THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE VETERANS

[kville]

Special thanks to my Father in law Bill Smith of Kirbyville U.S. Army retired. Thank you for your service


Thank you to all of our Veterans past and present

[skipper]

i will 2nd that.GOD BLESS AMERICA

[WOSgrad]

Amen!  Because of what you Veterans have sacrificed, we can do this.

Thanks to Veterans who sacrificed so much and thanks and prayers to the families of Veterans who sacrificed all.

[wildcat_in_pink]

Thank you Big Pa and i wouldalso like tothankmy brother who is serving in the US Army now!!! we all love and thank you

[liltex]

Special thanks out to all my bro and sisters who have proudly served.OhRah out to all my bros/sisters who have served w/the USMC,all you leathernecks/devil dogs happy 235 th birthday.Golden Corral rest. is serving those that served today 5-9 free of chg ;) 8)

[Lefty99]

Good post Kville68!  Both of my grandfathers served in the Army, 1 in WWII and the other during the Korean Conflict.  Also a special thanks to my uncle who was a Marine during the Vietnam War.  Thank you Veterans for all that you did and continue to do for us on a daily basis!  God Bless You All!

[rollinac]

Special thanks to some friends who will never be able to read this:
Nate Dalley
Steve Frank
Dennis Pintor
Chris Johnson
Ralph Harting III

[elhector1]

Thankfully, I am here to read it...You're welcome!

OS/NC1 US Navy  Frigate sailor

2 Western Pacific Cruises...once off the coast of Iran during the hostage rescue attempt, the second escorting tankers out of the Persian Gulf, right before the mine strike by the USS Samuel B. Roberts. 

[NaturalBeauty80]

[color=purple][size=12pt][font=Comic Sans MS]i love veterans!  thank you so much for all that you did and do for this great natioins.  happy veterns day and may God continue to bless you and yours.[/font][/size][/color]

[attackpack]

Thanks for thinking of us.  I enjoyed my 5yrs in the US Army.  2 in Germany and 2 at Ft. Polk during Panama and Desert Storm.

[Gasilla]

Thanks guys for your commitment to this great country!

[liltex]

It's been noted many times but for those that never knew.11 Ripkowski bros from1 family served in the same war :o 8)

[tpriddy]

Found this on another site. I saw it when I was serving this proud country of mine.

Merry Christmas, My Friend



Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.


I had come down the chimney, with presents to give and to see just who in this home did live.


As I looked all about, a strange sight did I see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.


No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand. On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.


With medals and badges, awards of all kind, a sobering thought soon came to my mind.


For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen. This was the home of a U.S. Marine.


I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more, so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.


And there he lay sleeping, silent alone. Curled up in the floor in his one-bedroom home.


He seemed so gentle, his face so serene. Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.


Was this the hero, of whom I'd just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?


His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan. I soon understood, this was more than a man.


For I realized the families that I saw that night, owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.


Soon around the Nation, the children would play. And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.


They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year, because of Marines like this one lying here.


I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.


Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye. I dropped to my knees and started to cry.


He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice, "Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice. I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more. My life is my God, my country, my Corps."


With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.


I watched him for hours, so silent and still. I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.


So I took off my jacket, the one made of red, and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.


Then I put on his t-shirt of scarlet and gold, with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.


And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride, and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.


I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night. This guardian of honor so willing to fight.


But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure, said "Carry on, Santa, its Christmas day, all secure."


One look at my watch and I knew he was right, Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.


This poem was written in 1986 by James M. Schmidt, who was a Lance Corporal stationed in Washington, D.C., at the time.

[chris.allen]

I must say Thank you for your support.  Having a strong support group is very important for all of us.