Thursday, November 11, 2010

A Time To Honor And Remember


All too often we forget the sacrifice our men and women in uniform have made in order for us to live in a free Country.

Veterans Day is not only to remember our fallen heroes but to pay tribute to all Veterans. Many gave up family friends and limbs in order that our flag could continue to fly.

The oldest component of the Armed Forces in the United States is the National Guard. They will celebrate their 374th birthday on December 13, 2010. Their history is traced back to the earliest English Colonies in North America.

The Continental Army was established June 14, 1775. Its purpose was to fight Great Britain. George Washington was appointed as its Commander. He used the Fabian strategy of hit and run where the enemy was the weakest. His motive was to wear the enemy down.

Next came the Marine Corps, established on November 10, 1775. Marines were first known as Devil Dogs. The term came from their ability to press forward in combat. Leather necks came about in 1798. Black leather collars, about 3 1/2 inches high were issued to prevent the number of decapitations from the enemy. In the Philippine - American War they were re-issued because of the Filipino Muslims they were fighting.

The Navy was established 9 months before America declared themselves politically independent. Their ability to navigate on water aided all branches of the service. They could carry troops, aircraft, fire missiles and aide in combat without going on shore.
As our Country began moving into the mid-pacific and Western Atlantic the Navy  became the Nations first line of defense.

On August 1, 1907 the Air Force was formed from the Army Signal Corps. This came about 3 1/2 years after the Wrights flew the worlds first powered plane, the Kitty Hawk. Their original purpose was to observe by balloons. They accepted their first plane from the Wright brothers in 1909. Their first operational unit was the 1st Areo Squadron in December of 1913.

For hundreds of years our Veterans have upheld what our Founding Fathers built our Country on. They prevailed through hard times in order for all of us to live free.

I cringe when I hear of the Westboro Baptist Church protesting at the funerals of our Fallen Soldiers. 
Read the article on Radical Richard's Corner

No higher honor can be given to any group of people who have given up so much. I salute each and everyone of you.

If you know a Veteran go up to him or her this weekend, shake their hand and thank them for what they have done.

You have heard my opinion, now let me hear yours.

Freedom Fighter

13 comments:

  1. My brother was wounded in Iraq, but happy to say he is back with us. We're having a cookout this weekend in celebration to him and his friends. I will definitely take your advice and shake a Veterans hand. I will also hug many of them.

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  2. I did say Thank-you and hug my two favorite Veterans, Radical Richard and Freedom Fighter. They even got a kiss out of me.

    Thanks to all the Veterans across this wonderful Country who gave so much for their Country. I wish I could give you all a hug and kiss too.

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  3. WisconsonWilson11/11/10 6:36 PM

    I think we have seen what this miracle of leadership has done for our country. For 2 years now he has not been able to make it to Arlington Cemetery to pay tribute to our Veterans. I hear in Asia he did pay tribute to their fallen troops. What a piece of trash to be speaking on behalf of the US.

    I am not a Veteran of a war, but I was in the Marines. I like your blog and your description about how our forces became. My flag flew at half mast today in honor of fallen and all veterans. I would also like to say that Jill's brother is an American Hero.

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  4. Dear Veterans and current soldiers of the armed forces, protectors of peace and freedom for nations here and abroad. You have my respect and gratitude. Happy Veterans Day to you all

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  5. Concerned Gramps12/11/10 1:41 PM

    From one fellow vet to another God bless you and thank you.

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  6. Thank you for the history lesson on our military. I have a friend in the National Guard and I can hardly wait to tell him Happy Birthday on Dec. 13.
    If you have a chance to get to Dayton, Ohio, I hope you stop by the Wright-Pat Air Force Museum. All of the armed forces are honored with a display. It's free admission and open year-round.

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  7. What a unique way to pay tribute to our veterans. We too often forget the sacrifices they have gone through. I didn't realize we have such a long history of active military.

    Mary I am visiting friends next spring in Dayton and will make it a point to visit the museum, thanks for the info.

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  8. Your blog was very different this week FF, but very interesting. We all need to pay tribute to the men and women who gave so much for this country.

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  9. Texas Teacher13/11/10 3:41 PM

    It is sad when two years in a row the Pres. could not take time to honor our Veterans or go to Arlington Cemetery. I believe he feels it is more important at this time to go overseas and honor their veterans while apologizing for our Country.
    I feel our leaders should pay their respects to the people who are and have been fighting for them.

    I would like to thank all Veterans for what they have done in order to keep FREEDOM alive.

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  10. Shame on the POTUS! He could not even remember to honor the Victims of Fort Hood whom were shot down in cold blood on our soil. But he could honor fallen Muslims.

    Our veterans know the country honors and respects them. Bless them and keep them safe.

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  11. Mad Sally's Roommate14/11/10 5:01 PM

    Wow the history of military is interesting. I never even thought about how or when they were established. Thanks for sharing FF.

    Thanks to all the Veterans for their bravery in keeping our country free.

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  12. I have to say without obama's arrogance at Arlington Cemetery the tribute is done with honor. No one had to listen to the false rhetoric of the president.
    Biden didn't do anything wrong and represented our country with pride. Our troops deserve better than what obama would deliver.

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  13. Thanks for your prior..and continuing service in the ongoing battle for liberty. It is an honor to serve with you.

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