Some Veterans’ Day thoughts
This is from one of our readers;
My life was late nights and early mornings, physical exhaustion and boredom, my life was hurry up and wait.
My days were broiling heat, my nights freezing cold. I lived in pouring rain, freezing snow and stifling humidity. Dust, sand and mud were my bed, my pillow a rucksack, butt pack or helmet.
My feet toughened by thousands of miles of roads, paths, trails and fields trod. My back made strong and wide by days upon weeks upon years of carrying my rucksack just one more click.
My youth spent learning my craft, sharpening my will and hardening my body for whatever was asked of me. Taught by men who had been taught by men who had hit the beach, held that hill or leapt from that airplane.
My teacher’s lessons collected by experiences written in blood, sweat and tears. My classroom was the forest, the jungle, the desert and the mountain. My certificate a colorful ribbon, a shiny badge and those stripes.
My traditions are ageless, my heritage stretches back centuries, I descended from giants and am proud to be counted as one of them. My youth was spent in service to my country. My youth was spent with my brothers and sisters I served with. My youth was not misspent.
I salute all of you who served. As we approach Veterans Day let us look back and remember those we served with and also look forward and thank those that still serve. God bless you all.
Blue Harrell
This link is from Denise Williams, a Gold Star Mom.
This link is from ROS at Victory Girls.
I remember when Veterans’ Day was just another day off from work…well for everyone except veterans. My first Veterans’ Day after I left the military, in 1993, (I was actually on terminal leave at the time) was spent working as a security guard on a construction site…I was working full time while I attended college full time. I happened to pick up a newspaper on the way to work and it contained a column by the late Mike Royko on veterans and I always remembered his sage words.
Royko was a Chicago reporter and another famous Chicagoan, Matt Burden (Blackfive) remembers Royko’s column.
I just phoned six friends and asked them what they will be doing on Monday.
They all said the same thing: working.
Me, too.
There is something else we share. We are all military veterans.
And there is a third thing we have in common. We are not employees of the federal government, state government, county government, municipal government, the Postal Service, the courts, banks, or S & Ls, and we don’t teach school.
If we did, we would be among the many millions of people who will spend Monday goofing off.
Which is why it is about time Congress revised the ridiculous terms of Veterans Day as a national holiday.
The purpose of Veterans Day is to honor all veterans.
So how does this country honor them?
By letting the veterans, the majority of whom work in the private sector, spend the day at their jobs so they can pay taxes that permit millions of non-veterans to get paid for doing nothing.
As my friend Harry put it:
“First I went through basic training. Then infantry school. Then I got on a crowded, stinking troop ship that took 23 days to get from San Francisco to Japan. We went through a storm that had 90 percent of the guys on the ship throwing up for a week.
“Then I rode a beat-up transport plane from Japan to Korea, and it almost went down in the drink. I think the pilot was drunk.
“When I got to Korea, I was lucky. The war ended seven months after I got there, and I didn’t kill anybody and nobody killed me.
“But it was still a miserable experience. Then when my tour was over, I got on another troop ship and it took 21 stinking days to cross the Pacific.
“When I got home on leave, one of the older guys at the neighborhood bar — he was a World War II vet — told me I was a —-head because we didn’t win, we only got a tie.
“So now on Veterans Day I get up in the morning and go down to the office and work.
“You know what my nephew does? He sleeps in. That’s because he works for the state.
“And do you know what he did during the Vietnam War? He ducked the draft by getting a job teaching at an inner-city school.
“Now, is that a raw deal or what?”
Of course that’s a raw deal. So I propose that the members of Congress revise Veterans Day to provide the following:
– All veterans — and only veterans — should have the day off from work. It doesn’t matter if they were combat heroes or stateside clerk-typists.
Anybody who went through basic training and was awakened before dawn by a red-neck drill sergeant who bellowed: “Drop your whatsis and grab your socks and fall out on the road,” is entitled.
– Those veterans who wish to march in parades, make speeches or listen to speeches can do so. But for those who don’t, all local gambling laws should be suspended for the day to permit vets to gather in taverns, pull a couple of tables together and spend the day playing poker, blackjack, craps, drinking and telling lewd lies about lewd experiences with lewd women. All bar prices should be rolled back to enlisted men’s club prices, Officers can pay the going rate, the stiffs.
– All anti-smoking laws will be suspended for Veterans Day. The same hold for all misdemeanor laws pertaining to disorderly conduct, non-felonious brawling, leering, gawking and any other gross and disgusting public behavior that does not harm another individual.
– It will be a treasonable offense for any spouse or live-in girlfriend (or boyfriend, if it applies) to utter the dreaded words: “What time will you be home tonight?”
– Anyone caught posing as a veteran will be required to eat a triple portion of chipped beef on toast, with Spam on the side, and spend the day watching a chaplain present a color-slide presentation on the horrors of VD.
– Regardless of how high his office, no politician who had the opportunity to serve in the military, but didn’t, will be allowed to make a patriotic speech, appear on TV, or poke his nose out of his office for the entire day.
Any politician who defies this ban will be required to spend 12 hours wearing headphones and listening to tapes of President Clinton explaining his deferments.
Now, deal the cards and pass the tequila.
– Mike Royko
Category: Veterans Issues
God Mike Royko was great
Both write up were excellent
Thanks for sharing
I liked the chipped beef on toast.
Yeah Royko was awesome (I heartily recommend his book “Boss”, about Mayor Daley the elder to anyone interested in how political machines work).
I’ve never had Veterans Day off either, not since I left school anyway. Where I used to live the elementary school down the street always put on a little patriotic show. Sang songs, did readings as historical wartime Presidents, etc… They reached out to the local VSO’s to invite Veterans to come. A couple of girls that were on the swim team I coached went there and were always tickled that I came. I used to have to take vacation time to go see it but all the kids would make “Thank you cards.” It was certainly worth taking the morning off… 🙂
Thank you for sharing these, none of my co-workers understands this day at all. We are all at work, some folks wish me a happy veterans day as they do our owner is also a vet…I’ve tried to explain that it’s not Christmas or New Year’s it’s not actually a day we celebrate as a picnic and fireworks kind of day.
For me it’s always a day to say thanks to those who served better, gave more and sacrificed more than I ever did while I served. It’s recognizing that I got to serve with some really great people and I learned what I could be if I chose to push myself instead of just coasting…
For all the things that p1ssed me off about serving the end reward was far better than the petty nonsense…as it turns out life is a lot like that as well. There might be a lot of petty nonsense and if you choose to make that your focus you miss the best parts….
Thank you Jonn, and thank all of you here who read my words and take the time to discuss those words with me. I thank you for your service, your willingness to make my life and my nation safer and better through your actions. I can never repay the debt I owe, but I can remember your service in my words and my prayers.
God Bless all of you on this day, and every day here after.
i love it! can we start a petition to get this put into law?
About a half hour from now, 95 years ago, World War I ended. That event holds special meaning because my maternal grandfather, Arthur Connolly, fought in the war, and his only daughter, my mother, was born on 11 November and, for all I know, could have entered the world at the 11th hour as well. Connolly, I’ve noted here before (likely last year), was a member of New York Guard’s old 69th, which was folded into the Rainbow Division as the 165th Regiment Infantry. The 69th had a rough time of it but fought (sometimes hand-to-hand) ferociously. Joyce Kilmer served in that unit, but in a different company than Connolly. Wild Bill Donovan was there too. And, of course, there was the ‘69th’s legendary chaplain, Father Francis Duffy. Connolly died at age 27, a few months after my mother was born. He never recovered from the gas he inhaled in Europe and the records I was able to obtain establish that “injury.” That’s all. I just wanted to mention Connolly. Thanks for reading this.
I read Royko’s column every day on the way to work. When he switched newspapers, so did I. Cheers, Royko. I have a deck of cards waitin’.
To all of the vets on TAH and everywhere — thank you for all you have done and continue to do. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless and keep all of you.
Others have already said everything which needs to be said today. It is with humble thanks that we remember all who served. Each in our own way, but remember we do.
@10: Yep
I wants me some S.O.S.!
This story is worth a long look: http://www.today.com/news/marine-life-after-severe-injury-beauty-who-you-are-2D11577222?Gt1=43001
Best wishes, my brothers- and sisters-in-arms – both those still here, and to those no longer among us.
Saw this in the NYT:
John Hawk, Hero of Normandy Battle, Dies at 89
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/09/us/john-hawk-hero-of-normandy-battle-dies-at-89.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&_r=1&
Fucknut gibberish edited by Jonn. When there’s a Stank-ass Hippie Day, you can make all of the stank-ass hippie comments you want.
I just had to restrain myself from throat punching a co-worker who said “Well, Nazis are veterans too. Why don’t we salute them while we are at it?”
I fucking hate hippies
@16 yeah, The Warriors Song. Now fuck off
vwp…Some of those were actually decent songs from my misspent youth(1968..when us HS boys would go to “peace” rallies to get a “piece” from a college girl). I enlisted anyway. Spent 23 years and don’t regret any of it, mostly. As you have not served, what the flaming f*ck are you always commenting on things you could never understand? In case you haven’t noticed, the vietnam-era protesters are running the government now. Running it right into the ground.
Semper Fi
Instinct, there are far too many people in the younger generations who have no sense of what is appropriate and inappropriate to day, because no one has taken them to task over their stupid, smartass crap.
They are just crap weasels, big time, and nothing else. #16 is one of their ilk. Not a decent bone in his worthless, fat, slovenly body. He wouldn’t stop to help someone in an auto accident, but he should would get videos to post on the internet.
Those people are the scum of the earth and nothing else.
@16 we don’t tend to have holidays for people who’ve never contributed to the greater society…so it’s unlikely there will ever be a “hippie day” as hippies haven’t actually advanced our society, protected it, or enriched it….
The great thing about this nation is that it’s okay to be a critic, it’s okay to be a “protester” but those are the actions of people who stand by and watch as it’s the people who actually do something for others to criticize or protest who get holidays, not those who just sit on the sidelines watching and whining….
@17: The throat punch still is in effect, especially since it’s a hippie.
@19: He’s read enough Hanoi Jane and listened to enough Chomsky to be an “expert” on something none of them would ever know about.
@16. Okay, bud, I made an exception and actually read your comment because I guessed, quite wrongly, that however disturbed you are, you might have said something decent. Instead, you besmirched Veterans and soiled this page with your filth. I am fairly proficient in using language but I am stymied in my hope of choosing words that aptly and appropriately impart my utter disdain for you and disgust with you. Just know that if ever I meet you face to face, I will gladly spend a brief time in jail to ensure that you receive what you deserve. Now, please slither away.
Happy veterans day, Fart sacks!
@17. Wait two weeks THEN key that asshole’s car.
I kinda liked spam and powdered eggs for breakfast but then again I whanged my head on the ground in jump school a couple of times too.
@5 – I agree, it just doesn’t sound right to wish someone a “Happy Veteran’s Day”. I like how the Brits commemorate Remembrance Day, it seems more fitting than “Happy” and lots of shopping.
I like to remember all of my family members and ancestors who served and sacrificed for all of us including all the state-side folks during WWII like my grandmother who had a Victory garden while my grandfather was in North Africa, my great-grandmother who volunteered with the Red Cross, and my other grandfather who desperately wanted to enlist but wasn’t allowed because he worked in an essential industry.
I also like to spend time with my two airmen, who even though they are new to the ranks, took a step 99.9% of young people these days never take. We all had a great time on Saturday running the Veteran’s Day 5K then watching them march in the parade together. I’m also thinking of my new son-in-law who is currently at Army BCT. I know it’s hard on him and my daughter to be separated yet again.
Thank you all for your service and sacrifice, I am truly grateful.
My grandfather fought the war to end all wars. I’m sure he would not be happy with today’s celebration of Armistice -Veteran’s Day.
As for having Veterans’ Day off, I lucked out as far as scheduling last year, but this year, I wanted to go to the local parade & ceremony, so i just said “SCREW IT!” and called in sick. My employer treated me like crap both times I came back from the Middle East, so SCREW ‘EM!
My grandma was a WWII Marine! Growing up, she was a force of her own and she continued fighting to her own end. I remember her telling us, with numerous concurs from aunts & uncles, how she verbally intimidated numerous car sellers throughout the decades. She saw them as useless & spineless asshats getting between her and her future sweet ride.
@ 16 VWP. It does not surprize me that you, a hippie piece of shit, would waddle in the piece thing and then on the day put aside to honor those who have fought for, sacrificed so much to maintain such peace and freedom for all (including you) … You decide to come hear and critize the manner in which we provide peace and freedom.
Go away hippie scuttlefu@k!
#22 – Yeah, but the boss was right there and she would have been slightly upset by the paperwork it would have cause. I like her, and paperwork sucks.
#26 – I’m thinking egg whites on his ride – faster and more surface area covered in a shorter time. By the time he goes out it will be nice and baked in.
Oh, and they ‘honored’ all us veterans today at work. They gave us neck lanyards for our id cards that have the American flag on it – so glad they went all out.
And then, there are times when people simply do the right thing, like this funeral for this British veteran: http://news.msn.com/world/100s-attend-funeral-of-world-war-ii-veteran
Pretty sure this was written with fucking oxygen thieves like VWP in mind.
“…Shall think themselves accurs’d they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.”
The piece of crap is only hiding his cowardice behind the fragile veneer of phony humanitarianism.
I see that Dullass WHitlessone and a hippie made their presence known today… good thing Jonn deloused the thread before more of the critters showed up.
I send my thanks to those that have served, and are serving our country now.
Wish I could have had the day off, had an inivite up to Victoria BC for their Remembrance Day ceremonies, but time off is frozen due to contractors all over the building.
I’m almost sorry I missed vwp’s comment.
Wasn’t nothing, malclave. Just another spoiled brat without the good manners to thank those who made it possible for it to continue to act stupid in public. Kinda makes ya feel all warm and fuzzy inside when you realize that it is we who made it possible, doesn’t it?
Since no one has offered vwp some songs to enjoy. First, all 5 of the service songs. Secondly, all of the John Phillip S., The first Marine Corps’s band leader: the marches and all. Joe
@40 – Hey, I offered one, The Warrior Song
Or you could offer him a beer, as long as he pays for it. This company is now open for business, veteran-owned and run, making Veteran Beer and Blonde Bomber ale.
http://www.veteranbeercompany.com/
Of course, you must not lie about your age. 😉
Well, if we want to recommend songs to vwp, how about some Barry Sadler?
Thanks again to all my brothers and sisters in arms.
And vwp, I missed your comment…or not. Shut the fuck up, sonny. The adults are talking.
We all know that vwp is unable to communicate in a coherent manner. Probably doesn’t have an actual real-world job with a real paycheck, either. When I came across this, it rather explains things. http://www.nbcnews.com/business/why-johnny-cant-write-why-employers-are-mad-2D11577444?ocid=msnhp&pos=3
It’s mostly lack of basic training from age 5 onward, during those years in which we are supposed to be taught to communicate effectively in at least one language.
Snotwads like vwp only spout their crap in places like here, they don’t have the guts to say their crap face to face, because they KNOW someone like me would enjoy throat punching and stomping their pot headed asses!
I spent yesterday at a very nice Veterans Day celebration. It is nice to be reminded that the majority of our citizens do indeed appreciate the sacrifice made by our armed forces. Thank all of you veterans for your service. I am humbled to be in your ranks.
VWP, please go suck start a pistol.
Semper Fidelis
@17 – y’know, you might want to go a little easier on your co-worker… a hell of a lot of the Germans in WWII weee about as enthuiastic about the war then as many American troops were about Vietnam.
They served because their country called them, they fought to stay alive, their primary loyalty was to their comrades, they committed no war crimes , and they mourned those who never made it home.
I knew many when I served in Germany, and my father (who due to his WWII combat time could have hated them) got along with them and agreed that he understood many of them better than the politicians in Washington.
I have more respect for any soldier who fought for his country, even if an enemy, than I do for any shit-for-brains like Justin Doolittle or vwp above.
@48 – Yeah, I know. I knew a man who was a panzer division soldier. He joined because it was that or starve.
The jackass I work with wasn’t saying it in that vein. He sees our military as being as bad as the Nazi party, he sees the military and police as an oppressive force and hates them. When a guy ambushed some Albuquerque Police officers he was actually upset that the cops weren’t killed but the perp was.
He’s a piece of shit.
To piss him off today I wore my “Reagan for President” shirt.
Hey Instinct, I’ve dealt with a few like that myself. My favorite way of pissing them off into next Tuesday is referring to Ronald Reagan as “Ronald Reagan the Great”, try that next time you have to talk to him, I’ve made liberals look like their heads are about to explode using that title!