Veterans Day
First I want to thank everyone who is serving in the United States Armed Forces.
You are the 1% of Americans who are protecting the 99% of Americans who are lucky enough to be civilians. You sacrifice much of your freedom to insure our freedom. We are safe because you are willing to put yourself in harm's way.
When you are deployed, your families are without your nurturing presence. Spouses of military personnel who have children become the equivalent of single parents. Their children are without one of their parents for the length of the deployment. And the dependents of the deployed personnel have the additional stress of knowing a loved one is in harm's way.
I would also like to thank every veteran and their families for their service and sacrifice. I especially want to thank our wounded warriors and those who suffered as POW's. Unfortunately, there is no way to thank our fallen heroes. They made the ultimate sacrifice for us. My heart goes out to all Gold Star families.
I took my son to Washington in the Spring 0f 2002. As we drove past the Pentagon we were horrified to see the huge hole in the massive building from the 9/11 attack was still very visible and was still under repair. We visited visited Arlington National Cemetery. Seeing all of those graves brought tears to my eyes.
We also saw the Marine Corps Memorial Iwo Jima Statue which was nearby.
Then we drove to our hotel which was near the White House. The next day we began our walking tour. We walked past the White House on our way to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. I showed him the names of some of my fallen classmates and friends.
Then we checked out the Lincoln Memorial on our way to the Korean War Veterans Memorial. The statues of the soldiers there were amazing. It was almost like we were walking with them.
Our last stop on our long walk was the WWII memorial. It reminded me of a massive Stonehenge. It was a warm day so we sat down at the edge of the fountain, took off our shoes and stuck our feet in the cool water. I told my son about my father who was a decorated Navy fighter pilot who fought the Japanese. I told him about my father taking part in the Navy's air support for my Uncle's Marine unit at Iwo Jima and reminded him that we had seen the famous Marine Corps Memorial Iwo Jima statue the day before.
We owe our freedom and prosperity to the brave members (past and present) of our Armed Forces.
Many NewsTalkers are veterans. I appreciate what they have done in service to our country.
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This was the National Anthem of ButtHeads Nation.
Please turn up your sound to max and go to "full screen" when the video starts to enjoy this patriotic experience.
If I wasn't awake before, I'm awake now. This was like a triple expresso with an extra 5 spanks of caffeine, and a side order of somewhat-ground Jamaican coffee beans for dessert.
Fuck yeah!
Fuck yeah! Great vid!
Here's to true honor! Thank you Vets and Allies!
Fuck yeah!
Let's not forget about those who have fought along side American troops to advance America's values even though they were not American.
Foreign soldiers have had an impact since the Revolutionary War.
Native Americans were not made citizens of our own country until 1924. Thousands fought and died for a country that did not recognize us. From the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, The Civil War and WWI where over 12,000 Indians fought for the U.S.
Native Americans in WWI
The original Code Talkers. The Comanche in WWI.
My comment should read Choctaw not Comanche although many Comanche served in WWI..
Many people think that slavery is the most shameful part of U.S. history.
I think the genocide of Native Americans is much much worse. This country belonged to it's Native inhabitants. It was stolen from them in bloody battles that even involved biological weapons (blankets infected with small pox were distributed to Native Americans),
I hear people discussing reparations for slavery but I never hear anyone discussing reparations for Native Americans.
I understand some tribes had legends of how the "great White brother" was going to come and live in peace and harmony with their tribes. But, unfortunately, when the great White brother arrived he was a murdering asshole who even killed their bison for fun.
And the great White brother is still poisoning the happy hunting grounds and discrimination is still rampant.
My family immigrated to the U.S, in 1916 so they didn't kill any Native Americans. But I still have to share the shame of what my race did to the Native Americans.
Please accept my deepest apology for our shameful history and my deepest thanks form all of the Native Americans who still serve this country.
Ashes to Dust by J D Challenger.
Ogichidaa (He who stands against evil)
I have always luv'd this painting Kavika - gonna see if I can find a copy to hang in a place of prominence here in the adobe.
('Course, I always thought that should be a UH-34D (Choctaw)
)
I thought that you might be interested in seeing the model for the painting..
Veterans Day keynote speaker Red Eagle Rael of Picuris Pueblo was the model for the painting “Ashes to Dust” by JD Challenger. He is posing in front of a signed print at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial gift shop. (Photo from the David Westphall Veterans Foundation Facebook page)
So, it's at the memorial in Albuquerque? Close enough to visit - and will do,
I believe that painting is in Washington D.C.
There may be one in Albuquerque, that I don't know.
Just mentioning that the Westphall memorial is located in Albuquerque. I see that if I had read all of the caption, I would've noted that it was a photo.
Mea culpa - NOT ENOUGH COFFEE.
He is amazing looking.
I highly recommend this movie:
Great movie!
Excellent.
What a powerful image!
And to my young nephew Lee, U.S.Army, who passed on earlier this year from Colon Cancer.
Served three tours in Iraq, slammed by IED's six times, broke most bones in his lower body and was medically discharged at 26 years of age.
Left behind two gorgeous boys, ages 10 and six, who are already talking 'bout joining the service when they're old enough.
Thank you Lee. RIP
For Lee:
Thank you al - means a lot.
I am a proud veteran - USMC - '64 - '68, 'Nam '65 - '68; USCGR - '79 - 82 with six years active duty and Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
I would gladly and proudly serve again and again and again and again - that's how much this country and her freedoms mean to me.
Thank you America for giving me the opportunity to do something worthy for you - something that can never be taken from any of us.
Semper Fi - Semper Paratus.
I look up to you for your bravery and service. I doubt that I could have handled what you have been through.
Thank you Dean and, for what it's worth, I strongly believe you could have - very well.
Marines are a tough group.
My Uncle did two tours in Nam. Here are his medals. He had posted them on facebook a few years ago, which took me by surprise because my mother told me that he had thrown them away, and he never discussed his service.
Another Uncle of mine was in the Army and served in Vietnam too. He was a cook!
My father served in the Air Force 52-53.
Many service men in my family going back to WW1.
Thank you all!!!!
You should be extremely proud of your heritage.
Thank you for honoring their service on this article.
I am very proud of them, thank you. If it wasn't for our service men and women, our lives and those before us would be very different. I was raised to respect our military men and women, but I didn't fully appreciate my country and those that serve until I was 17 and visiting Dachua made me truly realize the extent of true evil that exist in our world. Not the same as seeing it on TV, or movie, or reading a book.
God Bless all that have protected us from such astrocities.
9/11 was a reminder that evil still exists.
My father never spoke of his accolades (USMC) either. To this day, I kick myself for not getting his service record when I worked S-1 (Admin).
Ya know you can get them from the National Archives, right? If ya need an addee, let me know.
Cool.
Please post the address.
Lots of us are interested in our families' fallen heroes military records.
The NPRC will send you a copy of the vet's records at no charge and usually takes 'bout six weeks to complete your request.
National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63138
"The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR) is the repository of millions of military personnel, health, and medical records of discharged and deceased veterans of all services during the 20th century. (Records prior to WWI are in Washington, DC .) NPRC (MPR) also stores medical treatment records of retirees from all services, as well as records for dependent and other persons treated at naval medical facilities. Information from the records is made available upon written request (with signature and date) to the extent allowed by law.
This site is provided for those seeking information regarding military personnel, health and medical records stored at NPRC (MPR).
If you are a veteran or next-of-kin of a deceased veteran , you may now use vetrecs.archives.gov to order a copy of your military records. For all others, your request is best made using a Standard Form 180 . It includes complete instructions for preparing and submitting requests. Please Note: All requests must be in writing, signed and mailed to us at the address shown below."
Marines are awesome and fearsome.
And you guys have the best uniforms .
But 'member - you can't judge a book by its cover - we are much more awesome and fearsome than that .
OMG, you know that I can't let that pass without a retort.
Airborne, all the way.
Soo damn good - had to have been copied from the Marines
I am from a long line of vets, including my great granddad who fought in the Civil War to my dad, who served in both Korea and Vietnam. I thank them all, for all that they did.
Since you're a "brat" you have also sacrificed for our country.
I am grateful for your entire family.
To all my fellow Veterans and their families, thanks for your service.
Cpl. Frost, U.S.M.C. 1987-1991.
I salute your service.
U.S. Army 1959 - 1965.
Vietnam 61/62 and 64/65
1stwarrior will understand the meaning of the Eagle Feather.
One we are very proud to wear and protect.
Thank you Kavika.
Wore this last night when Audra, her cousin, her mother, daughter Vicky and I went to Olive Garden to have a farewell dinner for her cousin.
Walking through the restaurant, people started calling "Semper Fi", "Thank You For Your Service" and "Welcome Home" to me. Was so damned embarrassed, but very deeply honored.
Audra smiled and said "Thanks Marine".
my sincerest gratitude to all those that have ever served and those that are serving now. all americans have been granted the right to talk the talk, but only by the efforts of those relative few that have actually walked that walk.
Well said.
A U.S. Marine on a rooftop in Beirut Lebanon, 1983.
And he DEFINITELY is a Marine
Kavika, it is the eyes of your Son and his facial expression that so impressed me, and what I found most strikingly similar in the Native American Warrior creation I posted not long ago (below). They depict the same look of determination and fearlessness of a great Warrior.
I truly hope you don't mind the comparison, but, their eyes say it all.
I find it to be a great compliment to my son...Thanks so much Raven Wing.
You are most welcome. He has done his people proud, and his country.
You nailed that Raven!
Thank you Six.
In the spirit of Crazy Horse.
Hoka Hey
Absolutely awesome video and extremely deep message.
Thanks Kavika.
The Warrior Tradition
The Warrior Tradition tells the astonishing, heartbreaking, inspiring, and largely-untold story of Native Americans in the United States military. Why would Indian men and women put their lives on the line for the very government that took their homelands? The film relates the stories of Native American warriors from their own points of view – stories of service and pain, of courage and fear.
IT AIRES TONIGHT 11/11/19 ON PBS 9PM EASTERN TIME
When I published this article I hoped a lot of people would leave comments expressing their gratitude for Veterans.
I appreciate all of the people who have posted comments.
Butt the turnout has been rather slack.
Is it because this isn't a political article?
Maybe some NewsTalkers are just avoiding me.
I realized that sometimes I can be slightly off putting.
Maybe I need to try a different mouthwash (do I have bad breath?).
Or maybe I should wear pants when I NewsTalk....
I'm just here for the free coffee and donuts. Seeing you without pants is a perk.
But seriously, the lack of commentary by certain segments of the NT community is showing respect for both the topic and you. It's a good thing, I promise.
I hope everyone respects the topic.
That's probably why they haven't shown up to disrespect me.
I kinda miss the wonderful guy who usually shows up to call my articles "shit".
Politics and religion seem to be the articles that draw the most attention.
There is a group on NT that do enjoy articles other than the same old, same old party politics and religion.
I most appreciated this article.
Thanx!
I love the comments you've posted.
I can do politics butt I have no religion.
Perhaps the worst oxymoron is "Holy War".
Totally agree. To some here, if it isn't something to fight about, it's not worth their time. Not even to pay respects to our Veterans.
Every male in my family has served in the Military going back as far as the Civil War that I can find. They have served in every branch of the Military over the many decades. My Maternal Grandfather served in the Marines during WWII, and my Father served in the Army in WWII as well. My Grandfather was 38 years old when he was drafted. My Father was 18. They were both disabled Veterans.
My Brother served in Vietnam in the Navy as an Engineman on a PT Boat, was awarded a Purple Heart, and was a disabled Veteran. My Great-Grandfather served as a Native American scout with the Union Army during the Civil War, was captured by the Confederates and sent to Andersonville where he died from extreme torture, starvation and dysentery.
My Grandfather also served in the Army during WWI.
My Son walked on long before he was old enough to serve, but, had always talked about wanting to be in the Army like his Grandfather.
My Cherokee ancestors also fought against the British during the Revolutionary War.
Like so many other Native Americans of various Tribes, my Cherokee family and ancestors have fought in every war in America since it was colonized.
Your family history brought tears to my eyes.
I visited the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC.
There were lots of prehistoric artifacts dating back thousands of years.
The oldest clothing was made of hemp. Apparently buckskins do not age as well.
There are high tech audio-visual exhibits explaining Cherokee history.
The description of the Trail of Tears is extremely disturbing.
Sometimes I hate White history.
The pitiful donation I made did NOT ease my guilty conscience.
Thank you, al. I have visited the museum in Cherokee NC several times, and I found something new i overlooked each time I visited.
The Trail of Tears is a black stain on America by the White government that can never be forgotten, and lives in the hearts and minds of Native Americans of all Tribes and never dies.
Yet, when the need to defend our country has come we have never turned our backs on the call to do our part to help defend our country. It was our country for thousands of years before the White settlers ever came, and it is still our country today.
While there are some Americans who will do all they can to avoid doing their part to help protect our country and its people, there are never any Native Americans who would think of doing so, just as the majority of Americans are willing to do so as well.
Mother Earth and Father Sky are the keepers of our world, and look upon us humans to do our part to help them maintain our world in a condition to insure all life in it will be able to survive.
Wars destroy a large part of our world, and it takes all living beings to help return it to a condition that can support all living beings who share it.
Unfortunately, that comes at a price for us all. And for those who manage to survive, deserve our respect and endeavor to help them as much as is needed. And they deserve much more than is now being done for them.
JMOO
We need to vote the climate deniers out of office. We need to stop burning coal now. We need to wean ourselves off of the oil titty. We need to convert to clean sources of energy (solar, geothermal, wind turbines, etc.). And we need to replace beef cattle with bison.
There is a lot we need to change before we run out of time.
How are we going to save Mother Earth? How can we stop the greedy big oil billionaires before they boil the planet?
Mother Earth will serve them her own message. One they cannot refuse or deny. Their greed and selfishness will come back to haunt their own children and their children. But, they do not care to think that far ahead. Or think they are not worth worrying about compared to their own pockets at this time.
Why don't you publish an article and provide some proof to back up your bogus claims?
Why don't you want to write an article?
Did you come here just to flame on me for my response to this comment?
Butt this article is about veterans.
Can't you at least mention that we all owe veterans our respect and gratitude for their service to our country?
Or are you simply one of my haters who only come to my threads to pick a fight?
Do you have a link for that allegation?
Where's your evidence?
If you can supply a link to back up your claim (21.1.10), I'll be happy to research it.
They are just here to Troll your great article. Their usual MO's. They obviously have no respect or honor for America's veterans who have given their all for our country and its people.
What is the source of this "proper Scientific support"?
Who conducted those "multiple seminars and presentations"?
Freedom Warrior must be a highly decorated combat veteran.
After all, he's got "Warrior" right there in his alias.
Butt, I'm surprised that he hasn't bothered to show some respect for his fellow warriors on this article.
I wonder if his only reason for commenting on this article about Veterans Day is to attack me?
His first comment here contained this statement:
Maybe he's upset because his bull is sick (the poor animal probably has diarrhea).
I guess I should cut him some slack.
Why are you deflecting this thread? It's about Veterans who have served and who should be honored.
My "fans" always deflect my threads.
Not to worry al, people here on NT know the Trolls and the sick games they play. Derailing and attacking with their BS is all they are here on NT for.
Gee, why are you being so defensive?
I'm pretty sure RW was referring to the poor guy with the sick bull.
Your family sounds awesome.
And thank you for honoring fallen heroes.
Exactly. I don't consider MUVA a Troll.
Are you a site Moderator? No.
Are you a group Moderator (in the SiNNERS and ButtHeads group)? No.
If not you should abide by Split Personality's ruling who is a site Moderator.
His ruling was "Off Topic and No Value".
My question is: Why haven't you bothered to thank veterans? (that's the fucking topic)
You use the word "Warrior" in your alias.
Are you a veteran? If you are thank you for serving.
If you aren't a vet and you're just trolling my article, then STFU.
That's your seventh comment on this thread (Veterans Day).
Why haven't you praised veterans?
We have freedom because of their service and sacrifice.
Al, where you slipped up was when you went beyond this:
"When I published this article I hoped a lot of people would leave comments expressing their gratitude for Veterans.
I appreciate all of the people who have posted comments."
Anyway, I am thankful for all those who have served our country. I was in the Air Force. I've always had extra respect for those who put their lives on the line. This is a great country, not a perfect country, but we have many great people living in this country who are still here and many who have given their lives for us. Some went because they wanted to and some went because they had to, but none came back the way they were before they left.
Thanks for the article.
Thank you for your service and for your kind comment.
We can't thank those fallen heroes. We can show our appreciation by supporting Gold Star families. I'm sending a donation to:
Trout Giggles is also an Air Force veteran. I was hoping she would comment. She's probably busy today.
We do have a Gold Star member on NT. Perhaps it's still too painful for them to comment.
I would guess that the trolling is done by a person that has never served a day in their life.
Yes, I am a Gold Star mom, and I thank all veterans for their service and all sacrifices they made.
Thank you lady in black,
Utmost respect to you and your son.
Thank you.
Your service and sacrifice eclipses anything I have done. I can't even begin to comprehend the pain you must have suffered. It makes my bad back seem trivial. Please let me know if I can ever do anything for you.
I may be able to help you deal with the trolls on this site. If you ever get frustrated by a troll here just send me a "personal note" and I'll be happy to help.
I noticed a troll called your clever "Hillary button" meme "stupid" (on the Haley thread). When he called your next comment "stupid" I intervened with a "deflection" meme. I enjoy feeding trolls. I think fed him enough to make him STFU.
Thanks, Al. Yes, I have been busy.
Thanks to all who have served. And I thank my grandfather (WWII), my dad's 4 brothers (Vietnam), my own husband (Air Force, Msgt retired, 23 years), and my own beloved son who is currently serving in the Air Force. And let me not forget my son-in-law who served active duty Army for 4 years and is now Army Reserve.
(((Lady in Black)))
My deepest respect and condolences.
You have an amazing family.
And you are an incredible woman.
I appreciate everything you and your family have done for our country.
Thank-you, Al. You're amazing and incredible yourself
I'm not worthy of your praise.
As you know, I'm a meme motherfucker.
Yes you are deserving of any praise you get. And lol
Well said Six - and, as usual, straight from the heart.
"but none came back the way they were before they left."
So very, very true.
Semper Fi friend.
So very true. My Brother never talked about his time in Vietnam, nor that he had been awarded a Purple Heart for saving a group of Marines under enemy fire on a small islet. My Brother's PT boat was called to provide cover fire while another team rescued the stranded Marines.
At the end of the rescue, my Brother and the Coxswain of the PT Boat were the only two crew members that survived. My Brother saw his fellow crew members die in front of him, and was determined to take up the gunners's place and continue strafing the enemy until all the Marines were rescued, in spite of his serious injury.
But, none of our family, even his own wife, knew none of this until the "Swifty" debate came about, and finally told us of his own story. His Son found his Purple Heart stored away in a small box in a drawer after my Brother walked on.
While it was a great honor, it was one he obviously found hard to talk about.
And when he returned home from his tour of duty and was discharged, it seems he put that part of his life deep in his mind to forget.
My father was a decorated WWII Navy fighter pilot.
He never "bragged" about the war.
I found out about some of what he did by eavesdropping when he was drinking with his fellow pilots at the "O" club.
Some of the other pilots were disfigured by their battle scars (they never had to pay for any of the rounds).
Most of my dad's scars were on the inside.
He was sort of a real life "Great Santini".
He wasn't easy to live with.
Great article Al. I didn't comment as I have never served myself so I felt any contribution would not be worthy.
Just reading and hearing about the sacrifices some have made can make my heart lower and rise at the same time.
The comradery, bravery and heroic actions some have taken during horrific times should never be forgotten.
Thanks.
Your comment indicates that appreciate the contributions and sacrifices made by vets.
This article was my way of thanking veterans and I wasn't trying to exclude people who didn't serve.