Saturday, November 10, 2007

Veterans Day - November 11, 2007

“The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.”
~Douglas MacArthur

Veterans Day
From Wikipedia

Veterans Day is an American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is celebrated on the same day as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)

Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to United States national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.

Observance

The Uniforms Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to insure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. After protests by veterans groups, it was moved back to November 11 in 1978 (most states had reverted to the original date during the 70s). Even though it is a federal and state holiday, it is formally observed in most parts of the United States only by government offices and banks. Some schools and almost all businesses stay open on regular schedules. Most public transit systems thus stay on regular schedules. Most businesses cite the holiday's proximity to Thanksgiving (when many businesses close for a four-day weekend) as the main reason for staying open on Veterans Day, but some schools and most businesses also stay open on Columbus Day, a full month earlier.



World War 2 Band of Brothers



SGT Harold Finke discusses his service in WWII.



An interview with World War II Veteran Cecil Clevenger.



"Before You Go" is offered as an expression of heartfelt gratitude to those who fought and won the Second World War - for their bravery, gallantry and sacrifices that assure the continued enjoyment of freedoms unprecedented in the history of mankind. It can be viewed Here.

Lyrics for "Before You Go"

Quietly you’ve all turned gray
You did your job you saved our way
Our life and freedom you preserved
We’ve thanked you less than you’ve deserved
You never boasted, bragged or asked
For adulation for your past
You did the job you knew was right
And quietly, you cry at night
For bodies maimed and comrades lost
For sights beyond our furthest thoughts
For what you’ve lived and felt and seen
For what the cost of freedom means
You leave us blessed with every breath
That cost you arms and legs and death
You won the worst and greatest war
We owe you more, we owe you more
Thank you for your wondrous feats
For open speech and quiet streets
For worship as we choose to pray
For preservation of our way
Before you go, we need to show
That in your silence we still know
What you accomplished and what you did
For who we are and how we live
So go with love from wives and sons
and daughters for a job well done
From kids who’ve never seen a tank
We give you thanks, we give you thanks
Thank you for your wondrous feats
For open speech and quiet streets
For worship as we choose to pray
For preservation of our way
For homes and jobs and baseball games
For many colors many names
You saved our lives and we’re still free
From shining sea to shining sea
Thank You, Thank You,
Thank You…. Go in Peace

On March 23, 2007, 200 people paid their respects to Army Corporal Howard Ramsey, the last known WWI combat veteran from Oregon, who died February 22nd, just one month from his 109th birthday.

There are some living WWI veterans but they are not from the United States.
John Babcock from Canada is now 107.
Henry Allingham, who is 111, is Britain's oldest war veteran and one of the last Great War veterans still alive.
Harry Patch is the last British Tommy to see action in the treches of the Western Front. He was wounded at Passchendaele on September 22nd 1917. He celebrated his 109th birthday on June 17th 2007.


“We've got to continue to find ways to honor our 25 million veterans that have served our country with such honor and distinction.”
~
Zack Wamp

Dear fellow Veterans,
Thank you for your service.
Your sacrifice will never be taken for granted.
I am blessed to live in a Nation of democracy and freedom.
For those blessings I thank you.
I honor you for protecting and securing my freedom.
Thank You.
God Bless.
Raggedy

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19 Comments:

Blogger OldLady Of The Hills said...

Raggedy My Dear....I am unable to read this post because there is almost no contrast between the color of the font and the background....it truly, for me, is completely unreadable---almosr as if there aren't any words there...I KNOW there are, but....
Sorry My Dear....I'm sure it is truly wonderful....!
I will watch the videos now.

November 10, 2007 10:17 AM  
Blogger OldLady Of The Hills said...

Oh, Thank You Raggedy..NOW I can read the whole thing! And it is wonderful, as always. I was really worried that something had happened to my eyesight, when I first looked at it....

When I was growing up, this Holiday was called ARMISTACE DAY....I understand--ib a way---why they changed it, but in some other way, I guess I am a purist when it comes to tradition, you know? Of course ALL those who fought for Americ in all the wars, deserve to be honored.

Did you watch "THE WAR" on PBS? I thought it was a magnificent series with so much heart...Beautifully done, as only Ken Burns can do....! I know it was only about Worfld War II, but what a comprehensive human story was told.

November 10, 2007 10:53 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well done Raggedy, touching post!

God bless them all.....

Jude

November 10, 2007 2:25 PM  
Blogger Teresa said...

Thanks for a great post and your service to our country. Happy Veteran's Day!

November 10, 2007 3:36 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Who knew that there were still living veterans of WWI??? I also thank you for your service, Raggedy. I'm the daughter of a WWII combat veteran (OSS - Pacific Theatre) and the wife of a Vietnam combat veteran. The sacrifice of serving in war lasts a lifetime and ripples out into all who love them. Great post.

November 10, 2007 6:23 PM  
Blogger Peter said...

Great post Raggedy.
"Lest We Forget."

November 11, 2007 2:02 AM  
Blogger Merle said...

Dear Raggedy ~~ Wonderful post in memory of the Veterans that gave all, and thank you to the others, like yourself, who served.
Glad you enjoyed Audrey Hepburn's
Beauty Tips. She was a real lady.
Take care dear friend, Love, Merle.

November 11, 2007 7:27 AM  
Blogger LZ Blogger said...

Dear Raggedy ~ At least from THIS veteran I say; "Thank you for your appreciation of not not only what I did, but for all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom!" God Bless You! ~ jb///

November 11, 2007 10:11 AM  
Blogger Tamara said...

OHH M.G.
I am so mad at myself for not remembering this special day until I read your blob...the pic,and todays' info(Sat.)
But ya know....I'm really grateful that you put this all into perspective,hun.
This is TRULY a day to be celebrated.Not only for our country,but for the npeople that lived and died to allow us our freedom that sometimes we often take for granted.As some countries don't get this luxury.
Thanks Raggedy.
Your an angel!!
Tamara

November 11, 2007 11:09 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

Thank you for your own service to our country, Raggedy.

Take care of you.

November 11, 2007 12:19 PM  
Blogger Tamara said...

I've been meaning to ask you are Patti-Cake...anybody heard any news about Denny Shane from "Not so Normal News"?
Can't recall if it is you or Patti in contact w/ his family members since his devastating stroke.Will check back...or e-me if you want.
Thanks luv,
T.

November 11, 2007 1:06 PM  
Blogger OldHorsetailSnake said...

Some day, maybe they will give a war and nobody will come. It's my dream.

November 11, 2007 6:03 PM  
Blogger Walker said...

Great post.
We have to stop and remember those who put their lives on the line for us to have what freedom we enjoy today

November 11, 2007 11:00 PM  
Blogger Karen said...

What an incredible post and tribute. Now let me thank you for your service to our country.

Love & hugs!

November 12, 2007 1:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Amen

November 12, 2007 8:30 AM  
Blogger Gattina said...

On holidays you rather avoid to think about sad things.

If you want to read a hilarious story of the adventure we had yesterday in Egypt read my post tomorrow ! I only say one word : call boys !

November 12, 2007 9:47 AM  
Blogger Jamie Dawn said...

I join you in thanking all veterans who serve and have served... that includes YOU, dear Raggedy!!!!

November 12, 2007 6:02 PM  
Blogger JenLive! said...

Thank you for all the time, care and effort you put into this post.

I'm married to a sailor who has served 15 1/2 years so far.

November 14, 2007 2:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To my sister in arms,
thank you for your service and for the time that you took to find and publish the quotes, videos and other tributes. Veteran's Day (along with Memorial Day) seems to get overlooked and turn into "just another" long weekend. Thank you.

November 18, 2007 9:51 AM  

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