Veterans Day

Unfortunately, I plan on working that day. My employer does not recognize Veteran's Day as a holiday, and if our customers are open (and they are!), I have to work. At least I get every Sunday off! (The customers are all closed!)

Bill:godisgood:

William L. Reber, MSgt, USAF (Retired)

(But ALWAYS in the Lord's Army!)

 

I have seen that video and watched it several times....had to grab the Kleenex every time. It reminded me so much of my dad, who was in WWI.

We have a Veteran's celebration on the court house lawn. It's been there since before I was born and my dad made sure I never missed it, no matter how cold it was or how hard the wind was blowing. I've kept the tradition going.

We always have a 'special' military speaker, and a benediction from a military chaplain. A wreath is laid at the foot of a monument to local vets and a 21 gun salute is given, then taps are played (a song I cannot hear without crying).

Then whoever wants to, is invited to the American Legion or the VFW (they switch back and forth every year) for free ham and beans.

 

In Canada, we observe remembrance on Nov 11th., with a parade and observance at the local centotaph.

Cheers, and God bless all veterans and those who presently serve their country...and not forgetting the people who wait at home for those serving abroad...they also serve, in my mind.

B179755....Jim

 

When is it? The only Veteran's Day on my calendar is Nov. 11 for Canada. I thought the American one was in Nov.

 

Just had to ask if they supply kosher ham for any Jewish war veterans!!

Even in a city with a significant Jewish population as Nashville TN does have, I still have a problem securing good, high-quality kosher ham! :tonofbricks:

OK, back to reality (or at least as close to it as you can get in the Music City!).....

As my friend billreber posted, Veterans Day isn't a union-contracted "company holiday" as such, and being that this year 11/11/08 falls on a Tuesday, I don't know if I'll be able to attend any of the veteran-service-club-sponsored activities that are usually conducted at the National Cemetery or the more publicized parade.

The latter of which sometimes is held on 11/11 and sometimes has been held on the Saturday prior to 11/11 (which this year would be 11/08).

The parade offers a variety of HS and local college marching bands and other participants--which range from military contiengents either from nearby (50 mi NW of town) Ft. Campbell or various National Guard/ROTC/CAP to the Shrine clowns (and no, I'm not talking about the ones who have offices in or near the TN state capitol bldg!).

Of course, a lot also depends on the weather. Some years it's been unbearably hot and others it's been below freezing here in Nashville. (NOTE: Never buy a used car from a Middle TN weather forcaster!)

I really wish more general publicity would be given by all of the various media and general public educational [public schools in particular] of the history and significance of Veterans Day than there seems to be in this area.

While I'm not inherently opposed to publicizing other special days as such, I doubt seriously that we today would ever even been given the freedom to observe other such holidays as, for example, Earth Day, were it not for the service and sacrifice of our nation's military veterans over the past 230+ yrs of this republic's existence.

Regardless of what one's views on any of our many current military engagements all over the world may be, one still ought to take at least some time to honor the individual men and women who have and are presently serving in our nation's uniformed services.

In closing, I offer this bumper sticker's message for all of us to contemplate:

IF YOU CAN READ THIS, THANK A TEACHER.
IF YOU CAN READ THIS IN ENGLISH, THANK A VET!

---ktn4eg
USAF and TN ANG retired (E-6 w/ 22+ yrs total service)
Still on Active Duty with the King of Kings though.