Something to ponder on Veteran's Day.

[Goalie Interference]

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things: the decayed and
degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing is worth a war, is worse... A man who has nothing which he is willing to fight for, nothing which he cares more about than he does about his personal safety, is a miserable creature, who has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."



--John Stuart Mill, in “The Contest in America”, 1859

[RET]

This morning, my radio woke me up to wonderful tributes to the veterans that have served our country. It was very moving.

I know there are many members on here who have served in some capacity and that there are several who serve right now. I could never put together the words to show exactly how I feel. I wish I could.

I think about the decision you made to serve this country and her people. People you don't know personally. Like me. That is an overwhelming thought. I think about the sacrifices you made ... being away from your spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, fiance, children, family & friends. I think about the times some of you missed that were hard on you ... holidays, birth of a child, everyday things that we take for granted. I think about the experiences that will forever be on your mind, friends you may have lost, injuries you may have received. Sacrificing and serving ... so that we could enjoy the freedoms we have today.

If I could meet you face to face, I would shake your hand or hug you ... to show my appreciation because THANK YOU wouldn't seem to cover it.

There are men in my life that have served and sacrificed ... for my freedom. My brain cannot wrap itself around the experiences they went through that forever changed their lives. I consider each of them a HERO, as I consider you to be one, too.

Thank you. Thank you from the bottom my heart for what you, the Veteran, did for someone like me. Thank you to those who were passed the baton and now you carry on ... serving, fighting and protecting. Thank you.

The flag on my front porch and yellow ribbon continues to be proudly displayed - in honor of YOU.

May God bless you abundantly over and over ... ten fold.

[Silver Spoon]

Wow Guys.......I couldn't have said it any better! Very nicely put Ret and I'll 2nd that if you don't mind. Although I will let this picture speak as well.....

This was brillant too! I love it.....Thanks GI
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things: the decayed and
degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing is worth a war, is worse... A man who has nothing which he is willing to fight for, nothing which he cares more about than he does about his personal safety, is a miserable creature, who has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."

[RET]

Would any of you care to share if you have served or are currently serving ... and what branch? It would be neat to know.

[inmarc]

U.S. Navy 1960 - 1967 two tours in Vietnam.

[Lux]

We are forever indebted to every veteran for freedom is not free.

[Dinaress]

http://news.yahoo.com/page/interacti...0051109pe_iraq

[millionairetobe71]

I am a proud member of the Army. I am naturally from Puerto Rico but came to the US in 1991, not knowing a word of English. I began my military career as an Air Traffic Control Technician. I did the job for 6 years, then I change to Combat Medical Specialist (medic) for two years and worked in the Emergency Room in Germany. Went to the ROTC program and became an officer. I branched first as an Air Defense Officer (PATRIOT) and stayed in Fort Bliss for 3 1/2 years. Recently I transfer to Medical Services Corps and I am deployed in Iraq with the 4 Infantry Division, SPT BDE and works as an Operations Officer.
I got here recently and I can tell you that there is always someone outthere that wants to hurt you or hurt someone you know. I am always thinking if one of my buddies that's going out there in a convoy will make back,..in one piece. I looked at our "lucky charms", things we take with us to supposely protect us against the bad guys and pray that the thing works because back in the sates I have a little son, and I have a wife.
But above all, I am the one that in mind, and people in this business speak the "same language," the one that brings the security to my kid, relatives and extrangers. So no country, individual or outside army will take over the land I safeguard. Just like an event that took place in World War II,

"a tanker was looking for a place where to best safeguard his tank due to an upcoming offensive from the germans, while driving around near a town, he spotted a lone soldier digging a foxhole in the freezing ground. He stopped his tank and asked the soldier where would be the best place to place his tank. The soldier stopped digging, looked at the folks eyes and told him in a firm voice while buring his sholve in the ground; 'Pal, put your tank behind me, I am the 82nd Airborne, and no one cross this line..."

What it means is in the eyes of adversity we face on daily basis we don't forget who we are serving and who we are protecting. And this the country of freedom, USA.
Yes, I miss my son dearly, I miss wife dearly. There is not going to be Thansgiving Dinner with Daddy in the table, nor is going to the Christmas with Dad buying toys and watching my kid playing destroying the gift wraps and see his smiles and enjoyment. But at least I know he is safer now, and so is millions of families back in the states. That is my reward, there isn't anything bigger to me. God Bless the USA!!!!

[Buck Nut]

Awsome quote posted by an obviously awsome person!!!
I did 11 years active duty (army) as a medic and have done two stints as a contractor (2 years in Bosnia and am nearly finished with my year in Iraq) and it still amazes me the depth of the commitment that our forces have to the principals that are the foundation of our nation!!!
Thanks again for the reminder of what is really important!!!
Now if the MSM would start to recognize it!!!

[HEALTHisWEALTH]

For those in the forum who would like a front-line view of exactly what goes on in the struggle to secure and transform Iraq, may I suggest the Discovery Times (web) version of the series "Off to War."

[hilljack13]

Originally Posted by RET

Would any of you care to share if you have served or are currently serving ... and what branch? It would be neat to know.

Served in the USMC from Sep '97 to Jan '02
PROUD GRADUATE OF PARRIS ISLAND!!!
1st Duty Station. D Co. 3rd AAV, 29 Palms CA, *STUMPS*
2nd Duty Station. 2MARDIV, H&S Co. Camp Lejeune NC,
Deployed July '01-Dec'01 to South America and West Africa.

Now repaying back working as a civilian on Camp Lejeune.
http://lejeune.usmc.mil/mcb/index.asp

SEMPER FI!!!