Have you thanked a Veteran today?

I just learned that in Australia they observe a moment of silence at 11:00 on this very day. How cool!

Here's my thought...

Can we all agree to a moment of silence at 11:11 a.m.? Yes, of course we can. In fact, it's the least we can do as our way of saying thanks.

Just think how powerful it would be if you're in a meeting or on a call and you say at 11:05: "I hope you understand that at 11:11 today I have committed to a moment of silence to honor our men and women who have served our country"!

Are you kidding me? How powerful is that. They will likely get others to join in as well.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD!

Right bright, those Aussies, eh?

My great-great-grandfather was a Union soldier in the Civil War. He spent two years in Andersonville Prison in Georgia after his capture at the second battle of Bull Run. My father was a Navy pilot during World War II, my uncle a foot soldier in the Korean War. They all volunteered, and they all survived. The dozen or so male friends I knew from high school and college who went to the fields of Vietnam were conscripted. Some came home in body bags, others in need of lifelong medical or psychological care. Few returned unchanged.

War is a horrible, uncivilized thing... still, the brave men and women of all nations who have served their countries - voluntarily or otherwise - deserve the honor, respect, and gratitude of their people.

Sting wrote his song "Russians" during the Cold War, when Russia and the
United States  threatened each other with nuclear missiles and terrified people in this country built bomb shelters in their back yards. I think his words are just as poignant today as they were the day they were written - and so, today, I give honor to those who have served America, but I also honor those from throughout the world who have given their service and lives in any war, on any side.

Their mothers loved them, too.

"Russians" 


In Europe and America, there's a growing feeling of hysteria

Conditioned to respond to all the threats

In the rhetorical speeches of the Soviets

Mr. Krushchev said we will bury you

I don't subscribe to this point of view

It would be such an ignorant thing to do

If the Russians love their children too


How can I save my little boy from Oppenheimer's deadly toy

There is no monopoly in common sense

On either side of the political fence

We share the same biology

Regardless of ideology

Believe me when I say to you

I hope the Russians love their children too


There is no historical precedent

To put the words in the mouth of the President

There's no such thing as a winnable war

It's a lie that we don't believe anymore

Mr. Reagan says we will protect you

I don't subscribe to this point of view

Believe me when I say to you

I hope the Russians love their children too


We share the same biology

Regardless of ideology

What might save us, me, and you

Is if the Russians love their children too

Here's a link to a video of Sting singing "Russians"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYDEpeBl-hY

So I was not on-line yesterday and just read the message My cousin Terry Bean wrote.  I have 8 words to reply to his kind words. People Like You Make Me Proud to Serve.  I hope all my brothers had a great day and THANKS AGAIN CUZ!!!

Bob Herbert, writing in The New York Times, tells the story of 24-year-old Brian Adams, a veteran of the Iraq war, and the face of a new campaign from the Ad Council that is "trying to get troubled veterans to come in from the cold and piercingly lonely environment of post-wartime stress."

According to the AdCouncil's YouTube page, "The mental health consequences of combat threaten to overwhelm a new generation of veterans. There are 1.7 million men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in Iraq and Afghanistan. About 1 in 5 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are suffering from a mental health injury, ranging from depression to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as a result of their service."

"This campaigns long-term objective is to decrease the depression and PTSD-related outcomes among returning Vets by taking a two-pronged approach encouraging Veterans to join other Veterans at the first ever online community exclusive to OIF/OEF Vets, and separately, to empower their Friends and Family by helping them learn how to start constructive conversations. The challenges facing returning vets are myriad but with support from other Veterans, family, and friends the issues can be effectively dealt with. "

http://www.iava.org/

I'm a little late to the party here but having a son that just recently joined civilian life after 7 years in the Army (2 in Iraq), this topic hits home for me.

The sacrifice that these soldiers make for our freedom is greater than most of us can imagine... and they volunteer for it. My son worked 18 hour days more often than not, saw close personal friends of his maimed and killed, endured frightening experiences that I have only begun to hear him discuss... all before the age of 25.

He returned to us in one piece, with only slight hearing issues, and has my undying gratitude and respect. I can't walk by a soldier in public without acknowledging his or her uniform and thanking them for their service.

Thanks for this posting... we should all remember our service men and women as often as we can... even if it's not on a national holiday.

Dave Henderson

I agree and always thank the good people who have served. In fact I thanked a gentleman today for his service in Vietnam. We had different political views but the fact is he served with honor is enough to earn my thanks and respect.

I thank evryone one who is or has served our country.  Giving their lives so I may be free and safe. 

THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL YOU DO.  MAY GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU GO FROM DAY TO DAY THOUGH OUT YOUR WHOLE LIFE.

Let us all remember our soliders (Past and present) everyday of the year, not just Veterians Day, Memorial Day and July 4th.