Many Canadians across Canada celebrated Remembrance Day today on Nov 11th. Preening Trudeau who gutted the military and made it extremely woke still participates in the Ottawa event but every or almost every city and town had their own events today.
One had 3 separate memorials including one Native Canadian event. Several indigenous Canadians enlisted including the most decorated Tommy Prince in 1940. He began as a sapper but later was admitted into the 1st Special Service Force or “Devil’s Brigade” of American, Canadian and British soldiers.
He was a “reconnaissance sergeant” and his successful efforts spying on the Germans “behind enemy lines” were incredible: :The King of England decorated him with both the British Military Medal and a Silver Star on behalf of P Roosevelt. He then served in Korea. Unfortunately, he died in a similar way as Ira Hayes did.
The grandfather of a friend of mine was actually wounded on the last day of WWI.
Jenevive
November 11, 2023 12:16 pm
Interesting.. My dad served in WWII as a Merchant Marine, however at
that time the Merchant Marine wasn;t recognized as offical service. So he
was in the Army during the Korean War, fortunately though he was a
Military Police in Germany so he didn;t see active duty in Korea.
It wasn;t until many, many years later that the Merchant Marines
was officially recognized as military service. and we were able to put
his name on the WWII monument in our town.
Whenever I’m in serious need of an uplift, I binge on UK-centered WWII movies. My favorite, “Finest Hour, The Battle of Britain,” (BBC et al, 2000) includes this line written by Ben Robertson, a reporter for the New York Herald Tribune, after a day spent watching the raids at Dover:
I lost my sense of personal fear because I saw that what happened to me did not matter. We counted as individuals only as we took our place in the procession of history. It was not we who counted, it was what we stood for. And I knew now for what I was standing–I was for freedom” It was as simple as that. I realized the good that often can
come from death. We were where we were and we had what we had because a whole line of our people had been
willing to die. I understood Valley Forge and Gettysburg at Dover, and I found it lifted a tremendous weight off your spirit to find yourself willing to give up your life if you have to….”
I have found that some text apps insert a hard return after every line even if you didn’t. This shows up when you copy & paste the text into the CTH block. Fortunately there’s an edit button to fix formatting issues …
Out of curiosity where is your brother a ship pilot? My father was a ship pilot in the Delaware River, Bay and the C&D Canal to Baltimore. He was also Sec/Treas of the American Pilots Association for 32 years.
My own dad’s story is similar…it took until 1988 to get some action for the Merchant Marine…during WW2 my dad was not a citizen then…but he told stories of leaning on the rail of liberty ships, watching the torpedoes zoom on by….Dad got his citizenship by going to Korea.
Those men needed recognition long before it finally happened.
Mine ran away to sea age 14 with a bunch of other boys from town. One night trying to sleep on the waves in the harbor and they all went home. He didn’t really have a home to go back to. Took him 4 years to become a Merchant Marine and he was insulted when he heard that it was cut down to 6 months. I know he had code talkers with them but the only story he shared was once they were hauling fuel out of Galveston when a U-boat surfaced and the only thing they could do was start acting crazy drunk diving off the ship and all kind of foolish entertainment to make the Germans laugh at them. They lived.
When he finally broke down in old age and started going to the VA they gave him a bunch of medals and honored his service.
My dad was a radio man in the Merchant Marines/Coast Guard. Spent some time in a plane, looking for German subs off the East Coast, then was moved to the Pacific. After the war was over, everyone wanted to go home, of course, but his ship was still in the waters off Japan for another month or two. He locked himself in the communications room, and played “I’ll be home by Christmas” on repeat, over the ship’s loudspeakers. Until the Captain of the ship got tired of it.
My dad was likewise in the Merchany Marines at WWII, he then was given a commission as a 2nd Louie on a Harbor craft in the Philippines! The big story he told was getting a crane load of beer and the Captain was worried that the Japanese pilots would follow the beer cans to his boat! Oh what a laugh, eh?
Found WWII was interesting as to the names of their Armed Forces branches.
When my mother went into WWII there was only one branch for the women Women’s Army Corps. By the end there were 2 or maybe 3 more.
My Dad, in WW2 was in the “Army air corps” as apperently there was no seperate air force.
He grew up during the depression, and to keep him from gorging on bananas, his mother told him (when he was quite young) “You can’t eat more than 1 banana a day, it will KILL you!” and then never corrected this as he grew older.
Well, he enlisted, and became a weatherman, trained to go into the Pacific theater and be placed on Japanese occupied islands to transmit weather info.
Anyway, his ‘outfit’ of 20 or so weathermen are told to pitch camp in a banana orchard, and await orders.
Once they have set up their tents, this kid from NYC breaks off a bunch of bananas and as he starts to peel and eat the second one, my Dad blurts out “What are you DOING? You can’t eat more than one banana a day, ..it’ll KILL you!”
And it was only then that he realised his mom had lied to him,…
Here is a website that details the sinking of the passenger ship Ceramic by a German U-Boat on Dec. 7th,1942. From this site you can locate details on every ship sunk by the U-Boats including who died and/or survived. It also links to info on all U-Boats and their Captains including their story.
The Nazis kept meticulous and detailed records on the U-Boats. I was researching my ancestry when I came across these informative sites. (My link to a crew member aboard the Ceramic is not genetic. He was the father of my stepfather’s 1st wife.)
This site will also direct you to all or most U.S. submarines, their captains and the ships they sank during WWII (Top and side links)
This site describes the horrors and the terrible loss of life when these U Boats were many as were the convoys and vulnerable ships and crews including Merchant Mariners mostly.
To all who served, are serving & will serve to protect & defend the US Constitution, thank you.
I’m grateful that you’re ours.
dunewall
November 11, 2023 12:17 pm
Danny Gokey put out a music vid called Brave (link below) and asked fans to send in videos. My daughter did that and he incorporated what she sent in of her, her hubby and our grandson (he is currently in the service). Just came out I guess. A good song ….
Will you remember all that I’ve done, Will you remember those that are living now and those that are gone
Veterans Tribute “Will You Remember”
Listless Vessel
November 11, 2023 12:19 pm
Myth of the Downtrodden Veteran (Vietnam and other)
Following is from National Review (Kate O’Beirne):
“Burkett’s [Vietnam veteran, and co-author of “Stolen Valor”, B. G.
“Jug” Burkett] exhaustive research thoroughly debunked the myth
represented by Kerry’s ragtag band of angry, disaffected protesters. When compared with their non-veteran peers, Vietnam veterans do not have higher incidences of drug abuse, unemployment, suicide, divorce, or homelessness. “In every category for which I could find statistics,” writes Burkett, “Vietnam veterans were as successful or more successful than men their age who did not go to Vietnam.” Vietnam veterans on average have higher incomes than non-veterans and are more likely to have a college education and own a home. In contrast to John Kerry’s portrayal of disillusioned victims.
Burkett thought he was signing on for a short project, but he ended
up exposing more than 1,200 bogus Vietnam War records, including those
of prominent activists, celebrated war heroes, criminals, politicians,
and even a well-known actor. For years, Brian Dennehy publicly
maintained he was a Vietnam combat veteran, telling a New York Times
reporter in 1989 about his combat wounds, and holding forth about the
brutal realities of combat in a 1993 Playboy interview. Burkett’s
examination of Dennehy’ military records showed that during his four
years on active duty his only overseas assignment was in Okinawa in
1962, and there was no record of his having ever been wounded.
Last year, Burkett was awarded the Army’s highest decoration for
civilians, the Distinguished Civilian Service Award. The decoration
represents the debt owed Burkett by the 2.7 million veterans who served
in Vietnam whose honorable records and reputations he has tirelessly
defended. At the award ceremony, an undersecretary of the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs explained that in addition to restoring
their good name to Vietnam veterans, Burkett “exposed a mass distortion of history that cost taxpayers billions of dollars” in undeserved
veterans benefits.
The government pays up to $3,000 a month to Vietnam
veterans with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and
bogus documents have qualified an unknown number of phony veterans for
these benefits. Burkett explains that he recently helped conduct a VA
study of 100 such alleged PTSD victims chosen at random. They found that
“only 39 percent were in remotely close contact with combat, and some
were never in the military.” Over a lifetime, phonies can collect a
million dollars each in VA benefits.
One of Burkett’s most shocking accounts of the media bias responsible for the
distorted image of Vietnam veterans involves a 1988 CBS documentary,The
Wall Within, hosted by Dan Rather. The hour-long special featured
horrific accounts of murder and mayhem witnessed by six purported Vietnam
veterans with post-war histories of drug abuse, alcoholism, homelessness, and despair. The atrocities and ruined lives were apparently “too good to check”: By consulting records that CBS failed to research, Burkett found that only one of the veterans had actually served in combat.
Burkett contacted CBS with his documentation and the Veterans Administration shared its data refuting CBS’s assertions about the high incidence of homelessness and mental illness among Vietnam veterans. The producers defiantly stood by their bogus story and the president of CBS defended the broadcast. After recounting the sorry episode of journalistic malpractice, Burkett wrote: “Why won’t Rather and CBS admit their ‘documentary’ was a fraud, that it perpetuated an unwarranted, false picture of men who fought in Vietnam?” Sixteen years ago, the indefatigable B. G. Burkett was fighting a lonely battle to hold the media accountable. With reinforcements in the blogosphere and new media, CBS finally has to say, “We’re sorry.”
Just the Marxist way to take down this country. I simply served my time in Vietnam, came home, got some education via VA benefits, and lived a successful life and retired recently. The bs some people do I have no use for.
Agreed! I also spent 18 months in S.E. Asia, not on the front lines, but in intel! My specialy there was the PDJ (Plain de Jars) and the Ho Chi Minh Trail! That was the main supply chain to Charlie! After each bombing, we were told to “lay off” the Trail! Found out later it was from the Senate and permitted the suipply chain to be rebuilt! The f’ing commie Legislators made war much more drawn out! Any wonder who Clinton’s mentor turned out to be? None other that Bill Fullbright! There’s Bill Clinton’s connection to communism!
Glad you made it out. If only we could have sent those bastard politicians over instead of our kids.
Always like the song by Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Fortunate Son”
Thanks Vessel,
Served in Vietnam all of 1968, TET, Hue City. By the Grace of God I survived and was successful in the “World”.
Coming back through San Francisco at that time was a BIG disappointment. No Johnny come marching home there.
My husband the same.
TET, San Fran ( where he was spit on and had his wallet stolen). A fellow Marine he didn’t know lent him the money to take a train home.
The shock returning stateside was significant, and he spent several months getting his head straight and decided he owed it to his buddies who never made it home, to live an honorable life. Could easily have tipped the other way.
No one who han’t been in combat can understand, or help. But simple respect goes a long way.
Yeppers, spit on and called baby killers at Travis AFB! You don’t know how bad I wanted to give those dickheads a knuckle sandwich, but we were warned heavily to NOT react!
What was deeply felt, was we not permitted to deplane until all the ones coming back in a box were first deplaned! Lots of tears (you could hear the silence) for those that were no longer with us! I personally watched 6 on my side of the plane! Believe it or not, there was a “racket” of using those coffins with horse stuffed inside those bodies! They bypassed the drug sniffing dogs at that time!
Pa, thank you for sharing. So respectful to the fallen to wait for the dead to be carried off the plane first. But the drugs racket, the opposite, defiling of the dead.
Glad you made it back Pa. Wish you had been received with honor and appreciation by the public.
I hit the yellow foot prints in May of ’68. We were the replacements for Khe Sanh, and ’68 Tet. Well over half my platoon were draftees. Got to Vietnam in October ’69. Humped a prc-77 as a radio operator on foot patrols with 5th Marines, out of An-Hoa, but they were pretty much nature walks by mid ’70. By October ’70, I helped shut down Camp Hoa Long as a Marine base, and watched as 5th Comm Bn was decommissioned. In May ’71, finished up the remaining 6 months off my tour in WESPAC, and active duty, in Okinawa.
Kept my service to myself, and never talked about it for years, because nobody really gave a rat’s rear, and just wanted to move on.
Finally visited The Wall for the first time on Nov 11, 1998. It hit me like a ton of bricks when I saw those names of men I served with, and remembered them as human beings that I used to bunk with, joke with, trade c-rats, play cards with, and the last time I saw them! I’ve tried to live my life in honor of those I served with who never had the same chance … Semper Fi
My husband served in Vietnam. I’m glad that they say “Thank you for your service” but honestly I also throw up in my mouth a little bit every time I hear it also.
Veritas22
November 11, 2023 12:35 pm
Our son died in active service in the US Army at the age of 25 a few years ago…..not a day goes by that we don’t remember…. But today especially so.
He touched so many lives…I wonder if he knew …
A fellow soldier wrote to us: “He taught me to be a better man, and was an inspiration to us all. His intelligence and strength of heart directly contributed to keeping his men alive in hostile situations…His greatest talent didn’t reside in combat tactics, or battlefield strategy, rather he will be remembered by ALL OF US for his uncanny ability to find the best in people, all people, no matter how different they are from the crowd. He brought out the best qualities of those around him…he made us better soldiers and men.”
Yes, we will always remember him and all veterans who served. ❤️
What a precious letter to receive!! When my Dad died (career AF) I got letters from men who had served under him and I cherish those letters as affirmation of the character of the man I knew as Dad.
I cannot imagine losing a child. But it does certainly warm the heart that there is a legacy that no doubt shines on in those he had touched. I know you miss him and the life he would have lived…there really are no proper words…
Such a great tribute to your son. Our leaders have always had “canned” letters to send out for various occasions, rarely such a nice personal commendation. To get something like that from a fellow soldier must have meant the world (and more) to you. “He taught me to be a better man.” Is there anything better that can ever be said about anyone? All the best to you and yours from a vet/retiree.
Parents rarely learn how their adult children are perceived in their careers and their world. We received a small glimpse and are very proud of the young man he became. That letter is one of many we got after his death. Truly humbling…..
God Bless him and all he touched. Bod Bless you for sharing. Thank you. He’s still touching lives.
sunrei
November 11, 2023 12:58 pm
Remembering my grandfather, a veteran of WWI. A farm boy, he and his friends joined up and headed off to Europe. America entered the war late, 2-3 years in. 1917 was the year I believe he was deployed.
While most deaths were not from the chemical warfare, it was the most feared. My grandfather never spoke about his experience, at least not to me. From family I learned he was with troops that faced the threat of poison gas — I heard mustard gas, but never had clear details –only that my grandfather had been promoted and purposefully got in trouble and demoted because he didn’t want to order others into battle. I later read that the experienced soldiers knew not to go into holes or deep trenches as the gas was heavier than air and would sink.
When my grandfather came home he became one of a great many train-hopping veteran hobos. Eventually he returned home to the farm and raised a family. I’ve wondered about how isolating it must be for veterans if they can’t share about their war experience with loved ones. I was curious about his hobo train hopping period, but he never talked about it that I heard.
He remained a bit of a contrarian rebel at times. If we were watching a sports event he’d want to know who you were rooting for and he’d pick the opposite team, to keep it interesting of course. I remember flying along the straight country roads between the corn in the back seat of Grandpa’s t-bird listing to his 8-track tapes.
One song –“Green green, I’m going away to where the grass is greener still. Green green, it’s greener they say on the far side of the hill.”
sunrei: I remember WWI veterans serving hot dogs to kids during the daytime in the darkened bar of my hometown’s old VFW (in an old Tudor-style manor, of sorts, probably dating from the 1920s), during summers at our town swimming pool complex, which opened in the late 60s or early 70s. The old vets ran a snack bar for the pool, until the VFW was torn down. A purpose-built snack bar was erected; a characterless cinder block structure, staffed by high school kids.
A new place for veterans was built in another location in town–a red brick, municipal-style building of the type typical in the 70s, as the Vietnam War wound down.
Perhaps indeed. My grandfather was married with a child on the way by the early 1930’s. I’d have to ask family how long he lived the train hopping life — my sense is he was done with the lifestyle before your grandfather hopped his first train… but now I’m curious and will ask.
Did you ever hear stories about your grandfather’s hobo years?
Oh definitely, he mentioned “dicks” rail employees whose job was to chase out hobos, using clubs I suppose.
Later I read the autobiography of Woody Guthrie (a commie, ahem) who mentioned the same phenomena.
My grandfather simply described it as migrant work to keep food in his belly, and that his family simply could not support him at 18 when the Depression hit.
dutchman, thank you for the reference. Have been watching some of it, including the horrible first scene. My grandfather must have had buckets of street smarts and a guiding angel: our family is lucky to have been given the gift of life.
Last edited 2 years ago by GreyRockMan
Joanne Davis
November 11, 2023 1:00 pm
Amen! God Bless and keep safe all those who protect and defend our Country! They are all truly heroes!
Covertly Astute
November 11, 2023 1:06 pm
To all my brothers and sisters, from different wars/conflicts, with much love and respect, I salute you.
Marcia
November 11, 2023 1:07 pm
Retired Magistrate here: I would appreciate it if you would remember my brother, John, today in prayer. He served in the Navy during Viet Nam, was exposed to Agent Orange and now is paralyzed with ALS. I don’t know how much longer he has and am surprised he has lived this long; he is a fighter. He is my hero.
Yes, how rude of us not to remember him. The scars of the war come in a variety of ways. I am so sorry for what happened to him but at least he is getting care. And has a loving sister. He and you are so blessed. May our Lord bring the both of you, strength and love.
Retired Magistrate here: I talked to him today and told him about those here on Conservative Treehouse thanking him for his service. He grunted, so I know he heard me. Sometimes he is able to talk, but it is very difficult because he is on a vent. So usually I talk and he grunts back. I never thought a grunt would be a blessing, but it is!
John’s story is a real story of survival. When he was discharged from the service, he was homeless for a while; lived on the streets and out of his car. He was/is in California and I am in Ohio. We lost contact for a while; didn’t know where he was or how to get ahold of him. He eventually found work, ended up with his own business, married and has two children. One is in his mid 30’s and a great salesman and the other son, 20 and going to veterinary school. John and I have been extremely close for the last 30 years or so to the point that I will be thinking about him and him about me and we call each other. I so miss those telephone calls and hearing his voice.
John is a big Trump supporter and was involved in local California politics. He was going to run for his local school board when he started getting really sick which turned out to be ALS.
So, I thank everyone again for your kind comments about my brother.
You’re doing the Right Thing for him and I’m sure he appreciates it! After I got out of the Air Force in ‘75, I drifted for a while too. Was a tough time for sure. But GOD gave me two Sons and that experience put me on the right track for sure! I , like you am in Ohio too! I like to say that I grew up in Strongsville, went to the other side of the world and I’m still in Strongsville! lol. Went to one of our elementary schools yesterday for their Vets Day “program”. When the world is falling apart and it feels like bad is everywhere, listen to about fifty 4th graders sing “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and you’ll feel a whole lot better! Plus a couple tears! Press On Ma’am and Always Forward!!
Love to hear this story about perseverance and grit and family.
dogsmaw
November 11, 2023 1:32 pm
My widowed grandma (I will honor her this day…just because) sent 9 sons to WW2, one of them was my father…he lied to get in at his young age cause he didnt want to be left behind.
The army wouldnt allow him to go into combat, so he was assigned to the Merchant Marines. My father never talked much about the war and I didnt inquire. I will do him honor on this day just because…
The generation of my father has gone from our family, his brother just passed away a month ago, I will do him honor on this day just because…
My youngest brother got emancipated at the age of 16 so he could join the army. I will do him honor on this day just because…
I am currently caretaker of a Navy veteran that has taken very ill. I will do him honor on this day just because…
dang I forgot my maternal grandpa, he served in WW1. I will do him honor on this day just because…
PathfinderSteve
November 11, 2023 1:41 pm
To SSG Gary Epps and CPT Ritz, you are remembered, you helped stop Cuban Marxist expansion in Grenada. Otto, you are remembered saving others in Desert Storm.
Served in the late 70’s. I am one of the 18% of veterans for whom, during our entire time on active duty, we weren’t at war with anybody.
That number is way too low. It, and many other deep personal factors, contribute to the anti-war sentiment I sometimes express here.
Aggiegirl
November 11, 2023 1:44 pm
My son was friends with the fellows left on a hill to die in Afghanistan 2010 (I think)…when air support was called off because of women and children on the ground….(who were involved in the attack)…my son has survivor guilt as he was supposed to go but got pulled off the assignment…
My father fought in the Battle of the Bulge, was severely wounded by gunshot, treated, and put back on the front lines. He also received a Purple Heart. My spouse is a CG Veteran as well having served 23 years. Happy Veteran’s Day to all of those who served!
As a small kid Veterans Day parade in Milwaukee was a big deal. I remember there was a handful of Span-Am vets. Milwaukee was the site of a “soldier’s home”, one of three created after the civil war. It sat on a bluff or hill behind behind the old County Stadium, and the old residents could come out and sit outside watching the Braves play back in the day of Spahn, Burdette, and Aaron.
For Armistice Day I like to remind folks that due to geo-political factors the US also sent Expeditionary Forces to Archangel and Vladivostok to support the “white” Russians in the Russia civil war. The war didn’t end for these troops until the summer of 1920. I got interested as one of the units, 27th Infantry “Wolfhounds”, is now a Hawaii (Schofield Barracks) unit up the road from me.
JBM
November 11, 2023 2:33 pm
My hat is off to all who served. I am a Vietnam Vet, my son is Iraqi Freedom, his son just graduated from basic. My father returned home from WWII with terrible PTSD, he relived that war every night in his sleep. My grandfather was awarded L’ordre DE L’Armee WWI, The War to End All Wars. And so it goes back to the revolution. My G-Grandmother’s brother was killed at the Second Manassas, an Irish immigrant. My wife was a Vietnam era vet.
I was a Vietnam Vet too. My father received two bronze stars during WWII, and I never knew this until I found his service record many years later. We were both Army Engineers, while building everything you can. Best described as being the floating duck at a shooting gallery. I can still taste the mud. Many of us are dying from Agent Orange. I suppose that means death by friendly fire.
I am assuming your wife could have been a nurse during Vietnam. If so, then I may have met her a couple of times.
My pappy never would talk about his time in the Pacific as a Medic/Engineer in one of MacArthur’s Engineering Boat and Shore Regiments -first on, last off the islands- Only after he passed from this world, when I was bequeathed his papers, did I find that he was awarded two bronze stars for his actions in New Guinea and Luzon.
This old USN vet offers a tip of the hat to you and your dad.
Rob-Houston
November 11, 2023 2:41 pm
As a Vet, Thank you for your posts!!!!!!!!!!
I’m still watching and listening to your Ringgold Flags May 2017 video!
Dunes2021
November 11, 2023 3:19 pm
Back in the day the flags came out and were flown in the ‘hood for special days like today. My dad and my uncles were all WW2 vets and we had a number of WW1 vets on the block too.
I still have that family flag, now long tattered, folded neatly beside dad’s burial flag in the cedar chest my mom bought while building bombers in San Diego. I fly a new all weather flag, today in the rain, to honor those who have served.
As the decades passed and MAC flights become more civilian aircraft moving service people around, those of us who were frequent fliers would take our perks that came with that and upgrade men and women in uniform to the front as a small token of our appreciation. I never said ‘thanks for your service‘, rather ‘I hope you enjoy the flight and God be with you‘ and left it at that.
I hope our vets feel that we remember them and honor them. I know there was a time many decades ago when that wasn’t the case. Many of my friends who served in ‘Nam saw it first hand.
Thank you, veterans, and God bless the Republic. 🙂
nimrodman
November 11, 2023 3:32 pm
National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl in Honolulu … don’t miss it if you’re ever here
Has the most amazing battle maps that are mosaics, made of many small colored tiles
loud fighter jet just flew past my apartment building, I think it was for the 11/11 11:11 fly-over at Punchbowl Memorial Day ceremonies being held there
Sundance has been in absentia a couple of times when he was digging his way out of hurricane damage, and helping his neighbors.
Amazing how many have become so dependent on the one source we’ve come to rely on to give us the real story. Hope Sundance not only deals with his business but also enjoys a bit of much deserved break. And maybe some family time.
There Can Never Be Enough THANK YOUs for America’s Military People Current, Vets, Family and Those Passed Away
THANK YOU A Million Times Over, American Military People , For Your Many Sacrifices in Serving In America’s Military
My mom Polly and her brother Fred in WWII-No they did not serve together, but Fred did get to surprise her with a visit on the island where she was a radio operator.
My favorite picture of my mom.
Sadly it was to be her last Veterans Day. She died January the following year at 93.
This is my mom and baby girl after the parade.
She was the only WWII vet, actually vet of any of our wars to be able to fit & wear their uniform in the parade.
So many of our young boys liked about their age so they could help defend our country during WWII. So wish our young people had just a smidgen of the patriotism our parents and grandparents had during WWII. There are so many many stories of American unselfish patriotism during WWII that we rarely see today.
I stopped at Little Bighorn Battlefield on one of my trips to South Dakota.
At first I was so shocked at the huge number of grave stones. Turns out any Vet’s family could request their Vet to be buried there when they died
As I was walking among the rows of graves I had to stop & do a double take. Crazy as sounds I even looked up what year Pearl Harbor was attacked, even though I was right prior to looking it up.
According to the gravestone the WWII man buried there was barely over 14 when the war started. So even if he had not enlisted at the very beginning, he was still quite young.
Dusty Otis
November 11, 2023 4:25 pm
Your welcome. Proud to serve USMC, 1959-1963. As they say “Once a Marine, always a Marine”.
Ya gotta Love a Marine. I supported a Marine in Iraq, a few days before going back home I thanked him for being “My Marine”. His response, “You are welcome, everyone should have their own Marine”. 20 years later I still laugh when I think about it.
19 years old, he was quite something. I hope wherever he is he is doing well and is happy.
Thank you for sharing that. It brought back a sweet memory.
We got to be part of an operation that sent supplies and support to troops through their families, lots of boxes and handwritten letters.
I have a guitar I bought back then from an ad in the paper by a guy who was asking $50 for it. We found out he needed money to call his wife, a Marine deployed to a hot zone in the middle east. When we met to get the guitar we gave him the fifty dollars and $120 worth of international phone cards. I hope they made it through ok.
Yeah, we all got a little emotional. They were struggling awfully hard.
regitiger
November 11, 2023 4:28 pm
To Cody:
today we honored you and your team at the coliseum. We all wore some article of clothing you left behind. We prayed for you and for the family survivors to many to name out loud.
We honored you because you were honorable. You volunteered for a war that no one understood. But you still signed up.
I remember vividly:
Uncle Mac, I signed up because if there is going to be a battle …send me. I will engage the enemy and never hesitate. Not once.
and you did. And so it was..your moment in time when you put it all on the line ..because you believe that peace must be won..and often by force.
I respect that. it’s true power…and I also know you heart and mind was right with God.
God Bless you CODY. I’ll be seeing you soon enough.
Deguello4524
November 11, 2023 4:52 pm
You’re welcome.
Me again once more if’s
November 11, 2023 5:00 pm
You know who you are
CarsonValleyColonel
November 11, 2023 5:02 pm
My Father was always tickled to be able to say he was a veteran after WWII. He served one day as a private in the Army.
He was a Secret Service Agent on the Roosevelt Presidential Detail, and spent the entire war accompanying FDR everywhere, Casablanca, Yalta, Ottowa, Cairo, and was the Agent in Charge of the Detail at Little Springs when FDR died. He accompanied Truman to Potsdam at the Wars end and went on to run the entire Physical Security Organization at the Department of State, culminating in being in Charge of the entire Protective Details for Khrushchev’s visit in 1958 . Every time I see the film of FDR declaring War after Pearl Harbor, I can see him standing the door FDR used to enter the House of Representatives!
After the detail that day, the entire detail went down to a Recruiting Office and enlisted in the Army because they felt it was their duty. Each took the Oath of Office and were given a dime, to ride the streetcar back to the White House. I still have that dime. The next day at the start of the Watch, they were assembled by the Secret Service Director and told that they could either accept assignment to the inactive reserves of the Army and resume their Secret Service assignments, or they would be inducted into the active Army immediately, and detached to the Secret Service for duty in their previous roles, at Army pay! Like all the others, Dad got credit for ONE day of active duty and resumed has duties.
Stroke
November 11, 2023 6:18 pm
I went into a public-‘ouse to get a pint o’ beer,
The publican ‘e up an’ sez, “We serve no red-coats here.”
The girls be’ind the bar they laughed an’ giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an’ to myself sez I:
O it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, go away”;
But it’s “Thank you, Mister Atkins”, when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it’s “Thank you, Mister Atkins”, when the band begins to play.
I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but ‘adn’t none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-‘alls,
But when it comes to fightin’, Lord! they’ll shove me in the stalls!
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, wait outside”;
But it’s “Special train for Atkins” when the trooper’s on the tide,
The troopship’s on the tide, my boys, the troopship’s on the tide,
O it’s “Special train for Atkins” when the trooper’s on the tide.
Yes, makin’ mock o’ uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an’ they’re starvation cheap;
An’ hustlin’ drunken soldiers when they’re goin’ large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin’ in full kit.
Then it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, ‘ow’s yer soul?”
But it’s “Thin red line of ‘eroes” when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it’s “Thin red line of ‘eroes” when the drums begin to roll.
We aren’t no thin red ‘eroes, nor we aren’t no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An’ if sometimes our conduck isn’t all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don’t grow into plaster saints;
While it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, fall be’ind”,
But it’s “Please to walk in front, sir”, when there’s trouble in the wind,
There’s trouble in the wind, my boys, there’s trouble in the wind,
O it’s “Please to walk in front, sir”, when there’s trouble in the wind.
You talk o’ better food for us, an’ schools, an’ fires, an’ all:
We’ll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don’t mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow’s Uniform is not the soldier-man’s disgrace.
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Chuck him out, the brute!”
But it’s “Saviour of ‘is country” when the guns begin to shoot;
An’ it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ anything you please;
An’ Tommy ain’t a bloomin’ fool — you bet that Tommy sees!
– Rudyard Kipling –
(The guy who gave us “The Jungle Book”)
Rowdyone
November 11, 2023 6:31 pm
Let me first say that in no way am I denigrating the sacrifices and trauma suffered by my fellow service members when I say that l am sick and tired of being type cast as damaged goods for having served my country as a Vietnam Era (I did one year in ROK, 69-70) Veteran. The Left chooses to characterize veterans as victims of an unjust society and to be pitied as we lay on a street with a syringe stuck in our arm. But they also choose to ignore not only the good they’ve done by design or incidentally in the countries in which we’ve served , they ignore the tremendous value we bring to the table when we reintegrate back to society. Returning veterans have real world experience in leadership, motivation, team building and technical skills. I’ve seen veterans who are superior to Masters Degree grads and they were enlisted vets. So today, and everyday, let’s be proud of who we are and the successes we achieved. Don’t let others define us.
My father served during the Korean War as a radar instructor- a private teaching up to Lieutenants. They allowed the instructors to be sergeants during classroom instruction but no other time 😂 He’s now 94 and last year went on an Honor Flight to the monuments on the Mall in DC. It was a big deal for him, a man who’s been many places in his life.
My father-in-law was slightly older and served in the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry. He was on active duty when the Army changed out the horses for tanks, and remembered quite well the 1st Sergeant taking his horse and hiding him in the showers on the 3rd floor of the Armory on 23rd St in Phila. He’s been dead for 12 years now.
Good times to remember…
Republicanvet91
November 11, 2023 6:37 pm
Careful Menagerie. Thanking us veterans might get you targeted by the rank and vile of the FBI.
Regular Army, Feb 1969 to Nov 1971 (education early out), honorable discharge 35G20 Specialist E-5.
Scarlett
November 11, 2023 7:17 pm
A few years ago my husband, a pilot, and I went to the 75th anniversary of the B-17 that was held at Boeing Field. Boeing brought a B-17 to the hangar where this was held. We went inside the plane – pretty shocking to realize how freezing cold it had to be in that plane and what a thin layer of metal was between the crew and the flak. There were two large hangers for the event, a couple of bands playing WWII music. On giant screens there was a video of the Tuskegee airmen, and an actual Rosie the Riveter. At one point in the middle of it all there was a big parade that reminded me of an Olympic event with people from that era marching in a big circle while their names were called out and music played. There was an actual tail gunner – someone who had a short life expectancy in that position. I was amazed at how many were in good enough shape to participate and the stories were riveting. Some of the younger people attending were literally crying. One man said, with much emotion,” they should teach this in school”. We sat at a table with a couple of B-17 pilots who were very young at the time of their service and we were in awe at their stories and courage. I remember one Rosie the Riveter saying that she worked very hard to get each rivet perfect because “I wanted my boys to come home”.
Thank you to all who had the courage to serve and those at home who held their breath waiting for them to come home.
R F Burns
November 11, 2023 7:29 pm
Much could be said of service, and of duty. Many in my family have served in one way or another.
My grandfather served in the Army during the Vietnam War in what is now Formosa.
Another relation was a Marine killed in action during WWII by a Japanese torpedo sinking the destroyer that he was on.
An uncle in law was a submariner in the Gulf during the first Gulf War.
My father served in the Army during the start of Reagan’s terms.
And I served during the war on terror, and continue to serve in other ways.
Their are others not mentioned.
I’ve no doubt I can find plenty more going all the way back to the American Revolution.
It really does. Either you have it, or you don’t. My family has it.
bodinator
November 11, 2023 9:02 pm
Thank you thank you THANK YOU, all vets.
In my family we had Navy and Marines. So grateful to all y’all. Stay frosty!
Leavemygunsalone
November 11, 2023 9:25 pm
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Last edited 2 years ago by Leavemygunsalone
Rick554
November 11, 2023 9:53 pm
Thanks to All at the Treehouse for remembering Veterans Day. It’s a pretty important day for some of us and I really appreciate it. I grew up in the early sixties . At our family gatherings, my old uncles would sit on the back porch and tell stories about flying in B17s over Europe and my Uncle Johnny would talk about fighting in jungles on Pacific islands. lol! The more beer they drank, the louder they’d get. And I was a 11 year old sitting on the steps just listening! My Dad joint the USAF in 1950 wanting to fly and ended up with a jeep, a 45 and a radio calling in airstrikes! My Moms Air Force career was cut short when I was born! She reminded me of that a lot!! I got my draft number about two months after turning 18 and the consensus was I’d join the Air Force . In San Antonio, they decided I’d make a good construction worker, so I was assigned to the REDHORSE where we built buildings , tore others down and built them back up somewhere else. Or built airplane pads and drove convoys! In October 74 I was sent to UTapao and did the same thing all over SEA! Good Times! Got out in October 75 at Travis AFB and ran the gauntlet of “protestors” like everyone else. Pathetic. My youngest Son was home on leave from AIT at Ft Sill on 911 and saw the planes fly into the buildings while laying on my couch. He spent twenty years in the ARMY , mostly in Iraq or Afghan , where he met his wife during a rocket attack! lol!! My oldest Grandson is a Paratrooper in the new 11th AIBORNE at Richardson Alaska. Today he is training about as far from civilization as you can get! (He can still text! Amazing!). I’m Proud of all of you and Thanks. So….GOD bless our Troops and May HE continue to bless our Nation!! Rick554. REDHORSE!! PS….please remember the Donut Dollies from the Red Cross and the USO! They deserve recognition too!! Thanks!
Last edited 2 years ago by Rick554
CountryClassVulgarian
November 11, 2023 9:55 pm
Indeed. Thank you, veterans.
Adirondacker
November 11, 2023 10:14 pm
My Father was “Just a Cook” in the Navy during WW2, but he was a very good Cook, so I am sure he was appreciated.
He was also in the Coast Guard after the war, I have no idea what he did in there? He didn’t talk about it.
Leavemygunsalone
November 11, 2023 10:20 pm
Hoping all our Veterans had a good day and know that they are loved and appreciated.
Abolt
November 11, 2023 10:50 pm
I know I’ll be considered a pariah here, but it really irritates me when during Veterans Day everyone speaks of the “men and women “. Women have supported the Armed forces, no doubt. But it is MEN who have fought and died for this country ! It is MEN who have suffered the agony and death of battle, not women. Until women have suffered 50% of the agony and death (which I don’t support) they should not be given 50% of the credit. This is a fact that is indisputable. I think there are maybe less the 5 female names on the Vietnam Wall, out of over 50,000, for example. This is a man’s honor. Not women. Sorry, just the way I feel.
Wow Man, you should read some history about women in the military!
No, they were not on the front lines of the battles, they were in support positions. I have 2 Aunts that served in WW2 along with 1000’s of other women. I don’t know exactly what my aunts did, but they had uniforms and were very dedicated.
Many were nurses, do you think maybe they suffered agony and death?
I wouldn’t call you a pariah, but I do have a few other more appropriate names for you that I can’t say on here!
Go ahead and say them. It is a fact of history. Sorry to hurt your feelings. I acknowledged women’s support. But it’s not the same. My sentiment is the same that would say I would NEVER be for women being drafted. Do you support such a thing? If no, then you agree with me without saying it. If yes, then you are a feminist White Knight. How many on this thread support women in combat or be drafted? Stand and be counted. And if you don’t, then you acknowledge that you do not wish women to be subjected to the horrors of battle. (Which I agree with). My position is the biblical and conservative position. 99% of all the people who have been maimed and killed in America’s wars, and indeed of all the wars in history, have been MEN. Do you dispute that?
Yes, it has been a man’s war. Even the women that are now rising up to top leadership in the armed services have not been on the front lines in battle – leading the charge. Now in this time we are all being called to fight in the battle between dark and light forces – may everyone do their part.
Marcia, you are smart. I submit to you that if another actual war broke out, it would still be the vast majority of men who would fight and die in those wars. Frankly women should not be in senior positions in the military because war is a man’s duty and occupation, not women’s. It has always been so. And I disagree that we are ALL called to fight. The same reason that we don’t (I assume) want women playing in men’s sports is the same reason we don’t want them on the battlefield. They would be raped and slaughtered.
Perhaps you could thaw out enough to watch some videos of the women who were captured and spent time in Japanese prison camps. They endured harrowing experiences.
I’m not saying that civilians didn’t suffer and die. That has always been the case. But we’re talking about Veterans Day, which means soldiers. Which means MEN.
I’ve got a few negative comments to my post here, which I expected. To those who disagree with me, sign your daughters up for the draft, and support it. And I will call you girly men. My daughters would never sign up and I as their father would tell them it’s not their place to do so. War is man’s business, not women’s. It’s a disgrace to suggest otherwise, and as a man you should be ashamed if you think it is.
All those men who died in combat were birthed by women. You ever see a baby being born? I doubt a single person here thought that any sizeable percentage of America’s combat deaths were women. This is a day to honor Veterans and I wonder how many would appreciate your childish rantings?
Recordtimes
November 12, 2023 1:02 am
My father and his identical twin brother both served in WWII. My father joined the Navy after Pearl Harbor, and his brother went into the Army. I grew up learning about the sacrifices and tragic loss so many of our veterans, and he importance of why we serve. I do not need a special day to remember any of them, because those stories have stayed with me all through the years, and I pass them on to my children. We must never forget the cost of freedom!
Antisocialists
November 12, 2023 1:38 am
years ago, I took my dad on an Honor Flight to DC. Mostly WWII vets.
The gentleman running the show stood up and asked how many aboard served in the Marines, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard. He then explained all the logistics and the schedule for the day. About a five minute talk.
When he finished, he asked if there were any questions. One hand was raised. An Army vet said “there are ten Marines on this plane, so you’re going to have to repeat everything you just said.”
These guys were in their late eighties, and they were still smack-talking each other.
Hoss
November 12, 2023 7:36 am
My Dad joined the Army at age 16 in the Spring of 1943. Turned 17 in boot camp. Rode a plywood glider over the English Channel, and was shot down over Normandy, on June 6, 1944 (about six weeks before his 18th birthday). He was an Airborne Ranger, with the 82nd Airborne. After being lost behind enemy lines for 5 days, he made it back to the American side, and fought across Europe until the end of the WWII.
Dad made the Army a career, and about six years later was one of the first American troops in Korea. Where his legs were severely burned by phosphorous. The Army patched him up, and sent him back into action three months later, and he was awarded a Bronze Star with “V” (for valor) for his actions against the Communist Chinese.
About 5 years later, Dad was deployed to West Germany on a troop ship to face down the Soviet Communists, who were invading Eastern Europe. This time we, his family, went with him (it was quite a trip for me, a six year old, on the USS Upsher troop ship), and we spent 4 years there. My Dad on the border between East and West Germany, and my Mom, in Ulm, and Stuttgart, helping real and true refugees from Communism in the refugee camps scattered around West Germany.
Then about 5 years after we got back to the States, Dad, and my oldest sister’s husband, were deployed with the First Infantry Division, to Vietnam. Deja vu all over again for Dad, and first time my Bro (in law) when they found themselves immersed in heavy fighting. Dad retired when he got back home ( after seeing the worst of three wars against Nazis, and Communists). Bro (in law) served two tours in Vietnam, and also, many years later, retired as a Sergeant Major.
At age 50, Dad succumbed to his wounds suffered in Korea. My Bro (in law) went to his Lord 15 years ago).
All the adult men in my immediate family served in the military (including myself, as a Marine field radio operator, in Vietnam, with various battalions of the 5th Marines), and we fought Communists on the battle field in the last half of the 20th century …
I loath the global communist scum that have weaseled their way into positions of power now days, and I pray every day to Lord God almighty for strength to forgive them, but this lump of pure unadulterated hate I have for Communists is lodged deep in my chest, and it’s not easy to be sincere when I think of all the destruction that Communism, and Communists have caused to this planet in the past 100+ years …
Hope all you Veterans, and Patriots had a good day yesterday! May God bless you all.
Is there a category named ‘Heroes’? Might be more endearing than uncaterogized? 0) USArmy Vet.
I miss Armistice Day.
The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The guns of August finally went silent.
Many Canadians across Canada celebrated Remembrance Day today on Nov 11th. Preening Trudeau who gutted the military and made it extremely woke still participates in the Ottawa event but every or almost every city and town had their own events today.
One had 3 separate memorials including one Native Canadian event. Several indigenous Canadians enlisted including the most decorated Tommy Prince in 1940. He began as a sapper but later was admitted into the 1st Special Service Force or “Devil’s Brigade” of American, Canadian and British soldiers.
He was a “reconnaissance sergeant” and his successful efforts spying on the Germans “behind enemy lines” were incredible: :The King of England decorated him with both the British Military Medal and a Silver Star on behalf of P Roosevelt. He then served in Korea. Unfortunately, he died in a similar way as Ira Hayes did.
The grandfather of a friend of mine was actually wounded on the last day of WWI.
Interesting.. My dad served in WWII as a Merchant Marine, however at
that time the Merchant Marine wasn;t recognized as offical service. So he
was in the Army during the Korean War, fortunately though he was a
Military Police in Germany so he didn;t see active duty in Korea.
It wasn;t until many, many years later that the Merchant Marines
was officially recognized as military service. and we were able to put
his name on the WWII monument in our town.
Terrific Post!
Our father was a Captain in the British Merchant Marine shortly after the end of WW 2. and was influenced by war time mariners.
Our Grandfather sailed on minesweepers in U.K. waters during WW 2?
Our youngest brother was a merchant marine officer. ( now a ships pilot)
The merchant ship’s sailing the North Atlantic in WW 2 were always in harms way.
Cheers, and thank you for jogging some memories.
Whenever I’m in serious need of an uplift, I binge on UK-centered WWII movies. My favorite, “Finest Hour, The Battle of Britain,” (BBC et al, 2000) includes this line written by Ben Robertson, a reporter for the New York Herald Tribune, after a day spent watching the raids at Dover:
I lost my sense of personal fear because I saw that what happened to me did not matter. We counted as individuals
only as we took our place in the procession of history. It was not we who counted, it was what we stood for. And
I knew now for what I was standing–I was for freedom” It was as simple as that. I realized the good that often can
come from death. We were where we were and we had what we had because a whole line of our people had been
willing to die. I understood Valley Forge and Gettysburg at Dover, and I found it lifted a tremendous weight off
your spirit to find yourself willing to give up your life if you have to….”
God love all of you and yours!
Sorry but for some reason the editing function blew the trext of that quote apart after every line. It was meant to be one continuous block of text.
I have found that some text apps insert a hard return after every line even if you didn’t. This shows up when you copy & paste the text into the CTH block. Fortunately there’s an edit button to fix formatting issues …
Dekester, thank you…I never knew….! Merchant Marine is a hard life, like the Navy, for those waiting at home.
Out of curiosity where is your brother a ship pilot? My father was a ship pilot in the Delaware River, Bay and the C&D Canal to Baltimore. He was also Sec/Treas of the American Pilots Association for 32 years.
A happy day for your family, I’m sure. 😊
My own dad’s story is similar…it took until 1988 to get some action for the Merchant Marine…during WW2 my dad was not a citizen then…but he told stories of leaning on the rail of liberty ships, watching the torpedoes zoom on by….Dad got his citizenship by going to Korea.
Those men needed recognition long before it finally happened.
My dad was likewise a Merchant Marine. He was the/one of (?) radio men on the ship. I wish I knew more of what he did.
Mine ran away to sea age 14 with a bunch of other boys from town. One night trying to sleep on the waves in the harbor and they all went home. He didn’t really have a home to go back to. Took him 4 years to become a Merchant Marine and he was insulted when he heard that it was cut down to 6 months. I know he had code talkers with them but the only story he shared was once they were hauling fuel out of Galveston when a U-boat surfaced and the only thing they could do was start acting crazy drunk diving off the ship and all kind of foolish entertainment to make the Germans laugh at them. They lived.
When he finally broke down in old age and started going to the VA they gave him a bunch of medals and honored his service.
My dad was a radio man in the Merchant Marines/Coast Guard. Spent some time in a plane, looking for German subs off the East Coast, then was moved to the Pacific. After the war was over, everyone wanted to go home, of course, but his ship was still in the waters off Japan for another month or two. He locked himself in the communications room, and played “I’ll be home by Christmas” on repeat, over the ship’s loudspeakers. Until the Captain of the ship got tired of it.
My dad was likewise in the Merchany Marines at WWII, he then was given a commission as a 2nd Louie on a Harbor craft in the Philippines! The big story he told was getting a crane load of beer and the Captain was worried that the Japanese pilots would follow the beer cans to his boat! Oh what a laugh, eh?
Found WWII was interesting as to the names of their Armed Forces branches.
When my mother went into WWII there was only one branch for the women Women’s Army Corps. By the end there were 2 or maybe 3 more.
My Dad, in WW2 was in the “Army air corps” as apperently there was no seperate air force.
He grew up during the depression, and to keep him from gorging on bananas, his mother told him (when he was quite young) “You can’t eat more than 1 banana a day, it will KILL you!” and then never corrected this as he grew older.
Well, he enlisted, and became a weatherman, trained to go into the Pacific theater and be placed on Japanese occupied islands to transmit weather info.
Anyway, his ‘outfit’ of 20 or so weathermen are told to pitch camp in a banana orchard, and await orders.
Once they have set up their tents, this kid from NYC breaks off a bunch of bananas and as he starts to peel and eat the second one, my Dad blurts out “What are you DOING? You can’t eat more than one banana a day, ..it’ll KILL you!”
And it was only then that he realised his mom had lied to him,…
Yeah, he never did live that down,…lol.
Here is a website that details the sinking of the passenger ship Ceramic by a German U-Boat on Dec. 7th,1942. From this site you can locate details on every ship sunk by the U-Boats including who died and/or survived. It also links to info on all U-Boats and their Captains including their story.
The Nazis kept meticulous and detailed records on the U-Boats. I was researching my ancestry when I came across these informative sites. (My link to a crew member aboard the Ceramic is not genetic. He was the father of my stepfather’s 1st wife.)
This site will also direct you to all or most U.S. submarines, their captains and the ships they sank during WWII (Top and side links)
This site describes the horrors and the terrible loss of life when these U Boats were many as were the convoys and vulnerable ships and crews including Merchant Mariners mostly.
https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/ships/2496.html
To all who served, are serving & will serve to protect & defend the US Constitution, thank you.
I’m grateful that you’re ours.
Danny Gokey put out a music vid called Brave (link below) and asked fans to send in videos. My daughter did that and he incorporated what she sent in of her, her hubby and our grandson (he is currently in the service). Just came out I guess. A good song ….
Thank You Dunewall
Will you remember all that I’ve done,
Will you remember those that are living now and those that are gone
Veterans Tribute “Will You Remember”
Myth of the Downtrodden Veteran (Vietnam and other)
Following is from National Review (Kate O’Beirne):
“Burkett’s [Vietnam veteran, and co-author of “Stolen Valor”, B. G.
“Jug” Burkett] exhaustive research thoroughly debunked the myth
represented by Kerry’s ragtag band of angry, disaffected protesters.
When compared with their non-veteran peers, Vietnam veterans do not
have higher incidences of drug abuse, unemployment, suicide,
divorce, or homelessness. “In every category for which I could find
statistics,” writes Burkett, “Vietnam veterans were as successful or
more successful than men their age who did not go to Vietnam.” Vietnam
veterans on average have higher incomes than non-veterans and are more likely to have a college education and own a home. In contrast to John Kerry’s portrayal of disillusioned victims.
Burkett thought he was signing on for a short project, but he ended
up exposing more than 1,200 bogus Vietnam War records, including those
of prominent activists, celebrated war heroes, criminals, politicians,
and even a well-known actor. For years, Brian Dennehy publicly
maintained he was a Vietnam combat veteran, telling a New York Times
reporter in 1989 about his combat wounds, and holding forth about the
brutal realities of combat in a 1993 Playboy interview. Burkett’s
examination of Dennehy’ military records showed that during his four
years on active duty his only overseas assignment was in Okinawa in
1962, and there was no record of his having ever been wounded.
Last year, Burkett was awarded the Army’s highest decoration for
civilians, the Distinguished Civilian Service Award. The decoration
represents the debt owed Burkett by the 2.7 million veterans who served
in Vietnam whose honorable records and reputations he has tirelessly
defended. At the award ceremony, an undersecretary of the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs explained that in addition to restoring
their good name to Vietnam veterans, Burkett “exposed a mass distortion
of history that cost taxpayers billions of dollars” in undeserved
veterans benefits.
The government pays up to $3,000 a month to Vietnam
veterans with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and
bogus documents have qualified an unknown number of phony veterans for
these benefits. Burkett explains that he recently helped conduct a VA
study of 100 such alleged PTSD victims chosen at random. They found that
“only 39 percent were in remotely close contact with combat, and some
were never in the military.” Over a lifetime, phonies can collect a
million dollars each in VA benefits.
One of Burkett’s most shocking accounts of the media bias responsible for the
distorted image of Vietnam veterans involves a 1988 CBS documentary,The
Wall Within, hosted by Dan Rather. The hour-long special featured
horrific accounts of murder and mayhem witnessed by six purported Vietnam
veterans with post-war histories of drug abuse, alcoholism, homelessness, and despair. The atrocities and ruined lives were apparently “too good to check”: By consulting records that CBS failed to research, Burkett found that only one of the veterans had actually served in combat.
Burkett contacted CBS with his documentation and the Veterans Administration shared its data refuting CBS’s assertions about the high incidence of homelessness and mental illness among Vietnam veterans. The producers defiantly stood by their bogus story and the president of CBS defended the broadcast. After recounting the sorry episode of journalistic malpractice, Burkett wrote: “Why won’t Rather and CBS admit their ‘documentary’ was a fraud, that it perpetuated an unwarranted, false picture of men who fought in Vietnam?” Sixteen years ago, the indefatigable B. G. Burkett was fighting a lonely battle to hold the media accountable. With reinforcements in the blogosphere and new media, CBS finally has to say, “We’re sorry.”
Just the Marxist way to take down this country. I simply served my time in Vietnam, came home, got some education via VA benefits, and lived a successful life and retired recently. The bs some people do I have no use for.
Agreed! I also spent 18 months in S.E. Asia, not on the front lines, but in intel! My specialy there was the PDJ (Plain de Jars) and the Ho Chi Minh Trail! That was the main supply chain to Charlie! After each bombing, we were told to “lay off” the Trail! Found out later it was from the Senate and permitted the suipply chain to be rebuilt! The f’ing commie Legislators made war much more drawn out! Any wonder who Clinton’s mentor turned out to be? None other that Bill Fullbright! There’s Bill Clinton’s connection to communism!
Glad you made it out. If only we could have sent those bastard politicians over instead of our kids.
Always like the song by Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Fortunate Son”
My brother served two tours in Viet Nam, received two Purple Hearts and came home and is still living a Godly Christian life.
Thanks Vessel,
Served in Vietnam all of 1968, TET, Hue City. By the Grace of God I survived and was successful in the “World”.
Coming back through San Francisco at that time was a BIG disappointment. No Johnny come marching home there.
Remember all those whose names are on ‘The Wall’.
My husband the same.
TET, San Fran ( where he was spit on and had his wallet stolen). A fellow Marine he didn’t know lent him the money to take a train home.
The shock returning stateside was significant, and he spent several months getting his head straight and decided he owed it to his buddies who never made it home, to live an honorable life. Could easily have tipped the other way.
No one who han’t been in combat can understand, or help. But simple respect goes a long way.
Yeppers, spit on and called baby killers at Travis AFB! You don’t know how bad I wanted to give those dickheads a knuckle sandwich, but we were warned heavily to NOT react!
What was deeply felt, was we not permitted to deplane until all the ones coming back in a box were first deplaned! Lots of tears (you could hear the silence) for those that were no longer with us! I personally watched 6 on my side of the plane! Believe it or not, there was a “racket” of using those coffins with horse stuffed inside those bodies! They bypassed the drug sniffing dogs at that time!
Pa, thank you for sharing. So respectful to the fallen to wait for the dead to be carried off the plane first. But the drugs racket, the opposite, defiling of the dead.
Glad you made it back Pa. Wish you had been received with honor and appreciation by the public.
What sunrei said……..in spades.
I hit the yellow foot prints in May of ’68. We were the replacements for Khe Sanh, and ’68 Tet. Well over half my platoon were draftees. Got to Vietnam in October ’69. Humped a prc-77 as a radio operator on foot patrols with 5th Marines, out of An-Hoa, but they were pretty much nature walks by mid ’70. By October ’70, I helped shut down Camp Hoa Long as a Marine base, and watched as 5th Comm Bn was decommissioned. In May ’71, finished up the remaining 6 months off my tour in WESPAC, and active duty, in Okinawa.
Kept my service to myself, and never talked about it for years, because nobody really gave a rat’s rear, and just wanted to move on.
Finally visited The Wall for the first time on Nov 11, 1998. It hit me like a ton of bricks when I saw those names of men I served with, and remembered them as human beings that I used to bunk with, joke with, trade c-rats, play cards with, and the last time I saw them! I’ve tried to live my life in honor of those I served with who never had the same chance … Semper Fi
Appreciate hearing your experience. I had to look up prc-77 .. a 13 pound backpack radio?
I was greatly moved by your visit to The Wall —the impact of spotting names you recognized, people you literallyknew, not names but real people.
Yes, a stain upon our generations to treat our soldiers with such disrespect.
My husband served in Vietnam. I’m glad that they say “Thank you for your service” but honestly I also throw up in my mouth a little bit every time I hear it also.
Our son died in active service in the US Army at the age of 25 a few years ago…..not a day goes by that we don’t remember…. But today especially so.
He touched so many lives…I wonder if he knew …
A fellow soldier wrote to us: “He taught me to be a better man, and was an inspiration to us all. His intelligence and strength of heart directly contributed to keeping his men alive in hostile situations…His greatest talent didn’t reside in combat tactics, or battlefield strategy, rather he will be remembered by ALL OF US for his uncanny ability to find the best in people, all people, no matter how different they are from the crowd. He brought out the best qualities of those around him…he made us better soldiers and men.”
Yes, we will always remember him and all veterans who served. ❤️
🙏
What a precious letter to receive!! When my Dad died (career AF) I got letters from men who had served under him and I cherish those letters as affirmation of the character of the man I knew as Dad.
Thank you for sharing that. The letters are so very precious….
I cannot imagine losing a child. But it does certainly warm the heart that there is a legacy that no doubt shines on in those he had touched. I know you miss him and the life he would have lived…there really are no proper words…
Such a great tribute to your son. Our leaders have always had “canned” letters to send out for various occasions, rarely such a nice personal commendation. To get something like that from a fellow soldier must have meant the world (and more) to you. “He taught me to be a better man.” Is there anything better that can ever be said about anyone? All the best to you and yours from a vet/retiree.
PS: And thank you for your service.
❤️❤️
That is a genuine and beautiful letter. Thank you for sharing it.
Parents rarely learn how their adult children are perceived in their careers and their world. We received a small glimpse and are very proud of the young man he became. That letter is one of many we got after his death. Truly humbling…..
God Bless him and all he touched. Bod Bless you for sharing. Thank you. He’s still touching lives.
Remembering my grandfather, a veteran of WWI. A farm boy, he and his friends joined up and headed off to Europe. America entered the war late, 2-3 years in. 1917 was the year I believe he was deployed.
While most deaths were not from the chemical warfare, it was the most feared. My grandfather never spoke about his experience, at least not to me. From family I learned he was with troops that faced the threat of poison gas — I heard mustard gas, but never had clear details –only that my grandfather had been promoted and purposefully got in trouble and demoted because he didn’t want to order others into battle. I later read that the experienced soldiers knew not to go into holes or deep trenches as the gas was heavier than air and would sink.
When my grandfather came home he became one of a great many train-hopping veteran hobos. Eventually he returned home to the farm and raised a family. I’ve wondered about how isolating it must be for veterans if they can’t share about their war experience with loved ones. I was curious about his hobo train hopping period, but he never talked about it that I heard.
He remained a bit of a contrarian rebel at times. If we were watching a sports event he’d want to know who you were rooting for and he’d pick the opposite team, to keep it interesting of course. I remember flying along the straight country roads between the corn in the back seat of Grandpa’s t-bird listing to his 8-track tapes.
One song –“Green green, I’m going away to where the grass is greener still. Green green, it’s greener they say on the far side of the hill.”
Thanks Grandpa.
sunrei: I remember WWI veterans serving hot dogs to kids during the daytime in the darkened bar of my hometown’s old VFW (in an old Tudor-style manor, of sorts, probably dating from the 1920s), during summers at our town swimming pool complex, which opened in the late 60s or early 70s. The old vets ran a snack bar for the pool, until the VFW was torn down. A purpose-built snack bar was erected; a characterless cinder block structure, staffed by high school kids.
A new place for veterans was built in another location in town–a red brick, municipal-style building of the type typical in the 70s, as the Vietnam War wound down.
Sunrei, perhaps your grandfather, and mine, who would have been a generation younger, met on the trains.
My grandfather hoboed out of Hells Kitchen when the not so ‘great’ Depression hit, and later enlisted in the army during World War 2.
He became a rifle instructor and was stationed in Fort Martha Texas and Fort Douglas Arizona.
He was spared direct combat, serving stateside for the duration.
Perhaps indeed. My grandfather was married with a child on the way by the early 1930’s. I’d have to ask family how long he lived the train hopping life — my sense is he was done with the lifestyle before your grandfather hopped his first train… but now I’m curious and will ask.
Did you ever hear stories about your grandfather’s hobo years?
Oh definitely, he mentioned “dicks” rail employees whose job was to chase out hobos, using clubs I suppose.
Later I read the autobiography of Woody Guthrie (a commie, ahem) who mentioned the same phenomena.
My grandfather simply described it as migrant work to keep food in his belly, and that his family simply could not support him at 18 when the Depression hit.
I did a little “train hopping” in my youth, particularly during my year “on the lamb”.
I reccomend a Movie “Emperor of the North” with Lee Marvin and Earnest Borgnine, as a pretty good portrayal of life “riding the rails”.
Hard life,…hard men.
dutchman, thank you for the reference. Have been watching some of it, including the horrible first scene. My grandfather must have had buckets of street smarts and a guiding angel: our family is lucky to have been given the gift of life.
Amen! God Bless and keep safe all those who protect and defend our Country! They are all truly heroes!
To all my brothers and sisters, from different wars/conflicts, with much love and respect, I salute you.
Retired Magistrate here: I would appreciate it if you would remember my brother, John, today in prayer. He served in the Navy during Viet Nam, was exposed to Agent Orange and now is paralyzed with ALS. I don’t know how much longer he has and am surprised he has lived this long; he is a fighter. He is my hero.
Thanks for mentioning him. We will add him to our prayers.
Blessings to your brother, Marcia! We will keep him (and you) in our prayers.
Marcia, this Vietnam vet, will keep your brother in my prayers. I hate it, that little by little, there are less and less of us.
Yes, how rude of us not to remember him. The scars of the war come in a variety of ways. I am so sorry for what happened to him but at least he is getting care. And has a loving sister. He and you are so blessed. May our Lord bring the both of you, strength and love.
God Bless John. And God Bless you Marcia!
Thanks, John
Thanks Marcia , for telling your Brothers story. He won’t be forgotten. If you could, tell him I said Thanks ,Brother. And Welcome Home!
Retired Magistrate here: I talked to him today and told him about those here on Conservative Treehouse thanking him for his service. He grunted, so I know he heard me. Sometimes he is able to talk, but it is very difficult because he is on a vent. So usually I talk and he grunts back. I never thought a grunt would be a blessing, but it is!
John’s story is a real story of survival. When he was discharged from the service, he was homeless for a while; lived on the streets and out of his car. He was/is in California and I am in Ohio. We lost contact for a while; didn’t know where he was or how to get ahold of him. He eventually found work, ended up with his own business, married and has two children. One is in his mid 30’s and a great salesman and the other son, 20 and going to veterinary school. John and I have been extremely close for the last 30 years or so to the point that I will be thinking about him and him about me and we call each other. I so miss those telephone calls and hearing his voice.
John is a big Trump supporter and was involved in local California politics. He was going to run for his local school board when he started getting really sick which turned out to be ALS.
So, I thank everyone again for your kind comments about my brother.
You’re doing the Right Thing for him and I’m sure he appreciates it! After I got out of the Air Force in ‘75, I drifted for a while too. Was a tough time for sure. But GOD gave me two Sons and that experience put me on the right track for sure! I , like you am in Ohio too! I like to say that I grew up in Strongsville, went to the other side of the world and I’m still in Strongsville! lol. Went to one of our elementary schools yesterday for their Vets Day “program”. When the world is falling apart and it feels like bad is everywhere, listen to about fifty 4th graders sing “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and you’ll feel a whole lot better! Plus a couple tears! Press On Ma’am and Always Forward!!
Love to hear this story about perseverance and grit and family.
My widowed grandma (I will honor her this day…just because) sent 9 sons to WW2, one of them was my father…he lied to get in at his young age cause he didnt want to be left behind.
The army wouldnt allow him to go into combat, so he was assigned to the Merchant Marines. My father never talked much about the war and I didnt inquire. I will do him honor on this day just because…
The generation of my father has gone from our family, his brother just passed away a month ago, I will do him honor on this day just because…
My youngest brother got emancipated at the age of 16 so he could join the army. I will do him honor on this day just because…
I am currently caretaker of a Navy veteran that has taken very ill. I will do him honor on this day just because…
My maternal grandpa wanted to go but they would not take him…he was not tall enough and he was devastated….so he joined the NYPD.
dang I forgot my maternal grandpa, he served in WW1. I will do him honor on this day just because…
To SSG Gary Epps and CPT Ritz, you are remembered, you helped stop Cuban Marxist expansion in Grenada. Otto, you are remembered saving others in Desert Storm.
American Merchant Marine at War
http://www.usmm.org/
Just Because 😛
Served in the late 70’s. I am one of the 18% of veterans for whom, during our entire time on active duty, we weren’t at war with anybody.
That number is way too low. It, and many other deep personal factors, contribute to the anti-war sentiment I sometimes express here.
My son was friends with the fellows left on a hill to die in Afghanistan 2010 (I think)…when air support was called off because of women and children on the ground….(who were involved in the attack)…my son has survivor guilt as he was supposed to go but got pulled off the assignment…
Our Veterans are our Treasure.
Thank you Sundance. This is the Squadron I served the US Army. We were activated to go to Vietnam as a unit! A day if gratitude
remembrance .
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/18th_Cavalry_Regiment
Interesting piece of military history.
Marine birthday was yesterday. When the Marines were originally formed in 1775, we were not yet a country.
https://uncoverdc.com/2023/11/10/happy-birthday-marine-secessionists
My father fought in the Battle of the Bulge, was severely wounded by gunshot, treated, and put back on the front lines. He also received a Purple Heart. My spouse is a CG Veteran as well having served 23 years. Happy Veteran’s Day to all of those who served!
Semper Paratus!
As a small kid Veterans Day parade in Milwaukee was a big deal. I remember there was a handful of Span-Am vets. Milwaukee was the site of a “soldier’s home”, one of three created after the civil war. It sat on a bluff or hill behind behind the old County Stadium, and the old residents could come out and sit outside watching the Braves play back in the day of Spahn, Burdette, and Aaron.
For Armistice Day I like to remind folks that due to geo-political factors the US also sent Expeditionary Forces to Archangel and Vladivostok to support the “white” Russians in the Russia civil war. The war didn’t end for these troops until the summer of 1920. I got interested as one of the units, 27th Infantry “Wolfhounds”, is now a Hawaii (Schofield Barracks) unit up the road from me.
My hat is off to all who served. I am a Vietnam Vet, my son is Iraqi Freedom, his son just graduated from basic. My father returned home from WWII with terrible PTSD, he relived that war every night in his sleep. My grandfather was awarded L’ordre DE L’Armee WWI, The War to End All Wars. And so it goes back to the revolution. My G-Grandmother’s brother was killed at the Second Manassas, an Irish immigrant. My wife was a Vietnam era vet.
I was a Vietnam Vet too. My father received two bronze stars during WWII, and I never knew this until I found his service record many years later. We were both Army Engineers, while building everything you can. Best described as being the floating duck at a shooting gallery. I can still taste the mud. Many of us are dying from Agent Orange. I suppose that means death by friendly fire.
I am assuming your wife could have been a nurse during Vietnam. If so, then I may have met her a couple of times.
She was a USAF Air Traffic Controller stateside.
Wow…
My pappy never would talk about his time in the Pacific as a Medic/Engineer in one of MacArthur’s Engineering Boat and Shore Regiments -first on, last off the islands- Only after he passed from this world, when I was bequeathed his papers, did I find that he was awarded two bronze stars for his actions in New Guinea and Luzon.
This old USN vet offers a tip of the hat to you and your dad.
As a Vet, Thank you for your posts!!!!!!!!!!
I’m still watching and listening to your Ringgold Flags May 2017 video!
Back in the day the flags came out and were flown in the ‘hood for special days like today. My dad and my uncles were all WW2 vets and we had a number of WW1 vets on the block too.
I still have that family flag, now long tattered, folded neatly beside dad’s burial flag in the cedar chest my mom bought while building bombers in San Diego. I fly a new all weather flag, today in the rain, to honor those who have served.
As the decades passed and MAC flights become more civilian aircraft moving service people around, those of us who were frequent fliers would take our perks that came with that and upgrade men and women in uniform to the front as a small token of our appreciation. I never said ‘thanks for your service‘, rather ‘I hope you enjoy the flight and God be with you‘ and left it at that.
I hope our vets feel that we remember them and honor them. I know there was a time many decades ago when that wasn’t the case. Many of my friends who served in ‘Nam saw it first hand.
Thank you, veterans, and God bless the Republic. 🙂
National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl in Honolulu … don’t miss it if you’re ever here
Has the most amazing battle maps that are mosaics, made of many small colored tiles
Honolulu Punchbowl Cemetery | National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific Guide – UponArriving
Punchbowl Memorial Battle Map Technique Explained – Historic Hawaii Foundation
Got to the privilege’s to go to Pearl Harbor on December 9. 2019. Even though I had a full box of kleenex in my backpack it was not enough.
11:07 am local time
loud fighter jet just flew past my apartment building, I think it was for the 11/11 11:11 fly-over at Punchbowl Memorial Day ceremonies being held there
the battle maps when the Memorial was first built were all WWII battles in the Pacific Theater
they later added panels for the Vietnam War
Vietnam War Memorial Battle Maps (armbrusterco.com)
Sundance has been in absentia a couple of times when he was digging his way out of hurricane damage, and helping his neighbors.
Amazing how many have become so dependent on the one source we’ve come to rely on to give us the real story. Hope Sundance not only deals with his business but also enjoys a bit of much deserved break. And maybe some family time.
Thank you Sundance!
For all the Vets on here and in America
There Can Never Be Enough THANK YOUs for America’s Military People Current, Vets, Family and Those Passed Away
THANK YOU A Million Times Over, American Military People , For Your Many Sacrifices in Serving In America’s Military
My mom Polly and her brother Fred in WWII-No they did not serve together, but Fred did get to surprise her with a visit on the island where she was a radio operator.
My favorite picture of my mom.
Sadly it was to be her last Veterans Day. She died January the following year at 93.
This is my mom and baby girl after the parade.
She was the only WWII vet, actually vet of any of our wars to be able to fit & wear their uniform in the parade.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Awesome!
What a gal!
https://rootedwings.substack.com/p/its-not-the-same?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=453019&post_id=138788209&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=q8gxu&utm_medium=email
My Uncle…Last of the real Hero’s
Lied about his age in WWII – was 15 and 3/4 – fought in two fronts – Bastogne and into Germany then last of the Island fighting in the Pacific- If that was not enough…off to Korea he went…and if that was not enough – Off to Viet Nam for 3 tours of duty….
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/71175966/donald-c-laverty
So many of our young boys liked about their age so they could help defend our country during WWII. So wish our young people had just a smidgen of the patriotism our parents and grandparents had during WWII. There are so many many stories of American unselfish patriotism during WWII that we rarely see today.
I stopped at Little Bighorn Battlefield on one of my trips to South Dakota.
At first I was so shocked at the huge number of grave stones. Turns out any Vet’s family could request their Vet to be buried there when they died
As I was walking among the rows of graves I had to stop & do a double take. Crazy as sounds I even looked up what year Pearl Harbor was attacked, even though I was right prior to looking it up.
According to the gravestone the WWII man buried there was barely over 14 when the war started. So even if he had not enlisted at the very beginning, he was still quite young.
Your welcome. Proud to serve USMC, 1959-1963. As they say “Once a Marine, always a Marine”.
Ya gotta Love a Marine. I supported a Marine in Iraq, a few days before going back home I thanked him for being “My Marine”. His response, “You are welcome, everyone should have their own Marine”. 20 years later I still laugh when I think about it.
19 years old, he was quite something. I hope wherever he is he is doing well and is happy.
Thank you for sharing that. It brought back a sweet memory.
We got to be part of an operation that sent supplies and support to troops through their families, lots of boxes and handwritten letters.
I have a guitar I bought back then from an ad in the paper by a guy who was asking $50 for it. We found out he needed money to call his wife, a Marine deployed to a hot zone in the middle east. When we met to get the guitar we gave him the fifty dollars and $120 worth of international phone cards. I hope they made it through ok.
Nice. No doubt in my mind he appreciated your kindness.
Yeah, we all got a little emotional. They were struggling awfully hard.
To Cody:
today we honored you and your team at the coliseum. We all wore some article of clothing you left behind. We prayed for you and for the family survivors to many to name out loud.
We honored you because you were honorable. You volunteered for a war that no one understood. But you still signed up.
I remember vividly:
Uncle Mac, I signed up because if there is going to be a battle …send me. I will engage the enemy and never hesitate. Not once.
and you did. And so it was..your moment in time when you put it all on the line ..because you believe that peace must be won..and often by force.
I respect that. it’s true power…and I also know you heart and mind was right with God.
God Bless you CODY. I’ll be seeing you soon enough.
You’re welcome.
You know who you are
My Father was always tickled to be able to say he was a veteran after WWII. He served one day as a private in the Army.
He was a Secret Service Agent on the Roosevelt Presidential Detail, and spent the entire war accompanying FDR everywhere, Casablanca, Yalta, Ottowa, Cairo, and was the Agent in Charge of the Detail at Little Springs when FDR died. He accompanied Truman to Potsdam at the Wars end and went on to run the entire Physical Security Organization at the Department of State, culminating in being in Charge of the entire Protective Details for Khrushchev’s visit in 1958 . Every time I see the film of FDR declaring War after Pearl Harbor, I can see him standing the door FDR used to enter the House of Representatives!
After the detail that day, the entire detail went down to a Recruiting Office and enlisted in the Army because they felt it was their duty. Each took the Oath of Office and were given a dime, to ride the streetcar back to the White House. I still have that dime. The next day at the start of the Watch, they were assembled by the Secret Service Director and told that they could either accept assignment to the inactive reserves of the Army and resume their Secret Service assignments, or they would be inducted into the active Army immediately, and detached to the Secret Service for duty in their previous roles, at Army pay! Like all the others, Dad got credit for ONE day of active duty and resumed has duties.
I went into a public-‘ouse to get a pint o’ beer,
The publican ‘e up an’ sez, “We serve no red-coats here.”
The girls be’ind the bar they laughed an’ giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an’ to myself sez I:
O it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, go away”;
But it’s “Thank you, Mister Atkins”, when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it’s “Thank you, Mister Atkins”, when the band begins to play.
I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but ‘adn’t none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-‘alls,
But when it comes to fightin’, Lord! they’ll shove me in the stalls!
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, wait outside”;
But it’s “Special train for Atkins” when the trooper’s on the tide,
The troopship’s on the tide, my boys, the troopship’s on the tide,
O it’s “Special train for Atkins” when the trooper’s on the tide.
Yes, makin’ mock o’ uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an’ they’re starvation cheap;
An’ hustlin’ drunken soldiers when they’re goin’ large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin’ in full kit.
Then it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, ‘ow’s yer soul?”
But it’s “Thin red line of ‘eroes” when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it’s “Thin red line of ‘eroes” when the drums begin to roll.
We aren’t no thin red ‘eroes, nor we aren’t no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An’ if sometimes our conduck isn’t all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don’t grow into plaster saints;
While it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, fall be’ind”,
But it’s “Please to walk in front, sir”, when there’s trouble in the wind,
There’s trouble in the wind, my boys, there’s trouble in the wind,
O it’s “Please to walk in front, sir”, when there’s trouble in the wind.
You talk o’ better food for us, an’ schools, an’ fires, an’ all:
We’ll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don’t mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow’s Uniform is not the soldier-man’s disgrace.
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Chuck him out, the brute!”
But it’s “Saviour of ‘is country” when the guns begin to shoot;
An’ it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ anything you please;
An’ Tommy ain’t a bloomin’ fool — you bet that Tommy sees!
– Rudyard Kipling –
(The guy who gave us “The Jungle Book”)
Let me first say that in no way am I denigrating the sacrifices and trauma suffered by my fellow service members when I say that l am sick and tired of being type cast as damaged goods for having served my country as a Vietnam Era (I did one year in ROK, 69-70) Veteran. The Left chooses to characterize veterans as victims of an unjust society and to be pitied as we lay on a street with a syringe stuck in our arm. But they also choose to ignore not only the good they’ve done by design or incidentally in the countries in which we’ve served , they ignore the tremendous value we bring to the table when we reintegrate back to society. Returning veterans have real world experience in leadership, motivation, team building and technical skills. I’ve seen veterans who are superior to Masters Degree grads and they were enlisted vets. So today, and everyday, let’s be proud of who we are and the successes we achieved. Don’t let others define us.
Amen. This speaks for so many fine vets I know.
My father served during the Korean War as a radar instructor- a private teaching up to Lieutenants. They allowed the instructors to be sergeants during classroom instruction but no other time 😂 He’s now 94 and last year went on an Honor Flight to the monuments on the Mall in DC. It was a big deal for him, a man who’s been many places in his life.
My father-in-law was slightly older and served in the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry. He was on active duty when the Army changed out the horses for tanks, and remembered quite well the 1st Sergeant taking his horse and hiding him in the showers on the 3rd floor of the Armory on 23rd St in Phila. He’s been dead for 12 years now.
Good times to remember…
Careful Menagerie. Thanking us veterans might get you targeted by the rank and vile of the FBI.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/nov/10/whistleblowers-fbi-officials-singled-out-agents-wh/
To all of you, sincerely, you’re welcome.
Regular Army, Feb 1969 to Nov 1971 (education early out), honorable discharge 35G20 Specialist E-5.
A few years ago my husband, a pilot, and I went to the 75th anniversary of the B-17 that was held at Boeing Field. Boeing brought a B-17 to the hangar where this was held. We went inside the plane – pretty shocking to realize how freezing cold it had to be in that plane and what a thin layer of metal was between the crew and the flak. There were two large hangers for the event, a couple of bands playing WWII music. On giant screens there was a video of the Tuskegee airmen, and an actual Rosie the Riveter. At one point in the middle of it all there was a big parade that reminded me of an Olympic event with people from that era marching in a big circle while their names were called out and music played. There was an actual tail gunner – someone who had a short life expectancy in that position. I was amazed at how many were in good enough shape to participate and the stories were riveting. Some of the younger people attending were literally crying. One man said, with much emotion,” they should teach this in school”. We sat at a table with a couple of B-17 pilots who were very young at the time of their service and we were in awe at their stories and courage. I remember one Rosie the Riveter saying that she worked very hard to get each rivet perfect because “I wanted my boys to come home”.
Thank you to all who had the courage to serve and those at home who held their breath waiting for them to come home.
Much could be said of service, and of duty. Many in my family have served in one way or another.
My grandfather served in the Army during the Vietnam War in what is now Formosa.
Another relation was a Marine killed in action during WWII by a Japanese torpedo sinking the destroyer that he was on.
An uncle in law was a submariner in the Gulf during the first Gulf War.
My father served in the Army during the start of Reagan’s terms.
And I served during the war on terror, and continue to serve in other ways.
Their are others not mentioned.
I’ve no doubt I can find plenty more going all the way back to the American Revolution.
Generational service, it runs in the blood.
It really does. Either you have it, or you don’t. My family has it.
Thank you thank you THANK YOU, all vets.
In my family we had Navy and Marines. So grateful to all y’all. Stay frosty!
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Thanks to All at the Treehouse for remembering Veterans Day. It’s a pretty important day for some of us and I really appreciate it. I grew up in the early sixties . At our family gatherings, my old uncles would sit on the back porch and tell stories about flying in B17s over Europe and my Uncle Johnny would talk about fighting in jungles on Pacific islands. lol! The more beer they drank, the louder they’d get. And I was a 11 year old sitting on the steps just listening! My Dad joint the USAF in 1950 wanting to fly and ended up with a jeep, a 45 and a radio calling in airstrikes! My Moms Air Force career was cut short when I was born! She reminded me of that a lot!! I got my draft number about two months after turning 18 and the consensus was I’d join the Air Force . In San Antonio, they decided I’d make a good construction worker, so I was assigned to the REDHORSE where we built buildings , tore others down and built them back up somewhere else. Or built airplane pads and drove convoys! In October 74 I was sent to UTapao and did the same thing all over SEA! Good Times! Got out in October 75 at Travis AFB and ran the gauntlet of “protestors” like everyone else. Pathetic. My youngest Son was home on leave from AIT at Ft Sill on 911 and saw the planes fly into the buildings while laying on my couch. He spent twenty years in the ARMY , mostly in Iraq or Afghan , where he met his wife during a rocket attack! lol!! My oldest Grandson is a Paratrooper in the new 11th AIBORNE at Richardson Alaska. Today he is training about as far from civilization as you can get! (He can still text! Amazing!). I’m Proud of all of you and Thanks. So….GOD bless our Troops and May HE continue to bless our Nation!! Rick554. REDHORSE!! PS….please remember the Donut Dollies from the Red Cross and the USO! They deserve recognition too!! Thanks!
Indeed. Thank you, veterans.
My Father was “Just a Cook” in the Navy during WW2, but he was a very good Cook, so I am sure he was appreciated.
He was also in the Coast Guard after the war, I have no idea what he did in there? He didn’t talk about it.
Hoping all our Veterans had a good day and know that they are loved and appreciated.
I know I’ll be considered a pariah here, but it really irritates me when during Veterans Day everyone speaks of the “men and women “. Women have supported the Armed forces, no doubt. But it is MEN who have fought and died for this country ! It is MEN who have suffered the agony and death of battle, not women. Until women have suffered 50% of the agony and death (which I don’t support) they should not be given 50% of the credit. This is a fact that is indisputable. I think there are maybe less the 5 female names on the Vietnam Wall, out of over 50,000, for example. This is a man’s honor. Not women. Sorry, just the way I feel.
That is a slap in the face to post such garbage…That’s just the way I feel.
Your feelings are the problem.
Wow Man, you should read some history about women in the military!
No, they were not on the front lines of the battles, they were in support positions. I have 2 Aunts that served in WW2 along with 1000’s of other women. I don’t know exactly what my aunts did, but they had uniforms and were very dedicated.
Many were nurses, do you think maybe they suffered agony and death?
I wouldn’t call you a pariah, but I do have a few other more appropriate names for you that I can’t say on here!
Go ahead and say them. It is a fact of history. Sorry to hurt your feelings. I acknowledged women’s support. But it’s not the same. My sentiment is the same that would say I would NEVER be for women being drafted. Do you support such a thing? If no, then you agree with me without saying it. If yes, then you are a feminist White Knight. How many on this thread support women in combat or be drafted? Stand and be counted. And if you don’t, then you acknowledge that you do not wish women to be subjected to the horrors of battle. (Which I agree with). My position is the biblical and conservative position. 99% of all the people who have been maimed and killed in America’s wars, and indeed of all the wars in history, have been MEN. Do you dispute that?
No, they saw it, but didn’t experience it in their own bodies. That’s a big difference!
Yes, it has been a man’s war. Even the women that are now rising up to top leadership in the armed services have not been on the front lines in battle – leading the charge. Now in this time we are all being called to fight in the battle between dark and light forces – may everyone do their part.
Marcia, you are smart. I submit to you that if another actual war broke out, it would still be the vast majority of men who would fight and die in those wars. Frankly women should not be in senior positions in the military because war is a man’s duty and occupation, not women’s. It has always been so. And I disagree that we are ALL called to fight. The same reason that we don’t (I assume) want women playing in men’s sports is the same reason we don’t want them on the battlefield. They would be raped and slaughtered.
Perhaps you could thaw out enough to watch some videos of the women who were captured and spent time in Japanese prison camps. They endured harrowing experiences.
I’m not saying that civilians didn’t suffer and die. That has always been the case. But we’re talking about Veterans Day, which means soldiers. Which means MEN.
I’ve got a few negative comments to my post here, which I expected. To those who disagree with me, sign your daughters up for the draft, and support it. And I will call you girly men. My daughters would never sign up and I as their father would tell them it’s not their place to do so. War is man’s business, not women’s. It’s a disgrace to suggest otherwise, and as a man you should be ashamed if you think it is.
All those men who died in combat were birthed by women. You ever see a baby being born? I doubt a single person here thought that any sizeable percentage of America’s combat deaths were women. This is a day to honor Veterans and I wonder how many would appreciate your childish rantings?
My father and his identical twin brother both served in WWII. My father joined the Navy after Pearl Harbor, and his brother went into the Army. I grew up learning about the sacrifices and tragic loss so many of our veterans, and he importance of why we serve. I do not need a special day to remember any of them, because those stories have stayed with me all through the years, and I pass them on to my children. We must never forget the cost of freedom!
years ago, I took my dad on an Honor Flight to DC. Mostly WWII vets.
The gentleman running the show stood up and asked how many aboard served in the Marines, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard. He then explained all the logistics and the schedule for the day. About a five minute talk.
When he finished, he asked if there were any questions. One hand was raised. An Army vet said “there are ten Marines on this plane, so you’re going to have to repeat everything you just said.”
These guys were in their late eighties, and they were still smack-talking each other.
My Dad joined the Army at age 16 in the Spring of 1943. Turned 17 in boot camp. Rode a plywood glider over the English Channel, and was shot down over Normandy, on June 6, 1944 (about six weeks before his 18th birthday). He was an Airborne Ranger, with the 82nd Airborne. After being lost behind enemy lines for 5 days, he made it back to the American side, and fought across Europe until the end of the WWII.
Dad made the Army a career, and about six years later was one of the first American troops in Korea. Where his legs were severely burned by phosphorous. The Army patched him up, and sent him back into action three months later, and he was awarded a Bronze Star with “V” (for valor) for his actions against the Communist Chinese.
About 5 years later, Dad was deployed to West Germany on a troop ship to face down the Soviet Communists, who were invading Eastern Europe. This time we, his family, went with him (it was quite a trip for me, a six year old, on the USS Upsher troop ship), and we spent 4 years there. My Dad on the border between East and West Germany, and my Mom, in Ulm, and Stuttgart, helping real and true refugees from Communism in the refugee camps scattered around West Germany.
Then about 5 years after we got back to the States, Dad, and my oldest sister’s husband, were deployed with the First Infantry Division, to Vietnam. Deja vu all over again for Dad, and first time my Bro (in law) when they found themselves immersed in heavy fighting. Dad retired when he got back home ( after seeing the worst of three wars against Nazis, and Communists). Bro (in law) served two tours in Vietnam, and also, many years later, retired as a Sergeant Major.
At age 50, Dad succumbed to his wounds suffered in Korea. My Bro (in law) went to his Lord 15 years ago).
All the adult men in my immediate family served in the military (including myself, as a Marine field radio operator, in Vietnam, with various battalions of the 5th Marines), and we fought Communists on the battle field in the last half of the 20th century …
I loath the global communist scum that have weaseled their way into positions of power now days, and I pray every day to Lord God almighty for strength to forgive them, but this lump of pure unadulterated hate I have for Communists is lodged deep in my chest, and it’s not easy to be sincere when I think of all the destruction that Communism, and Communists have caused to this planet in the past 100+ years …
Hope all you Veterans, and Patriots had a good day yesterday! May God bless you all.