THANK YOU VETERANS

[Jake Diebolt]

This may be something of a long post, for those who want to skip.

My grandfather joined the Canadian army in 1940, shortly after Britain (and Canada, a few days later) declared war on Nazi Germany following the invasion of Poland. After training for 'home defense' in Newfoundland, he volunteered to 'go active' - to join the volunteer forces that would go overseas. (Canada didn't start conscription until late 1944, and few conscripts hit the front lines).

On June 6th, 1944, Canadian soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division, First Canadian Army, launched their assault on Juno Beach in Normandy. My Grandfather was in the follow up assault that pushed inland later that day.

From that day until the end of the war, he lived an existence that I cannot comprehend. He took part in the battle of the Falaise Pocket, the Battle of the Scheldt, and the liberation of Holland. He saw friends die, came close to death himself - at one point, a German grenade landed within feet of him...only to be a dud.

He witnessed the bravery of Dutch civilians, who sometimes led Canadian assault boats through the mazes of canals in Holland, in attacks on heavily armed German positions. He witnessed the jubilation of starving people, who welcomed Allied food aid in the famine under German occupation.

When the war ended, he volunteered to join the Canadian Army Occupation force, and served there until late 1946, when he was finally rotated home.

My father only heard him speak of the war two times: one of those times was to a man who complained bitterly of his service in the home defense forces, while he had been overseas. The second was when I interviewed him as part of a project in High School. With only a couple questions he told me everything he remembered of the war - including a memorable experience in the Parisian subway system, a novelty to a country boy from rural Ontario. He remarked on his sympathy with the German people, who he could not blame for their subjugation under Nazi rule.

He died on Christmas Eve a few years ago.

My generation, on the whole, is in danger of losing their connection with those time - with the sacrifices demanded of entire countries, of families, and of individuals. Many of my classmates learned about it in school, watched the movies, and moved on. My own connection is tenuous - but I have tried all I can to learn about the wars in which we have fought. I feel the need to understand, in the hopes that I can learn from it - and remember.

[ARCHER2]

God bless you all and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  

[Straight Shootin']

Thank you and God's Speed to all fellow VETS!

[Wolfshead]

Thank you all!

[centaur]

Jake,
Great post. Those who fought for the Allies in WW2 kept the free world free. A salute to all those Allied forces that kept the Axis from conquering the world.

[toddster]

Semper Fidelis to all my brothers and sisters, whom has sacrificed so much so we have what we do, yes I shall shed a tear on this day and am not ashamed of it.  For having unalienable right's and to hold these truth to be self evident are not just words, but a belief that binds us all and a purpose worth sacrifice.
"From time to time, the tree of Liberty must be restored with the blood of Patriots".
God Bless America and the great People whom make it!

[steadman]

Thank you!!

[Eric Krewson]

I would like to encourage all vets to wear their dog tags visibly on Veterans day. All of the young "Me" generation folk out their need to know how many of us served our country when called upon.

Army Jan 67-Dec 69

[Craig Schoneberg]

Thank you to all who have served and are still serving.

During this bow season keep our Military Personnel in your thoughts when processing your deer.  Have 15-20 pounds made in to jerky and send it to a Soldier serving in harms way.  

Since the 2009 season I have taken venison donations and had it made in to jerky.  To date I have sent in excess of 3,000 pounds of finished venison jerky.

Just had an email from a Soldier this morning requesting more for friends -  it will be February before I have more to ship.  

Keep in mind - even if it's just a couple pounds of jerky, it means a great deal to our Soldiers.

[Shedrock]

Thank you all      

[Stalker58]

Thank you, to all my fellow military brothers and sisters for your service.
Steve Darcy -US Navy 1977-1981

[187BOWHUNTER]

ooorah!

[Mudd]

I think I can safely speak for a lot of Veterans.

We gladly served our country and are proud of that service.

We deeply appreciate the gratitude being shown to us today.(and tomorrow)

It is very unlike when those who served in Vietnam returned home.

Thank you for recognizing the sacrifices that were and are still being made on behalf of all Americans...... and by all, I mean all..... regardless of race, color, creed, or sex.

God bless,Mudd

[Keefer]

God Bless each and every one of you who served in any branch of the military and I Thank you for your service ...You may at times think no one cares due to the way the country is heading But I do and always will be greatful to each of you who fought to keep us safe and for those who continue to do so...A Big Salute to you all..God Bless America and please God I pray you will heal our Nation once again ...

[Danny Rowan]

God Bless all of us and thank each and everyone of you for your service.  Gladly served for 22 years in the US Navy retired as a CPO in 1993. Still serving my country with US CBP. 4 more years and I will finally retire again.

[owlbait]

Naval Aviation 1973-1977. Thank you and Thanks to you!

[joe ashton]

I would not be able to do all the stuff I do without the military making this great country safe... thanks. I appreciate it.

[Don Batten]

29 years ago today I returned to FT Bragg from a 16 day jaunt to the island of Grenada. All my buddies came home with me. Prayers and thanks to all the buddies who haven't made it home since then.

[Don Batten]

[ichibuns]

Thou I Walked In The Valley Of Death I Shall Fear No Evil With Thy Bow In Hand And A Quiver Full Of Arrowa And The Lord By Side I SHALL FEAR NO EVIL