I realize  this isn't really about bowhunting but, then again it is.  If all of the Vets on Trad Gang and all of the rest of them in the world didn't go when their country called, we might not be able to do what we do and love.

I want to say Thank You to my Dad who fought in France for 3 years and was with Patton at the Battle of the Bulge, and to one Old Crazy Vet, and to all the rest of you out there that protected me and my family and our Freedom.

Thank you, I appreciate what you have done for me and my family.  Gary Norris  >>----->

Very well said Gary,   I want to say thanks to all the vets who paid the ulitmate price for "Our Freedom"    Job well done.      And for all the other vets who served this wonderful country.

May God bless all of our Sisters and Brothers in uniform, and those who have already served time also. Also the dependants who sit and wait, and all of those folks who take the time to say "Thank You" to a memeber - as a Retired MD State Trooper did to me at the Baltimore Shoot - in mid sentance with someone else no less, when he saw my retired USMC pin on my hat. Man , it's hard to see in Maryland sometimes -

Gary,  My father-in-law Walter Hoyt was a surgeon in Patton's Mash unit.  That unit went every where Patton went.  Thanks to all who have given for our Freedom...Doc

I'm currently stationed in Mosul, Iraq and I just wanted to thank Gary for starting this thread. I've served for 23 years and I still look up to and admire the guys who fought in the Big War. This is my third 1 year tour in Iraq. To some that is a lot. To others its not enough. When I think about the deployments I always think about the guys in WW II that deployed until it was over. Many of those guys were away from their loved ones for 5 years. They are true American Heroes. Thinking about their time away from home and their sacrifices gives me the strength I need to endure whatever hardship travels my way.

With all due respect this holiday is about the veterans that paid the ultimate price.  I am a Veitnam veteran myself and I lost friends there and I salute them and all the other war veterans that gave all.

I am sorry I spelled Vietnam Wrong.

thanks to all who served before, with, and after me!!!!

Thanks guys for adding to the thread.  I hope a lot of people see it and carry it on.
Gog Bless all of our Veterans.  The ones that came home to carry on and the ones we remember.

Thanks to all  the vets! We live in a better place because of them.      

Thanks to all who have served our country.  Did a tour of the USS Nitze on Saturday.  My borhter-in-law is Commodore of the North Atlantic Fleet, and he brought 3 ships up to NYC for Fleet Week.  I've toured several ships before, and have attended several change of command ceremonies, and with each one, you learn more and more every time.  You realt get to see and fully appreciate what these sailors and soldiers encounter.  God Bless America and all who serve her.

I posted this poem on another thread, but fealt it was worth repeating.

If you are able,
save them a place
inside of you
and save one backward glance
when you are leaving
for the places they can
no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may
or may not have always.

Take what they have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own.

And in that time
when men decide and feel safe
to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes
you left behind.

Major Michael Davis O'Donnell

1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam

KIA March 1970

In my life I have been blessed and humbled to have known men of such strong conviction to have given their lives for a cause or just offered their lives for a cause.

I thank God for that blessing and for those men.

Thanks for the thoughts Gary.

You are very Welcome,  You know I mean it !

I think most combat vets think a lot more on days like today about those who didn't make it home. I know I do. Thanks again to all who have served or are serving.

3/4 Cavalry, 25th Inf Div
Vietnam, 1967-1968

I just want to say Thanx You to all that posted such nice words. Also to all the Military Brothers & Sisters... May God Be with You all.


Words can't tell How I feel when it comes to the Fallen ONEs. My Heart & Soul is Yours...Always.


To The Un-known Solders, My Your Souls be at Peace. You gave Your Life for others to be Free.


Spec 4 Patti, D.E.T. 1 6th/112th 49th Long Star 1986-1990

Yes indeed.  My son The Primate's company has been under op-sec and I haven't heard from him in several weeks.  He is mostly likely in country as I write this.  This is his second tour in Dirkadirkastan...

ttt

God Bless

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.