wars

Veterans Day.

Audio Podcast 3 minutes.

Celebrated this year on Tuesday, November 11, this holiday honors the significant contributions and sacrifices made by veterans. It is a full holiday for federal offices, banks, and many businesses, resulting in closures that allow individuals to reflect on the importance of service and sacrifice. On this day, no mail delivery occurs, providing a moment of pause for the nation to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy, and various events may be held throughout communities to commemorate and celebrate the bravery of those who have served in the armed forces.

Originally called Armistice Day, proclaimed in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson to mark the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, this significant day was intended to honor the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought in this monumental conflict. Over the years, as the nation recognized the myriad contributions of all its military veterans, it became clear that a broader celebration was necessary to reflect the valor demonstrated throughout various conflicts. This led to its renaming to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, aimed at honoring veterans of all wars, allowing Americans to pay tribute not only to those who served in World War I but also to honor the service and sacrifices of past and current military personnel from every branch of the armed forces. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom and the importance of expressing gratitude to those who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation.

Veterans Day honors all veterans who have served in the military, recognizing their sacrifices and commitment to defending our freedoms; in contrast, Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday in May, specifically honors those brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, remembering their ultimate sacrifice and the impact they made on our nation’s history, as families and communities gather to pay their respects and express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Thank a veteran personally. Being a veteran, I know how much a personal interaction means, as it fosters a sense of connection and appreciation that can sometimes feel absent in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Taking the time to express gratitude through a simple thank-you or engaging in a heartfelt conversation can have a profound impact. It not only honors their sacrifices but also reinforces their sense of belonging to a community that values their service. Your acknowledgment can uplift their spirits and show them that their contributions are recognized and valued.

Fly the U.S. flag proudly, representing the values and ideals that our nation stands for. It serves as a symbol of the sacrifices made by countless individuals who fought for our freedom and democracy. Whether displayed at homes, schools, or public buildings, the flag reminds us of our responsibility to uphold the principles of liberty and justice for all, uniting us in our shared identity as Americans.

Proud to be an American

Audio Link

I remember when I was going to elementary school and sometimes, I would arrive when the flag was being raised for the school day. We would stop and pay respect to the flag until it was raised. I was proud to be an American. You would stand in an assembly and say The Pledge of Allegiant. Again, I was proud to be an American. You learned in school the history of America, and this made you proud to be an American. 

I was drafted into the army in 1964. In basic training I crawled through mud trying to keep that damn M-14 rifle clean so it would not jam. I could not take a leave for the Thanksgiving of 1964 because I was told it was critical that I go to Germany. Many nights I froze my butt standing guard on German soil protecting America from the Soviet threat. Vietnam deployment constantly hovered over my head when I was in the army. I would have gone to Vietnam if called. Why? I would have gone because I am proud to be an American. 

Throughout my life there have been many events that made me proud that I am a member of this country. I will be proud to be buried in Fort Logan National Cemetery when that time comes. 

I have noticed a few things that bother me. For example, I lived close to an elementary school where I can see the flagpole in the daytime. Many days the flag is not raised when school is in session. I guess putting out the flag in the morning is not a priority anymore. I recently attended a school function at my grandsons’ school and the principal forgot about the color guard waiting in the hall to present the flag. Some teacher had to remind her about them. I guess that was not that important to her. It did not take me forty years to be proud of this country.  

Illegal immigration is a serious problem. There are millions of people who want to come to America and live the American dream. To me that means that life must be pretty good here. Today is the day for everyone that put their life on the line protecting all that live in the country. If it wasn’t for them this country and the freedoms, you take for granted would not exist.

Happy Veterans Day!

My Favorite Movies

I have two favorite movies and have watched them many times. I have the DVD for both them and pop them in when I need an uplifting moment. Also, if I happen to be watching or streaming tv and I stumble onto them I start watching.

The first is, How the West was won. This is a 1962 movie originally filmed in Cinerama. This was a process of projecting on three screens, and it was supposed to give you a panoramic view. I was nice, but you could see the splits of the three screens. When they remastered the movie for the DVD the split screens are not so obvious. The storyline was about a family that migrated from the east and migrated to the western frontier. It had stories about the Civil War. How the train expansion helped speed up the expansion into the frontier and stories taking place in San Franscisco and California. The music in this movie was great! It was an important part to the success of the movie.

My other favorite is Patton. This is a 1970 movie about the experience of General Patton during World War Two. This is my favorite movie about World War Two. There is Saving Private Ryan, Battle of the Bulge and many more. However, Patton is my favorite. For some reason I have a large interest in this war. I don’t know why. Maybe it was because I was born at the beginning and my parents talked a lot about the war when I was growing up. I have watched every episode on the History Channel about the battles, and Hitler with the Third Reich. Maybe I am trying to understand how people became so dark to do what atrocities they did then. In my life there has been World War Two, Korean War, Viet Nam War, The Gulf war in 1990, and the Iraq War in 2003. I know I left some out. My life has been full of wars. However, my most interest has been WWII.

Daily writing prompt
What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?
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