Veteran's Day

Oh it was all in fun, Shelly.

Oh good...I feel better! Now I don't have to go kick some "ex" ass![]

Do you do anything with photography now?   I have always thought this is something I would like to learn...just haven't had the time yet!  Photography and ballroom dancing![]

Thank you for posting that story Billy.  Did you or anyone happen to see the ABC World News Tonight on Friday evening?  They aired a very moving story about a veteran who helps get WWII veterans to see the memorial in Washington D.C.  The volunteers pay their own way, but they use donations to bus, fly, and drive these veterans to D.C. for the day.  I'm sure the article is on the ABC News website.
 
I'm a veteran of peace time service, though would have done my duty had the need arisen.
 
My ex-husband served 27 years in the Navy, joined during Vietnam in 1967.  He didn't see combat, but certainly gave his life to his country in another way.  Unfortunately he passed away six years ago, in part due to the "work hard, play hard" lifestyle which he lived.  We may have had our problems, but one thing I can say is that he always gave his "all" to the Navy.
 
And speaking from the perspective of a former military wife, I also want to salute all the husbands, wives, children, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, etc. who support their beloved service member.  It's not easy being on the homefront without your loved one, but without your backing him/her, that service person could not do the job required.
 
Thank you to all the veterans and their families.

At powwows, after Grand Entry, the first dance always honors the Veterans.  My vets are gone now, so I dance for them:
My mother, a WAC during WWII
My uncle, first with the Marines, at Guadalcanal - later, after being discharged and recovering from injuries, rejoined, but with the Navy.
My grandfather, Spanish American War - Phillipine Insurrection with the Minnesota Volunteers
Friends and classmates - Viet Nam

I also always remember the dogs and horses used in wartime. 

My husband is a former Marine.  He spent time in Beirut back in the early 1980's, and served with someone from my hometown (who introduced us many years later).  While it was unintentional, I once goofed up the Marine lingo and referred to him as a "jughead." [8D] 
 
I also have two dear friends who are military wives.  The sacrifices made by both those who serve and their families are beyond what I can imagine, and I'm very grateful for them.
 
I saw that clip on World News Tonight, Tina -- it was very moving.  What an awesome man to make that his mission!
 

ORIGINAL: spiritdogs
I also always remember the dogs and horses used in wartime. 

  One of my fondest memories of a trip to Scotland was touring Edinburgh Castle and seeing the cemetery they have there just for dogs who belonged to members of their military.  Many of them served in wartime; some gave their lives.  They have tiny gravestones, some quite old, with inscriptions and everything.  I could hardly tear myself away from it, and of course took several photos. 
 

ORIGINAL: jjsmom06
Do you do anything with photography now?   I have always thought this is something I would like to learn...just haven't had the time yet!  Photography and ballroom dancing![]

 
I still do photography, although not with the passion that I had when I was younger.  I have decent enough technical ability, but I lack the eye of the true artist.
 
The wife and I took a couple of series of basic ballroom dances a couple of years ago.  It would be fair to say I lack something there too.  []

Thank you Billy, for posting that moving story.
 
I live on Long Island and every time I've gone into NYC into Penn Station, I've always wanted to go up to the army guys standing guard and just say thanks. Thanks for doing what your doing. But I've never gotten up enough courage. Silly, of course, but still.
 
Reading what you had typed made me think of the song "Proud to be an American" and I started singing it. []
 
Despite what people's opinions are of whether or not we belong there, we still need to thank our soldiers and the people who are protecting the American Way.
 
So, next time I take the trip into the city, I will say thank you.
 
To every American Soldier: Thank you and may you come home safe.

I live on Long Island

Ellen...your Long Island 911 memorial really moved me when I saw it 2 months ago. So tragic.....[&o]

I meant STATON ISLAND memorial...oops![8D]

The soldiers not the government keep us safe!!!
 
I feel save going to bed at night knowing we are being watched over by the BEST in the world.

I didn't have internet all weekend, so I'm coming in a little late. I just wanted to say thanks to Billy for posting that touching story. I was in tears reading it.
 
And I want to say thank you to everyone for supporting our troops and their families. It really means so much to the soldiers to have their country behind them. They are over there to protect us and our way of life. Let's give them all of our support and hope they come home safe and soon!

Sorry late getting to this.  My Dad is a WWII Navy Veteran.  He served on a PT Boat in the South Pacific During the War.  He will be 81 next month but still tells us of his experiences and always cries when he does.  My son served 6 years in the ARNG his got his discharge papers 7 weeks before his unit was called to go to Iraq.  One of his school mates was killed over there last year.  He wanted to re-up when his unit got called but considering he is our only son we managed to talk him out of it.  I feel guilty about being selfish like that.  I so commend all our military and their families.

Thank you for posting that...I'm a little late reading it, but it literlly gave me goosebumps. What a touching story.
 
My father is retired Army, and my husband is currently serving in the Navy, so our military heroes are truly held dear to my heart. There are no words to express my sheer gratitude and respect for everyone who has devoted their lives to protecting our freedom.

Thanks Billy
From 3 Generations of Soldiers