31 Replies
Last post:
May 29, 2008 8:23 AM by
Immer treu
330 posts since
Apr 8, 2008
The run was just over 5 miles for the record. 100's of cars saw me running. and I will guess there was a kid who asked his parents to explain why some tall lanky dude was running down the road with the flag flying. Hopefully the parent knew what to say.
Jimmy - very nice. I ran a 10K yesterday. One of the participants was wearing his Marine Corps shirt and running with a POW/MIA flag. He had a running chant going the entire race. I ran with him for about a mile. He was the right inspiration for a Memorial weekend run.
693 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
It is hard to find words that express enough gratitude for our service men and women. They are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Happy Memorial Day everyone!
31 posts since
Dec 2, 2007
Powerful stuff. Went to the local parade this AM - Son #2 is in his HS Band - so I watched rather than walked. There was a group of anti-war folks there and I found myself explaining to some others that we (vets) spent our time in uniform so ALL Americans can voice their opinion. Granted I think the protest was in poor taste but I chose to ignore them and cheer on the vets, police, firemen, EMS, HS bands, etc. Life in a small town is great. After I got home I went out for a short run. I still wear my Army Tee and Shorts and carry a small flag on most of my runs/races. Most days it's no big deal but today I got quite a few "Go Army" yells as I passed a cook-out or golf course.
Until they all come home I will carry the flag. Thank you all for remembering what todayis all about.
594 posts since
Jan 19, 2008
Jimmy and Immer - thank you so much for sharing those stories. They both made me cry. I'm so proud to "know" all of the people on this board.
827 posts since
Feb 4, 2008
Very nice runs, Jimmy and Immer!!!
2,160 posts since
Nov 19, 2007
Well, I've gotten my office place crying in for the day!  Great stories guys.
2,064 posts since
Aug 21, 2007
Powerful stuff. Went to the local parade this AM - Son #2 is in his HS Band - so I watched rather than walked. There was a group of anti-war folks there and I found myself explaining to some others that we (vets) spent our time in uniform so ALL Americans can voice their opinion. Granted I think the protest was in poor taste but I chose to ignore them and cheer on the vets, police, firemen, EMS, HS bands, etc. Life in a small town is great. After I got home I went out for a short run. I still wear my Army Tee and Shorts and carry a small flag on most of my runs/races. Most days it's no big deal but today I got quite a few "Go Army" yells as I passed a cook-out or golf course.
Until they all come home I will carry the flag. Thank you all for remembering what todayis all about.
That's superb, Slow Feet. I'm with you all the way. Maybe I shoul start carrying a USMC flag when I run! I like that idea.
27 posts since
Mar 6, 2008
Last October someone noticed a small tribute that had been left at the Vietnam Wall and took a picture of it. I came across it somewhere on the 'Net and saved it. It was a 3X5 index card with the following handwritten note: "1 Oct. 2007 For Guido Farinaro, USMC. These are yours, not mine. With Love and Respect, your Platoon Leader, Pete Pace." Attached to the card were the 4 stars that he had worn for the last time as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs the day before at his retirement ceremony.
Will
2,992 posts since
Jan 18, 2008
1,505 posts since
Jan 23, 2008
"I'm very calm about what comes next because of what I learned from Guido and Guido's death, which is we don't control when we're going to die. We do control how we live." Thanks, Len and thank you General Pace.
31 posts since
Dec 2, 2007
I admire GEN Pace greatly and this just pushed my respect even higher. I will carry my little flag very proudly from now on.
330 posts since
Apr 8, 2008
RANT WARNING. Be warned - the following contains a minor rant by Steelers21 (Tim).
We have read and heard some comments recently by those who suggest that dropping out of high school will force a person to "join the army." In other words, according to such people, only fools would sign up for the armed forces of the United States. When I hear these types of comments, I am stunned.
From my uncle, to my father, to my brother-in-law, to my neighbors, and several of my high school classmates - all members of the United States armed forces - I found a common sense of duty, of pride, of sacrifice and self-sacrifice. The people I have known who served in the military exhibited the characteristics that we hope to develop in ourselves - loyalty to friends and family, devotion to the job, a willingness to take on difficult tasks, refusal to take the easy way out.
I think that the disdain some show for armed services personnel comes from not actually spending time with those who serve or have served in the military. I just cannot believe that anybody who spent time with the men and women who joined the service would have a negative opinion of armed forces personnel.
In a country where "me first" is the reigning ideology, the criticism of those who voluntarily offer to serve our country is simply sickening.
1,538 posts since
Jan 19, 2008
Idem ditto.
31 posts since
Dec 2, 2007
Tim -
No rant as far as I'm concerned and I agree with you 100%. News flash - the military does not want, nor do they need drop outs. I challange anybody out there to spend a month with a Combat Arms unit; the Infantry, Artillery,or Armor and see what they really do. Believe me, they are not cannon fodder. The military expects a lot of people, kids barely 1 year out of college are thrust into leadership roles, junior NCO's (Corporal, Sergeant) are leading and training after only a few years in. Think about what a young Corporal has to do when he leads his team on ahouse-to-house search in Sadr City.
To all of the men and women serving, I salute you.
87 posts since
Jan 19, 2008
Hey Lauren
It was very nice of you to start this thread. I appreciate your gracious attitude towards the military. And I have enjoyed the various stories--thanks to all.
I have been pretty fortunate in my career. There have been numerous times when I have been in public in uniform and people will come up to me and say "Thank you for your service." It is really quite touching and I am usually at a loss for words. I do consider it an honor to serve and I always try to thank the people who thank me -- the support means a lot.
I have served for 20 years and all those years have pretty much been in a time when the public support for the military has been strong. But I am very aware of the fact that the Vietnam vets did not receive strong public support. I would like to say a special thanks to those vets who served so honorably despite being spat on and ridiculed. I am proud to follow in your footsteps. Thank you for your service
Dave M
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