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Today We Remember All Who’ve Given So Much

By Bronwyn's Harbor on November 11, 2009 at 10:45 AM in Current Affairs

This photograph is a memorial to the dead at Fort Hood:

NPR has posted photographs and biographies of each of the soldiers murdered by madman Maj. Hasan. And, below, is a poem to remember Veterans Day:

First, about Fort Hood, let me just say that it is cruel enough when any soldier dies in combat zones. This is insane, and must make the grief of the families all the more painful to bear. I appreciate NPR’s effort to give us the faces and stories of each of the dead. We should also remember the many who are still in intensive care and surely face a lifetime of agonizing and daunting therapy.

………………………………………

Here is a poem, from a site for patriotic poetry, to commemorate Veterans Day:

They Did Their Share

On Veteran’s Day we honor
Soldiers who protect our nation.
For their service as our warriors,
They deserve our admiration.

Some of them were drafted;
Some were volunteers;
For some it was just yesterday;
For some it’s been many years;

In the jungle or the desert,
On land or on the sea,
They did whatever was assigned
To produce a victory.

Some came back; some didn’t.
They defended us everywhere.
Some saw combat; some rode a desk;
All of them did their share.

No matter what the duty,
For low pay and little glory,
These soldiers gave up normal lives,
For duties mundane and gory.

Let every veteran be honored;
Don’t let politics get in the way.
Without them, freedom would have died;
What they did, we can’t repay.

We owe so much to them,
Who kept us safe from terror,
So when we see a uniform,
Let’s say “thank you” to every wearer.

By Joanna Fuchs

Unabashed Galt

Thanks for posting this. My heart goes out to the victims of this tragedy, their families, friends and comrades in arms. Let us not forget those suffering from their wounds who remain in the hospital…
Sassy

Thank you so much Bronwyn!
I wish to express my gratitude to all veterans and their families on this somber Veteran’s Day!
My family has a surviving Navy veteran of my generation, and the son of my niece served in the Army.
We will now have an age gap before my nieces’ and nephews’ grandchildren will be old enough to serve, if they choose.
Let Freedom Ring!
Doc99

Navajo Code Talkers march in NY’s Veterans’ Day Parade.
Bronwyn’s Harbor

OF NOTE: Reverend Amy has a wonderful tribute coming up later today with an excellent list of ways that we can all help veterans and soldiers. It’s a must to read, and an “action” post. It’ll be up this evening during what we call our “primetime reading.”
Bronwyn’s Harbor

Oh, I hope everyone clicks on this link. What a great story, even if one is already familiar with the general history.

Thanks!
http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

Thanks for the link, Doc99 – I saw that earlier today. Makes me want to see the movie again!

And, BH, you are too kind! Thanks for the promo!
Sassy

I wish to express my gratitude to President and Mrs. Obama for their attendance at the Memorial Service at Fort Hood.
If they were able to encourage and lift up all those who are stunned and grieving, I can be gracious about their speaking for the country at this sad time!
Unabashed Galt

Respectfully, I honor your right to be gracious but was hoping the name Obama would not be mentioned in this thread.

Those soldiers died to protect our freedoms — freedoms the Obama’s and the Democratic party crapped on to gain power. Their presence there was expected yet none the less ironic to this observer.
creeper

Yet another post here that carefully refrains from calling Hasan what he was…a terrorist.

Political correctness is alive and well at No Quarter.
Unabashed Galt

I think plenty of folks have called him that here. Read Rev. Amy’s posts on the matter. I think the point of this thread are the soldiers and not the motives of the shooter.
http://deleted BuzzisbackLatte

My local newspaper at least had the decency to make Veteran’s Day the big story rather than the Obamas’ great sacrifice to attend the memorial service.

I agree with Galt. The less Obama is mentioned the better for this thread.
Unabashed Galt

Hat’s off to your local newspaper!
Katherine B.

I’d like to add my words of thanks to all those who have served in the armed forces. It’s a difficult life and a dangerous one. We are indebted to those who serve so that the rest of us can live a decent life – free and safe (relatively). I don’t want to wind up sounding like a country & western song, but it really is the home of the free because of the brave.
http://noquarter foxyladi14

to our vets and their families
THANK YOU
Smart Blonde

do go to npr’s site and read about the victims who died at ft. hood, see their photos. they, and the hundreds of thousands like them serving in the military, and all those who have died while serving, represent some of the best of this country.

those who serve in the military are often assumed to have had no better prospects. that may be true in terms of having the money to go to college or start a business but it’s rarely true in terms of determination to do their best at their job of defending their country. most may not be as “bright,” as measured academically, as most kids at Yale are, but that doesn’t mean they are worth less as people or will accomplish less in life than the Yale grads, Harvard grads, etc. i was a ‘military brat’ so i’ve known a lot of military personnel and overall they’re good people, really good people, who know their jobs well.

those who serve in the military may never be rich in money but they are often rich in skills and experiences. and they are willing to put their lives on the line to protect their fellow Americans. we owe them respect, no matter how we feel about the wars they’re ordered to fight. God bless them, today and every day.
Sassy

Repectfully, I will point out that my comment reflected my views!
If the President’s visit was beneficial to even one soldier at
Fort Hood, or across the country, then I appreciate it!
After all, THEY are the honorees, not you!
Boxer Mum 06

Veteran’s Day will always be special to my family. My grandmother was born on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. We are celebrating her birthday tonight.

It was very cool this summer at our family reunion. I had the honor of introducing my Uncle a retired Major who was in the Battle of the Bulge to my neighbor who is a veteran of the Iraq war. It was amazing to see how two complete strangers from two very different backgrounds and ages had so much in common and so much to talk about.

God bless our military and their families on this and every day!
Portia Elizabeth

Many, many thanks to all those who served or are serving our country and giving their all so the rest of us can sleep tonight. There’s really no adequate way to show gratitude to the ones who gave the last full measure, but be assured we will remember.
NomNomNom

Happy Veteran’s Day and my thanks to all our veterans and their families.
http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

Thanks, Galt – you are absolutely right. I think I have labeled him as such in at least two posts. Many people here are of that opinion.

But this is not abt Hasan. This is abt the veterans who have served their country honorably. Sadly, there are new veterans as a result of Hasan’s terrorism of Fort Hood, but again – this is for those who wore the uniform with pride and dignity.

Thanks.
Unabashed Galt

This is not necessarily directed at creeper’s comment: You’ve probably noticed I will defend the truth no matter where or whom it emanates from. I abhor folks making up “facts” to support a position. You would think they would understand if they have to make something up, that their position was weak if not altogether false — and in serious need of reevaluation.
imustprotest

I wanted to remember a veteran who used to post on this site under the name navyvet I believe. She was a staunch Hillary supporter and had her own blog, sadly the name of it escapes me now, but I can still see her face, wearing her navy uniform. She died this year, but she was a true patriot to the end.
~~JustMe~~

“Nancy” ~~Rest in Peace~~
Who I was so blessed to meet in Denver!