Don't forget ...

[chris dawe]

To take a minute today and remember the ones who gave it all,and those who are still doing so ,so we can sit at the computer and "play guns"

[Dean Romig]

And thank those who came home for their service to our free countries.

[Richard Flanders]

I donated pictures of my brother in his uniform yesterday to the museum that has been put together in the old grist mill bldg in my home town, Ortonville, MI. He served in army intelligence in Viet Nam in 1969-70. They have a wonderful military display on the top floor that is very well stocked and organized by each war. My siblings and I feel honored to have his pictures on display. I have visited two WWII vets while here, one who is 92, doesn't look a day over 70 and has more energy than I and who flew 17 missions over Italy in B-24's. I drove 3 hrs to his house and spent and entire day with him and can't imagine a better day. He couldn't imagine why I wanted to spend a day with an "old fart" like him but there was no place I'd have rather been.

[allen newell]

I can remember walking across campus at Rutgers 2 days following my separation from active duty and return from Viet Nam. I had no civilian clothes at the time and had to wear my dress blues. I was applying for re-admission and the Rutgers campus at that time was the equivalent of Berkley, a hot bed of student protest against the war. For sure I thought I would be spit on as I walked across the green to the Admissions Office where I was scheduled to meet with the Dean. Arrived safe and sound and was welcomed with open arms by the Dean and his staff. They were all WWII vets! My God, how wonderful that was for me looking back on that day in my life. If it weren't for those WWII vets who understood, don't know what my life would have been like. The Dean told me that he would admit me automatically and I could start in January, just 2 months away. He even called the Financial Office to set me up on a GI Bill payment schedule. The Financial Office rep I met with was also a WW II Vet. Seems like most of the admin staff were. They were absolutely wonderful. I am eternally grateful to those of the Greatest Generation who knew then what we now know and have come to appreciate.

[charlie cleveland]

yes a happy VETRANS DAY to all who served especially those who gave all...i m going to my gradsons school for a little program this morning.thanks fellows....charlie

[Eric Eis]

Just a poem.......

We Shall Keep The Faith

November 1918


Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet - to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the Faith
With All who died.


We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders Fields.

[Bill Murphy]

Yesterday, I googled a friend from high school, college, hunting and drinking to see if he had retired from his USFS career. I haven't seen him or heard from him for probably forty years or more. We were in the USA at the same time, he dropping out of U of MD in 1966 to go to Ranger School. I dropped out exactly a year later in 1967 and volunteered for the draft. I couldn't "enlist" without giving them three years and I thought two was enough for a trial run. They told me that I would be shipped to VN immediately if I didn't sign up for the third year. They told me that I could pick my MOS and posting if I signed up for the third year. I told them I would take the war over a third year. Back to the story of my buddy. Rooting through google, I found the 75th Infantry Association and found the LRRP (long range recon) website. I googled my friend's name and found an account of one of the patrols he was on, written by a third party. It was the scariest story I have ever read. His little patrol was resting beside a trail when a major group of VC regulars appeared on the trail, progressing at a slow gait because of the wounded they were transporting. They watched as the VC passed them at arm's length, only being concealed by semi darkness and by the VC's refusal to look to the side. My friend was passing gas and gurgling from the stomach and wondering whether the VC could or would hear him. He was recovering from an earlier injury and voted against a retreat because he didn't think he could keep the speed up carrying all of his gear. They finally got some radio contact and were picked up successfully. I always wondered how a LRRP team worked, since they obviously can't engage the enemy. My friend is made of harder nails than I am, but we were a good team when we were young, never lost a battle in the bar wars. He was ejected from OCS at Fort Benning for taking some physical action against an NCO instructor. He completed his three year USA career as an enlisted man. He came home, completed his degrees at VPI, now known as Virginia Tech, and had a good career, married a smokejumper, and remains a true Westerner after making his life in Wyoming. Just a story to celebrate Veterans Day. I hope you enjoyed it.

[Dean Romig]

Eric, is that another verse of...

In Flanders Fields where poppies grow,
between the crosses, row on row,
that mark our place, and in the sky
the larks, still bravely singing, fly
in Flanders Fields...

Is it?

[Pete Lester]

I saw this elsewhere and had to share. They look like dough boys to me in the tradition of Armistice Day.

[Eric Eis]

Eric, is that another verse of...

In Flanders Fields where poppies grow,
between the crosses, row on row,
that mark our place, and in the sky
the larks, still bravely singing, fly
in Flanders Fields...

Is it?

To be honest I am not sure, but sure sounds like it should be part of that poem.

[Robin Lewis]

I took a ride up to the New Hampshire State Veterans cemetery to watch the Veterans Day services. We don't have a Federal Veterans Cemetery, so a few years ago New Hampshire opened one for us. There is quite a bit of lad allocated but only a small portion has been opened for use. It is turning out to be a very special place.

The services this year had an unusually large attendance, that is a good thing. The beginning was very nice with traditional songs and military salutes. The opening speaker was the general in charge of the New Hampshire National Guard and I must say he exceeded all anyone would expect. Lots of wet eyes caused by that gentleman. Following that was the expected Governor and U.S. Senators giving the same speech that they have been giving since the first Veterans Day so many years ago; nothing very note worthy from my point of view.

I sat next to a woman who's husband is buried there; he served in WWII in Burma. We both noticed how calm and quiet it was even with the large turnout. There were babies and lots of young children and they were all well mannered; just as respectful as the adults.

It turned out to be a very nice day, I am glad I took the ride.

I took a few pictures to show my sons where their old man is going to end up and thought I would share a few of them here too.

My best to all who served and their families!

[Pete Lester]

I thought I remembered the last surviving WWI veteran died not long ago. Amazing he lived so long, 110 yrs old.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Buckles

[Pete Lester]

I took a ride up to the New Hampshire State Veterans cemetery to watch the Veterans Day services. We don't have a Federal Veterans Cemetery, so a few years ago New Hampshire opened one for us. There is quite a bit of lad allocated but only a small portion has been opened for use. It is turning out to be a very special place.

The services this year had an unusually large attendance, that is a good thing. The beginning was very nice with traditional songs and military salutes. The opening speaker was the general in charge of the New Hampshire National Guard and I must say he exceeded all anyone would expect. Lots of wet eyes caused by that gentleman. Following that was the expected Governor and U.S. Senators giving the same speech that they have been giving since the first Veterans Day so many years ago; nothing very note worthy from my point of view.

I sat next to a woman who's husband is buried there; he served in WWII in Burma. We both noticed how calm and quiet it was even with the large turnout. There were babies and lots of young children and they were all well mannered; just as respectful as the adults.

It turned out to be a very nice day, I am glad I took the ride.

I took a few pictures to show my sons where their old man is going to end up and thought I would share a few of them here too.

My best to all who served and their families!

WOW! Robin I had no idea they held such a large event at the NH Veteran's Cemetery. I need to make a point to go next year, my father, two of my former neighbors, and a man I served with are all buried there. (When my daughter was first learning to talk she called her grandpa, pee paw. He never wanted that nick name corrected and he said he wanted it on his marker).

[Bill Murphy]

Robin, strange you should mention the state veterans cemeteries. Linda's uncle was buried in the Veterans Cemetery in Allegheny County, Maryland, adjacent to the Rocky Gap State Park. We found out about it when we were looking for a free burial that didn't involve a lot of red tape. His home was in Lavale, MD, just a few miles from the cemetery. We couldn't believe how nice the factility was, right in the middle of grouse country, a resort and enormous lake on the property, really out in the mountains. We later buried Linda's aunt there. I always thought I would be in a crypt at Arlington, but no, I will be out there in Western Maryland at Rocky Gap. By the way, Rocky Gap State Park is now a major casino venue. Best of both worlds. This is one of at least two state sponsored veterans cemeteries in MD. Please investigate your state veterans cemeteries so you don't have to go to God forsaken Arlington. Just joking, of course. I would be honored to be buried at Arlington like many of my friends.

[Robin Lewis]

Robin, strange you should mention the state veterans cemeteries. Linda's uncle was buried in the Veterans Cemetery in Allegheny County, Maryland, adjacent to the Rocky Gap State Park. We found out about it when we were looking for a free burial that didn't involve a lot of red tape. His home was in Lavale, MD, just a few miles from the cemetery. We couldn't believe how nice the factility was, right in the middle of grouse country, a resort and enormous lake on the property, really out in the mountains. We later buried Linda's aunt there. I always thought I would be in a crypt at Arlington, but no, I will be out there in Western Maryland at Rocky Gap. By the way, Rocky Gap State Park is now a major casino venue. Best of both worlds. This is one of at least two state sponsored veterans cemeteries in MD. Please investigate your state veterans cemeteries so you don't have to go to God forsaken Arlington. Just joking, of course. I would be honored to be buried at Arlington like many of my friends.

I think that cemetery is something special. I have already filed the papers to buried there. Can't say I am looking forward to that but I have it set up already so my family need do very little when the time comes.

[Jerry Harlow]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/meet-america%e2%80%99s-oldest-living-vet-he-smokes-cigars-does-yard-work-drives-and-drinks-whiskey-and-he%e2%80%99s-108/ar-AA7COoy?ocid=HPCDHP

[Pete Lester]

I think that cemetery is something special. I have already filed the papers to buried there. Can't say I am looking forward to that but I have it set up already so my family need do very little when the time comes.

I agree with you Robin, it is one of the best maintained cemetery I have seen. I have been there in the evening when they play taps from the speakers hidden in the trees. Some day, a long way away I hope, we'll be neighbors there.

[Alfred Greeson]

Thanks for all the posts. I did 41 reserve years total and returned to active duty for the last 8 years after 9/11. As they stated, I was recommended and requested by who I never knew but I would go back tomorrow if asked, like most of you. I was fortunate to serve for awhile but, my service does not compare to the years in WWII like my dad. They were the greatest generation. It is great to see the respect that is returning for VETS. It is a family that is alive and well and we will always be proud to be a part of it.
I was fortunate to call a group of retired 2 and 3 star generals friends in D.C. They were all retired and all wanted to know who you were and who did you father serve with, etc. Even though I was only a Master Sargent, they would stand up and reach for my hand when I approached their table. Old time military respect, still wearing the short haircut and grip your hand like a vice. As they pass away, we will always be better for having known them. Always say a prayer for the families of those who never made it back and remember the fallen!

[George Lander]

HALLOWED GROUNDS
by: Lisha Lander Hylton, June 2005

"As I walk down the green, sloping hills of Virginia
On the Hallowed Grounds of our Heroes from war;
In the fields that were home to an old Southern General
Rest American Soldiers, in the peace they died for

CHORUS:
They gave their lives for our freedom , in America's name
Our Heroes are gone, but their memories remain
God has called them to His Kingdom, now they rest in Honored Glory
from these Hallowed Grounds we remember their story.

As the wind softly blows through the trees on the hillsides
Like a voice from the past, they whisper to me
"As He died to make men holy. let us live and die to make men free."

Tell me, how many wars will it take 'till we learn
The treasures of freedom, the final AMEN?
Blowing in the breeze is the answer to peace
Among the graves of these proud countrymen

As the sad, mourning cry of a whippoorwill fades
I see in the distance a tomb and a guard
"Here Rests In Honored Glory, An American Soldier
Known But To God"

Entombed in the crypts and so often forgotten
On eagles bold wings their souls will endure
In war after war, their bodies lay shattered
Resting now in The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

In your own native land lies your dust in the soil
It's fitting for your worthy grave
The earth claims from wars her most sacred souls
The ashes of our courage and our brave

Now live eternal you Saints of our wars
Dear as the blood that you willingly gave
No footstep shall tread on this reverent sod
The heritage of our soldier's holy grave"

And to those who are lost and whose lives are uncertain
In one final prayer we silently make
That their valor and virtue for our country at war
Be our hope for their glorious fate

To those living today giving lives for our freedom
As they fight for The Land of the Free
We pray to Our Lord, our Savior and Father
May God shed His loving Grace upon Thee

As I gaze toward the sunset, as twilight creeps in
Over thousands of graves in the moon's early light
Like fingers caressing, the heart of my soul
I feel their voices whisper softly in the night

Pleading:"Let there be peace on earth for mankind
God, give us the strength, give our world unity
Let the bells toll for freedom, let the stars and stripes fly...
In the land of the brave and the home of the free"

"Dedicated to the men and women who are presently fighting for our country's freedom, to those who have died defending our cause and those who have bravely fought for American freedom and are missing in action; and to my Dad, who taught me to appreciate my country and honor those who have fought so bravely to defend her. I love you Dad!"

My daughter, Lisha, wrote this poem after visiting Arlington National Cemetery and it appears on Arlington's web site.

[Robin Lewis]

Wow, you have something very special. You obviously raised a wonderful daughter. Thank you for sharing!

[George Lander]

Yes Robin, Lisha is someone very special and I am extremely proud of her. She has taught third grade for the last fifteen years in a country school comprised of many children that come from very poor families. She has been in charge of Veteran's Day at the school
every year that she has been there. She was recently recognized as Science & Technology Teacher Of the Year for the entire Southeast.

Best Regards, George

[Daryl Corona]

I made a point of calling my Dad, who is 94 and served in the Pacific for 4 years, to wish him a happy Veterans Day. The conversation turned to the difference then and now of how the military is viewed by the Govt. Very sad to say the least. Thanks to all who served.