Thank You to All You Who Have Served

Originally posted by GradyPhilpott

Originally posted by tallcool1
I couldn't imagine what our true veterans go through.

You are a true veteran.

Veterans' Day is not just for those who have served in a war zone.

Veteran's Day is for all those who have served their country in a branch of the military service.

Thank you Grady. No one has ever said anything like that to me and I myself do not actually feel like I am deserving of the same respect as those who served in wartime. The only thing close to suffering I went through was being homesick - and even college kids go through that.

If you were to ask my wife about my "feelings", she would tell you only half jokingly that I don't have any. I am at work right now and when I read what you wrote, I had to go to the bathroom so no one would see me all misty-eyed. You are very kind.

reply to post by KyoZero

I'm with you, Brother.
I'm a disabled Vet, purple I.D., benefits, yada. I don't know where the I.D. card is, refused to go for re-evaluations so I no longer get checks, and have never cashed in on the free medical they try to give me, I prefer to pay my own way. So I damn sure don't want a free hamburger.
I don't think poor of those that do, after all "all gave some, ..."
Just not my way.
I am very uncomfortable with it all. I did what many young Americans did before me, and continue to do today, and will do in the future.
Thank You to all of them.

Originally posted by randyvs

Indeed ,Thank you my Countrymen. What would we do without freedom? Free men you are.
All of YOU are Bravehearts




[edit on 11-11-2009 by randyvs]

This man was a murdering son of a bitch, an outlaw, and a traitor that got what he deserved. I would not pay too much attention to what is depicted in the film as Mel Gibson is notorious for 'bending' the truth.

Grady, thanks for starting this thread. It's nice that some businesses honor us vets with free food but none of us served expecting thanks; we served because we felt it was the right thing to do. I don't worry about those who say negative things about us and the reasons we served. It was after all, our willingness to serve that enables them to say what they wish. "shrugs"

To my brothers and sisters who are serving and have served no matter the branch or country thanks and enjoy our day.

reply to post by tallcool1


I agree with Grady. You are a real vet; you were willing to make the sacrifice. Enjoy your day and know that many appreciate and honor you for making the commitment.

I don't think we should respect ALL veterans. The world wars were probably justified. None of the other wars had anything to do with defending our freedoms. They were and continue to be about shoving U.S. ideals down other country's throats regardless of civilian casualties. Willingly signing up to participate in an unjust war, no matter how good your intentions is neither a noble nor a respectable act. I certainly don't respect any employees of private military companies.

Nothing will end war unless the people themselves refuse to go to war.

~Albert Einstein

For those of you coming on this thread and blasting the service members because of the policy makers...Kiss my a&&!!!

For those who have served and are serving...This day is ours/yours. Don't ever let these elitist pigs take that away from you.

Thanks.

Gary Owen!!

Indeed, anyone who puts aside his or her own freedoms to serve their country is a veteran. Enlisted, active, reserve, retired, discharged, court-marshaled or otherwise. They all get equal respect from me. They may not have all stormed the beaches of Normandy, but they were all ready to. To the people who dilute Veteran's day with negativity and skepticism, you are filth. I know this is ATS but out of the respect for those who have given their lives for YOU just go post someplace else. Its not a matter of whether or not the Korean war was a contributing factor of your personal freedom, its the fact that every member of our military from the revolutionary war to the current war in Afghanistan, from Air Force to Marines (HOORAH!) is of the same breed. At the drop of a hat they are all ready to defend YOU and always have been. You guys are lucky that you are in a position to question this day, because it shows how good of a job our veterans have done in securing our freedom for this many years. I just cant understand any other point of view. Forget about Hollywood and the WWII movies and shows. Just look at the FACTS! In WWI the average lifespan of a combat pilot was 2 weeks! Still people were lining up to serve. The level of courage and bravery our veterans have displayed is unparalleled and Im extremely fortunate to have the privilege of being surrounded by men and women who exude the same qualities. Its obvious that some people were born to value honor and some were born to value skepticism. To all the military members on ATS thank you.

They give so much. We remember so little.

Thanks to all that serve and are serving.

We will never forget.

A big tip of the hat from us in Colorado to everyone who puts their life on the line for their country!

And to those who are reluctant to show their support in this thread because of their feelings about the various "engagements" around the globe, please learn to separate the war from the soldier! You can support your troops while opposing the war!

I have been contemplating on whether I should post on this thread or not for some hours now. Of course, now I will

Assuming the word "freedom" has a well defined definition, and assuming combat could be broken down into two categories of reason/purpose, could we stipulate that:

1. Defending "freedom" is when the enemy is 'at our door knocking'?

2. Preventing the loss or the outward search of protecting "freedom" is when we are 'at the enemy's door knocking'?


I have yet to see anyone define the word or clarify the phrase "fighting to protect our freedoms". In fact, that is probably the reason why I have never uttered that phrase because of its ambiguity. I see lots of ambiguity in many posts, and when one does not define words explicitly, then prejudgments, bold assumptions, etc, are likely to occur. Thus, the start of argument and fighting. (I will avoid defining "freedom" for now).

With that said, I shall not thank veterans for "fighting to protect our freedoms" until the day or time comes when I understand what that phrase means.

I WILL thank veterans for their bravery, discipline, and potential sacrifice of their limbs, bodies or lives to keep balance.

I believe that to be quite honorable and respectable.

Clarifying the definition of balance....

Since it is an almost inescapable outcome that all nations will have some people that join the military (disregarding reasons for now), it seems to be necessary that the veterans today 'evened the playing field' i.e. kept it balanced.

Until the day that all military in the world, take an oath to stand down, and never fight, then we will continue on the circle of hate. That is my hopeful ideal and one day, with a little mass education in the art of philosophy and critical thinking, it may just come to fruition.

Anyway. Hope that all makes sense.

Sincerely,
UP



P.S. I will edit later if I change my current thoughts.





[edit on 11-11-2009 by Unlimitedpossibilities]

Thanks for this Grady

Thread deserves a star and flag

It was also rememberance day in Australia yesterday and myself and Roswell (his link on my thread) both have threads up for those Australians wanting to pay their respects

No need to flag or reply, but please read at least

www.belowtopsecret.com...

Those who are part of the organized exploitation of the USA and the slaughter and ruination of foreign lands in the name of patriotism or freedom are a disgrace to humanity. Still others slaughtered each other at home in the name of drug wars, civil war, etc. they are also to be vilified.

Those who set them all up are the ones to remember and never forget. The international bankers/rich/vatican/etc...

Some "served" with innocence and those individuals are worth honoring and forgiving. The greater heroes are the ones that said no to the draft in the name of humanity.

Thanks to all those who served "without getting paid" for it and protecting other people and nation without "asking for remuneration and army discounts, free ration, housing" in return.

Didn't have time to read through all the replies. Just wanted to come here with my thanks and hugs to all the veterans, to all who have been in the military, for all that you have done. **HUGS**

reply to post by Unit541


Very good point. Thank you!

Great Thread. Embarassed that I didnt do it sooner.

I'm raising my daughter to remember those current and past. When I see a uniformed person or an old lion with a veterans cap on I always offer my hand and my thanks.

The one that struck me most was a viet vet at the gas station. he had a shirt on about a memorial ride. I went up to him and asked "are you a vet sir?". he stepped back. eyeballed me a little defensively, and stated "yes". I offered my hand and thanked him. that grown man cried. it killed me. I told him, " the parents of my generation gave yall hell and generally treated you like #t! That will not be tolerated on my watch sir." He shook my hand and said " i really dont get this much".

My granddad survived Normandy beach d-day +2. He went through Berlin. he was on a ship going to japan the day the bombs fell and came home on a victory ship called "Elgin Victory". We have the picture of the beautiful ship.

Thanks to all of you vets. Thats all i can say.

reply to post by Unlimitedpossibilities


I would say people in the military in Major Eastern and Western Civilizations have a basic sense of right and wrong. It does turn grey in circumstances that may conflict with personal moral issues vs. National Interests. It is the duty of all good men to act to prevent the success of evils by men of hate.
You cannot possibly find confusion or unresolved matters on what price was given for those that sacrificed all for whatever definition of freedom we exercise today. At least in America, our freedom is not determined by the victors of another Nation such as Russia or China. If anything our financial cooperation and trading throughout the world with other nations should serve as a real deterrent to avoid armed conflict. Led properly each nation can see the values in what other nations have to offer.
What I find apalling, is how certain Nations feel the need to maximize their military powers when their own people suffer from starvation or basic human needs. Where are their priorities? Freedom is a concept that is taken for granted because we have been fortunate not to have an agressor on the front of our doorsteps taking our liberties away.
Unfortunately, only then, will some begin to realize-and much too late-what Freedom they had.

Originally posted by ReelView
Those who are part of the organized exploitation of the USA and the slaughter and ruination of foreign lands in the name of patriotism or freedom are a disgrace to humanity. Still others slaughtered each other at home in the name of drug wars, civil war, etc. they are also to be vilified.

Those who set them all up are the ones to remember and never forget. The international bankers/rich/vatican/etc...

Some "served" with innocence and those individuals are worth honoring and forgiving. The greater heroes are the ones that said no to the draft in the name of humanity.

Theres alot I would say to you in person. It wouldnt be good. I'll refrain due to the diligence of the mods " off topic" banner.

The fact you can say this is because of these men. RIVERS of blood ran for you to be able to sit in front of your keyboard and blithely type this. you need to square your self up friend. FAST!

reply to post by GradyPhilpott Is there a conspiracy, cover up or scandal you wish to discuss OP? If its just about the patriotism, it should go to BTS. Or is this a shameless flag hunt?