Veterans Day

Today, Veterans Day, VFW Post 7767 and the Texas Veterans Assoc.
Chapter 3 paid tribute to all Veterans, particularly WWII. I was very
honored to participate in the "Missing Man Table & Honors Ceremony".

Maybe some won't agree but this is my feelings about this day in
particular, and I wish to share.

What Veterans Day means to me:

It is the lives sacrificed to defend our freedom.

It is the soldier, man or woman, who comes home whole, in a
wheelchair, or a flag draped coffin.

It is the face of a child, who at age 17 months, sees her daddy for
the first time since she was 3 months old (my daughter).

It's the tears that are shed, rejoicing in the return of a husband,
wife, son or daughter, brother or sister, or the tears shed in agony,
the loss of one of those loved ones.

It is our freedoms that we hold dear, as long as we do not impinge on
others' freedoms.

It is simply to be an American.

Though I never served, I've always supported our servicemen & women
and given what aid I could. I will continue to do so.
I wish to extend my sincerest thanks, to each and every living
serviceman and woman, who has dedicated a portion, if not most of
their lives, in the protection of our country, our freedom and our way
of life. And to those of you who have lost a loved one while they
served in the US military, you and your loved one has my deepest
sympathy and gratitude.

God Bless and again, thank you.

Sunny Williams-
Chaplain of the Texas Veterans Assoc. Chapter 3,
Life Member of Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Post 3278,
Daughter and daughter-in-law of WWII Veterans,
Niece of a US soldier who died in Batan (WWII),
Cousin to a soldier KIA in Vietnam and
Wife of a 2 tour Vietnam Veteran.

 

My eldest child is a member of a local paramilitary group. They put on a
nice ceremony early this morning before school. I learned what the 13
folds of the flag represent, and heard Lee Greenwood sing "Proud to be
an American".

 

I understand what you're saying.

When Joe came home from Vietnam, he had already changed into his
civvies. He had already heard how returning veterans were treated,
being spat on and called baby killer, etc. Luckily, no one was there
to greet him as he got off the plane, except family.

Saying thank you may not seem like much but it's more often than not,
something the vet has never heard before. Best response I ever heard,
was from an local 87 year old WWII tank jockey, who was one of those
that pushed their way across Germany. I told him I was grateful for
his service and he replied, "Thank you. So am I."

 

No, THANK YOU!, for the opportunity to serve and defend the
constitution AND you and your families. It was a privilage and an
honor to do so.

Yes, I've wept for the enemy. Anybody that has seen or heard an
Arclight mission would understand. Esspecially when they realize the
poor bastard had nothing but sand and slit trenchs and none of it good
enough for a first day boot.