Veterans Day Salute

[Wet_Willy]

I second that Osprey!!! I'm proud of each and every person that serves this great country and hold in high reverence those that have given their lives for every one of us.

Thank you!!!

W

[scooby]

I agree with that, many thanks to all vets!

Even with what happened this year in the election process, we should be grateful that we have one that matters.

scooby

[HOGTIDE]

You bet...everyone should take a moment to thank a Veteran. America's "greatest generation" is slowly slipping away from us. Let them know that we appreciate the sacrifices they made. Isn't it great that we have the luxury of being able to bellyache about a close election. I doubt ol' Adolf or Tojo would have cared much about a recount! Veterans should count themselves as our proudest generation, also.

[Trout,myster]

Thanks, Osprey. I spent my 12+ months in Vietnam and was greeted when I got home by all the San Franciso hippies accusing me of being a baby killer. Nice welcome! It's nice to know that there are SOME folks out there that may possibly appreciate the year of my life I gave for the country.
As for the election process...kind of sad to see what could be so simple be so difficult for some people. I'll hold my personal selection of a vote, but regardless, the rat's nest in Florida doesn't say much for the state or it's population in my opinion. Thanks again to all of you out there that give thoughts to all of us Vets our here!

[Osprey]

I just wanted to take a minute to say thanks to all the vets who fought for this great Country that we take for granted at times.
Now if we could be just as proud of the election process that has made us the laughing stock of the rest of the civilized world..once again thank you....Os

[This message has been edited by Osprey (edited 11-10-2000).]

[Fish4Fun]

Well said "O", we should remember our Vet's and what they did and gave up for our freedom.

Fish 4 Fun

[SLEDDER]

OSPREY, Thank you!! I saw you heading to the bay Friday morning, towing a Alumaweld, how did you do? I was heading to the Trask, lots of hits nothing to bring home. I was in the Navy for 10 years spent time in the Gulf War, more of a game than war. I've lost buddies during drug ops. in South America and it wasn't even a war situation. I was a SEAL for three years it was the hardest three years of my life mentally and physically, still trying to deal with some of the crap our Government had us do. THANKS AGAIN!!!!

Bravo Os (Mike J.) for bringing up a good topic! Thanks to all our Vets!!! Big sacrifices for the good and freedom of our country. I am going to copy these posts and take it to Dad, who was in on the affront on "The Cliffs Of Jala" (sp?) on the western Italian coast after coming across from our holds in northern Africa during WW2. He lost close comrades in that battle. The survivors of his unit have a very strong bond and have met for annual reunions for decades. Their numbers have dwindled in recent years. Had is 82 years old and hanging right in there. Thanks Dad! - And thanks to all vets, including unfairly under appreciated Nam Vet's! God's blessings. - Steve (RT)

[HOGTIDE]

Just spent an afternoon talking with my uncle who was right there in the middle of the action in the South Pacific (Guadocanal).Trying to absorb all of the information I could, for my own students, Uncle Oliver made a great statement..."you know, my 2 buddies and I looked at our chances of living and all that was around us; and, we promised ourselves if we ever got out of this situation, we would always be happy, no matter what. We survived, and I have truly appreciated and enjoyed life ever since."

[nipper]

Thank you veterans. May the fish that swim by pause to bite for you.

[Osprey]

Sledder unless Alumaweld makes a 12-foot cataraft it wasn't me sorry.My next and first trip to Tillamook will be with RT soon I hope.
Having grown up as an Army brat my Dad did 24 years in the service as a Green Beret with 2 tours in the "Nam",I have the utmost respect for all vets....way to go Guys

I personally was this close to joining the teams ( seals ) but decided to get my highschool sweetheart pregnant instead,
Oh well never seen a Seal with feathers anyway

------------------
Row quietly and fish a Cataraft !!-------<'))>><
Release all Wild Fish

[Phish_on]

Troutmyster (& every Vietnam vet), about your welcome home.

I'm afraid the people were just very angry at the government that felt it was necessary for you to risk your life for ... what ?

I think in hindsight we are grateful for your service. Fortunately I was too young to take either side, but thank you ! And sorry about the welcome-home, you deserved much better.

[Pilar]

Thanks guys for your thoughts on veterans. My service was not during any war but my shipmates and I were proud to be part of the tradition nonetheless.

The next time you exercise your freedoms and constitutional rights, thank a vet, not just on the day. That's why we served our country, so you could enjoy your freedoms.

The bend is your friend!

[Trout,myster]

Phish-on: Thanks for your reply. Sadly, many of us went through the "hero's welcome" coming back from Vietnam. Water under the bridge (but still doesn't flow much better than the Wilson R. right now). They may have been angry at the government, but most were of age to go help out and didn't, instead clinging to their beads and peace signs and any way out of the military they could find. That, I think, is what soured most of us at the whole thing. That was then and now is now...would rather see the Wilson at 4.5 feet and go fishing.

[Osprey]

The following was posted by Coho on Bob's BB thought I would pass it on
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE, IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE
MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE, AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN
THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE, NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT
EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND, ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS, A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY
MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY, I FOUND THE HOME OF A
SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE, CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE
BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER, NOT HOW I PICTURED A
UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?

CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT, OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE
SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY, AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A
BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE, ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND
FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE, I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED
TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE, "SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE
IS MY CHOICE; I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE, MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY
COUNTRY, MY CORPS."

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP, I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I
CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE
COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT, THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO
WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE, WHISPERED, "CARRY
ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan. The following
is his request. I think it is reasonable.....

PLEASE.

Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can?
Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men
and
women for our being able to celebrate these festivities.

Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people
stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for
us.
Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.



------------------
Row quietly and fish a Cataraft !!-------<'))>><
Release all Wild Fish

[wildwild]

As I retired from the Army almost three years ago and served in Grenada, Somalia, and The Gulf. I would like to say thank you. So, thank you from all of us.
I would like to point out that Ann Landers sponsors letter/card campaigns every year. There are many soldiers serving today in lonely, difficult assignments. A letter from a grateful citizen will do much to make them feel that their service around the world is recognized. Peacetime service does not have the heroics surrounding it. but when you are on the DMZ out of Camp Casey Korea, heroics doesn't matter. All you know is you are away from home. Especially during the holidays.
Watch Ann's column and write a soldier/airman/sailor today.
They deserve that much.
Off my soap box for now.
And thank you again.

[This message has been edited by wildwild (edited 11-15-2000).]

[Simon Peter]

BRAVO ZULU ALL VETRANS

All vetrans of all wars. Thanks for the sacrifice for freedom. I myself come from a long lineage of Navy Vetrans and can tell you the price of freedom is VERY steep. Simply ask those who now do not have Dads, Grandpas, brothers and friends.

Don't take your freedom for granted it can be taken away at any time. Continue the fight for true freedom and don't forget those who have gone before.

Thank you vets!