To All Of Our Veterans........

**Ken** · 11-11-2009, 01:54 AM

Once again, on this Veterans Day, thank you for your military service!

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**doug1980** · 11-11-2009, 02:00 AM

Yes thank you to all that have/are serving. It was an honor to serve this great nation.

**Rick** · 11-11-2009, 08:15 AM

I read an article yesterday that stated only 3% of the colonists served during the Revolutionary War. It seems that from our very beginning a select, brave few have always stepped to the front to protect a very special and unique way of life.

A simple thank you seems so inadequate. Thank you.

**Pal334** · 11-11-2009, 08:42 AM

A special thanks from me to those who are currently serving and those that served before me !!!

I don't regret a moment of the time I served

PS: Rick, believe me when I say,the over whelming majority of vets only need to hear to words "Thank you"

**crashdive123** · 11-11-2009, 08:45 AM

To those that have served before me, those that have served with me and those that have served after me - Thank you.

**MKStone3101** · 11-11-2009, 08:49 AM

I too say thank you to all those who serve or have served, I would also like to say thank you to the families of those who have fallen for the precious sacrifice made for our country and our freedom. Freedom is never free! May God Bless America and thank you Brothers in arms. Stone

**Sarge47** · 11-11-2009, 08:54 AM

From a "wannabe", thanks to all!

**panch0** · 11-11-2009, 09:20 AM

Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!

**rebel** · 11-11-2009, 09:21 AM

A big Thank You to our vets and those who serve with their support of the troops.

**mcgyver** · 11-11-2009, 10:19 AM

I would like to add something that often gets forgotten.
Thank you to the Families of Veterans!
While we were kept busy with the task at hand, our loved ones sat on their hands, worried and cried.
The solders that waited at home may have had it the hardest.

**Stargazer** · 11-11-2009, 10:51 AM

Thank You for for your service to this great country.To the family members who have a loved one deployed.Thank you, its youre streingth in trying times that often goes un noticed or rewarded.

**Swamprat1958** · 11-11-2009, 09:40 PM

Saying thank you to a Veteran always seems far less than they deserve. However, since there is no way to repay our Veterans for their service; the best we can do is let them know that we appreciate their sacrifice.

Thanks for everything you have done for our country, and may God look after you and all our servicemen.

**Old GI** · 11-12-2009, 10:34 AM

To paraphrase a saying that really hits home: A Veteran is a citizen that when they took the oath, wrote a blank check to their country in the amount up to and including thier life. Thanks to all, including our valiant allies that served along side of us.

**finallyME** · 11-12-2009, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Swamprat1958

However, since there is no way to repay our Veterans for their service;

I disagree, but not entirely.

This will probably come off wrong and piss some people off, but here goes.

I will start with a comparison. I have been married for a very short 9 years. In that time, I have learned a few things of what my wife wants me to do. If she is cleaning the house, and I am laying on the couch, she doesn't want me to shower her with gratitude, and buy her something nice, she wants me to get up and help.

I think the same principle applies to veterans. They don't necessarily want praise and thank yous (although that is nice and appreciated). What they want is help. They want people to stand WITH them in defense of their liberties. In other words, the best way to thank (or repay) a vet is to become one.

Of course, this is not possible for everyone. There are physical and mental restrictions. But, when I see some young man who is physically and mentally capable, and doesn't want to serve, well......anyways.

Happy Veterans day !

**Pal334** · 11-12-2009, 12:20 PM

finallyME; Your statement "This will probably come off wrong and piss some people off" does not P**s of this Vet. I think in many ways you are right. Most vets do not "want" as in crave the thanks. They do appreciate it whenever they get it. About wanting people to stand with them? It would certainly lighten the workload, but frankly I never thought of it that way. And I am not trying to infer you are wrong, I just never saw it that way. My compliments to you for sharing, even if you thought it would p**s folks off

**doug1980** · 11-12-2009, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by finallyME

I disagree, but not entirely.

This will probably come off wrong and piss some people off, but here goes.

I will start with a comparison. I have been married for a very short 9 years. In that time, I have learned a few things of what my wife wants me to do. If she is cleaning the house, and I am laying on the couch, she doesn't want me to shower her with gratitude, and buy her something nice, she wants me to get up and help.

I think the same principle applies to veterans. They don't necessarily want praise and thank yous (although that is nice and appreciated). What they want is help. They want people to stand WITH them in defense of their liberties. In other words, the best way to thank (or repay) a vet is to become one.

Of course, this is not possible for everyone. There are physical and mental restrictions. But, when I see some young man who is physically and mentally capable, and doesn't want to serve, well......anyways.

Happy Veterans day !

I agree with Pal I don't think you will piss anyone off. I always felt/fell uncomfortable when people would thank me for my service. Not that I didn't appreciate it. I never really expected others to serve beside me either. Joining was something I felt compelled to do, since I was very little, but that was just me. None of my friends served, my little brother served and my grandfather served but that was it in my family. Honestly I don't think I would want every capable person to serve, I would rather have 10 people who really want to be there than 100 that don't.

**finallyME** · 11-12-2009, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by doug1980

I would rather have 10 people who really want to be there than 100 that don't.

I definitely agree. Maybe that is the root of my aggravation. And, I think it goes well beyond military service, but all service in general (yes, even raking leaves for the old widow across the street). People that don't want to lift a finger to help out their fellow man.

And, I understand that there is a lot more to many people not serving in the military than what is on the surface. My dad never served. But, he was planning on serving in Vietnam, and was too young, until it was over. Then he spent the rest of his life (still does) as a draftsman designing military aircraft. And there are many like him who have spent their careers indirectly affecting the success of the security of our liberty.

Anyways, enough rant....