Remember those who've fought, died and honored our country.

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Thank you soldier!  I and my family thank you for our freedom!!!

God Bless!!!

~mel

Happy Veteran's Day to all!

We can freely chat on this board due to the men and women that served this country.  Too many take Freedom for granted. 

So, thank your friends, family or whoever that served this nation.

Thank You!

Thank you to all that have served.

Thanks Dad.. I miss you!!

IT IS THE SOLDIER

It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us freedom to protest.

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

by Charles M. Province

Anyone else read this Washington Post article?  Powerful stuff.

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-Dennis-

Excellent post Pat!

I live in gratitude for those in the past who fought to make this country possible, to make it free, to keep it free, and for those who defend its freedoms today.  This generation has been spoiled in that there has not been a major challenge to freedom since the Second World War, and as that generation is dying off many have lost contact with the price that has been paid.  We have had to fight smaller conflicts to keep that freedom going, but because of their size or popularity (or lack thereof) we as a nation have grown soft and have taken our freedom for granted.  We feel we deserve it, and that it is a right that should accrue to us without price or cost.  Freedom is not free.  Don't let that phrase become trite and meaningless.  "It can't always be somebody else's son."

One of the fewer, the prouder, a Marine Dad!

Jerry

I just read this in the local paper from my hometown - "They gave away their tomorrows for our today".  How very true and what a huge debt we owe our service men and women.

A big THANK YOU to all that have served!

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining, Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, you soldier, How shall I deal with you ? Have you always turned the other cheek ? To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said, 'No, Lord, I guess I ain't. Because those of us who carry guns, Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was tough. And sometimes I've been violent, Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny, That wasn't mine to keep... Though I worked a lot of overtime, When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God, forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place, Among the people here. They never wanted me around, Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne, Where the saints had often trod. As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you soldier, You've borne your burdens well. Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~


Mike

A big thanks to all who have served, those who are serving and all those who will serve.

Carolyn

My sincere gratitude to all the men and women who've served.

Thanks for posting the FINAL INSPECTION...truly, truly moving.

A big thanks to them all and it was a beautiful day for it as well.

Charlie

To all who've faced the consequences of war, my best, thank you.

My hats off to all who have and are currently serving my country!!

Joe