Thread: Veterans I salute you

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Thought this was appropriate for today.

�THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,�
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

It's the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. It's the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It's the Military who salutes�the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the military, please pass this on and pray for our men and women who have served and are currently serving our country and pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.�

Very appropriate and THANK YOU to all of the military past & present.

The first lucky thing that ever happened to me was being born in this great country. Many of our family have served before, but as it turned out, I had health problems just out of school, and wasn't eligible to go to the military. I don't think I would have liked Viet Nam, but when a high school classmate came back without legs, I knew I owed him.

Since then many family members, friends, and some of my children have served. I lost a nephew in Iraq to an IED, whose daughter was born two weeks later. How do I repay those kind of risks and losses?

Anyway, I want those vets and current service men and women to know the gratitude I have for them. Thanks, and God bless you!

When I got up this morning I hoped that someone would start a Veteran’s Appreciation post today. Like many here, I come from a family where my father served in WWII and the Korean Conflict. I served during the Viet Nam era and while none of my children have opted for the military, I somehow still feel very connected to those young people who continue to willingly enlist to serve this great country and put their lives on the line for those around the world who did not have the good fortunate to be born free.

I flew from Florida back to Portland last Saturday morning after a week of business in Jacksonville. As I sat in the airport, a dozen or so young sailors passed through the terminal. Eyes bright and heads bald, they proudly wore their spanking new uniforms complete with their Nation Defense ribbon and in some cases, one or two other lesser awards on their chests. They displayed the epitome of class and politeness and a bit of “strut” as people greeted them and they shook hands with passer bys. I had a lump in my throat and was overwhelmed with pride as if they were all my own – and in a very real sense, they are “our own sons and daughters”.

I also reflected on a conversation I had had earlier in the week with an elderly black gentleman who was eating lunch in a park outside my hotel. He was wearing a “US Army Retired” ball cap and I thanked him for his service to his country. He warmly grabbed my hand and said, “back at you son” – reading my face he continued, “It’s written all over you and I can always tell those who have been there too.”

It’s a bond that soldiers have known for millennia. Thank you, fellow warriors – for your contribution. If you are (or were) a truck driver, cook, admin, supply sergeant, or a front line infantry man. If you flew, or sailed, or drove to the action. If you blessed us in a chapel, treated us in a hospital, or fed is in a mess hall I pray God’s blessing and keeping on you all. Please know that this ol’ vet will buy your dinner anytime you’re in my town.

My Sincerest Regard and Appreciation to All Veterans,
Glenn