VETERANS DAY 2015
For each and every veteran – Thank You!!
Armistice Day Becomes Veterans Day
World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The actual fighting between the Allies and Germany, however, had ended seven months earlier with the armistice, which went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Armistice Day, as November 11 became known, officially became a holiday in the United States in 1926, and a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans.
In 1968, new legislation changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.
Please watch and listen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq1xMXOhxqE
For their loyalty…
For the rest – Let your patriotism show!!
For the Remembrance Days around the Free World!
The Things That Make a Soldier Great The things that make a soldier great and send him out to die, To face the flaming cannon's mouth, nor ever question why, Are lilacs by a little porch, the row of tulips red, The peonies and pansies, too, the old petunia bed, The grass plot where his children play, the roses on the wall: 'Tis these that make a soldier great. He's fighting for them all. 'Tis not the pomp and pride of kings that make a soldier brave; 'Tis not allegiance to the flag that over him may wave; For soldiers never fight so well on land or on the foam As when behind the cause they see the little place called home. Endanger but that humble street whereon his children run-- You make a soldier of the man who never bore a gun. What is it through the battle smoke the valiant soldier sees? The little garden far away, the budding apple trees, The little patch of ground back there, the children at their play, Perhaps a tiny mound behind the simple church of gray. The golden thread of courage isn't linked to castle dome But to the spot, where'er it be--the humble spot called home. And now the lilacs bud again and all is lovely there, And homesick soldiers far away know spring is in the air; The tulips come to bloom again, the grass once more is green, And every man can see the spot where all his joys have been. He sees his children smile at him, he hears the bugle call, And only death can stop him now--he's fighting for them all.
by: Edgar A, Guest
For those who need assistance of any kind… browse through Colonel Mike Grice’s website!
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Shout Out!!
It has been a while since my last Shout Out to the Veterans and Volunteers of Arkansas – my apologies! I think of you all quite often and Sheri DeGrom keeps me up-to-date on your activities. Enjoy your day!!!!!!!!!
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Boot Camp Humor – (you didn’t forget your D.I., do you….?)
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Farewell Salutes –
Carl Bove – Willow Grove, PA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, C/188th/11th Airborne
Francis Dabrowski – Chicago, IL; USMC, WWII, Korea
Robert Feigley – Hagerstown, MD; US Army Air Corps, WWII, Korea
James Hoeh – Cincinnati, OH; US Army, Korea, 187th RCT
Clive Irving – Taupo, NZ; NZ J Force # 634744, WWII
Willard Janey – Graham, NC; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, HQS/675th Artillery
Melvin McCoury Jr. – Spokane, WA; USMC; Korea, Vietnam, Colonel (Ret. 23 years)
Ronald Prentice – Sydney, AUS; RA Air Force, WWII,pilot, 461 Sunderland Flying Boat
Ricardo Young – Rosston, AR; US Army, Afghanistan, XVIII Airborne, Sgt.
Stanley Zwicker – Nova Scotia, CAN; RC Army, WWII
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Posted on November 11, 2015, in Current News and tagged 1940's, family history, History, Military, Military History, Pacific, Tributes, USA, Veteran's Day, veterans, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 129 Comments.
Thanks for your efforts on this site. My father-in-law, Ken (KP) Smith is a veteran of the Leyte campaign in WWII. He went over the Manarawat Ridge with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 187th GIR. It is easy to find some general accounts of the action, but I don’t have much information about his specific battalion/company. I have been looking for pictures/historical info on the web.
I have found a roll of honor that lists the fallen from his unit:http://www.ww2-airborne.us/units/187/187_honor.html
Ken is still alive and active, and he still tandem-jumps on his birthday every year. He is 92!
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That is the unit my father, Everett Smith, was in, Ned. If your Dad remembers an old guy (Smitty/aka/Pops would have been 9 years his senior), who ended up on General Swing’s staff – that was him. I have quite a bit of info about them (as I could piece together) and will have more as I approach that time again. Right now I’m at August 1943. Being as your Dad belonged to the 11th Airborne, I recommend you try to acquire “The Rakkasans” by General E.M. Flanagan. I’d love to hear more about your dad.
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I have read multiple accounts of the land battle for Leyte that discuss the actions of the 187th, and it seems as if the 511th actually bore the brunt of the fighting. The 187th only took over the lead in the last few days of fighting. Ken never saw much action, because he was quite ill by this time. He did make it up to the Mohanag drop zone before he was put out of action. As I understand it, he was pulled out of his unit when they stopped at Mindoro on their way to Nasugbu Bay, Luzon. Most of the casualties were absorbed by the 187th on Luzon in Feb/Mar 1945, and Ken was headed back to New Guinea by that time.
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Hi from Belgium click here to see what happend in Berlin: https://www.youtube.com/embed/R5i9k7s9X_A
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Outstanding footage! I noticed how no one spoke each other in the street scenes – complete silence – as though the person next to them didn’t even exist. Thank you very much for taking the time to bring me this link!!
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Many do not recognize the tremendous courage and self sacrifice it takes to become a soldier. The military deserves the utmost of respect as well as embracement upon returning from active duty. Our freedom relies on these brave men and women and our gratitude needs to be expressed. Thank you and your family for their willingness to protect and defend our country.
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I do not wish to mislead, I did not serve in the service, but was in Vietnam for a short time. But 80% of my family did and for that I am very proud!
I located your site as I have recently started the 6-mini-meal-plan in an effort to kick start my metabolism and it seems to be working! I’ve doubled my exercising, but at 65, I’m not doing what I once did. (believe it or not, I was once very active!!)
I hope we’ll be seeing more of you!
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We have a tendency to rush to reach our goals. Feel free to slow down and enjoy the entire journey. Glad to see you have made positive changes to your life. They will absolutely pay off over time. Stay healthy and happy.
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At my age – moderation is my motto – I’m afraid, 😉 But I am trying!
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Don’t be afraid, ☺ it usually takes reaching your age before the concept of moderation is even understood. 😂
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Whoa! That was sure appreciated!
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For some reason here in Australia, Armistice day or Remembrance day here, is actually not recognized as a Public holiday, we only observe a ceremony around Australia at that particular time, which I find is a shame. We do honor ANZAC day but that is specific, would be great to acknowledge Armistice/Remembrance day in a similar fashion.
Cheers.
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I suppose it’s because I grew up with it, but I can’t imagine honoring the troops any other way. More of us should actually SHOW our gratitude rather just hit the park for a picnic, the beach or sit in front of the TV, but we do deal with the human element when it comes to a day off work. I was surprised when I began looking into how other countries honor their veterans.
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Thank to all the brave hearts and to you as well! Hope peace prevails around!
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That is a very pleasant thought, thank you!!
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Thanks again remembering veterans a time when many people don’t care.
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Thank you. Being patriotic seems to have gone “out of style” – maybe parents and schools have fallen short on teaching their children, whatever the reason – I feel it’s a shame.
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Reblogged this on americanmilitaryfamilymuseum.
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I thank you for helping us the Thank our veterans!!
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I knew you would have a post …and I thought of you and all you do to honor those who serve and protect our country…and I just want to say THANK YOU! You never let those of us who are not involves forget all these men and women have done…and continue to do…for us!!
I hope you are well and that life is treating you beautifully ♡
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I am overwhelmed by your comment and compliments, Lorrie. I just hope what I do is enough.
My life is quiet and fairly simply – and for my age, not too many complaints!!
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😉
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Touching tribute, PC, and very much appreciated. You honor the veterans every day on this blog, and I really like reading your posts throughout the year. 🙂
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Thank you very much, Jet! I appreciate the encouragement!
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Thank you, G.P. It was a grand day indeed. The motto for the volunteers, “Everyday IS Veterans Day.” I was with Tom all day but I’m happy beyond belief that the program at the Little Rock VA and slowly spreading outward is good and honest and 150% about the veteran.
I’ll e-mail soon. Thank you for the shout-out.
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You KNOW it was my pleasure!! I just hope the veterans and volunteers got it too!! All my best to Tom and you email only when you have FREE time – otherwise get some of that rest we’re always talking about.
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G.P. – I forwarded your link to every department head and every nursing station at both hospitals in LR as well as all volunteer team leaders. I so hope your message was received by all.
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OMG – how did you ever manage that you little busy-bee? Out of curiosity, was one of them Lou Darnell? (a new follower) Never a dull moment around you! I sure hope they like the shout out and know how much I think of them. Frankly I do not know what to say – Thank You – just doesn’t seem enough! Be talking you, Sheri and all my best to Tom!!
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Funny you, I don’t recognize the name but we’ve grown from what was once 3 volunteers to well over 400 in one way or another.
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The more the merrier!!
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Yes, yes, and yes.
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😉
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I enjoyed reading the history of Veteran’s Day. I hadn’t realized (or apparently had forgotten) that it had been moved to a different date for a decade.
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Understandable, Sheryl. We do have a number of dates set aside for different tributes and these things happen. I’m just glad you got something out of the post.
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Thanks to everyone who sacrifices to protect our precious liberty!
‘Tis these that make a soldier great. He’s fighting for them all.
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Wonderful sentiment, Richard!!
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Very proud of all those who came before us to serve our country and those who are serving! Lets never forget their sacrifices!
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I’m very happy to hear you say that!
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I am so glad that it was changed back. Although events since have dimmed the hope that attended that original signing, hopefully the spirit of it is kept alive by holding it to the traditional date.
If one looks at history, the legacy of what would have happened had these troops not made the supreme sacrifice would have been ugly to contemplate. I am not a believer that, ‘Oh, it would have come out the same no matter who won’. In some petty squabbles, yes, but not when values were as clear-cut as in those conflicts.
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Very well said and it took team work to accomplish it!!
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This was really nice GP. Loved the poem by Mr. Guest and your drawing attention to Colonel Mike Grice’s Website too.
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Thank you very much. Your encouragement is appreciated.
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Reblogged this on KCJones.
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Thank you for showing our troops the respect they deserve.
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Excellent poem
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Wish I could take credit, Edgar Guest has many. It is free domain.
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Happy Veterans’ Day… 🙂
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And back atcha, Ompong! A day of honor and respect.
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Beautiful tribute, GP! It brought tears.
Thank you for your service, your life, and your dedication to Veterans and our military!
(((HUGS)))
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My service is to honor them and that is not work. Thank you for your support and friendship!!
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Today John and I watched Courtenay remember out Vets. Humbled by the military.
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The proverbial lump in the throat keeps getting bigger, doesn’t it?!! You two are great!!
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Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner.
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Thank you for helping the troops to celebrate their day and for showing respect for those that went before.
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Thank goodness for their sacrifice. I doubt life would have been much fun (to understate the case ever so slightly) under either Hitler or the Kaiser. I can’t say the world today is exactly as I’d like it, but it really could have been MUCH worse.
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Very true. Thank you for visiting here!
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You’re very welcome. I enjoyed the post.
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Come back and see us again some time!
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Thank you. I’d be happy to. 🙂
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Lovely tribute to men and service dogs!
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Thank you – to all who serve!
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Reblogged this on Aquilon's Eyrie.
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Thank you for helping the troops to celebrate their day!
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excellent post
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Thank you!
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Great post.
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Thank you, Christopher!
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Reblogged this on Before Sundown and commented:
A wonderful tribute to our war veterans! A must read, and an incredible blog site about war history and our veterans.
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I thank you, Chryssa for helping me to keep people informed about the troops that maintain our way of life!!
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A wonderful tribute. I look forward to your War posts. My grandmother had a German shepherd dog in WWI that was decorated for his bravery. Veterans Day is celebrated in our home. A prayer of thanks for all veterans. And my lifelong partner, Robert was a radioman in the Vietnam War. Instead of reblogging Robert’s last year’s Veterans Day post, I’m reblogging your post. More people need to be linked to your incredible blog site and writings. Thank you! Chryssa
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Chryssa, I am speechless… I thank you very much and please shake Robert’s hand for me!!
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Thank you! I did shake Robert’s hand for you, and gave him a hug from me! He says thank you for your tribute to veterans. Chryssa
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I appreciate that! Thank you!
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What a wonderful tribute post. A little bit of everything and so well laid out. Happy Veterans Day to you and all Veterans.
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🙂
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Lovely heartfelt history lesson !
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🙂
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It’s always a great privilege to read you posts!
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Thank you very much, Bruce!
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Reblogged this on Postcards from Kerry and commented:
This is Remembrance Day all over the world and I can’t write a better post than GP Cox so I have posted his. One little addition – I would like to thank the American and Canadian Red Cross for supplying such wonderful food packages to the Prisoner of War Camp that my Dad in law, Robert Duncan was imprisoned in (East Germany). These generous food packages fed everyone and was swapped for other necessities.
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Thank you, Kerry; not only for the wonderful compliments, but to include the Red Cross – fantastic idea!!
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You are so welcome on this special day. I can still remember the look on my Dad-in-law’s face when he recalled the food parcels from North America. There were cans of salmon, apples and other goodies that Europe had not seen for some time.
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No one can duplicate what those men felt that day!!
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GP today and throughout the year you keep those who sacrificed so much at top of mind and heart for so many. Thank you.
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Then I am achieving my goal, Sue. Thank you for letting me know!!
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I loved this poem you have in this post. Thank you.
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Edgar Guest has quite a few wonderful military themed poems – makes it difficult to choose. Thank you for reading it here today!
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Wonderful tribute, GP. A good mix of everything that makes are military exceptional.
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Then I did what I set out to do, thank you!
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Thank you GP and for this beautiful tribute! It’s a post worth the time to read and remember.
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I appreciate that, Mary – such my goal.
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What an excellent post this is–thank you!
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Thank you very much!!
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Important information that everyone should know. I posted this on my FB page. Thank you!
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And thank you for helping others to Remember!!
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I’m forever grateful to all those soldiers who fought, risking – and sacrificing – their lives, to make sure I could grow up in freedom,
Pit
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That is the sentiment that should be engraved everywhere!! Thank you, Pit.
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Thank you Brad!
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All are thanked when we Remember. Have a good day, Hollie.
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Thank you Brad, a special call out to you!
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Thank you for your sacrifices. And thank you to all the men and women who made so many sacrifices for our freedom and the freedoms of others. This include my father who served as a paratrooper in Korea. God bless all of you. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful Veteran’s Day.
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Any time you wish to include a story about your father – PLEASE do so here or leave a link to a post you’ve constructed. Your father didn’t happen to be in the 187th RCT, was he?
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Thanks. He died so long ago I can’t answer that. Happy Veteran’s Day.
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That’s a shame.
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Our lives would be a lot different if it weren’t for veterans. Happy Veterans Day, GP!
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If we only knew just how much – everyday would be Veteran’s Day!!
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Thank you for all you do all year through this post!
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Thank you very much. That is so nice of you to say!
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We owe so much…
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I wish I knew how to express just how much!!
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I met Mr Corbeil this afternoon. He made a presentation to the people at his seniors’ residence.
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That made my day.
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I jumped in with his permission to explain his final mission.
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And I took pictures…
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Spending Veterans/Remembrance Day with a veteran is the best way to show your respect! Good for you my friend.
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Reply to your previous question is NO, it has not arrived as yet.
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Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, Veterans’ Day, by whatever name we know it, we are remembering and giving thanks. A special thank you for including the War Dog Memorial in Guam.
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My dearest pleasure to include the animals that help bring our troops home!! Thank you for remembering, Ann!!
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Good tribute for today indeed, GP.
I have just spent the morning at Julie’s bank in Dereham. We organise tea, coffee, and cakes for the members of the British Legion, after their parade to the war memorial. I had a great chat with a 95-year old veteran who flew a glider into action the night before D-Day. He was captured, and spent many years as a POW of the Germans. He still flies gliders today, as the oldest member of the Norfolk Glider Club. Fantastic to hear about.
Another old guy was wearing The Burma Star. He had been a POW of the Japanese, and lost many friends. It is important to show these men that we are still interested in their lives. Who knows if they will be around for the next parade?
Best wishes, Pete.
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I love to hear these stories and have them down for future generations! I am sure the troops appreciate everything you do for them in honor of their service.
Hats off to you, Pete!!!
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I needed this post today – thx 💚
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I try – I agonize over, ‘is it too much?’ or ‘is this enough?’
I thank you for your support and glad I could help!!
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I think it is so. I’ve when bloggers consider length and different details (nice hospitality) but iI’d say u found your groove – as u do what u do! Have a nice day 😎
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Greatly appreciated!
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I will remember all the men who came to bring freedom to my country… and specially those who never came back to their families…
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Thank you, that is what today is about!!
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Thank you for the favorable review and recommendation!
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