Thank a Soldier thread

[plugcrazy]

Read this

[strikezone31]

We have a great thread on this site called tribute to fallen soldiers. Almost every day you see stories of veterans. I thought it was worth some thoughtful words of thanks and examples on how people are paying tribute to those who fought to defend our country.

Red, white and blue, through and through
by Jeff Passan
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The flag traveled around the world and through the deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq. Sgt. Felix Perez brought it from home as a reminder and an amulet. The flag never left his Army backpack.

It accompanied Perez to Dolphin Stadium on Tuesday night. He needed some luck for his team, the United States, in its must-win World Baseball Classic game against Puerto Rico. Perez wore a Team USA hat and a Team USA hoodie, and his little sister, Jessica, draped his flag across her shoulders. The United States’ 6-5 come-from-behind victory in the ninth inning sent them into a frenzy. She danced around. He sat in his motorized wheelchair and roared.

On the way out, the 27-year-old Perez placed the flag in his lap and leaned over to a security guard manning Gate G. He was hoping some players from Team USA might sign it. The security guard led Perez and his sister to the U.S. clubhouse, and the flag went inside.

“The next thing I know,” Perez said, “I’m getting called to come back in there.”

And so began the coolest 30 minutes of Felix Perez’s life. On an evening when he felt especially proud to be an American – when a group of his sporting heroes wearing his country’s name across their chests banded together to win a game they had no business winning – Perez found himself surrounded by them, doused with celebratory Miller Lites, with the American flag that was with him during the worst moment of his life passed around the room and signed by every player on the team.
“Everybody,” Perez said.



Then they handed him a ball filled with signatures.
“Everybody,” Perez said.
The half-hour went too fast.Jimmy Rollins, who scored the winning run, wanted to chat more. David Wright, who drove it in, couldn’t hear enough about how the New York Mets are Perez’s favorite team. Almost half the team surrounded Perez for a photograph, the flag draped around his torso, a smile on every face, and none brighter than his.

“I’m just happy to see him happy,” Jessica said.

It’s been four years since Perez returned from the Middle East, where he spent four years. He enlisted after his 17th birthday and was in Afghanistan by the time he turned 20. He doesn’t like to talk about his injury. Some wounds don’t heal.

Perez played ball growing up in North Bergen, N.J., and still loves watching the sport. He attended Team USA’s first WBC game here, an 11-1 mercy-rule loss to Puerto Rico. When the Americans beat the Netherlands to stay alive, Perez woke up at 9 the next morning, called the box office and bought three tickets.
The stadium, practically empty at first pitch, filled to 13,224 by game’s end. It deserved more eyes. Puerto Rico scored in the sixth inning to break a 3-3 tie and tacked on an insurance run in the ninth for a two-run lead. The Americans, about to get bumped from the second straight WBC before the semifinals, needed something divine. Shane Victorino singled to right field. Brian Roberts singled to center. And then Roberts, who had joined Team USA just two days earlier to replace the injured Dustin Pedroia, stole second base – even though coaches laid down the hold sign. Roberts hadn’t quite learned the signs yet.

A walk to Rollins, and another to Kevin Youkilis, and the U.S. had cut the deficit to one run. Wright laced a 2-1 pitch from Fernando Cabrera down the right-field line, and out charged all of Team USA, from the bench and the bullpen, in a bull rush to home plate, then to greet Wright. His teammates kept pushing Wright, joyous and unbridled shoves, until he fell down and they buried his face in the dirt.

“I never thought that we’d be dog piling in March,” Wright said.
No one did. The malaise that clouded the previous games involving Team USA seemed infectious. For every Felix Perez, there were dozens, sometimes hundreds, of fans rooting for the opposing team. Every WBC game thus far, even the ones in Florida, felt like it was on the road.

Not even that dampened the Americans’ enthusiasm. They play Venezuela on Wednesday to determine seeding in Los Angeles, where they’ll face either Korea or the winner of Wednesday’s Japan-Cuba knockout game – and perhaps with a few more supporters who can appreciate what Team USA accomplished Tuesday.

“That was the greatest game I’ve ever been a part of,” catcher Brain McCann said. “Ever.”

Same went for Perez. He said he would rather Team USA win the WBC than the Mets win a World Series.

“We’re the U.S.,” Perez said. “This is our game. … This is the world. You’re representing your country. What is more honorable than representing your country?”

Team USA’s manager, Davey Johnson, grew up an Army brat, his father a prisoner-of-war in World War II.
“There is nothing more honorable,” he said.

Wright was raised near Naval Station Norfolk, one of the largest military bases in the country.

“When you see those guys and get a chance to see how much it means to them, that makes it extra special,” he said. “They take a lot of pride in that red, white and blue, and to have USA across your chest and have supporters like that – that’s what this tournament means.”

Outside the clubhouse, Perez started moving toward the stadium exit. His dad, Felix, had called. He was wondering where Perez and Jessica had gone. They were headed back to the car, Jessica said. They had a pretty amazing souvenir.
A minute later, Rollins walked by and spotted Perez.
“All right, baby,” he said. “Keep a smile on your face.”
“Hey,” Perez said, “as long as you keep swinging the bat, I’ll be happy.”

Perez lifted his right arm as high as he could to wave goodbye. He wasn’t sure he’d see these guys again. He said he might fly to Los Angeles for the finals. He doesn’t know.

Perez moved his hands onto the flag. It’s a struggle, but he wanted to touch his prize. He plans on hanging it next to his other American flag, the one his friends in the 82nd Airborne sent to him when he was injured.
The old flag’s traveling days are over. Sgt. Felix Perez brought it to his home Tuesday night as a reminder and an amulet. The flag never will leave his heart.

[DarkSkies]

I neglected to put this thread up earlier, sorry. I was trying to finish up a few things to get in on the crazy bite, but the weather put a crimp in those plans. :burn: Congrats to the lucky few who were able to be out this AM.

I was talking to a friend who's a Veteran today, all the fishin talk we did, I forgot to thank him for his service. :thumbsup:

There are thousands of Vets out there, not just WWI, WWIII, Korea, Vietnam, but from Afghanistan, Iraq, Grenada, and many who served during peacetime, but served their country nonetheless. I heard on the radio that NJ alone has 452, 000 vets living here.

My Dad was a Vet. My brother is one too. Some of my uncles as well, living and dead.

Mike, Nashif, who runs the "Take a Soldier fishing" program, and is a member here, is a Vet who helps other vets. If you have a chance, take a look at these threads.

Take a soldier fishing:
http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=1628

Tribute to fallen soldiers:
http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=214


I hereby offer a warm and hearty "Thank you!!!" to all the Vets out there. :clapping::clapping: :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Whether you served in a war or not, your decision to enlist and serve your country was a noble one not everyone would make.

We live in a society where selfishness is the norm, and everyone who makes the decision to enlist commits the ultimate act of "selfless -ness". Their reasons and motives are varied, but they still put themselves at risk. Some pay with their time, others have paid with their lives.

Please try to thank someone you know who's a vet. It doesn't have to be today, it can be any day you run into them. I thanked quite a few retired Vets over the weekend when I saw the hats they were wearing on the beach.

Getting thanks from a stranger for serving your country.....

that never gets old. :thumbsup:

So if you were occupied with other things today and didn't get to thank someone, say it tomorrow, or the next day, whenever you get the chance. The only significance for today is to set aside a day to remember them. You can thank them any day of the year, and believe me, it means a lot to them. :thumbsup:

Thanks for reading.

[Pebbles]

Thats a nice post Rich. To many people forget to thank our veterans. In the schools they don't teach about veterans day anymore. It is our responsibility to teach the younger generation about the sacrifices the Veterans have made to make this a better place to live.

I was out tonight with an veteran. He was telling me how he served in the navy. It is nice to hear their stories. I think most of them are proud to tell it. He was so happy because he had a free dinner at Apple Bees. It must have been his lucky day because he won $100 at Bingo. Thank you Allan and all of the veterans.

[nitestrikes]

I did, my Uncle is a Vet. good post.:thumbsup:

[captnemo]

Religious groups protesting at military funerals.


I hope this is appropriate for this thread, if not mods please move it. It is about religious groups protesting at military funerals. Now a judge said the victims have to $16,ooo in damages. I hope the churches don't win. This is despicable.:burn:


http://www.matthewsnyder.org/Documents.html

[DarkSkies]

Mission:


"To show our service men & women of all branches that we support them and appreciate the sacrifices they make every day for our countries and for all of us who are blessed to live in a free world."


Feel free to post up any messages, pics, videos, or e-mail forwards about the soldiers who serve our country and keep America free. :thumbsup:

[DarkSkies]

Ak4jFODlj7c

[rip316]

Awesome video.

[DarkSkies]

Sent in by Finchaser, thanks!
Very moving pics.


http://mordru.multiply.com/photos/album/17/FW_WHEN_A_SOLDIER_COMES_HOME_-_Stop_Thank_Him_or_Her

[DarkSkies]

Sent in by finchaser, thanks!




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TslZ8IfT66A







This is the Australian Submarine Navy doing a live torpedo practice shot on one of their decommissioned ships.
They used a Mk 48 torpedo developed in the USA . It is non nuclear and not a contact weapon.
It is designed to go off directly underneath the ship at about 50 feet under the keel.
The effect is devastating as you can see from the video.

[clamchucker]

Sent in by Finchaser, thanks!
Very moving pics.



We all should realize how unssettled our lives could be if not for the protection by US armed forces. Many folks living in these occupied countries don't know if they will be alive or dead at the end of the day. That is a terrible way to live and we are very fortunate to not be subjected to that.

[DarkSkies]

Sent in by OGB, thanks!
I tell ya, Gene is an old man now, but that doesn't make his chops any different. I had chills runnin down my spine when I watched this.
God bless American pride, WTG Gene! :clapping: :clapping: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:



http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=5MtdIO23MKM

[DarkSkies]

Sent to me by Pebbles' Mom, thanks! :HappyWave:

This was a tough read, if it doesn't make ya shudder, I don't know what will. :thumbsup:




Subject: CEMETERY WATCHMAN


My friend Kevin and I are volunteers at a National cemetery in Oklahoma and put in a few days a month in a 'slightly larger' uniform.
Today had been a long, long day and I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey's and have a cold one. Sneaking a look at my watch, I saw the time,16:55. Five minutes to go before the cemetery gates are closed for the day. Full dress was hot in the August sun Oklahoma summertime was as bad as ever--the heat and humidity at the same level--both too high.
I saw the car pull into the drive, '69 or '70 model Cadillac Deville, looked factory-new. It pulled into the parking lot at a snail's pace.. An old woman got out so slow I thought she was paralyzed; she had a cane and a sheaf of flowers--about four or five bunches as best I could tell.

I couldn't help myself. The thought came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste: 'She's going to spend an hour, and for this old soldier, my hip hurts like hell and I'm ready to get out of here right now!' But for this day, my duty was to assist anyone coming in.

Kevin would lock the 'In' gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along, we might make it to Smokey's in time.

I broke post attention. My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch. I must have made a real military sight: middle-aged man with a small pot gut and half a limp, in marine full-dress uniform, which had lost its razor crease about thirty minutes after I began the watch at the cemetery.

I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk. She looked up at me with an old woman's squint.

'Ma'am, may I assist you in any way?'

She took long enough to answer.

'Yes, son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days.'

'My pleasure, ma'am.' (Well, it wasn't too much of a lie.)

She looked again. 'Marine, where were you stationed?'

' Vietnam, ma'am.. Ground-pounder. '69 to '71.'

She looked at me closer. 'Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine. I'll be as quick as I can.'

I lied a little bigger: 'No hurry, ma'am.'

She smiled and winked at me. 'Son, I'm 85-years-old and I can tell a lie from a long way off.. Let's get this done. Might be the last time I can do this. My name's Joanne Wieserman, and I've a few Marines I'd like to see one more time.'

'Yes, ma 'am. At your service.'

She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone. She picked one of the flower bunches out of my arm and laid it on top of the stone. She murmured something I couldn't quite make out.. The name on the marble was Donald S. Davidson, USMC: France1918.

She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone. I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek. She put a bunch on a stone; the name was Stephen X.Davidson, USMC, 1943.

She went up the row a ways and laid another bunch on a stone, StanleyJ. Wieserman, USMC, 1944..

She paused for a second and more tears flowed. 'Two more, son, and we'll be done'

I almost didn't say anything, but, 'Yes, ma'am. Take your time.'

She looked confused.. 'Where's the Vietnam section, son? I seem to have lost my way.'

I pointed with my chin. 'That way, ma'am.'

'Oh!' she chuckled quietly. 'Son, me and old age ain't too friendly.'

She headed down the walk I'd pointed at. She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted. She placed a bunch on Larry Wieserman, USMC, 1968, and the last on Darrel Wieserman, USMC, 1970. She stood there and murmured a few words I still couldn't make out and more tears flowed.

'OK, son, I'm finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home.'
Yes, ma'am. If I may ask, were those your kinfolk?'

She paused. 'Yes, Donald Davidson was my father,Stephen was my uncle, Stanley was my husband,Larry and Darrel were our sons. All killed in action, all Marines.'

She stopped! Whether she had finished, or couldn't finish, I don't know. She made her way to her car, slowly and painfully.
I waited for a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin, waiting by the car.
'Get to the 'Out' gate quick.. I have something I've got to do.'


Kevin started to say something, but saw the look I gave him. He broke the rules to get us there down the service road fast. We beat her. She hadn't made it around the rotunda yet.

'Kevin, stand at attention next to the gatepost. Follow my lead.' I humped it across the drive to the other post

When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate, I called in my best gunny's voice: 'TehenHut! Present Haaaarms!'

I have to hand it to Kevin; he never blinked an eye--full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud.
She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send-off she deserved, for service rendered to her country, and for knowing duty, honor and sacrifice far beyond the realm of most.

I am not sure, but I think I saw a salute returned from that Cadillac.

Instead of 'The End,' just think of 'Taps.'

As a final thought on my part, let me share a favorite prayer: 'Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe, whether they serve at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us.'

Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before in our thoughts. They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy.
'In God We Trust.'
Sorry about your monitor; it made mine blurry too!

If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under!

[cowherder]

Beautiful! Thanks for posting.

[DarkSkies]

Sent in by Fin, thanks!



This is pretty neat.....(30 second video) ...
Have you ever seen one of our military walking past you and wanted to convey to them your thanks, but weren't sure how or it felt awkward?


Recently, a gentleman from Seattle created a gesture which could be used and has started a movement to get the word out.


Please everybody take just a moment to watch.... The Gratitude Campaign; .......and then forward it to your friends! THEN START USING THE SIGN.


CLICK HERE


http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php

Please pass it on!

[wish4fish]

very cool dark, i will do that next time i see a soldier thanxx finchaser!

[strikezone31]

Ditto, thank you Sir.

[bababooey]

Interesting, and simple. Thanks ogb!

[clamchucker]

Thank you for posting the gratitude campaign finchaser and dark skies. It means a lot to those active military. Here is a memory from the past for you folks, the Real Charlie Brown, true story.




Look carefully at the B-17 and note how shot up it is - one engine dead, tail, horizontal stabilizer and nose shot up.. It was ready to fall out of the sky. (This is a painting done by an artist from the description of both pilots many years later.) Then realize that there is a German ME-109 fighter flying next to it. Now read the story below. I think you'll be surprised ..

> Charlie Brown was a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot with the 379th Bomber Group at Kimbolton, England . His B-17 was called 'Ye Old Pub' and was in a terrible state, having been hit by flak and fighters. The compass was damaged and they were flying deeper over enemy territory instead of heading home to Kimbolton.
> After flying the B-17 over an enemy airfield, a German pilot named Franz Stigler was ordered to take off and shoot down the B-17. When he got near the B-17, he could not believe his eyes. In his words, he 'had never seen a plane in such a bad state'. The tail and rear section was severely damaged, and the tail gunner wounded. The top gunner was all over the top of the fuselage. The nose was smashed and there were holes everywhere.
> Despite having ammunition, Franz flew to the side of the B-17 and looked at Charlie Brown, the pilot. Brown was scared and struggling to control his damaged and blood-stained plane.
> BF-109 pilot Franz Stigler B-17 pilot Charlie Brown


Aware that they had no idea where they were going, Franz waved at Charlie to turn 180 degrees. Franz escorted and guided the stricken plane to, and slightly over, the North Sea towards England . He then saluted Charlie Brown and turned away, back to Europe . When Franz landed he told the CO that the plane had been shot down over the sea, and never told the truth to anybody. Charlie Brown and the remains of his crew told all at their briefing, but were ordered never to talk about it.


> More than 40 years later, Charlie Brown wanted to find the Luftwaffe pilot who saved the crew. After years of research, Franz was found. He had never talked about the incident, not even at post-war reunions.
> They met in the USA at a 379th Bomber Group reunion, together with 25 people who are alive now - all because Franz never fired his guns that day.
> (L-R) German Ace Franz Stigler, artist Ernie Boyett, and B-17 pilot Charlie Brown.
> When asked why he didn't shoot them down, Stigler later said, "I didn't have the heart to finish those brave men. I flew beside them for a long time. They were trying desperately to get home and I was going to let them do that. I could not have shot at them. It would have been the same as shooting at a man in a parachute."



Both men died in 2008




This is a true story! http://www.snopes.com/military/charliebrown.asp (http://www.google.com/url?sa=D&q=http://www.snopes.com/military/charliebrown.asp)


> THIS WAS BACK IN THE DAYS WHEN THERE WAS HONOR IN BEING A WARRIOR .... THEY PROUDLY WORE UNIFORMS, AND THEY DIDN'T HIDE IN AMBUSH INSIDE A MOSQUE, OR BEHIND WOMEN AND CHILDREN, NOR DID THEY USE MENTALLY RETARDED WOMEN AS SUICIDE BOMBERS TO TARGET AND KILL INNOCENT CIVILIANS .... HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED ...


__________________________________________________ _______________
Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft.
http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469230/direct/01/ (http://www.google.com/url?sa=D&q=http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469230/direct/01/)

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[ledhead36]

Great story clamchucker. Thanks for posting.

[DarkSkies]

Sent by Surfstix, thanks!



THE ONLY FLAG THAT DOESN'T FLY!

Between the fields where the flag is planted, there are 9+ miles of flower
Fields that go all the way to the ocean. The flowers are grown by seed
Companies. It's a beautiful place, close to Vandenberg AFB. Check out
The dimensions of the flag. The Floral Flag is 740 feet long and 390 feet
Wide and maintains the proper Flag dimensions, as described in Executive
Order #10834. This Flag is 6.65 acres and is the first Floral Flag to be
Planted with 5 pointed Stars, comprised of White Larkspur. Each Star is
24 feet in diameter; each Stripe is 30 feet wide. This Flag is estimated to
contain more than 400,000 Larkspur plants, with 4-5 flower stems each,
for a total of more than 2 million flowers.
For our soldiers....Please don't break it!


13742

When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our
servicemen. There is nothing attached.... Just send this to all the people
in your address book. Do not stop the wheel, please.

[captnemo]

Very inspiring.

[DarkSkies]

The next time you are whining about having a bad day at work, or the trafffic, please think of these guys.....

Sent in by Finchaser, thanks!

http://www.moww-fw.org/WhenASoldierComesHome.htm

[bluesdude71]

So true, thanks to the soldiers.

[hookset]

An Old Soldier Died Today



He was getting
old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew whereof he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For old Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.

He won’t be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Someone who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end?

He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

[DarkSkies]

To all the service members I have met, either active or discharged, a big thanks for all you have done to help protect our country....:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapping:

16625

[DarkSkies]

Another big thanks :clapping:


16632

[DarkSkies]

Sent in by Fin, thanks. :thumbsup:



What an interesting story................about TRUE American heroes. God Bless them all.









On Tuesday, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the surviving Doolittle Raiders gathered publicly for the last time.


They once were among the most universally admired and revered men in the United States. There were 80 of the Raiders in April 1942, when they carried out one of the most courageous and heart-stirring military operations in this nation's history. The mere mention of their unit's name, in those years, would bring tears to the eyes of grateful Americans.


Now only four survive.





After Japan's sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, with the United States reeling and wounded, something dramatic was needed to turn the war effort around.


Even though there were no friendly airfields close enough to Japan for the United States to launch a retaliation, a daring plan was devised. Sixteen B-25s were modified so that they could take off from the deck of an aircraft carrier. This had never before been tried -- sending such big, heavy bombers from a carrier.


The 16 five-man crews, under the command of Lt. Col. James Doolittle, who himself flew the lead plane off the USS Hornet, knew that they would not be able to return to the carrier. They would have to hit Japan and then hope to make it to China for a safe landing.


But on the day of the raid, the Japanese military caught wind of the plan. The Raiders were told that they would have to take off from much farther out in the Pacific Ocean than they had counted on. They were told that because of this they would not have enough fuel to make it to safety.


And those men went anyway.


They bombed Tokyo, and then flew as far as they could. Four planes crash-landed; 11 more crews bailed out, and three of the Raiders died. Eight more were captured; three were executed. Another died of starvation in a Japanese prison camp. One crew made it to Russia.


The Doolittle Raid sent a message from the United States to its enemies, and to the rest of the world: We will fight. And, no matter what it takes, we will win.


Of the 80 Raiders, 62 survived the war. They were celebrated as national heroes, models of bravery. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer produced a motion picture based on the raid; "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo," starring Spencer Tracy and Van Johnson, was a patriotic and emotional box-office hit, and the phrase became part of the national lexicon. In the movie-theater previews for the film, MGM proclaimed that it was presenting the story "with supreme pride."


Beginning in 1946, the surviving Raiders have held a reunion each April, to commemorate the mission. The reunion is in a different city each year. In 1959, the city of Tucson, Arizona, as a gesture of respect and gratitude, presented the Doolittle Raiders with a set of 80 silver goblets. Each goblet was engraved with the name of a Raider.


Every year, a wooden display case bearing all 80 goblets is transported to the reunion city. Each time a Raider passes away, his goblet is turned upside down in the case at the next reunion, as his old friends bear solemn witness.


Also in the wooden case is a bottle of 1896 Hennessy Very Special cognac. The year is not happenstance: 1896 was when Jimmy Doolittle was born.

There has always been a plan: When there are only two surviving Raiders, they would open the bottle, at last drink from it, and toast their comrades who preceded them in death.


As 2013 began, there were five living Raiders; then, in February, Tom Griffin passed away at age 96. What a man he was. After bailing out of his plane over a mountainous Chinese forest after the Tokyo raid, he became ill with malaria, and almost died. When he recovered, he was sent to Europe to fly more combat missions. He was shot down, captured, and spent 22 months in a German prisoner of war camp.
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The selflessness of these men, the sheer guts ... there was a passage in the Cincinnati Enquirer obituary for Mr. Griffin that, on the surface, had nothing to do with the war, but that emblematizes the depth of his sense of duty and devotion:"When his wife became ill and needed to go into a nursing home, he visited her every day. He walked from his house to the nursing home, fed his wife and at the end of the day brought home her clothes. At night, he washed and ironed her clothes. Then he walked them up to her room the next morning. He did that for three years until her death in 2005."














So now, out of the original 80, only four Raiders remain: **** Cole (Doolittle's co-pilot on the Tokyo raid), Robert Hite, Edward Saylor and David Thatcher. All are in their 90s. They have decided that there are too few of them for the public reunions to continue.
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The events in Fort Walton Beach this week will mark the end. It has come full circle; Florida's nearby Eglin Field was where the Raiders trained in secrecy for the Tokyo mission. The town is planning to do all it can to honor the men: a six-day celebration of their valor, including luncheons, a dinner and a parade.


Do the men ever wonder if those of us for whom they helped save the country have tended to it in a way that is worthy of their sacrifice? They don't talk about that, at least not around other people. But if you find yourself near Fort Walton Beach this week, and if you should encounter any of the Raiders, you might want to offer them a word of thanks. I can tell you from first hand observation that they appreciate hearing that they are remembered.


The men have decided that after this final public reunion they will wait until a later date -- some time this year -- to get together once more, informally and in absolute privacy. That is when they will open the bottle of brandy. The years are flowing by too swiftly now; they are not going to wait until there are only two of them. They will fill the four remaining upturned goblets. And raise them in a toast to those who are gone.

[DarkSkies]

Taylor Morris Quad Amputee...sent in by Fin, thanks.
Had a lump in my throat as I watched this.....simply awe-inspiring...thanks for the inspiration Taylor and Danielle...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opWV472p5NQ

Here is his website for those who want to keep up with his life...
http://www.taylormorris.org/home/

[voyager35]

That was touching. Doolittle raiders and Taylor Morris thank you for your service.

[bababooey]

^^^^^x2 thanks for the posts great inspiration.

[rockhopper]

Awesome!

[captnemo]

There was a Vietnam vets memorial dedication today. Thank you to all who served. The details-

"May 7, we will be dedicating the fully restored Huey at the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial at PNC Arts Center in Holmdel. Ceremony is at 11 a.m.

Featured speaker is Rocky Blier, who was seriously wounded in Nam and recovered sufficiently to play with the Pittsburg Steelers Super Bowl teams. I met him in Washington, at the National VVN memorial, several years ago and he has an amazing story.

The Huey doesn't have any unit insignia; instead it will represent all chopper outfits that served there. Several members of my Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter were part of the restoration team. Did a hell of a job!

If you haven't been to the complex, it's well worth your time. It's the only Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the country that has an Educational Center, in addition to the actual Memorial."

[buckethead]

x2 thanks to all