The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs sends his greetings:
Veterans Day is an opportunity for all Americans to honor the service of the men and women of the Armed Forces, past and present.
In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed 11 November as Armistice Day to signify the end of World War I. He commemorated the event by saying, “The reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.”
Armistice Day evolved into Veterans Day after World War II, but the original intent resounds today.
Today, as in the past, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen are fully committed to defending this great Nation and our very way of life.
We have troops deployed throughout the world to combat terrorism and further peace and stability. Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the hard working men and women serving in our military, as well as honor those heroes who have served throughout the ages in the defense of freedom.
On behalf of the Joint Chiefs, I join our fellow Americans in deepest gratitude to those who serve and those who have served. To all Veterans, and to your families, thank you for your courage and your commitment. “
Which, you can’t say fairer than that.
Open thread, vets. Tell your tales.
Well, I’m going to celebrate by shooting in the Patriots Match today. Oh, and Vets… How about we wear our medals today? http://www.va.gov/veteranspride
I served for eight years, four in the Navy as a HM (made 3rd class) and then four in the Coast Guard leaving as a LT. I spent the first Persian Gulf war manning a desk on Guam.
I never heard a shot fired in anger, but I can remember some tense times with the USSR. I made a few mistakes, and sometimes that still bothers me, but I can say I never let a shipmate down.
While in the Navy, I had the pleasure of spending a couple of years at Camp Pendleton. I gained intimate knowledge of the hills and valleys, since we traveled everywhere on foot. I think I wore out at least two pairs of boots. Somebody said “There is no glory in the infantry,” they were right.
My Coast Guard time was most fulfilling, working several SAR cases, and taking part in some major LE (law enforcement) actions in the Western Pacific. One such was flying to Palau on a Coast Guard C-130 with a bunch of DEA agents to arrest the governor and his son for selling heroin from the governor’s house.
Not a day goes by that I don’t think about the guys I served with. I would not trade it for any other experience in the world. It shaped me into something that I never would have become otherwise.
So thank you Navy, Coast Guard and Thank you Capt Lex!
My father was a hidden child in a small town in occupied France. He got out of Europe in 1944. No one who failed to reach America lived.
I spent five years in the Navy on subs. I’m sure I didn’t do enough, because there’s no possibility I’d be here without the men who served before.
A deep thank you to everyone who wore the uniform and left this wonderful country to stand between their loved homes and war’s desolation.
My father always felt that D-Day was intertwined with Veteran’s Day for him. He often said only the GIs wading ashore on Omaha and Utah beach made it possible for him to come to America.
As a child in Germany, most of his schoolmates disappeared without a trace on the Russian front. Rellag is right: of the children in his situation, no one who failed to reach America lived. They either died forgotten in the vast steppes or eked out a twilight existence under the Communist heel in East Germany.
He served in the US Army and later the Air Force, retiring after 30 years. Still trying to repay that debt of hope and freedom.
Happy Veterans Day, Dad
I’ve ancestors that served back to the revolution, a GGGreat uncle that mooned the Union line at the battle of Barboursville (W)Va. and in most wars since. My memories are for the guys of River Division 594 and the River Patrol Force in general, PBRs, Riverine Mike boats and all.
Reading stories like Relleg’s and Capt. J’s make me not only happy to be American, but proud to be American in ways I’ve never thought about.
I’ve always honored our vets, considering how many of my family members have (and still are) serving. When you stop to think about all of the people (and nations) our soldiers have helped, it’s mind-boggling. What’s even more amazing to me is that immigrants seem to have more patriotism and a sense of duty and commitment to the USA than our natural-born citizens do these days. That’s such a pity. Born into the most wonderful country in the world, yet they do not appreciate it or realize what life could have been like if they had been less fortunate by birth.
Thank you to all of our veterans- we can never repay what you have done for us, or the world.
From a Reagan era cold warrior on a tin can to all the warriors of today:
THANKS!!