DAYS OF REMEMBERANCE

http://www.usmemorialday.org/taps.html

Words to Taps
(Note: there are no “official” words to Taps
below are the most popular.)

Day is done,
gone the sun,
From the hills,
from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well,
safely rest,
God is nigh. Go to sleep,
peaceful sleep,
May the soldier
or sailor,
God keep.
On the land
or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night,
Must thou go,
When the day,
And the night
Need thee so?
All is well.
Speedeth all
To their rest.
Fades the light;
And afar
Goeth day,
And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well;
Day has gone,
Night is on.
Thanks and praise,
For our days,
‘Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
‘Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.

Here is a link to a “Keeping Apace” web site. In the upper left corner under military news is a box with “This month in military history”—click on that box and be amazed at the month by month, day by day account of recorded history and of the men and women who have given so much for all of us for so long. (Big thanks to Commander Richard Woltman for the link:)

http://www.keepingapace.com/blogarchives/about_this_site/about_jug_and_keeping_apace.php

 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC (June 2007)- “ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY” - has articles, pictures and this multi-media presentation: http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0706/feature5/multimedia.html

HONOR THE FALLEN: http://www.militarycity.com/valor/honor.html

(from the DOD news site:) The months of May and June host a number of other patriotic commemorations, including Victory in Europe Day, Military Spouse Day, Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Week, Memorial Day, Flag Day and the observance of the Navy and Army birthdays.

A group of National Military Appreciation Month volunteers have been working for nine years to establish a month dedicated to the nation’s active duty personnel including National Guard and Reserve troops, in addition to retirees and veterans. They are encouraging communities throughout the nation to participate in commemorative events.

“Our military has played a major role in the development of our country chronicled through their unbending honor, their dedication to duty and their love of country,” the National Military Appreciation Month Web site states. “Federal, state and local governments and private sector entities are invited to participate in this special month and to encourage everyone to sponsor and participate in programs.”

These links will take you the reader to the NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION WEB SITE: http://www.nmam.org/index.htm

This link will take you to their multi-media salute to the patriotism, love, devotion and service of our American Military Family: http://www.nmam.org/wesupportu.htm

FIRST PURPLE HEART WAS GIVEN ON LONG ISLAND, NY 1781

The nation’s first Purple Heart was won for bravery in whaleboat raids on Long Island. The recipient of the medal, originally called the Badge of Military Merit, was 27-year-old Sgt. Elijah Churchill, who enlisted at Enfield, Conn. He was cited for bravery in the 1780 raid on Fort St. George in Mastic and then in the 1781 raid on Fort Slongo, in what is now Fort Salonga, Smithtown. In creating the medal on Aug. 7, 1782, Gen. George Washington said it was for “any singularly meritorious action.” It was not redesigned and reissued as the Purple Heart — for Americans killed or wounded in combat — until 1932. Fort Slongo was a minor redoubt built on a hilltop near the Sound, and the whaleboat attack took place at dawn on Oct. 3, 1781. The British surrendered within minutes, but not before Churchill, who led the charge, was wounded, the only American casualty. Churchill’s Badge of Military Merit is on display at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site near Newburgh. All that remains of the original fort is a fenced-in mound of earth in the backyard of a private home. By George DeWan Staff Writer Copyright 2007 Newsday Inc.

MAY 8^th “VE day”

http://www.newsday.com/community/guide/lihistory/ny-history-ww2ved,0,1241189.story

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victory_in_Europe_Day

http://www.winstonchurchill.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=428

 

May 19th Armed Forces Day:

http://www.defenselink.mil/afd/

“On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department — the Department of Defense. Each of the military leagues and orders was asked to drop sponsorship of its specific service day in order to celebrate the newly announced Armed Forces Day. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day, too.”

Below are some of the themes and ideas that have prevailed over past Armed Forces Days:

Appreciation of a Nation

Arsenal of Freedom and Democracy

Dedication and Devotion

Deter if Possible, Fight if Necessary

Freedom

Freedom Through Unity

Guardians of Peace

Lasting Peace

Liberty

Patriotism

Pillars of Freedom

Power for Peace

Prepared to Meet the Challenge

Professionalism

Protectors of Freedom

Realistic Deterrence

Representatives of the World’s Mightiest Democracy

Security

Special Opportunity for Thanks

Teamed for Defense

“From a Viet Nam veteran to those who serve today that understand the true cost of freedom between our shores. And to Casting Crowns, may this tribute honor the gift of your song.” - (from the video dedication)

 

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

 

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

 

 

United States White House Commission on Remembrance: http://remember.gov/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

 

Arlington National Cemetery Facts

Arlington Mansion and 200 acres of ground immediately surrounding it were designated officially as a military cemetery June 15, 1864, by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton.

More than 300,000 people are buried at Arlington Cemetery.

Veterans from all the nation’s wars are buried in the cemetery, from the American Revolution through the Iraq and Afghanistan. Pre-Civil War dead were re-interred after 1900.

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/index.htm

(as mentioned above-National Geographic June 2007 issue has an article on: Arlington National Cemetery” This link will lead you to the multi-media page on this topic/article (tissues recommended)

http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0706/feature5/multimedia.html

“Remember Our Fallen Heroes”

If you look in the hearts of our heroes
You’ll see tears swelled with pride
Yet underneath there’s a shadow of sadness
For the Soldier no longer at their side.

Side by Side they served with honor
To God’s arms they go one by one
From the hearts of a grateful Nation
We remember our Daughters, our Sons.

Their selfless deeds have been many.
Blood’s been spilled in the sand for liberty.
Without hesitation they guarded our freedom
Over land, in the skies, on the sea.

They answered the cries of the hungry
Liberated those whom where suppressed.
Courageously they safeguarded our glory
With a loyalty that ceases to rest.

With love we pay homage to the fallen
These patriots, our heroes, our friends.
Who’ve paid the ultimate price for freedom
and the flag they chose to defend.

Their Service must never be forgotten
Their deaths won’t ever be in vain
We vow to look after their families
and hope our love will ease their pain.

This flag is to honor the fallen
As a reminder Freedom is not Free
These heroes gave their lives for their Country
They gave their lives for you and for me.

© 2005 Kevin R. Eberly Jr

Battle of Midway, 4-7 June 1942

http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/midway/midway.htm

http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq81-1.htm

This battle was considered a turning point in WWII in the war in the Pacific against the Japanese.

http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/midway.htm

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Rhodes/8384/midway.html

http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=29905

RONALD REGAN (1911 TO June 5, 2004)

“Peace through Strength”

“Freedom is not something to be secured in any one moment of time. We must struggle to preserve it every day. And freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” — Ronald Reagan, 1967

http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/rr40.html

 

D-DAY JUNE 6TH– Battle of Normandy 1944

SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!

You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers in arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely.

But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man to man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!

I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!

Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

SIGNED: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Order of the Day
June 6, 1944

http://www.usa-patriotism.com/speeches/d-day1.htm

 

http://www.military.com/warfighters

 

http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0206/feature1/

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-Day

“We’re here to mark that day in history when the Allied armies joined in battle to reclaim this continent to liberty. For four long years, much of Europe had been under a terrible shadow. Free nations had fallen, Jews cried out in the camps, millions cried out for liberation. Europe was enslaved, and the world prayed for its rescue. Here in Normandy the rescue began. Here the Allies stood and fought against tyranny in a giant undertaking unparalleled in human history.

We are bound today by what bound us 40 years ago, the same loyalties, traditions, and beliefs. We’re bound by reality. The strength of America’s allies is vital to the United States, and the American security guarantee is essential to the continued freedom of Europe’s democracies. We were with you then; we are with you now. Your hopes are our hopes, and your destiny is our destiny.

Here, in this place where the West held together, let us make a vow to our dead. Let us show them by our actions that we understand what they died for. Let our actions say to them the words for which Matthew Ridgway listened: “I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.”

Strengthened by their courage, heartened by their value [valor], and borne by their memory, let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived and died.”

Ronald Regan- 40th Anniversary of D-day June 6, 1884 Speech (Opening and Closing remarks)

 

 

“A DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY”

Pearl Harbor, June 7, 1941

http://www.umkc.edu/lib/spec-col/ww2/PearlHarbor/fdr-speech.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_on_Pearl_Harbor

http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/pearlharbor/

 

JUNE 14^TH FLAG DAY

http://www.usflag.org/history/flagday.html

http://www.legion.org/?section=our_flag&subsection=flag_pledge&content=flag_pledge

I 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.

God Bless the U.S.A.

by Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone
I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again
with just my children and my wife,
I’d thank my lucky stars
to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom
and they can’t take that away.
I’m proud to be an American
where at least I know I’m free,
And I won’t forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.
From the lakes of Minnesota
to the hills of Tennessee,
Across the plains of Texas
from sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston
and New York to L.A.,
There’s pride in every American heart
and it’s time we stand and say:
I’m proud to be an American
where at least I know I’m free,
And I won’t forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

June 14th is also the 232nd Birthday of the United States Army

http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,139117,00.html?ESRC=eb.nl

http://www.army.mil/

 

HAPPY 231^ST BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Constitution

VJ DAY -September 2nd -On this day in 1945, Japan officially signed the terms of surrender on the USS Missouri in Toyko Bay - finally ending WWII.

http://www.defenselink.mil/home/features/2005/vjday/index2.html

http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/990814onthisday_big.html#article

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victory_over_Japan_Day

Radio transmission/transcripts: http://www.otr.com/vj.html

 

SEPTEMBER 11^TH 9/11/01

 

“Have you forgotten?”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_-x9kMPauc

(Lyrics: Darryl Worley/Wynn Varble, 2003)

LIGHTS ON…..9/11

On Tuesday, September 11, 2007 everyone in the USA who
will be driving a motor vehicle is asked to drive with their headlights on during daylight hours. Though no explanation is needed as to why we are commemorating September 11, we hope more importantly to pay respect to the victims of that day, show our nation’s solidarity and show support for our men and women of the Armed Forces.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/media/tribute/tribute.html

This link will take the reader to “Ground Zero” photographs: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/wtc_other/ground_zero/1005_57.shtml

This link will take the reader to the 2006 report: “Addressing the health impacts of 9/11/01″ http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/pdf/911_health_impacts_report.pdf

Currently showing on P.B.S. stations: “American Experience”–”The Center of the World” is a series of t.v. shows documenting the World Trade Center from vision to reality to it’s attack on 9/11/01. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/newyork/sfeature/sf_int_pop_04_01_tr_qry.html

Patriot is defined as: one who loves and defends his or her country and one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests. Abraham Lincoln said: “Gold is good in its place, but living, brave, patriotic men are better than gold.”

In the course of a week-a collective group from Move America Forward will drive from California to Washington D.C. (9/3-15/07) http://www.moveamericaforward.org/
to show their support for the troops.

Here is a link to a site that contains pictures and news articles on: “September 11, 2001-A Day the World Changed.” http://www.september11news.com/

On Tuesday, September 11th an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this anniversary of our country’s worst tragedy. We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn’t take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds. Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.

This link will take the reader to the JMG 9/11 tribute page. They have several power point presentations, a letter from a sailor to his family, a news paper article written in England, cartoons and even a joke. Well done and worth a visit.

http://www.jmg-enterprises.com/911/index.htm

http://www.post-gazette.com/headlines/20010916phonecallnat3p3.asp

Todd Beamer dad to 2 young sons then 3 and 1-years-old, on his last call out from Flight 93 asked the operator to call his family, pray with him and they recited the 23rd psalm together, before Todd and others on the plane counter attacked the hijackers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtM_1BoqxWc

The LORD Is My Shepherd

23The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green [1] pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest [2] my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

http://www.toddbeamer.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Beamer

http://www.amazon.com/Lets-Roll-Ordinary-Extraordinary-Courage/dp/0842373195

FIREFIGHTER’S PRAYER

When I’m called to duty God wherever flames may rage
grant me the strength to save a life whatever be its age

Help me to embrace a little child before it is too late
or save an older person from the horror of that fate

Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout
and quickly and efficiently put the fire out

I want to fill my calling Lord and give the best in me
to guard my every neighbor and protect his property

And if according to your will I am to lose my life
God bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife

http://www.fdnylodd.com/9-11-Never-Forget/Memorials/Blood-Of-Heroes.html

“Care and compensation in short supply for ailing and troubled 9/11 workers”

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-liheal0910,0,4449343.story?coll=ny_home_rail_headlines

“FREE”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBflQLa75C8

“Free”

and She called…
Blacks, Whites…wait
African Americans and Caucasians, Asians, excuse me.
Vietnamese, Philippines, Koreans and Jamaicans or
Haitians, waitin’, Hispanics, y’all.

Please be patient
Mexican, Puerto Ricans, Venezuelan, Cuban, v Dominican, Panamanian, Democrats
I beg your pardon, you partied with the late, great Reagan?
Republican, Independent, Christian, Catholic,
Methodist, Baptist, 7th Day Adventist, 5 Percenters,
Hindu, Sunni Muslim, Brothers and Sisters who never seen the New York city
skyline when the twin towers still existed.
But still She called.

From the bowels of Ground Zero she sent this 911 distress signal.
Because She was in desperate need of a hero,
and didn’t have time to decipher what to call ‘em,
so she called ‘em all Her children.
The children of the stars and bars who needed to know nothing more than the fact that she called.
The fact that someone attempted to harm us
this daughter who covered us all with her loving arms.
And now these arms are sprawled across New York City streets.
A smoke filled lung, a silt covered faced,
and a solitary tear poured out of her cheek.
Her singed garments carpets Pennsylvania Avenue and the Pentagon was under her feet.
As she began to talk, she began to cough up small particles of debris
and said, “I am America, and I’m calling on the land of the free.”
So they answered.

All personal differences set to the side
because right now there was no time to decide which state building the Confederate flag should fly over,
and which trimester the embryo is considered alive,
or on our monetary units, and which God we should confide.
You see, someone attempted to choke the voice
of the one who gave us the right for choice,
and now she was callin’.
And somebody had to answer.
Who was going to answer?

So they did.
Stern faces and chiseled chins.
Devoted women and disciplined men,
who rose from the ashes like a Phoenix
and said “don’t worry, we’ll stand in your defense.”
They tightened up their bootlaces
and said goodbye to loved ones, family and friends.
They tried to bombard them with the “hold on”, “wait-a-minute’s”, and “what-ifs”.
And “Daddy, where you goin’?”.
And, “Mommy, why you leavin’?”.
And they merely kissed them on their foreheads and said “Don’t worry, I have my reasons.
You see, to this country I pledged my allegiance
to defend it against all enemies foreign and domestic.
So as long as I’m breathin’, I’ll run though hell-fire,
meet the enemy on the front lines,
look him directly in his face,
stare directly in his eyes and scream,
“I AM AMERICA! WE WILL NOT BE TERRORIZED!
WE WILL NOT BE TERRORIZED!
I REFUSE TO BE AFRAID!
I’LL FIGHT YOU ANY COUNTRY, ANY CONTINENT, ANY TERRAIN.
I’LL FIGHT TO MY LAST BREATH!”

And if by chance death is my fate,
pin my medals upon my chest,
and throw Old Glory on my grave.
But, don’t y’all cry for me.
You see, my Father’s prepared a place.
I’ll be a part of his Holy army standing a watch at the Pearly Gates.
Because freedom was never free.
POW’s, and fallen soldiers
all paid the ultimate sacrifice
along side veterans who put themselves in harms way.
Risking their lives and limbs just to hold up democracy’s weight,
but still standing on them broken appendages anytime the National Anthem was played.
You see, these were the brave warriors that gave me the right
to say that I’m Black. Or white.

Or

African American or Caucasian,
I’m Asian, excuse me.
I’m Vietnamese, Philippine, Korean, or Jamaican.
I’m Haitian, Hispanic

Y’all, Please be patient.
I’m Mexican, Puerto Rican, Venezuelan, Cuban,
Dominican, Panamanian, Democrat
I beg your pardon, you see I partied with the late, great Reagan.
I’m Republican, Independent, Christian, Catholic,
Methodist, Baptist, 7th Day Adventist, 5 Percenters,
Hindu, Sunni Muslim,

Brothers and Sisters We’re just Americans.
So with that I say
“Thank You” to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines,
for preserving my rights
to live and die for this life
and paying the ultimate price for me to be…FREE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqLajmXJH5k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emuMenLv-2E

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

 

THIRD FRIDAY IN SEPTEMBER - ‘POW/MIA DAY’ SEPTEMBER 21, 2007

 

“Some 88,000 U.S. service members are listed as missing from World War II, and JPAC conducts searches throughout the world to find them”:

http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,140500,00.html?ESRC=eb.nl

From the link below: “Library of Congress (This database contains 145,965 record on Vietnam-era POW/MIA) In December 1991, Congress enacted Public Law 102-190, commonly referred to as the McCain Bill. The statute requires the Secretary of Defense to make available to the public–in a “library like setting”–all information relating to the treatment, location, and/or condition (T-L-C) of United States personnel who are unaccounted-for from the Vietnam War. The facility chosen to receive this information was the Library of Congress (LoC). The Federal Research Division (FRD) created the POWMIA Database, the on-line index to those documents. The microfilmed documents themselves are available at the Library of Congress or borrowed through local libraries.” This bill became a law in 1994–the files of the prisoners of war or missing in action are to be reviewed every three years-whether or not any new information has been received/added.

“What do I want?–I want my country to love me as much as I love her.”

http://lcweb2.loc.gov/pow/powhome.html

American War and Military Operations: http://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/american%20war%20casualty.htm

THE PRISONER OF WAR ISSUE

Every year, by proclamation, the President of the United States declares April 9th as “National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.” This date honors those that CAME HOME. In the past decade, an average of TWELVE returnees have died EACH DAY.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is by law, the 3rd Friday in September every year. This date honors those men and women still held in enemy hands or buried on foreign soil.

On August 10, 1990, the Congress passed a bill recognizing the black and white, POW/MIA flag as “the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fate of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia…” In 1997, bills passed the House and Senate mandating the POW/MIA flag be flown on specific holidays. The 1998 Defense Authorization act noted that the flag MUST be flown on: Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, Flag Day, Veterans Day, Independence Day, POW/MIA Recognition Day.In 1998, the Veterans Administration noted the flag will fly EVERY day at their facilities. http://www.pownetwork.org/statistics.htm

ALL POW-MIA STATISTICS ALL WARS: http://www.aiipowmia.com/lnx.html

Septemeber 19, 2007: http://nampows.org/fredhalyandersonville.htm

POW/MIA Advocates: http://www.vvvc.org/vvvc/powmia.htm

POW/MIA Tables of Honors

Opening Prayer:

ALMIGHTY GOD, FATHER OF ALL MANKIND AND JUDGE OVER NATIONS, WE PRAY THEE TO GUIDE OUR WORK IN THIS MEETING AND IN ALL OUR DAYS AHEAD.

SEND THY PEACE TO OUR NATION AND TO ALL NATIONS. HASTEN THE FULFILLMENT OF THY PROMISE OF PEACE THAT SHALL HAVE NO END.

WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO SERVE THE PEOPLE AND GUARD THE PUBLIC WELFARE THAT BY THY BLESSING THEY MAY BE ENABLED TO DISCHARGE THEIR DUTIES HONESTLY AND WELL.

WE PRAY FOR OUR COMRADS THAT BY THY HELP THEY MAY OBSERVE THE STRICTEST JUSTICE. KEEP ALIGHT THE FIRES OF FREEDOM, STRIVE EARNESTLY FOR THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY AND PRESERVE UNTARNISHED OUR LOYALTY TO OUR COUNTRY AND TO THEE.

FINALLY, O GOD OF MERCY, WE ASK THY BLESSING AND COMFORT FOR THOSE COMRADES WHO ARE SUFFERING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES. CHEER THEM AND BRING THEM THE BLESSINGS OF HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.

AMEN

You see before you an empty table, set for service but vacant. This table is symbolic of our fallen comrades-in-arms and those whose fate is still unknown.

It is set with eight chairs – one each for the members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, as well as for Fire Fighters, Police Officers and Civilians.

The table is round, symbolizing our everlasting concern for those still missing. REMEMBER.

The table cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions in responding to their country’s call to arms. REMEMBER.

The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return. REMEMBER.

The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn on the lapel and breasts of thousands, bearing witness to their unyielding demand for a proper accounting of our missing. REMEMBER.

A slice of lemon is on the bread plate, symbolic of their bitter fate. REMEMBER.

There is salt upon the bread plate, symbolic of the family’s tears as they wait. REMEMBER.

The glass is inverted, for they cannot toast with us this night. REMEMBER.

The chairs – the chairs are empty – they are not here. REMEMBER.

REMEMBER – all of you served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember

http://www.aiipowmia.com/histories/histmnu.html

Prayer for Prisoners of War and Missing in Action:

Almighty Father Who suffers in the affliction of your children, we call upon You now from the depths of our anxiety and great concern for our countrymen and loved ones who have fallen into the hands of the Nations foes, in the face of the evils that these brave men endure and before the grim burdens they are forced to bear, give them courage and hope, and a never failing confidence in You.

But most of all, 0 God, we ask that the day will soon come when we can all celebrate their release and safe return to their homes and kindred.

Give to all of us who wait and hope in the face of every disappointment the will to persevere in the cause of peace and the wisdom to conquer hate with love and every doubt with a renewed faith in You. Amen.

http://www.gmasw.com/mia_pray.htm

http://www.vfw.org/resources/pdf/powmia2007.pdf - this link will take the reader to a speech from the VFW on POW/MIA
above link and text from the VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars site:
POW/MIA Recognition Day Sept. 21

September 21 is POW/MIA Recognition Day, which honors the commitments and the sacrifices made by our nation’s prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. By custom, it is on the third Friday in September.

Observances of National POW/MIA Recognition Day are held across the country on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, schools and veterans’ facilities.

This observance is one of six days throughout the year that Congress has mandated the flying of the National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag. The others are Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. The flag is to be flown at major military installations, national cemeteries, all post offices, VA medical facilities, the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the official offices of the secretaries of state, defense and veterans affairs, the director of the selective service system and the White House.

OCTOBER 12th— Remember the USS COLE

http://www.cole.navy.mil/

http://www.pianoladynancy.com/recovery_usscole.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_(DDG_67)

http://www.allisonsheart.com/vet/vet.html

I had the opportunity a while ago to take the tour of Norfolk VA, Naval base. The bus stopped in front of the memorial for the 17 sailors who were murdered in Yemen. It was a very sobering experience that cut deep into the heart.

 

Happy birthday, Navy!

(from Navy Times)

 

Today is the 232nd anniversary of the fleet, a chance to honor the customs, culture and history of sailors and their service.

On Oct. 13, 1775, in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress voted to fit out two sailing vessels, armed with 10 carriage guns, as well as swivel guns, and manned by crews of 80; the members resolved to send them out on a three-month cruise to intercept transports carrying munitions and stores to the British army in America.

The classics

See our gallery of historical recruiting posters.

Medal of Honor gallery

See the photo gallery of 90 recipients throughout history

Medal of Honor citations

Read the stories of over 700 MOH recipients:

Civil War Medal of Honor citations (A through L)

Civil War Medal of Honor citations (M through Y)

1871 Korean Campaign Medal of Honor citations

1871-1898 Medal of Honor citations

Philippine Insurrection Medal of Honor citations

Boxer Rebellion Medal of Honor citations

1901-1911 Medal of Honor citations

Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz) Medal of Honor citations

1915-1916 Medal of Honor citations

World War I Medal of Honor citations

World War II Medal of Honor citations

1920-1940 Medal of Honor citations

Korean War Medal of Honor citations

Most recent citation: Lt. Michael P. Murphy

More

20 years on watch for the Lone Sailor

See what the sailors are doing off-duty

October 23, 1983 Beirut Bombing in Lebanon

http://www.coldwar.org/articles/80s/beirut.asp

 

DECEMBER 7th

66 years later- Remembering “the day that will live in Infamy”

A link to National Geographics Multi-media presentation of Pearl Harbor: http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/pearlharbor/

Wikipedia’s link on Pearl Harbor: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_harbor

From Goat locker: http://goatlocker.org/resources/nav/pharbor.htm

Battleship Row: http://www.ibiblio.org/phha/Main.html

WHO LOVED SO WELL

(A sailor’s eulogy)
by Robert E. Browne CPO, USN, ret.

We sailed the sea by oceans light,
Around the horn through restless night.
Our course and luck did make it right
To see things new in strange delight. The seas were harsh and took their toll
With branded flesh and tortured soul
And when at last the sun sat low
It touched the earth with blood red glow. The mighty wars have all been won.
Now empty winds slack sails undone.
The world is ours but mates care not
And search in vain for wars unfought. Silver breakers plight our trough
To sails unfurled and winds aloft.
Spirits soar on breezes free
That bear the souls of sailors we. Hear our prayer Oh Lord our God.
We lived to serve and wield thy rod.
Though wretches we and racked with flaws,
We are the ones who fought thy cause. Now bleached white bones on foreign sands
Attest the toll in far off lands
For those who heard their country’s call,
Brave sailors each, who came to fall. Remember those who served on ships
And bid farewell on endless trips
Across the seas to Timbuktu
And lived and died, these chosen few. We ask this, Lord, for those so true
And honor bound beneath skies blue
Who served and died for freedom’s hand
To hold and cherish this, your land, A sailor’s death on ships of sleep
With few to know and none to weep
For faith so brave, a soul to keep
A silent grave in oceans deep. And when the end has come at last
And unfilled shadows heaven casts,
Remember we who served and fell
And to the hosts of heaven tell,
Bring home my boys who loved so well.

“NUTS!”

December 16^th BATTLE OF THE BULGE”Wacht am Rhein,
The Ardennes Offensive

 

This battle was/is considered the battle that broke Hitler’s army and led to Germany’s surrender during WWII. There was a tremendous loss of life during this intense, brutal surprise battle of the Axis and Allied forces in the frozen western front (brutal weather conditions were historically colder, snowy and treacherous). This battle/offensive went from the surprise attack on the 16^th of December 1944 to the 15^th of January 1945. There are many sites of information on the web-here are some links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Bulge

http://ice.mm.com/user/jpk/battle.htm

http://www.thedropzone.org/europe/Bulge/kinnard.html

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/bulge/

 

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