alfreda89 | For Armistice Day:

It always amazes me that when I thank a veteran for serving in the military, I usually find out that I am the first person -- even including relatives, sometimes -- who has ever done so. Remember that their sacrifice of time, sweat, blood -- and often life or limb -- is what allows us to wrestle at the polls every few years. The good about this country is what keeps us all going through the dark times, when our wicked doppelganger is in charge.

Thank a vet today.

clouds_loom, I'll be writing your partner. But for all the vets, thank you all.

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.
-- John McCrae (1872-1918)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You don't know me, but I'm a friend of Incandragon's. I, too, share your amazement when I learn that my thanks are often the first they have heard. I took groups of eighth-grade students to Washington D.C. the last three years that I taught, and on each trip, we visited the war memorials. They always move me greatly, but my last trip will be forever etched in my ken.

One of our chaperones was a grandfather who is raising his grandchildren after their mother's death. He is a Vietnam veteran, and he had never been to the Wall. I made arrangements with our guide for the Vet to go to the Wall alone with his granddaughter for a few minutes before the rest of our group joined them so that he could have his reaction (somewhat) privately. At his request, I accompanied the two of them to the Wall and stood back, observing and photographing his first visit to see the names of his friends. His grief was palpable, and I was touched so deeply. I had already thanked him for his service, and he, too, said that beyond his immediate family, no one had ever expressed thanks before.

After the rest of our group began to gather around, several of our kids gravitated toward him, especially the boys. I was moved to tears with pride and joy as my students touched his shoulder, shook his hand, hugged him and thanked him for what he did for our country. I'll never forget that evening as long as I live.

We've taught our sons to be vocal in their thanks to servicemen and women and to veterans. If only more people would do the same, regardless of their political position, our world would be a better place.

We've taught our sons to be vocal in their thanks to servicemen and women and to veterans. If only more people would do the same, regardless of their political position, our world would be a better place.

If we can heal the breach in our country caused by the neo-conservatives, we will be on the way to that, I hope.

Thanks for sharing that. I think of how people respond to the wall, and I wonder how so many people fought against the design.

It was a blessing. No one asks what race, religion or political party you belong to...once you join the wall, those things slip away.

For Armistice Day:

Veteran's Day

Re: Veteran's Day

Re: Veteran's Day (PS -- )