Veteran's Day

[aspeck]

On November 11, 1921, an unknown American soldier from World War I was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, in recognition of WWI veterans and in conjunction with the timing of cessation of hostilities at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). President Warren Harding requested that: "All ... citizens ... indulge in a period of silent thanks to God for these ... valorous lives and of supplication for His Divine mercy ... on our beloved country." Inscribed on the Tomb are the words: "Here lies in honored glory an American soldier know but to God." The day became known as "Armistice Day."

In 1954, Congress, wanting to recognize the sacrifice of veterans since WWI, proposed to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day in their honor. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, former Supreme Commander in WWII, signed the legislation.

To honor those veterans who sacrificed all, an Army honor guard from the 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) keeps day and night vigil at Arlington. At 11 a.m. Tuesday, a combined color guard representing all military service branches executes "Present Arms" at the tomb for the laying of a wreath by the president, followed by "Taps."

More than a million Patriots stand ready, or are actively defending our nation today. These men and women were not drafted into service, but volunteered to serve.

To all you Patriots ... to all who are serving, or have served, in our Armed Forces I offer my sincere thanks for your efforts in keeping this Great Country BOTH great and free!

 

[gonfishn]

Re: Veteran's Day

It is a time of reflection for most of us vets. It takes us back to a time of long time past. To myself and many here it was yesterday although it was 30 years ago. We still see the ghost of those we could not save. There is no better honor to give to your country that which was given to you by our forefathers.

When you say thanks to a vet look him in the eye. You will see that he carries a burden that many have not had to go through. You are safe in your homes because of one giving their life for you. Those of us that are still here remember them each day not just once a year.
God bless the USA
Navy Corpsman (doc) 1st Class
1st Marine Division Medivac
1968-69 71-72 in country

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Veteran's Day

While we refer to it as Remembrance Day here in Canada, it holds the same significance. It's important to remember that while I wasn't there to experience it, it happened.

These brave souls gave their lives to protect the lives and liberties of those who followed.

To that we owe an everlasting gratitude. We thank you for what you've done for us and I for one will not forget.

I agree gonfishn, it should always be in our minds, and unfortunately with activities oversees, we get all too many frequent reminders.

 

[JB]

Re: Veteran's Day

When I was young it was taken for granted that we owed our country and its values a time of service.

For seven generations my ancestors had served. Both of my uncles served, both of my brothers served, I served, my son served and one of my daughters serves today.

It is not just wearing a uniform but the willingness to stand "on the wall" to defend our nation's ideals to the death that makes a veteran. My generation felt it made an American.

My eternal admiration and gratitude to all who have placed their lives "on the wall", those who are doing it today and those who will in the future.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Veteran's Day

Makes me remember old friends and comrads in arms..... It gives me mixed emotions of sadness and pride.

This is a sad thought however Veterans Day is now once again becoming a recognized day. It was not too long ago before the Gulf War when people ignored Vets and it would make my blood boil.

Thank you to all that remember!

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: Veteran's Day

rememberance day here in canada
veterans day in the united states

a big thank you to all veterans for keeping us free and in peace. my father was wounded on the hitler line in italy in '44. while he was waiting outside the hospital on the stretcher to receive medical care, he was again hit by shrapnel. he survived the war, but had demons he had to deal with up until his death 14 years ago. he and other vets in all campaigns of war have seen more in the time they serve than most of us will ever see. and for that i remove my hat, raise my glass and toast all of you veterans.

thank you

 

[Plainsman]

Re: Veteran's Day

Thank you all

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Veteran's Day

To all that have served, Thank You.

 

[T-O-Double-D]

Re: Veteran's Day

To all the men and women that have served to keep freedom A part of our lives I say,

"Thank you"​

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Veteran's Day

Us in Canada now have a new highway named after our war heroes.
Its called the highway of heroes. This highway is a 100 mile stretch of road that our fallen warriors come home on. People of all ages line this road and salute. May thay rest in peace.

 

[ne7800]

Re: Veteran's Day

my grandfather landed on the beach of Normandy and walked/faught his way across Europe in WWII

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Veteran's Day

Plainsman - thank you for posting the video. It took me awhile to get the tears out of my eyes.

I'll be remembering those who never came back and those who did, but were changed forever.

USN '67 to '73.

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: Veteran's Day

In remembrance for those fallen and those not. To those that have served, and those that are doing so now. God bless you all.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Veteran's Day

In honor of our courageous veterans. Thank you for serving me, The United States of America; preserving the freedoms I shall never take for granted.

Moms, Dads, grandparents, sisters, brothers, and aunts and uncles that wait for your loved one to come home, I pray for you. For those who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave up your life protecting me....

GOD BLESS YOU

I am forever indebted to you.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Veteran's Day

Thank you all

Plainsman, thank you for the post.

The history behind this song is a beautiful reminder to us all the importance of today.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On November 11, 1999 Terry Kelly was in a drug store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. At 10:55 AM an announcement came over the store?s PA asking customers who would still be on the premises at 11:00 AM to give two minutes of silence in respect to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.


Terry was impressed with the store?s leadership role in adopting the Legion?s ?two minutes of silence? initiative. He felt that the store?s contribution of educating the public to the importance of remembering was commendable.

When eleven o?clock arrived on that day, an announcement was again made asking for the ?two minutes of silence? to commence. All customers, with the exception of a man who was accompanied by his young child, showed their respect.

Terry?s anger towards the father for trying to engage the store?s clerk in conversation and for setting a bad example for his child was channeled into a beautiful piece of work called, ?A Pittance of Time?. Terry later recorded ?A Pittance of Time? and included it on his full-length music CD, ?The Power of the Dream?.

In the interest of creating a greater awareness of the sacrifices that have been made and are still being made on our behalf, ?A Pittance of Time? has been adapted to the French language and titled ?C?est si peu de temps?.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Veteran's Day

Dang it! I knew I didn't want to watch it ... now I am typing through misty eyes! Thanks Eric!

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: Veteran's Day

sheesh...great video. i had to add it to my photobucket. thanks.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Veteran's Day

Makes me remember old friends and comrads in arms..... It gives me mixed emotions of sadness and pride.

I know what you mean Bob. Did some searching on some old buddies and its tough to fight back the tears...........Thank you fellow vets and it was an honor to have served..........SS