Veteran's Day

[AHS1960]

I realize this is an Abilene forum and I am a Midlander, but we have an elementary school here, which for 11 years has put on a real extravanganza at the Commemerative Air Force. It is a tribute to all Veterans and activite duty personnel, complete with a USO show that would make Bob Hope smile and laugh out loud. It gives the Veterans a chance to laugh and cry in a safe environment. Any way, I don't know if an elementary school emphasizes, duty, honor, country, sacrifice as strongly as Rusk Elementary School here in Midland does. If there is one, I hope it is College Heights, if it is still there. This program starts at 10:30 a.m. and HEB provides sack lunches for all. If you have a chance, please come out next year. Us old Midlander Veterans would like to thank you, and your families, for your service and say WELCOME HOME.

With that being said, Veterans, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE/SACRIFICE and if the shoe fits, WELCOME HOME. God bless each of you, your loved ones and God bless the United States of America

[bigfatfurrytexan]

I realize this is an Abilene forum and I am a Midlander, but we have an elementary school here, which for 11 years has put on a real extravanganza at the Commemerative Air Force. It is a tribute to all Veterans and activite duty personnel, complete with a USO show that would make Bob Hope smile and laugh out loud. It gives the Veterans a chance to laugh and cry in a safe environment. Any way, I don't know if an elementary school emphasizes, duty, honor, country, sacrifice as strongly as Rusk Elementary School here in Midland does. If there is one, I hope it is College Heights, if it is still there. This program starts at 10:30 a.m. and HEB provides sack lunches for all. If you have a chance, please come out next year. Us old Midlander Veterans would like to thank you, and your families, for your service and say WELCOME HOME.

With that being said, Veterans, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE/SACRIFICE and if the shoe fits, WELCOME HOME. God bless each of you, your loved ones and God bless the United States of America

:D Good post.

[TheModerator]

Excellent posting! :D

To all the military men and women out there both past and present, thank you for a job well done!!

[sparky-4]

and a hearty "You are welcome" from Sparky USAF Security Police 1986-1990:)

[AHS1960]

I found a 16mm film and had it put on a DVD. It is of my wife in 1966, who had received a direct commision as an LT in the United States Air Force, swearing me in to the USAF, in Abilene, Texas in 1966. At that time it was the first/only time a spouse was known to have sworn her/his spouse in to the United States military. She was a Registered Nurse and a Diploma graduate of Hendrick Memeorial Hopital and I was a graduate of Hardin Simmons University with a BA in Psychology.

[Dudette]

What a wonderful thing to teach these children. Thank you for posting this great news story CC and I think it would be a great story to print in the National News!

Thank you to all who are serving or have served in all Military Branches of our great country!

[sparky-4]

the Parade is in the morning.. right?

[TheModerator]

Yes, the parade is in the morning. Regular parade route.

[sparky-4]

it was a good parade.
A little shorter than last year it seems but very nice and thanks to all who helped make it happen;)

[Dudette]

Thanks for the report on it Sparky. I am glad that it was nice and that tribute was paid to our Veterans.

[sparky-4]

I did have an interesting encounter with a wonderful lady representing the VFW
She was walking along before the parade handing out American Flags and Buddy Poppys (http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.levelc&cid=127)

When she came to us, I asked here, half joking if the flags were made in America
because in years past, we have had National Guardsmen handing out flags that had a Made in China tag on them an I always thought that was a bit ironical and disappointing.

She begin to explain how the VFW had passed a nationwide resolution to NOT ever buy or distribute any American Flags unless they were made in the USA

It is a tradition with me and my kids to go to the Veterans Day Parade.
Being a veteran myself, I take time to explain what it all means
and I made sure to teach them proper etiquette when the flag passes by.

It is one of the few and fading traditions we have left here in this country.

[bigfatfurrytexan]

when the national anthem plays, my kids are expected to stand up, be still, hand over heart and stare at the flag. i instruct them to consider what all our soldiers have sacrificed for them to be here in this great country. Of course, i cannot control their thoughts. But if they don't stand up, hat off, hand over the heart, and stare at the flag, they are in DEEP trouble.

i am moved to tears when the national anthem plays. every single time. I never served, but that doesn't mean i can't revere. :)

BTW, my oldest made an 88 on his ASVAB. I am trying to push him into service. He would likely end up doing something like JAG or intelligence (based on his profile). But i don't think he is interested.