Veterans Day

[Don C]

Happy Veterans Day to all our Veterans and active duty personnel (who will someday be Veterans):

 

[phagan63]

Thank you Don for sharing this video with us. I can't speak for everyone but I got a much deeper message from it than mere patriotism or support for the military. The video, especially in the end, spoke to me about the unique bond between those who have served and do still serve together in a distinctly perilous occupation, be it briefly or spanning a decades long career.

Opinions vary greatly concerning the legitimacy of the use of military force or the rationale used by our respective civilian leaders when they call for it. No doubt those who hold these opinions can be quite passionate about them. All I ask of anyone is to not let them cloud or tarnish what lies in the heart of the truly honourable warrior.

Having said all that, as Don has done in his post, I'd like to share something with the forum as my tribute to any and all veterans, and future veterans, of all branches of military service here in the U.S. and around the globe. It is a quote from Theodore Roosevelt, whose politics I don't always agree with, but who had a deep understanding of the warrior spirit ...

"“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

― Theodore Roosevelt

P.S. A very special salute to CWO William E. Hagan, my father ; recipient of 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 1 Bronze Star and 1 Purple Heart while serving as a gunship pilot with the 25th Infantry division, 25th Aviation Battalion, Vietnam 1968-1969, who continues to this day to battle with the demons that latched on to his back as a result. May you find peace of mind and happiness soon Pop.

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

Thank you to all veterans and to their familes as well. Your sacrifices made this country great and keep it that way!

PS I also learned that my second cousin fought in the Battle of the Bulge and earned a Bronze Star for his service. He never talked about it. He was also a physician and was in charge at St Jude's hospital for many years. I was honored to know him, I just didn't know how much.

 

[73StangCoupe]

I'd like to wish all the old dogs (like me) and all the new pups who are still serving a safe and happy Veteran's Day! Semper Fi!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[caspianwendell]

Thank you to all who have, and still serve :salute:

 

[hyena429]

Big salute to all those who served, and paid the highest price with there own lives.

Im spending most of my day with my dad...This is my pap back when he was in the 104th Infantry Division "Timberwolves" During vietnam..And how he looks now days with his old saint bernard argo..lol...Most of my family on both sides served or still do.

Have a happy Veterans day all.

 

[73vertproject]

Just a shout out to my fellow vets and all who have, or continue to, support them in their service to our country. Thank you, all of you!!

 

[rutkak]

Happy Veteran's Day to all that have served in combat.

RLTW,

Ken

 

[Jim and Jutta]

Happy Veteran's Day!

 

[rutkak]

Along with Veteran's Day I forgot to wish my Marine brothers a Happy Birthday over the weekend.

Happy belated birthday Marines.