Thank a Soldier

[elizabeth22673]

I am dedicating this thread and my 10,000th post to my father

I want to thank each and every soldier from all around the world for their duty and commitment so that we can be free. Thank you

If you have someone you'd like to thank, here's the place to honor them.

I wish you all peace...

 

[MidnightVixen]

Great thread!!


X 12

 

[cheekygirl]

I am dedicating this thread and my 10,000th post to my father

I want to thank each and every soldier from all around the world for their duty and commitment so that we can be free. Thank you

If you have someone you'd like to thank, here's the place to honor them.

I wish you all peace...

I would like to thank my Dad.. retired Army

I would also like to thank each and every soldier for their duty and commitment so that we can enjoy our freedom

 

[koalabear]

I posted this back in 2001....I haven't forgot..some gave all.

It was my pleasure
to have known you all, and I am to the better for having met you.
Sixteen Draftees who did not want to go but did.

Chuck, Bob, Tallman and Head Hunter never set foot on USA soil again, but became a part of it.

Rat, Johnny Walker, Tom died within three years of returning.

Shorty, Yoyo, Sam, Lawman, Preacher, Fish, Leon, Chuckie all died off over the years from various cancers. Last Thursday December 20, 2001, Soul Man danced his last step.

And then there was one, I owed my life to these Gentlemen more then once. We laughed, loved, lived and died with each other, yet those were some of the most glorious times of my life. Each one of these soldiers was killed in Viet Nam, some just didn't realize it till the cancer set in.

To you Gentlman I lift this glass in a final toast. I loved you all and you are sorely missed, God Rest their souls, they spent their time in Hell.


"Here I am send me"

 

[trent0553]

What a wonderful and touching thread Elizabeth.

To all those serving, and those who have served, thank you and well done.

To all those I trained with and trained, Happy Memorial Day, your contribution is appreciated and remembered.


Excellent use of your 10,000 thread! Congratulations!
Far better than I did with mine.

 

[SecretLove69]

FOR DAD​

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/Diane1759A/eaglefloat.gif

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die.​

​

​

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/Diane1759A/eagleheadflag.jpg http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/Diane1759A/Unit_Logo.jpg

FOR ALL
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/Diane1759A/gettysburgflag.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/Diane1759A/eagleflag-1.jpg​

 

[hdlynnette]

Great thread, Liz!

 

[elizabeth22673]

FOR DAD http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/Diane1759A/eaglefloat.gif

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die.

my goodness, that made me cry...no it made me bawl. how beautiful

 

[doppelbock22000]

Great thread, Liz!

Amen to that, and thanks to all the folks who didn't come back whether in peace or war, they are all heroes.. Do appreciate the chance to say that...
take care all, H

 

[daddysbadgrl728]

as the wife of a former Marine turned soldier, and as a friend to many who currently serve and are currently deployed, i remember each of you everyday i wake up in a free country. as an american, i remember those who have fought and fallen to keep us free. i am grateful to each and everyone who has served for our country.

 

[SecretLove69]

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass,
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and
said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here,
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand,
I've never expected, or had much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod,
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/Diane1759A/memorial_day_flag.jpg
​

 

[MsTexas]

My Contribution ...

When you watch the folding of our flag over the caskets, you need to remember something very special. Those whose bodies are laid to earthly rest will be honored by a tradition of folding the American Flag. This is not just an anise gesture, but has great meaning from our history which even terror cannot overcome. And so, as you get the lumps in your throats, tears in your eyes, and struggle with bitterness, anger and frustration, here is something to remember how special these people are. I've known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits of 1776), but only recently learned why the flag was folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran.

This is the meaning of why the American Flag is folded 13 times.

The FIRST fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The SECOND fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The THIRD fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The FOURTH fold represents our weaker nature, for an American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in time of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The FIFTH fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The SIXTH fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our hearts that, "We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."

The SEVENTH fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The EIGHTH fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

The NINTH fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The TENTH fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The ELEVENTH fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The TWELFTH fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The THIRTEENTH fold, When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

May all the fallen men and women who have served our Country with pride find eternal peace and know that their deaths were not in vain.

 

[JagFarlane]

When you watch the folding of our flag over the caskets, you need to remember something very special. Those whose bodies are laid to earthly rest will be honored by a tradition of folding the American Flag. This is not just an anise gesture, but has great meaning from our history which even terror cannot overcome. And so, as you get the lumps in your throats, tears in your eyes, and struggle with bitterness, anger and frustration, here is something to remember how special these people are. I've known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits of 1776), but only recently learned why the flag was folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran.

This is the meaning of why the American Flag is folded 13 times.

The FIRST fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The SECOND fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The THIRD fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The FOURTH fold represents our weaker nature, for an American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in time of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The FIFTH fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The SIXTH fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our hearts that, "We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."

The SEVENTH fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The EIGHTH fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

The NINTH fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The TENTH fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The ELEVENTH fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The TWELFTH fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The THIRTEENTH fold, When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

May all the fallen men and women who have served our Country with pride find eternal peace and know that their deaths were not in vain.

Reminds me a bit of my Grandfathers funeral. He was a Korean vet, so they asked me, since I was in dinner dress blues, to hand the flag over to my uncle [grandmother had already passed on, uncle was eldest son]

 

[RuggedRick]

Excellent thread Liz. Hope this one stays on top for a while.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l231/rebelrick/I_Am_The_American_Flag-1.jpg
One of my favorite songs
Johnny Cash Ragged Ol Flag
I walked through a county courthouse square
On a park bench, an old man was sittin' there.
I said, "Your old court house is kinda run down,
He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town".
I said, "Your old flag pole is leaned a little bit,
And that's a ragged old flag you got hangin' on it".
He said, "Have a seat", and I sat down,
"Is this the first time you've been to our little town"
I said, "I think it is"
He said "I don't like to brag, but we're kinda proud of
That Ragged Old Flag

"You see, we got a little hole in that flag there,
When Washington took it across the Delaware.
and It got powder burned the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it,
writing "Say Can You See"
It got a rip in New Orleans, with Packingham & Jackson
tugging at its seams.
and It almost fell at the Alamo
beside the Texas flag,
But she waved on though.
She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville,
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.
There was Robert E. Lee and Beauregard and Bragg,
And the south wind blew hard on
That Ragged Old Flag

"On Flanders Field in World War I,
She got a big hole from a Bertha Gun,
She turned blood red in World War II
She hung limp, and low, a time or two,
She was in Korea, Vietnam, She went where she was sent
by her Uncle Sam.
She waved from our ships upon the briny foam
and now they've about quit wavin' back here at home
in her own good land here She's been abused,
She's been burned, dishonored, denied an' refused,
And the government for which she stands
Has been scandalized throughout out the land.
And she's getting thread bare, and she's wearin' thin,
But she's in good shape, for the shape she's in.
Cause she's been through the fire before
and i believe she can take a whole lot more.

"So we raise her up every morning
And we bring her down slow every night,
We don't let her touch the ground,
And we fold her up right.
On second thought
I *do* like to brag
Cause I'm mighty proud of
That Ragged Old Flag"
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l231/rebelrick/IWJ19-1.jpg

 

[daddysbadgrl728]

Reminds me a bit of my Grandfathers funeral. He was a Korean vet, so they asked me, since I was in dinner dress blues, to hand the flag over to my uncle [grandmother had already passed on, uncle was eldest son]

at my grandfathers funeral my (then boyfriend) husband had shown up in his Marine dress blues at the veterans cemetary, sas he outranked all the members of the color guard, they asked if he would present the flag to my grandmother. it was an honor that will live throughout my family's memory. he was able to present it in spanish, and was able to be personal about it as he had respected my grandfather very much.

 

[phoenixxxx]

This is a lovely thread but lets not forget all those mothers out there who have given their sons THANKS YOU ALL

 

[Gracie29]

This really is a great thread. My dad was a vet. The pain's still way too fresh for me to really write anything without turning into a sobbing mess, but I couldn't in good conscience pass this thread over, either. So please forgive my brevity as I just say: Thanks, daddy - for all you did. I miss you more than I ever thought I could.

 

[RuggedRick]

This really is a great thread. My dad was a vet. The pain's still way too fresh for me to really write anything without turning into a sobbing mess, but I couldn't in good conscience pass this thread over, either. So please forgive my brevity as I just say: Thanks, daddy - for all you did. I miss you more than I ever thought I could.

{{{{{{{Gracie}}}}}}}
There is nothing to forgive Hun. You post what you feel you are able to.
If you need an ear you know how to get in touch with me.
My only thing about a thread like this is most people wait till the holidays to issue their thanks. The men and women that fight for your country (rather it's Americans or not) should be thanked EVERY DAY. NOT just holidays.

 

[elizabeth22673]

some wonderful contributions
thank you for posting

 

[sutherngent985]

I'm the son of a man who was in the navy during WWII, Korea and Viet Nam. Growing up whenever he would start telling sea stories, I always thought 'Why do you have to tell that again?' Now there isn't one of those stories I wouldn't love to hear again. He isn't gone physically but has Alzhiemers and is almost gone mentally. Just wanted to say


Dad, I love you and am proud to be your son.


I also want to say Thanks to all the vets past and present who have made this country what it is today.

 

[RuggedRick]

Gent
Sorry to hear that bud.
Here is a good song Your post reminded me of

Montgomery Gentry
Something To Be Proud Of

There's a story that my daddy tells religiously
Like clockwork every time he sees an opening
In a conversation about the way things used to be
Well I'd just roll my eyes and make a bee-line for the door
But I'd always wind up starry-eyed, cross-legged on the floor
Hanging on to every word
Man, the things I heard

It was harder times and longer days
Five miles to school, uphill both ways
We were cane switch raised, and dirt floor poor
'Course that was back before the war
Yeah, your uncle and I made quite a pair
Flying F-15's through hostile air
He went down but they missed me by a hair
He'd always stop right there and say...

That's something to be proud of
That's a life you can hang your hat on
That's a chin held high as the tears fall down
A gut sucked in, a chest stuck out
Like a small town flag a-flyin'
Or a newborn baby cryin'
In the arms of the woman that you love
That's something to be proud of

So I'm graduatin' college, that was mama's dream
But I was on my way to anywhere else when I turned 18
Cuz when you gotta fast car you think you've got everything
I learned quick those GTO's don't run on faith
I ended up broken down in some town north of L.A.
Working maximum hours for minimum wage
Well, I fell in love, next thing I know
The babies came, the car got slow
I sure do miss that old hot rod
But you sure save gas in them foreign jobs
Dad, I wonder if I ever let you down
If you're ashamed how I turned out
Well, he lowered his voice, then he raised his brow
Said, lemme tell ya right now

That's something to be proud of
That's a life you can hang your hat on
You don't need to make a million
Just be thankful to be workin'
If you're doing what you're able
And putting food there on the table
And providing for the family that you love
That's something to be proud of

And if all you ever really do is the best you can
Well, you did it man

That's something to be proud of
That's a life you can hang your hat on
That's a chin held high as the tears fall down
A gut sucked in, a chest stuck out
Like a small town flag a-flyin'
Or a newborn baby cryin'
In the arms of the woman that you love
That's something to be proud of
That's something to be proud of
Yeah, that's something to be proud of
That's something to be proud of
Now that's something to be proud of

 

[Brightdawn]

It is the VETERAN ,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of
religion.

It is the VETERAN ,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the
press.

It is the VETERAN ,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN ,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to
assemble.

It is the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair
trial.

It is the VETERAN ,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN ,
who salutes the Flag,

It is the VETERAN ,
who serves under the Flag,​

We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve. May they all return home safely soon.

 

[Diamond_Girl]

To both of my grandpas and my dad... Thank you for serving. Two of you served during war, one during peace, but nothing any of you did is negligible.

Thank you to the wives of military men here - some I know, some I don't. You make sacrifices that are often equal to those your husbands face: Uncertainty, fear, worry, responsibility of having to be both mother and father during deployments and, I'd imagine, a little kernel of dread, wondering if one day, the CO and the chaplain will be coming to your door.

And finally, to my absolute favorite retired sailor... You don't speak your feelings about this in a public arena such as this, but I know what they are. You, like so many others in our military, have made your sacrifices. You did you job and you fought your battles. And you still stand tall and proud, though with humility juxtaposing that pride. Thank you, My Gent.

 

[turtledove]

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u248/dollymomma1962/file000MA13262295-0003.jpg

Far away he went, another shore,to protect.
Lost friends, saw them die, over them he'd cry.
Back home his family waited, worried over his fate.
Bring him home they prayed.

Years go by, tears never dry.
Letters to home, written with love and fear.
Children grow, the photos show,
his eyes sad, soul grows old.

Watch over him they pray,
every moment, every day.
He's a good man, American true blue.
We owe our freedom to every one of you.


I want to thank every soldier that has fought for us-for our freedom--Male/Female--you have shown us that American blood is truly Red/White and Blue!

In loving memory of my Grandfather Bernard Rachmacjie...Fought in the Army in WW1

 

[Daizie]

My dad is a veteran and a very good friend of mine was in Desert Storm and still serves in the Army today.

To all who have served, are still serving and who will serve....../salute!