Underway in the Black Sea and embarked in the USN Fleet Command Ship, a salute to our Veterans and Allies on this solemn day!

An offer to join me on a virtual walk of remembrance, in tribute to our Veterans, through Flander's Fields -- Thanks to All and Good Hunting!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: KP93,

Lest we forget. Home of the free because of the brave. Thank you veterans, and to all who serve or will serve.



https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HHG_TA1T5mg

It's quite the sacrifice and I appreciate each and every one of you.

Waiting for that plane ticket home myself!

6 years OCONUS now.

To my fellow Veterans - do something to enjoy the day, and thank you to all generations who wore (and wear) the uniform!

I'm celebrating our living veterans today with one of my favorites in a few hours (my 89 year old father-in-law.) Thanks to all of you for your sacrifices whether they were in wartime, peace, or both.

I'm also keeping our friends from the rest of the English-speaking world in my thoughts as they observe Remembrance Day in honor of their fallen.

KP93, here you go:

In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

This poem has a strong emotional effect on me--I weep when I read it. Not sure why, because I don't know anyone who died in WWI, but the image resonates with me somehow. I have visited several of the beautiful American graveyards in Europe--so meticulously maintained and solemn testimonies of the great losses there.

Enjoy Veterans' Day, everyone. I remember when it was called "Armistice Day", because it was the date that the Armistice was signed for WWI.

I am a veteran (USAF 20 year) and at church last Sunday the veterans were asked to stand briefly. I do it, but always feel a little uneasy because my 20 years were relatively peaceful--I was never in a war zone. I know it's silly, but I don't feel a special tribute for that is deserved.

flashguy

From one veteran to all the others here checking in today, it’s an honor to be among you. It is of those who went before us, those with whom I served, and those I fight beside today or in the future that I remember and contemplate. May we never need to fight again but I can think of no better quality of man to fight beside.

It does not matter if they were drafted or volunteered; if they served on the front line or stacked shit on a shingle in the rear. It does not matter if they served during times of peace or during a war. It does not matter what race or sex they are.

It does not matter if they were in the Army, the Air Force, the Marines, the Navy, the National Guard, the Coast Guard, or the Merchant Marines.

What does matter is that they were, and are ready to protect the people of this and any other country if called to do so. At any given moment in time, no matter what duty they were assigned to do; they all faced the possibility of having to make the ultimate sacrifice.

To all the Veterans, thank you.

Much gratitude to all. From the beginning, till now. Thank you.

Flashguy, it is a both moving tribute to those who fell and a solemn reminder for those who choose or chose to wear the cloth of the Republic.

Today, I participated in a Memorial Service underway in the Black Sea. The weather was sublime, almost inspired. Yesterday and last night we had seen some sporty seas -- but today from the the weatherdecks of the Flag Ship, the seas had abated. The sky was overcast with low, scudding clouds and rain all around the horizon. The Memorial was supported by an international staff and temperatures were appropriately chilly as John McCrae's IN FLANDERS FIELDS was read.

A moving and very nautical reflection on Armistice / Veteran's Day! A ceremony I shall not forget and one I was humbled to observe while wearing the uniform. To you and all who served, thank you for the Standing the Watch!

Now hear this,

Shipmates, ground pounders, zoomies and water infantrymen, I salute you! Enjoy your Veterans Day.

That is all, carry on.

Today is a day to celebrate those brothers and sisters that came home alive....mind you not always whole.

Please keep in mind those vets that either leave a great deal on the battlefield or bring the battlefield home with them and due to this take their own lives.

We often make fun of our extended family from the other services....looking at you Marines ( Happy belated Birthday!!) but I have always found that we ARE family...even the Air Forces (aka Fed-Ex with missiles )

reach out to a vet today, they may not want to talk but ....they need to hear a hearty thank you!

They will probably brush it off "that was a long time ago".."I really didn't anything special"...."my brothers were the real hero's"

But a heart felt "thank you" will brighten their day.

And if it is shared with an adult beverage....ALL THE BETTER

To ALL Veterans that have served this Great Nation, and Swore to Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States against All Enemies, Foreign and Domestic, I am Grateful, and I Salute You! We remain the Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave due to your Commitment and Sacrifice for this Country, and your Fellow Countrymen!

Thank You for your Service!

A heartfelt, and solemn thankyou to all of my fellow veteran's.

Thank you all for your service.

11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

quote:

Originally posted by Warhorse:
A heartfelt, and solemn thankyou to all of my fellow veteran's.

This ^^^^^^....and be sure you are flying Old Glory!!

November 11 was "Armistice Day" until 1954, when it was changed to "Veterans' Day". Prior to that, each year there would be folks selling little fake poppies to wear, the money raised going to help the veterans. That practice has disappeared, and I miss it.

flashguy

quote:

each year there would be folks selling little fake poppies

My Wife bought one today while shopping. I still have one I got Memorial Day up in Door County.

They are still up here.

quote:

Originally posted by flashguy:

November 11 was "Armistice Day" until 1954, when it was changed to "Veterans' Day". Prior to that, each year there would be folks selling little fake poppies to wear, the money raised going to help the veterans. That practice has disappeared, and I miss it.

It is still done in May (Memorial Day) around here.