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The Veteran |
2007-11-12 |
For every hero on the stage On parade or in the grave With medals pinned and glory flags unfurled The humble serviceman by scores Packs the caissons, Guards the doors Sails sea and sky across the troubled world Comrades in arms they share the call Who stepped across that line for all Knowing well that fate might call their name They crossed that sword mark in the dust For freedoms sake and God they trust And did it not for fortunes gold or fame So on Remembrance Day give thanks To veterans past and current ranks And Praise Eternal God that they were there Oh quiet heroes, every one Without your hand, naught would be won Pray our acclaim, the purest badge you wear -- Beto Ochoa |
Posted by:Steve White |
#4 We had our Veteran's Muster at our club on Friday. Over 60 of our members gave up a day of golf or tennis to join in the festivities. Our local Marine Corp League presented the colors. The guard included two WW2 vets - one from Iwo Jima. Another of the guys survived the Indianapolis sinking. Talk about your ration of the greatest generation. Last year was our first muster. There we had not only a gentlemen (who has since moved into assisted living) who was on a Japanese "Ghost Ship" but also an ex-Major in the British Army who had liberated a small village in Italy from which another one of our members was a resident at the time - talk about a small world. We even had a guy from Air America and a former Dutch Army vet. Our group includes 3 ex-Army, Air Force and Navy nurses. Very eclectric. I only wish we had a more focused tradition of selling poppies like the British Legion has. By the way, we had a Marine Corp birthday cake. The oldest Marine cut it using the youngest jarheads sword. Age difference 25 years. 85 and 60. |
Posted by: Jack is Back! 2007-11-12 15:47 |
#3 Mark Z.: true story. Classy lady and a true star. Thank you to all our veterans! |
Posted by: Frank G 2007-11-12 10:47 |
#2 I was sent this story about Ann Margaret and the Viet Nam Vet. Enjoy. Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures. A few years ago, Ann Margret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing. When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted. Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home. Ann Margret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn. He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, 'I understand. I just wanted her to see it.' She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, 'This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.'' With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there. Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big strong husband broke down in tears. 'That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,' he said. That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband. I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. |
Posted by: Mark Z 2007-11-12 07:57 |
#1 The poet is apparently an ex-Democrat - the best kind. |
Posted by: Bobby 2007-11-12 06:23 |