Of Marines and Veterans

Happy Veterans Day....

To those that ever laced those boots, wore that uniform, and offered their life if needed for the service of their nation. I thank each and every one of you. My brothers and sisters, you are what still make me proud to be an American. For those that servred, thank you for it. To those that gave all, please know you are in our hearts forever. I have seen too many wounded and killed because we still fight an honorable fight. I was speaking with a great friend whom I met through Wounded Warriors, he lost his left leg. He is my hero, because he would do it again...


God bless America and it's Veterans.. We should be graded by the way we treat our veterans, I am afraid we would get an F. Thank a veteran, or buy a soldier lunch if you can.

Happy birthday Marines! And a salute on Veterans day to all that have served in the military. From an old 6 year Vet of the US Navy.

Thanks and best wishes to all!

Semper Fi all you fellow Marines, and happy belated birthday, Also have a memorable Veteran's Day to all the rest of you veterans.

Semper Fi, reminds me of a saying we had while in Vietnam, "Simply Forget us, as we've done the mostest with the leastest of all, we can do just about anything with nothing at all".

Thank you to all of our vets! We owe you a lot! Happy Veterns Day!

Thank you to all veterans, all services; and all years - including Confederate.

Today a group of WWII and Korean War vets departed Lakeland to visit Washington D. C. They were due back at 8 PM tonight. As big a day as this would be for them , I wanted their homecoming to also be remembered. I suspected we might have 50-100 people on the tarmac as they deplaned in our small airport. My wife and I would add to that "crowd".
We have dined at the airport before and decided to pass tonight as it might be crowded and always overpriced. So we dined on a fish sandwich and wings before heading out to pay or respects. Approaching the airport, traffic was heavier than normal. I wondered if Sun and Fun also had an event. As the airport came into view, every runway and taxiway was illuminated for a change. And then I see the traffic backed up at all three entrances. We pressed on until we met a cop pointing to parking..........about 1/4 of a mile from the terminal. We were forced to return home as my wife uses a walker and we could not continue closer. Failing to attend, it was still glorious to see several thousand locals striving to get close enough to cheer on these honored soldiers, sailors and marines. I would have been lost in the crowd anyway as they would be so righteously cheered once again. So seldom to see Patriotism today. So inspiring.

Hueytaxi

Thanks for your service and the brief. I'm also in Lakeland and was not aware of the event and the return plans. Glad to hear of the response from our town.

Happy Veterans Day to all who have served our country. & the cause of Freedom! I had planned a day of shooting! But had to sit at home with my cat. Spent all weekend & yesterday at hospital! Chemical exposure compromised my immune system & I go about 6times a year just for the flu! I was wished a happy veterans day by most of the people I did speak to. I just wish the politicians had to make the same sacrifice we have! Then maybe more would understand why we veterans did what we did & why we see the 2nd. amd. The way most veterans do! And a happy birthday to you Devil Dogs!

My apologies for getting here late.

To every veteran, thank you all for everything you have given and continue to give. To your brothers and sisters that gave all and I cannot thank, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Take care, be well and God bless you.

On the 11th at 11: 11: 11 I raised a glass of Tullamore Dew to all veterans.

And may the Corps forever be worthy of their motto: Semper Fidelis! From a former Swabbie to all the Jarheads
Happy Birthday!

I live in the middle of Arizona. The Marine presence here both retired and active is amazing. Out at Watson Lake a few years back wife and I went to what we thought was going to be a Native American festival. Marines every where. Retired Marines in dress blues, active marines in mufti, young marines in fatigues even marines in kilts with dress blue jackets. The real surprise to me were all of the exmarines in black prayer blankets with their decorations sewn to the back. These were Native Americans, mostly Navajo. It turned out this was a Pow Wow for training the younger generation how to hold a festival. To start They brought out the colors in a 4 man guard. An old Navajo held down the left of the color guard dressed in complete WWII battle rattle right down to an M1. Inside him was a man in Korean war complete uniform. The other inside man holding the Colors was dressed in current uniform. Other outside man was wearing full Vietnam era uniform and was packing a Mighty Mattel. These men old and young did not present the colors. they danced them to the drum played by four Navajos in uniform and prayer blankets. They danced those colors for close to an hour in bright sun, Every one of them was a Native American Marine. I have been there every year since. For the Native Americans it was a healing ceremony which they extended to all in attendance.

blindhari

Sgt. Ranger
Co c, 3rd Btn, 6th Inf

I'm late coming into this conversation as I did not see the thread. I am an Air Force vet from the Viet Nam era, but I don't often mention that as I give deference to those that served in country and don't want to detract attention from their efforts. Also, I lost a good friend in Viet Nam in the Army.

blindhari, I've been to several pow wows and admire the Native American reverence for the warriors. That has made for very emotional moments for me.

This Veterans' Day I attended the parade in Albany, Oregon. I think the showing by the Patriot Guard Riders and the chance to honor WWII vets in particular had everyone close to tears of pride.

Thank you

To my USMC brethren--Happy Birthday, and thank you for your service.

No, I'm not a Marine...I am one of those sailors who used to torment you...but make no mistake, I respect and appreciate what you do.
My own birthday happens to closely coincide with that of the Corps, and at my advancing age, when I see a bunch of Marines celebrating the birthday of the Corps, I have been known to send a round to their table.

And to Ron (the OP): I had heard/read a small part of that passage, but never the whole thing. Thank you for sharing the whole thing, and nicely done.

Best regards, Rich

My dad enlisted in the United States Marine Corps out of high school in 1969, already being a master marksman in ROTC. By the time he was ready to go, 1st Marine Division had rotated out. He never got got deployed to V. By the time the Soviet/Afghanistan convict happened, 1st Marine division was off rotation again. By the time operation Desert Storm took place, CWO4 Gunner Fox was CO of the local reserve unit and was shipped to 29 Palms,CA for a year, serving as NBC Training Officer over outgoing troops. To this day he laments how many brave young men he sent. 34 years be spent in service, never fired a round in anger. Never accepted an officer's commission. But never failed to answer the call to stand between them and us, whoever they may be. He's my hero. And he told me throughout my youth that if I enlisted he'd kick my @$$. And at 67, he still could.
e