Happy Birthday

[The Wild Rover]

November 10...Happy Birthday Marines, Semper Fi

[Justus]

Good reminder, Rover. I know a lot of us have been to Marine Balls around the world to celebrate the Corps' birthday but it's especially neat to be at a small FOB in a war zone and see the other services pay their respects to the Marines there.

In our DFAC last night...soldiers, sailors, and airmen from not only the US but also from NATO countries...had a small celebration for a few Marines who were just passing through but happened to be there for dinner. Nothing special, just a couple cakes, but it was the cross-service respect that I really appreciated.

Thank you Marines, past and present, for fighting for us, for protecting us, and for keeping our democracy going strong. Happy 234th birthday Marines!!

[The Wild Rover]

Today is Veterans Day. It was once called Armistice Day, after WWI... later called Rememberance Day in several other nations, and allies of the US.
Every American needs to take a few moments and to quietly reflect to themselves, To Bhudda, To Jesus, To The Father Almighty...or to the stars and the moon for all that it means to you personally...just take a few moments and Remembr our Veterans that have served. Some have suffered. Some have died.Many come home different. Some cannot sleep at nights. Some have lost it all and sleep in the streets. Some cannot forget their last fight...some look around at the mess we have going on right now and question themelves...They should not. In War there are no unwounded soldiers.
We should Thank them. We need to thank them.
Over 1000 WWII veterans die every day now. There is only 1 WWI Veteran alive today...Frank Buckles, of West Viginia, born 1901. They are almost gone. Please teach your children to respect the Vets, as children learn by example. If you were not raised or taught this way, now is the time to make a change in your life. Call your local VFW, and just volunteer a few hours...you will learn so much. I talked with my neighbor the other day. He was a Marine in WWII. 88 years old...flew the B-25 Mitchels...does Tokyo ring a bell? Tough Old Breed Leatherneck...He was standing in the bucket of an elevated tractor mounting a dog runner to his barn for his new pup...hard to beat that type of tough.
I know I ramble all over the place, but I would just like to finish with one of my favrite quotes, by Mark Twain...
"In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot."

[builderbob]

Last night in Boone County Indiana, where I live, they held a ceremony to honor and welcome home to all Viet Nam vets in the area. It's what we didn't get when we came home, but it meant alot to me and my fellow vets to finally get it. It was emotional, especially when we remembered those that didn't come home. It's what I love about living in America.

[paintermike]

Last night in Boone County Indiana, where I live, they held a ceremony to honor and welcome home to all Viet Nam vets in the area. It's what we didn't get when we came home, but it meant alot to me and my fellow vets to finally get it. It was emotional, especially when we remembered those that didn't come home. It's what I love about living in America. AMERICA--AMERICA---"LAND OF THE FREE AND HOME OF THE BRAVE" as most of you probably feel when traveling around this globe that when we are in airports that we see SOLDIERS on their way on 15 to 18 month tours to fight for our freedom and the liberations of others, and to tell you the truth I cry like a baby thinking about their families and friends that they are leaving behind --FOR ME AND US AND OUR COUNTRY. WOW!!! MY HAT AND HEART ARE WITH YOU EVERYDAY,,, GOD BLESS ALL THE VETERANS AND ALL THOSE WHO ARE FIGHTING NOW--THANK YOU FOR FIGHTING FOR MY FREEDOMS AND THE LIBERATION OF OTHERS!!!

[guitartexan]

In all the years I've known you Bob, you never once mentioned you were a Vietnam vet.
I salute you.

Bob and I attended the Marine Corps Ball when we were in Nicaragua. What a proud experience that was. There was a guest speaker that evening and he was a "very experienced" Marine, and told some great tales- some action packed and some very personal and touching. There was a great deal of respect in the air.

The military attache` for the Russkie embassy was there at our table. He and his wife were dressed uber formal and stayed only for dinner.

I guess he didn't want to hear about the exploits of the single greatest marine force the world has ever known.

Semper Fidelis.
:AR15

GT

[HeadRat]

Should read "Land of the free BECAUSE it's home of the Brave" :cheers

:usa: