VETERANS: WEAR YOUR RIBBONS ON VETS DAY

[Tail_Gunner]

The Secretary for Veterans Affairs has urged all veterans to wear their military ribbons this Veterans Day. It is a custom started and observed in Australia and New Zealand. The custom is being encouraged as a way for Americas vet's to show their pride in having served and as a way for our nation to recognize its vets on this day of observance in their honor.

Here is a news story about this new Veterans Day Observance.

As for me, I'm planning on wearing mine.

 

[powerboatr]

wonder where they got packed??
might be a late night digging em out

S a l u t e

 

[jvencius]

I found mine (they were buried DEEP in the bottom of a box o' stuff that I haven't messed with in over a year) but since all but two of them were either the "I was there" or "You haven't screwed up too bad or gotten in big trouble in the last three years, so here's a ribbon" type of award, I don't know if I really want to wear them or not. I'm proud as hell of the Small Arms Expert (with second award device) but it would look kind of odd to only wear one. My 214 says "honorable" and to me that's enough recognition but since I'm not the type to try drawing attention to myself so I can't decide if I should wear 'em or not...

 

[Scarlet_Nape]

Kent,

Put my flag out first thing this morning, to honor my dad and the rest of you guys and girls!! I big thanks for everything y'all did and are doing for the country!!!

 

[Dieselpwrdredneck]

Thank You for all you have done Vets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

[Rookie]

I just found this thread (haven't been on in a couple of days) It's interesting. I think mine are on my dress blues packed in my cruise box in the barn. It'll be something to do for next year. Thanks for the link...

 

[Scarlet_Nape]

A Different Christmas Poem

It's a little late for Veteran's Day, but I thought this was appropriate for all that served our Country.

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night." "It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

 

[ktpauley]

Great poem John. Brought a tear to my eyes. Thanks to fellow Vets, and all of those keeping my family, and myself safe. Keith