Comments on: Veterans Day, Armistice Day

By: Bill Rudersdorf

Bill Rudersdorf — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 19:13:59 +0000

I remember seeing a Roman era grave marker with a poppy carved on it. Its symbolic use is fitting, and very old.

By: J.J.

J.J. — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 18:43:51 +0000

Oldflyer: “I suggested to each that the unsung heroes are the families who stoically wait; and often sacrifice. My first glimpse of pure anguish was when news came that our next door neighbor, a pilot in WW2, was dead.”

During WWII, I saw Gold Stars hanging in windows and knew there was great sadness in those houses. The impact of that didn’t fully strike me until I had to set down and write letters to the families of squadron-mates who had been shot down. Those who wait at home are surely as much a part of our defense efforts as those in uniform. When I think of the tears and anguish of families and loved ones down through the years, it seems almost unbearable. Yet, when I examine our country and way of life I realize that, imperfect as it is, it is still a beacon of light in the world. The pain and suffering has been worth it.

Unfortunately, a very small segment of our population is now involved in our defense and many people know little, if anything, about the sacrifice of their fellow citizens. May Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day, and their meaning, never be forgotten.

By: expat

expat — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 13:54:26 +0000

I won’t go into my family’s vets or my times in Normandy, but I did see this on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKoJvHcMLfc

Leonard Cohen recites In Flanders Fields.

By: Oldflyer

Oldflyer — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 06:11:07 +0000

Sharon, precious few remain, and they are precious. A year ago we lost my cousin, my hero, who was a tail gunner in B-17s over Europe. Later, he was a B-52 pilot in SAC (He took me for my first airplane ride, and since flying was good enough for him, it was good enough for me.)

I can only imagine the emotions if one visits Normandy. There should be a great sense of pride for the accomplishment–one of the greatest undertakings in peace or war in history. There should also be a profound sense of wonder at the sacrifice.

Bless you, and bless your son. Today I received emails and phone calls of good wishes from family; and a phone call from my oldest Navy friend. I suggested to each that the unsung heroes are the families who stoically wait; and often sacrifice. My first glimpse of pure anguish was when news came that our next door neighbor, a pilot in WW2, was dead. I did not think his mother would survive. Throughout history loved ones have waited, and feared, that news.

By: Sharon W

Sharon W — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 04:41:35 +0000

This is the first Veteran’s Day our son is a veteran. My husband and I felt grateful that he returned home safely after 8 years of honorable service in the Marine Corps. In May we visited Normandy and were profoundly moved by the memorial to the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces in defending western civilization from the evil of totalitarian Nazism. There are still veterans in their 80’s and 90’s from that war. A special blessing on them and their families.

By: J.J.

J.J. — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 03:32:25 +0000

A lady shook my hand and thanked me for my service today. I replied that no thanks were necessary because it was my honor to serve.

No matter what some leftists say, this country is still the best place in the world to live and work. To defend our way of life is an honor.

Proud to be an American.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RINqibpWOzQ

By: miklos000rosza

miklos000rosza — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 03:10:28 +0000

My father served in WW2 under General Patton, as a messenger for him, most often in a jeep. He was blown up twice but survived in oood shape. He had various medals. However the anecdotes he told me were unheroic but decidedly educational and repaid extended contemplation.

By: neo-neocon

neo-neocon — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 02:24:53 +0000

Oldflyer, Richard Aubrey, lynndh: If you haven't read this post of mine on how World War I was a turning point in history, you might want to take a look.

By: lynndh

lynndh — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 00:22:14 +0000

I have just returned from a tour of WW1 battlefields, including the place where the good Doctor was stationed. It is now a cemetery. The tour was very sobering. Where there was a battlefield now is located a cemetery. Large cemetery’s. You can still see some of the destruction from that war.

By: Richard Aubrey

Richard Aubrey — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 00:01:08 +0000

Prior to WW I, western society was progressing with incredible speed in everything from medicine to industrialization, spreading the franchise to standard of living, agriculture to infrastructure.
As Poul Anderson said, WW I cut the West’s throat. Everything since is a slow bleeding to death.