I want to thank all that served in the Armed Forces. Some died. Others are disabled. Still others are having trouble finding a civilian job. Thank you for serving, sometimes in harm's way and regardless of whether they agreed with our policy at that time. ....and for those that are thinking of posting something that puts this in FHo Politics... (sorry - some of you seem hellbent on doing that)
As a veteran, it is somewhat disheartening to see Veteran's Day serve as nothing more than yet another day to save on some things you probably don't need. Kinda cheapens the tribute... The eleventh month, eleventh day, eleventh hour, eleventh minute - I salute you all.
My gratitude and respect to the veterans in my life: - Wife, late brother, late father, late father-in-law: Navy - Two sons: Marines - Son-in-law, brother-in-law (MSG, Ret.), cousin, three late uncles: Army - Brother-in-law: Air Force.
There are only 4 of them remaining, but what they did was way beyond what most of us could imagine! World War II's surviving Doolittle Raiders make final toast | Fox News Little did they know when they volunteered for that mission how much it would mean to our morale. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of the risks that they took for us.
The Raiders are a classy bunch....that's for sure! Brassy too. Let's see.... Flying a medium bomber with a reduced defensive capacity....off of a bird-farm....a thousand miles into enemy controlled territory....in a storm-tossed sea.....to bomb an enemy capital city...without escort....and hundreds of miles beyond your maximum fuel range.....landing (or not!) afterwards in a field that may or may not be in friendly hands, that you've never seen or landed on.......at night. Yeah. Right. I would have needed a flight suit made by Pamper's just to get off the carrier's deck!! The amazing part is that airmen were crushed at not getting an opportunity to join this mission, and you could have filled football stadiums with young men (and women too!) who would have gladly jumped at the chance to join the mission. THAT's why they call it the Greatest Generation!
Reading up on Doolittle...he actually Did A Whole Helluva Lot! We are fortunate to have such heros rise to the occasion. Last night attended a Veteran's Day celebration at the Elks Club. The speech (by Garry Trudeau's "Milkshake" man who helps injured vets) centered on how dedicated and talented today's servicemen and women are. He predicted our future is in good hands!
Thank you Vets for saving our butts. In my case I apologize that there is a little bit more each year to save.
