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Veterans Day

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Just over 100 years since my great uncle died in WW1.

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Dutch & I wanted to wish our veteran's a Happy Veterans Day wherever the day finds you. Thank you all for your past service and our thoughts and prayers go to all our service members wherever you are serving.

Our RV park in Rockport, Texas is having a Veterans service followed by a luncheon. It is lovely that we have been included. These service are really great and usually very emotional. Hugs to you all. Di


Dutch served in the Air Force and is a Korean War Vet.
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He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbours
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew whereof he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Joe has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Veteran died today.

He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Veteran died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young,
But the passing of a Veteran
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Veteran,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever-waffling stand?

Or would you want a Veteran
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Veteran,
Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Veteran,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind
us We may need his likes again.

For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Veteran's part,
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honour
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A VETERAN DIED TODAY."
 
I would like to wish all the Veterans all the best wishes.

Veterans Day for me has become a quiet stay at home day of remembering family and friends no longer with us, the ones who manage to make the best of a life with pain, and the ones bravely and honorably serving.

When I was active duty and a few years after I retired, I used to put on my uniform and attend local ceremonies honoring Veterans. Then, my brother passed away, a Navy Veteran, and had a funeral service at a National Veterans Cemetary. Now, I can not hear Taps being played without weeping uncontrollably. It's something I'll never get over.

So, Monday, I will do the same thing I always do quietly at home.

God Bless America and our Veterans!
 
Learned something today

The Meaning Behind the 13 Folds of Old Glory
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(Arlington National Cemetery/Elizabeth Fraser)
Marine Corps News | By Laurie Pearson
Most Americans have seen the traditional folding of the American flag, at specific events, such as funerals. Have you ever wondered why Old Glory is folded that specific way? Much more than just pomp and circumstance, each of the 13 folds holds special meaning.

The Flag Itself
The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing states our veterans served in uniform. The field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted only when draped as a funeral cloth over the casket of a veteran who has served our country honorably in uniform. In the U.S. Armed Forces, at the ceremony of retreat, the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at a ceremony of reveille, flown high as a symbol of belief in the resurrection of the body.

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Meaning Behind the 13 Folds
The flag-folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded.

• The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

• The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

• The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

• The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is Him we turn to in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.

• The fifth fold is a tribute to our country. In the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong."

• The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

• The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

• The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

• The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood. It has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that has molded the character of the men and women who have made this country great.

• The 10th fold is a tribute to father, who has also given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.

• The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

• The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.

• The 13th and last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust."

After the folding ceremony
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones and were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the U.S. Armed Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

The source and the date of origin of this Flag Folding Procedure is unknown. However, some sources attribute it to the Gold Star Mothers of America while others to an Air Force chaplain stationed at the United States Air Force Academy. Some sources also indicate that the 13 folds are a nod to the original first 13 colonies. The flag folding ceremony is provided as a patriotic service.

VA Policy on Flag-Folding Recitation of "13-Fold" Ceremony
To ensure burial services at the 125 national cemeteries operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs reflect the wishes of veterans and their families, VA officials have clarified the department's policy about recitations made while the U.S. flag is folded at the grave site of a veteran.

"Honoring the burial wishes of veterans is one of the highest commitments for the men and women of VA," said William F. Tuerk, VA's undersecretary for Memorial Affairs. "A family may request the recitation of words to accompany the meaningful presentation of the American flag as we honor the dedication and sacrifice of their loved ones."

Traditional grave site military funeral honors include the silent folding and presentation of a U.S. flag, three rifle volleys and the playing of "Taps."
 
Dutch & I wanted to wish our veteran's a Happy Veterans Day wherever the day finds you. Thank you all for your past service and our thoughts and prayers go to all our service members wherever you are serving.

Our RV park in Rockport, Texas is having a Veterans service followed by a luncheon. It is lovely that we have been included. These service are really great and usually very emotional. Hugs to you all. Di


Dutch served in the Air Force and is a Korean War Vet.
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Nice to see you post! We had a Vets dance last night, tomorrow a parade and lunch, and at 4PM a stage event in the ballroom. I have our golf cart decorated for the parade. I was a member of the construction detail that built the Sattahip station in 1966.

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My wife and I attended a very nice Veterans Day program at our local high school. It was very impressive.
Then, it was off to the community center for more. Earlier this year, some community members and businesses contacted local veterans to participate in an activity to celebrate their service to the country. Each veteran had his or her current picture taken, while holding a framed picture from their time in service. These pictures have been on display in town for about six weeks. At the community center today, each veteran was recognized and given his or her picture. My son was able to take off from work to receive his. Unfortunately, our daughter could not attend, so it was presented to my wife. Our other daughter, veteran of the army, and her husband, currently in his 22nd year in the army, live away, but were there in spirit. Our little town of 2,300 had over 100 veterans represented! The high school choir also attended and sang the service songs for each branch of the military.
 
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