A Day to honor all Veterans

[mcvet57103]

The first video is to honor all our Veterans, especially those that gave a full meassure, and the last three are a series of news reports on Marine Corps Recruit Training. Brought back quite a few memories.Semper Fi :iwo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ4kitONxzI&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ4kitONxzI&feature=related)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGG5KqsWp1Y&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB41LpBezkU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2BPjk-E1e4&feature=related

[Captain Kirk]

I sent this to a few folks and will share it here. It's a long read, but a very good read. One Viet Nam vet's journey to closure.

CLOSURE: A Vietnam Story (http://grunt.space.swri.edu/closure.htm)

[thedrifter]

To our veterans: a sincere attitude of gratitude
Article Launched: 11/11/2008 12:00:00 AM MST
Las Cruces Sun-News

At Saturday's New Mexico State University football game, during which several different groups of veterans were honored, the following conversation was overheard between a father and his young daughter:

Daughter: Daddy, why do those people all have yellow jackets?

Father: They're all veterans.

Daughter: What's that mean?

Father: That means they served our country in the Army, the Navy, the Air Force or the Marines.

Daughter: Why?

Father: So here in America, we can do things like spend a nice Saturday afternoon at a football game.

It will likely take a few years before the full meaning sinks in for the youngster.

And often, as we Americans deal with the day-to-day details of living life, the full meaning slips by us, or is taken for granted.

But today marks the celebration of the Armistice of World War I, then known as the Great War, when the 1918 peace agreement was signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Armistice Day eventually became Veterans Day, retaining the 11th day of the 11th month, and is set aside annually to honor those American men and women who have served in our armed forces.

The day has already been well marked here in Las Cruces.

Many of those same yellow-jacketed veterans at the football game rode earlier in the day on a float in the Veterans Day Parade that rolled through Las Cruces for an appreciative crowd.

Halftime of the football game featured the signing of a community covenant, which formally marked


the relationship of Las Cruces and area government entities with White Sands Missile Range and other regional military installations.

A pre-game overflight of an F-22 raptor represented Holloman Air Force Base, which is part of the covenant, as is Fort Bliss.

Las Cruces' relationship to our military neighbors is important and, according to some folks at WSMR, unique among the Army for its positive nature.

We do well to always remember and honor our veterans from all eras, some of whom stand in harm's way today, as America is waging battle on two active fronts.

Here's to America's veterans. Thank you for your vital service in years past, and what you have done to ensure our freedoms. And for those still active, may you continue to serve bravely and safely.

Ellie

[thedrifter]

Saving the 'Private Ryan' In All Of Us
by Ray McClendon (more by this author)
Posted 11/11/2008 ET


If you opened up your eyes this morn
And drew a breath in freedom
Remember those we oft forget
Until we really need ‘em

The ones who rise before each dawn
Who stand to post each day
Who work and train and live and breathe
To keep our foes at bay

Who learn firsthand that cardinal rule
With every sinew, every nerve
True greatness lies in every nation
With those who humbly serve

The Good Lord taught his followers
That kingdoms great (in worldly eyes)
Involve the use of naked power
To lord it over and despise

Rather, kingdom greatness
Standing firm and strong and tall
Is seen in those who use their power
To protect and serve us all

This very day around the world
Our boys and girls make do without
And suffer great in sacrifice
Unwavering, with no doubt

Convinced that they have chosen
For better or for worse
A path that leads to blessing for
The folks back home -- not curse

But the deepest thought this Veteran’s Day
Is as humbling as it is tough
Are the lives we’re trying to live this day
Really “good” enough…

…to justify all we’ve been given
At the hands of those more valiant
Does not the very thought of that
Make us want to live more gallant?
For all of us are ‘Private Ryans’
Who should kneel in gratitude
At the grave or side of one
Who has shown such fortitude

And given to us life itself
To use wisely, or to waste it
Life that’s really worth the while
How well have YOU embraced it?

If you would grateful be this day
To those whose “all” outrank you
Perhaps you might seek out a Vet
And say a simple…

…thank-you.

…thank-you.

…thank-you!

Ray McClendon, minister, humorist, and poet, has been writing op-eds in verse for years--primarily as a hobby. Residing in California�s Bay Area gives him plenty of grist for his literary political cartoon mill.

Ellie

[Marine84]

Here's a good one for ya.............................

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-3sD23AEgM&feature=related

(Warning:May cause an allergic reaction where your eyes will water)

Thanks to all the ones that blazed the path for me and to all that are watching the house at night now! THANK YOU!

[foxbase alpha]

My first post to say my thoughts are with all Veterans on this day.
I thank you for what I may enjoy.