Give thanks to veterans

Please check out this website:

http://www.defendamerica.mil/nmam.html

Say thanks to our veterans!

Christy

I signed and am #1,266,898. I'm the daughter of a WWII, Korea and Vietnam vet, widow of a Korean War vet and fiance of a 3-tour Vietnam vet. Guess that I've done my part, to give aid and comfort to our military!

That's a great way to show how many of us really do appreciate what our military has done for our freedom. It's really too bad Veteran's Day has turned into just another reason to have a sale. We need to show our appreciation to all who have served.

I signed, just to thank all of them.

I signed it, but it wouldn't mail. Well, I appreciate everyone who serves. We are a Navy family; my father- British Navy, 15 years, Canadian Army, 3 years, Brother- US Navy also his son and my other nephews, and US Army--my husband. God bless them all.

Sorry - but when is Veteran's day?

In Canada we have Remebrance Day which is Nov 11. On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour we are to observe a minute of silence to remember those who have fought and died for our freedom. Government's and banks get the day off. Schools and business used to, but now many people work, although they are still expected to mark a minute at least of silence.

I just wanted to post this poem written by a Canadian during the war. We wear poppies over our hearts in remembrance. We had to memorize this in school and it has all stuck with me!

In Flander's Field

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe!
To you from failing hands, we throw
The torch-Be yours to hold it high!
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though
poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

- Captain John D. McCrae

That is a beautiful poem. Very touching.

This year Veteran's Day falls on Nov. 11 too. I think it is the 2nd Monday of November. Government and banks get the day off, but us regular folks don't. Unfortunately it really goes by the wayside. Our big remember veteran's day is Memorial Day, which is in May, but that really includes all people who have touched your life who have passed on. America has really turned both into just sale days, which is so sad. Most people don't even realize it's Veteran's Day until the mail doesn't come.

Adrienne, That's lovely! I have read it before, but don't remember where. I love the poetic devices used to change our mood from the sleep of the dead in the first two stanzas (long, slow vowels, caesurae, and falling rhythm) to action in the third stanza. He also managed to write a rhyming poem that doesn't sound as if it was written for a cheap greeting card company. I really appreciate his skill because I write poetry as a hobby and know how difficult this is to do, and how much it adds to our understanding of the poem, even if we never study literature! He is a gifted gentleman.

Originally, Veterans' Day was Armistice Day, commemorating the end of WWI. The Armistice went into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was, later changed to Veterans' Day, to honor all veterans and became a Monday holiday.

Schools, banks and government offices are closed. Bill has to work, though.

I will, probably, go to the ceremony at the American Legion post. I go every year, that I don't have to work.

I guess Veteran's day is what we call remembrance day here. Not sure it it signifies the same thing, but basically those that gave their lives serving their countries in wars.

I think it is a noble and valid gesture to all those young men (and women of late) who died fighting for waht they believed in.

There are some beautiful WWI poems, heart-rending and moving beyond belief. I have personal memories of members of my family who died, who I never knew, fighting in vain to save the freedom of the country they loved.