Don't forget the reason we're able to enjoy the lives we have !! God Bless our troops and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Thank all for their service!

Creighton

Thank of all, good luck for all!

Hopping on the soap box....

As a Vietnam Vet with 4 years active and 2 years inactive service...I join the group in thanking those who do their duty. On the other hand, I thank the people who pay their taxes and support their country by working each day and consciously make their best efforts at supporting the foundations upon which our country was founded...such as tolerance, freedom of religion, compromise and freedom of the press and speech. The military takes a major portion of our country's resources and without the civilian population none of it would be possible.

I find it to be sad that during my lifetime, there has only been a period of 4 years when this nation has not been involved militarily in some form or another in some foreign place performing undeclared wars and/or political policing of the world...and more often than not these events leave the world in much worse shape including the loss of military lives than before our involvement. Often these events have little or nothing at all to do with maintaining the American way of life but rather the sale of bananas, oil, rubber or some other commodity.

Most of our military involvements have had more to do with political will than protection of rights...a few examples would be Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, Cuba, Cambodia, El Salvador, Granada, Libya, Chad, Kuwait, etc., etc. As with Vietnam, the troops are merely pawns who risk their lives under orders from politicians who more often than not have allegiances to oil or big business interests rather than what is best for the United States and/or maintaining our Bill of Rights.

There used to be a time when our leaders actually had their own sons or relatives active in the military...but that time has long passed. Instead we have leaders who are ready to take our military into any situation without much regard for life or consequences while they make sure their own sons and daughters are kept out of the clash. I believe, because they take no risk themselves or worse yet because they themselves have never served on active duty, they more often than not have no concern for the lives at stake...Or the results of rash or poorly thought out decisions.

We need to stand back and take a serious and long look at ourselves, our country, our values, and most of all where we want to go in the future...Who do we want to be in this world? Leaders? Police? Are we doing our history good or are we ignoring the past? Are we compromising our values and standards for short term gratification or are we improving our future? Are the people better off or are the minority being appeased at the majorities expense? It is easy to jump on the wagon and wave a flag, but much more difficult to stop and think of working out solutions to solve such problems. I don't believe any God would bless war or the use of force when that plan has no foreseeable end or reasonable conclusion.

I'm thankful that my grandfather (WWI vet) and my dad (WWII vet) never saw this country give in to the temptation of vengeance and torture. My father had teeth broken and finger nails ripped off by the Japanese while he was a prisoner...he was proud that America was a place that valued the high ground of moral values and would never condone torture. These things don't seem to have the same weight anymore to this current generation of politicians who have never put their life on the line for their country.

Yes. thank a vet. But, also look in the mirror and remember it all begins with you. Truman said it best, "The buck stops here..." I'm proud of anyone who remembers being an American goes beyond petty differences to the core values we all cherish....and most of all, those things we are all willing to defend and give up our lives to keep.

Stepping off the soap box...

And this is only your 3rd post on VDF? A good one though. Thank you and all Vets.

Welcome fellow American ...

What a remarkable reply! As you know, I have sent you a private message but, that is not enough! I want everyone on this wonderful forum to know how much your bravery and dedication to country is appreciated around the world. Although I am Canadian, I salute you, sir. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done in preserving the way of life we cherish. If I were religious, I'd say, "God bless you!" I'm not so let me say again, "Thank you, sir!"

With deepest respect,

Brian

Thank you landofahhs for your amazing words. And to all who serve in their own capacity.

Mitch

Your word are extremely heart felt. As a Canadian I would like to Solute you as well. Thank for you service not just to the USofA but to the world.