Monday, November 10, 2008

A time for giving thanks...


To my grandfather, Raymond, who fought in the Pacific Theater, in World War II, and died two years before I was born. I wish I had known you. 

To my father-in-law, Terry -- a Marine Captain in Vietnam -- the father of my wife, grandfather to my children, and a man who is like a father to me.

To my brother-in-law Jeff, an active Marine for four years, and now doing everything he can to support his family. Forever faithful.

To my brother-in-law Pete, a Captain in the Army, dedicated to his family and his country.




To those farmers and simple men, whose souls were tried at Valley Forge, and who believed that they could begin the world all over again. 




To those men in blue, who turned back the rebellious tide at Gettysburg, and moved a nation closer to its founding, self evident truths.




To those of that magnificent generation, who, literally, saved the world from fascism -- and then shunned the title of hero.



To those who endured a confusing and dangerous action in Vietnam, only to come home to  a nation bitterly divided.




To those who watched nearly three thousand innocent Americans die, on a beautiful early September morning, and felt they needed to be part of the solution.

To those who joined the Armed Forces for a pension, or for school, or for any other reason at all.

To those who come home to their families, and strive to raise the next generation of patriots. And to those who are never heard from again.



To those who lie below white crosses, in vast green fields. And in tombs without names.

To those citizens who, today, pledge their lives and service to the defense of the great American Promise of Liberty and Equality.

Thank You. 

Happy Veterans Day.

10 comments:

imbeingheldhostage said...

Beautiful and soooo much better than the "tributes" I was searching through all day yesterday (I could've just linked to you if I had known).

Could you pass on our thanks to your FIL and two BILs from us please? And of course to their families.

Unknown said...

I agree with ibhh..your tribute is amazing! A special thank you to so many members of your family!

~AirmanMom returing to her blog...

Pam Emmons said...

Beautiful, as always. We have a lot to be thankful for in this family.

Michelle said...

Those pictures gave me the chills. Great veterans day tribute.

Anonymous said...

dittto....!!!!

(((BY THE WAY....YOU ARE ABOUT TO BE TAGGED ON MY BLOG. SORRY. IT HAPPENS....YA MIGHT AS WELL PLAY ALONG;-)

SalGal said...

I should self-medicate before reading stuff like this, the tears mess up the makeup!

Holly said...

Sniff. Sniff. I don't know which is more beautiful, this post or your post after the election. It's just clear you love your country.

Kat said...

Amen, amen!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post. The most sincere thanks indeed.

Brandy said...

This is an amazing tribute! Please thank your family for thier service to our country.