I'm working and I'm a veteran (US Army 1975-1977; SC Army National Guard 1977-1982). I'll take a Root Beer, please.

I am working, Z - but right now, just a large cup of java please!

I'm here! A big Diet Coke, and keep the refills coming - the Roly Poly Bug is teething.....

I'll take you up on that, Z! I know 9:04 a.m. seems early for a cocktail, but I'm sure it's five o'clock somewhere...

Bloody Mary, please

I'm glad you're open on the holiday. I'm here today, too and hoping for a quiet day to get some things done. We're having a heat wave here, so I'll have an iced tea.

Make a point of it--even if you are in the midst of a conversation. It will make a powerful point. When is the moment of silence?

1977-1980, US Army. And might I say this is the first Veteran's Day I have worked in 21 years. At least officially worked, that is. Good thing I enjoy this! While I'll miss our parade, I am there in spirit and recognize veterans, and those who gave it all.

At lunch today I had the opportunity to visit the traveling replica of the Vietnam War Memorial here in Birmingham. It's 3/4 scale, and very impressive. It was so touching to see all the families and friends tracing the names of their loved ones.

Yesterday was the 228 Birthday of the U.S Marine Corps and today is veterans day. I have received birthday wishes from a lot of my Marine Corp family causing a great deal of reflection on what a 22 year association with this organization and its many fine people has meant to me. Perhaps none brought home more memories than a chance encounter at the VA Hospital two weeks ago.

Another person and I were in a small room waiting for blood to be drawn. We exchanged a few words and found out we had both been in the Marine Corps. The exception was this gentleman at 19 years old was captured by the Japaneses in the Philippines shortly after Pearl Harbor, and made the infamous Bataan Death March. Here was a legend in the flesh.

I asked what he credited his survival to and he said it was youth. The old men of 25 died along the way or in the camps. This gentleman was also among those captured, that were eventually shipped to Japan for slave labor purposes. Part of that story was an American submarine torpedoed some of the ships carrying our guys held captive. This man also survived the sinking of one of those ships. It was fascinating listening to him. He is now in his 80's

Some of you that read this probably will not know what the Bataan Death March was or much about the suffering of people like this gentleman. You may not know what being a veteran really means. You have not experienced the smell of rifle oil, or whats its like to climb down a cargo net into a small boat and hit the beach, or fly a helicopter into a hot LZ, or the incredible sounds or radio transmissions that stay in your brain a lifetime.

Regardless of what your political beliefs are, always remember that veterans gave themselves freely to preserve America and to maintain the high principals and moral standards our country was founded on. Its veteran's from the American Revolution to this very day that contribute to our greatness.

Now I'm told we can't say "Founding Fathers" we can't say "God", we can't say "Christmas" We can't publicly pray, or ask God for his blessing. Shame on all of you that put up with this crap. Yes, many died to provide the privilege, of free speach, but none died to allow the desecration of the basic Tennant's of our country.

To those of you that would destroy our moral integrity because you aren't strong enough to be part of it. To those of you that want to rewrite history because it debunks your twisted theories I say Veterans have earned the right to publicly pray, recite the pledge of allegiance, read the 10 commandments and to raise our children with Christian values. Those of you that want to deprive American of that, have earned nothing, and are just genetic deficient parasites.

God Bless Our Veterans and all our Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Marines, and God Bless America

Semper Fi Guys

Gee, Don, I wouldn't expect a jarhead could be so eloquent.

Well said!

I'm envious - I think it would have been fascinating to talk to a survivor of the Bataan Death March. They are the one's that should be getting a million dollars, not these cheap ripoff backstabbing survivors on the TV show.

We had training today. The CEO started with a nice tribute to the military, then asked all the veterans to stand. The entire Holding Company gave us a round of applause. Then the hotel we were at had a Veterans Day Ceremony and a flyover that we were able to attend (on break).

Don, I wouldn't have expected any less from a Marine. Our pastor is a jarhead. He is gifted with language and served as an interpreter during interrogations of the enemy in Vietnam.

We are truly blessed in our country. The men and women who have served and are serving in the military have been the ones to ensure that our way of life continues.

A book you may be interested in: NBC ran a story yesterday about a new book called "Men of Honor" (I think). It is a book about the men and women who have earned the Medal of Honor who are still living. The author interviewed them. There are only about 100-150 still with us. It looked like it would be worthwhile reading.

Quote:

---

At lunch today I had the opportunity to visit the traveling replica of the Vietnam War Memorial here in Birmingham. It's 3/4 scale, and very impressive. It was so touching to see all the families and friends tracing the names of their loved ones.

---

It is even more touching, when you know some of the names on that wall, as I do.

As a 20 yr old paramedic in an HH-43 rescue helicopter, you get to share the joy of a downed and wounded pilot being hoisted up through the jungle trees of North Viet Nam to the safety of the helicopter hovering overhead. Unfortunately some of them we couldn't get back to the base hospital in time.

These experiences I will never forget!!

I grew up in the area of Eastern New Mexico where many of the men who made the Bataan Death March were from. I knew several of them growing up. It wasn't until I was grown and learned some of the history of what they went through that the weight of that hit me. Never did I hear complaining or self-pity out of any of those men - and they deserved to complain! Most of them lived with health problems and injuries from that experience. But they lived! They were so thankful for that - they made the most of their lives.

Thank you - to all you Veterans, and to those who have passed on. You are appreciated. I thank God for our freedoms every day.

I am outta here until Monday. I'm flying down to visit with my husband tonight. Everyone have a great weekend and don't tear the place down while I'm gone. I know I want to return here where everybody knows my alias.

Well, after making an obscene type-o in another post and being called to task, I would like a martini, even if it is early!

I'm here....and mixing a double up to serve my penance

I think I will join ya, Miss Maria, especially since I am once again taking Friday afternoon off and will miss the inevitable fun - 4 olives in mine please.