Veterans Day
Today, November 11th, is Veterans Day. This is the day we set aside to honor all the service men and women who have fought in all the wars to protect us and our country. The holiday originally was called Armistice Day to celebrate the end of World War One which happened at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. World War One was supposed to be “the war to end all wars”. After a couple more conflicts the holiday was renamed Veterans Day to honor the soldiers who had fought in those wars. So take a minute and thank the veterans for all the freedoms we’ve enjoyed.
During WW I many soldiers rode into battle on their Harley-Davidsons and Indians. Over 20,000 motorcycles built by the two companies were sent overseas. Motorcycles were used for many jobs during this first “mechanized” conflict. In fact the first documented American soldier to enter Germany after WW I was Corporal Roy Holtz riding on his Harley. It’s rumored he was lost. Those riders must have been mechanically inclined because the Motor Transport Corps Manual of 1918 states that “each motorcycle driver is responsible for the operation, care and upkeep of the motorcycle and equipment”. Now-a-days we complain about traffic and gas prices, they had to dodge bullets and poison gas.
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11/11/2008 at 7:24 am Permalink
Thanks for the proud words Sam. My Great Grand Father served in the 5th Wisconsin Volunteer Regiment in the Civil War. He saw action in over 20 major battles including Cold Harbor and Gettysburg. My Grand Father served in both WW I and WW II. I’m proud to say that I served our country in Vietnam. To all those who have served past and present weather the conflict be popular or not >>>>>>>>>> THANK YOU !
11/11/2008 at 8:58 am Permalink
To many of us live our lives without showing appreciation to those who served, and many who died to protect our country and our way of living. We should all take pause and reflect on those who have risked everything for the freedom we enjoy. Few lack the courage these men have shown — Today is their day. Let us all say, Thank You to our service men and women.
11/11/2008 at 3:22 pm Permalink
The news tells me that there is a surviving WW1 vet. He is 112 years old.
My gratitude and esteem to veterens everywhere. Especially to those who were drafted.
Conflict touches so many of us in ways that are not clear. How different our lives might be in the absence of open fighting? With our modern day reporting methods and communications, one would think that as human beings that we would be able to avoid open war by now. We are all veterans. Some of us dont get medals for it. I will be making my phone calls tonite to speak with all my favorite vets.
11/11/2008 at 6:44 pm Permalink
My prayers go out to those men and women who are out there fighting that we may live free. My thoughts fall specifically on my nephew who is in Iraq, and all that fight along side him. May God bless them and keep them until their safe return. My nephew has a wife and two dear children that ask Jesus to watch over their Daddy ever night. The armor he is wearing is much stronger than any jacket the military can offer. His armor is that of the Holy Spirit and Love. Today I honor all those that have served, are serving and will serve this great nation.
11/11/2008 at 6:51 pm Permalink
A shout out to my brother Todd. Keep your eyes open little bro. We are all ready for you to come home. Little Leslie has been talking about when “Uncle Odd” will come home for Christmas.
Where I work we did not get today off, lucky me. But the office manager did do something I thought was very moving. He announced over the intercom that all should take a moment of silence to honor our troops. It was surreal as everyone in the office actually stopped what they were doing to take that moment. Especially if you knew the misfits I work with!
11/11/2008 at 7:02 pm Permalink
We did not get off for Veteran’s Day, we did not do anything to honor the day. I’d doubt most where I work even knew it was Veteran’s Day except their kids were out of school—AND THAT IS DISGRACEFUL!
A BIG OOH-RAH TO ALL OUR TROOPS! Maybe Obama will have you all home soon.
11/11/2008 at 7:36 pm Permalink
To all the men and women who have fought and still fight for the freedom and liberties that we hold dear and sometimes take for granted, you have my deepest gratitude and appreciation.
To all my brothers and sister-in-arms, it is a pleasure to serve with you. Keep fighting the fight. Though the days and miles between you and your loved ones seem to stretch for an eternity, the time will come when you too will come home.
So today, on this day set aside for remembrance, I thank you for your service and sacrifice.
11/11/2008 at 8:19 pm Permalink
Never let a day pass without a prayer of thanks to those brave souls.
12/11/2008 at 6:44 am Permalink
don’t pray for them, god isn’t real
12/11/2008 at 7:13 am Permalink
Not only will I pray for them, I will pray for you as well.
12/11/2008 at 7:23 am Permalink
Our country owes every person who has stood for freedom and has given their lives to protect our rights. We need to be thankful always and to remember always to pray for their protection and for their families here at home. Thank you for your committment!
12/11/2008 at 7:30 am Permalink
You have got to be kidding me dude!
“Don’t pray for them”
Who cares if God is real or not man? On the chance he is, prayer is better than nothing. What have you done for the troops? Obviously not prayed… you make me sick.
Giving a shout to the guys and gals over in both Iraq and Afganastan. Your fighting keeps us all safer, and I’ll be praying for you.
12/11/2008 at 7:38 am Permalink
Read my email this morning and saw I’d missed out on the V-Day post. Had to jump on over and wish the troops my very best and thank all those who I know personally who have served this great country. Oh and beat down some heathen lovin’ atheists. Ooh-Rah and GOD BLESS!
12/11/2008 at 9:13 am Permalink
This kind of free forum is what those who served fought to protect. Without them we might not be able to say what we think.
12/11/2008 at 10:04 am Permalink
Very true Sam. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to be an idiot and have others tell you you’re being an idiot. All a testimony of those who fought for our rights.
12/11/2008 at 10:19 am Permalink
I’d like to thank all the soldiers who have served. May God bless you for your faithfulness.
And now for a brief history lesson.
The Congressional Record of 1956 reads: “At the present time the United States has no national motto. The committee deems it most appropriate that ‘In God we trust’ be so designated as U.S. national motto.”
The origin of “In God We Trust” is the final stanza of The Star-Spangled Banner. Written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key (and later adopted as the U.S. national anthem), the song contains an early reference to a variation of the phrase: “…And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust’.” An alternative origin could be through John Milton Hay who was Abraham Lincoln’s personal secretary. Hay was a graduate of Brown University whose motto, In Deo Speramus, is Latin for “In God We Hope”.
Just thought it appropriate. It’s what I do.
12/11/2008 at 10:35 am Permalink
So many have given so much for our country. Let us be grateful for their sacrifice. Let all of be willing to do whatever it takes to protect our freedoms.
12/11/2008 at 12:52 pm Permalink
The only way I’d be in the service is if the draft was reinstated. All the more reason to honor those with more courage than I. Way to go guys, thanks.
12/11/2008 at 12:57 pm Permalink
Let’s talk about when they are coming home!
17/11/2008 at 8:37 am Permalink
I know I’m late, but Thank you to all that serve.