under his desk, trying to figure out how to withdraw the troops from our own soil so they wouldnt have to fight...maybe send them to Canada?. .....Look at what he did during Vietnam....and how many died at the hands of the enemy because of his actions at that time....but I suppose you think that is all a bunch of media hype...and made up by the "right", as well.

But, we are all entitled to our opinion....and there are people fighting for us, (and others) to have the right to voice it. Which, by the way... let me offer you my thanks for serving this country.

I just wonder why it took this lady over a year to decide to finally protest....when she could have asked those questions when she met with the President last year. Instead she waits over a year...then wants answers? Whats wrong with this picture....seems a bit fuzzzy...not tuning into a full channel.....I think its stuck between channels....ohhhh its Fox and CNN.....

HMMMM....she started a protest Aug. 6 in memory of her son Casey, who died in Iraq last year."


I too wonder why she waited so long to start her "protest". I dont know how much of last year she waited, but this year is two-thirds over with.

We all know that Casey would not have wanted this. He served proudly alongside of his comrades. We all mourn his loss, but I am thankful that young men and women like him are willing to step up to the plate so that we aren't fighting them in our backyards.