Veterans

[George Lander]

I went to my daughter's school today. She teaches third grade at a rural school here in South Carolina. For several years she has been in charge of putting together a program to honor our veterans on veteran's day. There was a color gaurd from the high school ROTC, music: Or Nation Anthem, The Marine Corps Hymn, The Caissons Go Rolling Along, Anchors Aweigh and Off We Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder. As each was played the vets from that service were asked to stand for applause. The closing song was America. The students had each written a short essay on "MY HERO" The program lasted for about a hour and a half. Several students spoke about a particular serviceman or woman in their family.

I'm not sure if all schools do this but they should. we need things like this to counter the liberal hogwash that in intrenched in the media and in Washington. After our whole family paid a visit to Arlington National Cemetary three years ago my daughter, (her name is Lisha Lander Hylton), wrote a poem entitled "HALLOWED GROUND" which is now on the Arlington National Cemetary web site. Pull it up and if you don't get a lump in your throat you're a tougher guy or gal than I.

My oldest son's Birth Father , (our two boys are adopted, my daughter is "home made") was with a U.S. Army outfit called the MANCHUS. He was "in-country" three months before he was killed. Billy was able to find and trace his name on THE WALL. We all owe a great debt of gratitude to ALL VETERANS, both those that are here and those that have GONE ON.

Best Regards, George RD-2 USN