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No, I work to ensure they are not.16 hours ago
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Here I go....This past Saturday I attended the East Tennessee Veteran's Memorial dedication service. As I awoke to a cold, blustery morning, I though to myself "do I really want to go out in this weather? There won't hardly be anyone there, and it's really not that important anyway". Then I thought about the soldier who didn't want to get out of bed either (if he even had one) to perform his duty.. Well, I got out of bed, drank a cup of coffee, and went anyway. What did I expect to see? I don't know for sure. Probably a couple dozen people huddled around some stone monument with some names on it, talking quietly amongst themselves. When I neared the site downtown I noticed a lot of parked cars, and several people in uniform directing traffic. I parked my vehicle and went to the designated area. When I rounded the corner, I was pleasantly surprised at the turnout. Probably 300 - 400 people, at least, were milling about in the cold drizzle, awaiting the beginning of the ceremony. As the band began playing, people took their seats. There was the introduction of VIPs, and a summary of the day's events. Then, the ceremony began. A folded flag was presented and held by a combat veteran General beneath the flag pole, as representatives of each of the conflicts the US has been involved in, from WW1 to present day, approached and placed their hand on the flag. With each person, the attendees were asked to raise their hands if they or their families had lost a loved one in that particular conflict. Many hands were raised each time, and many a tear was shed. Throughout the entire service, emotions were running high, and not a dry eye was to be found. Then, the flag was raised. As soon as it reached the top, the sun shined and a breeze blew, enabling the flag to do exactly as it should - fly proudly above the memorial. My chest swelled with pride, and I found it difficult to breath through the lump in my throat. After the ceremony, the local media was interviewing the VIPs on their thoughts about the morning's events. It was the first time I had seen a combat-hardened General choke just a little on his own words. I went home and thanked God for my life, and my ability to serve such a proud Nation.
1 day ago -
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I take the one side off and eat the filling!1 day ago
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Stand there and act like you didn't just noticed the nice trim job?5 days ago
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I have little to no trouble bidding farewell..5 days ago
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All of the aboveAs a Veteran, it does my heart extreme good to see all the support put forth here on this post. I had a wonderful day yesterday, as it was my first paid Veterans Day off! My boss is extremely Veteran conscious, and has actually toured overseas performing concerts with his band. I love my Country, and everyone in it. Bottom line, we are all Americans, and come together as one when we need to. Thanks for this post, and thanks to everyone who posted their sentiments. WITHOUT us, people wouldn't have the FREEDOM to complain ABOUT us!
6 days ago -
No. Laws are too stringent already!6 days ago
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My fav lyric ever is . . .Nov 10, 2008 10:22PM GMT

