And say a silent thank you for all the veterans who have answered the call to duty for our great nation, all politics aside there is no more honorable service and no greater sacrifice.

I'll second that, and add that if you run into a disabled vet or the family of one who made the ultimate sacrifice, voice your thanks openly and warmly. Our guys are still getting injured and killed in Iraq (yeah, we're still in Iraq despite what CNN tells you) and Afghanistan every day. Their presence and dedication is what allows us to pursue our relatively frivolous hobbies, and we owe them big time.

All politics aside, our military is making sacrifies we back home can't even begin to imagine, and in our name. I hope we never forget that.

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Pic is no intended slight to the Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard. Just being a prior Marine I only have photos of the Marine Memorial on hand.

A slaute to my brothers and sisters.

USN 1985 - 1995

You all might think me corny/crazy (or moreso than you already do ) but in my car I have a laminated 8.5x11 piece of paper with "Thank you for your service!" printed on it. Whenever I'm in traffic and get up to someone with a veteran plate I pull it out and try to get their attention. Ok, maybe the driver isn't actually the veteran, but I bet the story gets back to the veteran...and that's just as good.

Super Idea Keith!!!

If it weren't for WWII, I probably wouldn't be here.
My mom from MN met my dad from TX at Ellington AFB in Houston, he went to the Pacific for 4 years, and she to England. Somehow they kept in touch and married as soon as they were released from duty.

you never know for sure these days. they were talking to a woman on NPR today and she has a Purple Heart plate on her car. she said alot of people do assume it is her husband or brothers car until she sets them straight. and lets not forget that. although they are not in "comabt units" lots of woman have been exposed to hostile action up close and personal.

but yes we do in general think you are crazy but thank you for the thank you.

I make no such assumptions, believe me...and you're welcome for the thank you.

I was thinking about this today....one of my greatest regrets in life is that I didn't serve in some capacity or another. Back at that time in my life I was too selfish and stupid and too full of myself. While I can't go back and undo that what I can do now is humbly thank those who made up for my lack of maturity. So thanks, to all of you.

Thank you both very much. And thanks to all who've served and those who've endured the experience of having your loved ones serve.



Keith, I'm pretty sure the Reserves or the National Guard would have you if you wanted to volunteer.

Huh, even at 46 going on 47? Hmmmm...

Today I applied for entry into the USS Wisconsin association for my father who is by rights a plankholder, he shipped out on her on her maiden voyage and was at Leyte Gulf (if I have my history correct).

And yes, thanks to all who served.

marty

17-42 for the Guard with no prior service...

https://www.nationalguard.com/careers...for-enlistment

I know your out there in the sticks but if you reall yuo want to do something, check with the local VA maybe you can drive someone to the DR. try the (no offense but) the ladies Aux of the VFW and the Legion, USO

You're exactly right BG...thanks, that's an excellent idea.

I didn't serve my country.
It served me.

I've never looked at it any other way.

I'm pretty glad I'm from here.

i took a minute today to send a message of thanks to the ACLU: the true protectors of our freedom.

Lest we Forget
Canadian Army 85-95

I am grateful for the Men and Women wo have served our country, and I am grateful to be living here in the United States.

Chris

I sent them a Christmas card.

Each VA hospital has its own Volunteer Service- if you want to give by helping out at the VA, they ALWAYS need ******* to run patients from wards to appointments. If there's not a VA hospital by you, there should be a satellite outpatient clinic- and you can volunteer that way. And there's always the DAV, VFW and Legion.

Thanks Golden and BG....I would have never thought of that. Certainly we have a VA hospital in Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Something like this would work out for me too as I have a flexible work schedule...I can do this sort of thing in the daytime as well.

I can't tell if that's sarcasm there, or you're actually expressing that sentiment.

Whether you like what they do and/or how they do it- they do protect the rights and freedoms that have been paid for in blood.

khatful, thats an awesome gesture.

So, went for a ride downtown today. It was a beautiful fall day in DC, the leaves are at peak color, and being a USG employee I was off for the day. I stopped by an incredibly high-quality coffee shop, Swing's Coffee, who roast and prep coffee and do a fine job. Afterward I spun down to the National Mall, and the place was just crowded with vets. I went by the WWII and Vietnam Memorials, and there were guys of all ages wearing unit jackets and patches signifying their service. I've only been back from Iraq for a few months, and seeing all those vets from wars that left so many dead or injured, it really affected me deeply. I watched and then read a couple of books that were used to make the HBO series "The Pacific" last year, and being in the presence of some of those old-timers was pretty special.

I couldn't imagine a better place to spend Veteran's Day, except maybe as BG suggested volunteering at a VA hosp.

Anyway, here's a few shots from the ride:

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This was a shot of the flag at the Vietnam Memorial

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Shot through some of the WWII Memorial

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Shot at the base of the Vietnam Memorial flag pole of the USMC seal

I'm a vet (US Army 1987-1991 USAR 1991-1994)- Operation Just Cause (Panama 1989) and Desert Shield/Storm (90-91). I've also worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs since 1994. I have been owned or employed by the Federal government since the DAY I turned 17 years old.

Veterans' issues are a big deal to me.

It's nice to see this sort of sentiment- and it seems to be getting more forward. I mean, I've had vet plates on my car for 15 years. This past summer, I was loading groceries into my car and I see this guy comes striding towards me- and I can't think of what I did to piss him off- I have no idea why he's moving so purposefully towards me; then he sticks out his hand and says 'thanks for serving.' That's never happened to me before.




Kickin' back behind Manuel Noriega's desk on Ft. Amador...









As much as it is a good thing to recognize US veterans, it's important to remember the significance of the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month. The armistice that ended WWI.