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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-27-05....Military Monday
Billie, The Mayor

Posted on 12/26/2005 7:07:07 PM PST by The Mayor




A Few of FR's Finest
....Every Day
FR is a Treasure Trove of talented, compassionate, patriotic, wonderful people who gather every day to discuss the latest news and issues; salute and support our military and our leaders;  tell a few jokes;  learn a new word;  write poetry;  pray for those in need;  and congratulate those who are deserving. Thank you, Jim Robinson, for giving us the vehicle in which we can express ourselves.
Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.






A Few of FR's Finest November 11, 2001

So many people have written me since my original Veteran's Day Tribute, asking how they, or a loved one, could be included in that tribute. Since I could no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I had been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.
Still that didn't seem to be enough. I think there's never been a better nor more appropriate time to keep the faces of our own Veterans and Active Military in front of FReepers--every day! That's why I wanted to do yet another Daily Thread .....ABOUT FReepers .....and FOR FReepers. But not only about our Military FReepers; for all FReepers! Wouldn't it be nice to get to know a few of the other FReepers as well? That's why we've created a place for just that. This is a friendly room in JimRob's house where FReeper FRiends can gather every day and just say hello if that's all they want to do.
There's more of course. We sometimes feature different FReepers, with a little background information on who they are and what makes them who they are, along with a few photos you might not have seen on other threads; sometimes others write an essay for us to post as the feature for the day; sometimes our presentation is a human interest story found elsewhere that you might not have read; sometimes special holiday threads; but whatever the topic of the day, it is always with FR's Finest in mind and that is YOU!
If you would like to be featured, or would like to see someone else featured, please send me a private FR mail.
Every Monday we will post the photos of FR's Military Personnel that I have collected and put into groups; these will be available to view through a link the remainder of the week - every day just a click away. :)   If you would like to add a photo of yourself or a loved one in the military, past or present, please let me know; I will hold it until I have enough for a new group.
Thank you, and please have fun with us...every day! ~ Billie

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank You For Serving Our Country!

TOP: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete
MIDDLE:  T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
BOTTOM:  YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1



TOP:  Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet
MIDDLE:  4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga
BOTTOM:  Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc



TOP:  mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette
MIDDLE:  Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid
BOTTOM:  gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf



TOP:  porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP
MIDDLE:  RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian
BOTTOM:  USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma



TOP:  g'nad, AgThorn's son Justin, SLB, AgThorn's son Brett.
MIDDLE:  fish70, razorback-bert, CheneyChick,Leroy S Mort, Mark17.
BOTTOM:  Terry's Take, Taxman, DinkyDau.



TOP:  ValerieUSA's son Grant, SK1Thurman, kd5cts, RangerVetNam,
dansangel and .45man's son-in-law Tony
BOTTOM:  rangerX, Old China Hand, Trish, Howlin's dad, Mustang



TOP: ohioWfan's son, MamaBear's father-in-law, MamaBear's dad, ladtx
MIDDLE:  The Mayor's niece, M.Kehoe, Beach_Babe's son-in-law
BOTTOM:  deadhead's dad, HiJinx, Severa's hubby, viligantcitizen's granddad.



TOP:  spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68.
MIDDLE:  FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797
BOTTOM:  usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack



TOP:  Q6-God, Scan59, Mama Bear and JKPhoto's son, ofMagog.
MIDDLE:  Big'ol_freeper, JustAmy's great uncle, Prodigal Son.
BOTTOM:  JustAmy's husband, JustAmy's brother-in-law, JustAmy's brother.



TOP:  dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7, AlasBabylon.
BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad, Aomagrat.



TOP:  ladtx #2 son; DiverDave's twin Don; petuniasevan and husband
poorman; Mustard; ladtx #1 son;
BOTTOM:  AlamoGirl's brother Floyd; AG's dad; AG's brother Jim (inset);
WVNan's husband; ladtx' Aunt Eva.



TOP: Mo1's dad; BuffyT's Uncle (right, w/ her dad & grandmother); Armymarinemom's 3 sons.
MIDDLE: ru4Liberty's dad; SheLion's husband, MaineRebel; wirestripper.
BOTTOM: fivetoes; bigghurtt; hurricane; ladtx' dad; Pippin's brother.



TOP: Repubmommy's brother, Rose in RoseBear's uncle, BoxerBlues' son Chris, BoxerBlues' son Brent.
BOTTOM: Rose in RoseBear's cousin's hubby, Deadhead's stepdad, Dansy's dad, Misty's brother.



LEFT: Little Pig; TOP: hattend, Old Sarge, Aquamarine's dad.
MIDDLE: HuntsvilleTxVeteran.
BOTTOM: Its_me_K.E.T.'s son, Veloxherc, SeeRushToldU_So.





                     








06-28-05 HALL OF FAME #12

THE WEEKEND THREAD

12-23 thru 26-05...
T.G.I.F. at the Finest

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping'
Every Thursday at the Finest
The guy's good, folks!



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Free Republic; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: freepers; fun; military; monday
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-5051-83 next last

1 posted on 12/26/2005 7:07:09 PM PST by The Mayor
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To: ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; Billie; dutchess; Mama_Bear; dansangel; deadhead; Diver Dave; GailA; ...

December 27, 2005

Unopened Tomorrows

Read:
Matthew 6:25-34

We walk by faith, not by sight. —2 Corinthians 5:7

Bible In One Year: Revelation 7-9

cover We often wish we could see what lies around the corner in life. Then we could prepare for it, control it, or avoid it.

A wise person has said, "Though we can't see around corners, God can." How much better and more reassuring that is!

One day my 10-year-old granddaughter Emily and I were boiling eggs for breakfast. As we stared into the boiling water and wondered how long it would take to get the eggs just right, Emily said, "Pity we can't open them up to see how they're doing." I agreed. But that would have spoiled them, so we had to rely on guesswork, with no guarantee of results.

We began talking about other things we would like to see but can't—like tomorrow. Too bad we can't crack tomorrow open, we said, to see if it's the way we would like it. But meddling with tomorrow before its time, like opening a partly cooked egg, would spoil both today and tomorrow.

Because Jesus has promised to care for us every day—and that includes tomorrow—we can live by faith one day at a time (Matthew 6:33-34).

Emily and I decided to leave tomorrow safely in God's hands. Have you? —Joanie Yoder

I know who holds the future,
And I know who holds my hand;
With God things don't just happen—
Everything by Him is planned. —A. Smith
© 1947 by Singspiration Inc.

You're only cooking up trouble when you stew about tomorrow.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
What Can I Do With My Worry?

2 posted on 12/26/2005 7:08:02 PM PST by The Mayor ( As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.)
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To: The Mayor; Mrs Mayor

Military Monday Bump!!
Thank you for doing this Mayor!
Hope you and Mrs. Mayor had a wonderful Christmas!
Happy New Year!!
*HUGS*


3 posted on 12/26/2005 7:09:18 PM PST by MoJo2001 (www.proudpatriots.org (Support Our Troops)...)
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To: All




Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Dutchess; dollycali;The Mayor; GodBlessUSA , and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Maigrey...................cousin
OhioWfan........................son
mystery-ak..........son, husband
Gogrammy................grandson
Inspectorette...................son
Blessed American..........nephew
Slip18..........................nephew
anniegetyourgun...........nephew
Diver Dave.......niece, nephew
ConspiracyGuy........2 nephews
Pippin..........niece, loved one
Pippin...nephew & his fiancee
weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw
jamaly.................brotherinlaw
Future Snake Eater..........cousin
WaterDragon.............grandson
WaterDragon...........son-in-law
BeforeISleep...................son
kimmie7......................brother
Armymarinemom............3 sons
american_ranger.............son
LadyX.........................grandson
fawn796.......................nephew
Dubya............................nephew
StarCMC......................brother
ValerieUSA..................2 sons
Lakeside......................2 sons
LakeLady.....................nephew
Spruce.....................daughter
Philman_36..............2 nephews
bjcintennessee.......son, niece
Ladysmith..nephew, friend's son
tina07......soninlaw & his friend
Katydidnt..........................son
MontanaCowgirlCop.......brother
Warrior Nurse...........active duty
SK1 Thurman...........active duty
David Osborne.........active duty
fc2tomschermuly......active duty
bkwells..................active duty
LongCut..................active duty
cjk..........................active duty
Trish.......................active duty
ODC-GIRL.................active duty
AF_Blue..................active duty
Notwithstanding.....active duty
thumperusn.............active duty
Q6-God.....................active duty
Q6-God...................twin brother
Veloxherc.................active duty
Don Simmons...........active duty
wingnutx..................active duty
Old Sarge................active duty
Bykrbayb.........................son
Hope and Glory................son
Walkenfree............2 grandsons,
3 nephews, 1 granddaughter
ariamne.....................2 cousins
Zechariah_8_13..brother-in-law, cousin
El Gato.....................nephew
MississippyMuddy.............sister
MississippyMuddy.....2 nephews
Kramster......................stepson
veeceeque................active duty
freema.............. nephew and son
Jemian............................ son
Lone Red Ranger...Brother in law
No Longer Free State ..... active duty
right2parent.................son
Ike..................................son
repubmom......................son
Skyraider........................ son
CMS................... active duty
CyberAnt.................nephew
Jen's mom.............daughter
911angelady...........2 sons
scubachick...............husband
ladtx........................2 sons
Its_me_K.E.T...................son
gator girl.................husband
severa.......husband, brother
Hostel......................cousin
MozartLover......son, nephew
LBGA...............................son
katykelly......................son
cookcounty.....................son
SpookBrat...nephew, cousin
Doug from Upland...son-in-law
Himyar..........................son
boxerblues................2 sons
the piper.........................son
sheeza.......................husband
kemathen7.................husband
Tiffee4Bob.................boyfriend
deadhead......................cousin
JimRobinson.........2 nephews
TexKat..............son, step-son
Consort..2 daughters,son-in-law
Darheel.........................niece
Donaeus......................nephew
dixie sass...................nephew
BeAllYouCanBe...................son
Repubmommy...............brother
AgThorn.........................2 sons
homeschoolmama.......nephew
kneezles.............................son
Rose inRoseBear...cousin's hubby
Skimask.......................Son
Atomic Conspiracy..half-brother
Atomic Conspiracy...nephew
Atomic Conspiracy..........niece
Sunflowergal..............grandson
visualops.......................cousin
Alouette..............................son
mrstank.......................husband
MrsMike31..................husband
eaglesiniowa......................son
auboy............................cousin
spotbust1...................husband
Leofl.................................son
chena................................son
campfollower...................fiance
LUV W..............................son
painter.........................nephew
ProudAFDad......................son
TheMayor....friends'son & nephew
mhking........................cousin
Misty4jc......................husband
Colorado Slim................ nephew
Tapatio.....................2 nephews
CGblue....................active duty
ak_daddoo.....................nephew
DirtyHarryY2K.......daughter,son-in-law
nelibeli.........................nephew
bigghurtt...................Active duty
frankiep....................Active duty
Palladin.......................grandson
Gonzo......................friend's son
jkphoto.........................nephew
JRios1968..................Active Duty
Azbushgal..........................son
rahbert............................son
Kimmykay...........................son
sneakers……….son
NavySEAL F-16 .................son
wolfcreek................daughter
JesseJane ............ cousin.
Roses0508..................son
SoldiersPrayingMom.........son
WakeUpandVote..........brother
mrs tiggywinkle............cousin
MEG33..................grandson






4 posted on 12/26/2005 7:09:19 PM PST by The Mayor ( As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.)
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To: MoJo2001

Hi MoJo..

We had a great Christmas, Thank you!
I Hope you did too..

Happy New Year!


5 posted on 12/26/2005 7:10:50 PM PST by The Mayor ( As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.)
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To: The Mayor; Neets; Billie
Hey Neets. They still have your old moniker on the picture. Could be Billie couldn't change it?

Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous NEW YEAR to ya'all!

5.56mm

6 posted on 12/26/2005 7:16:02 PM PST by M Kehoe
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To: M Kehoe; Billie

Hi M Kehoe, I'm sure Billie will respond to the ping!


7 posted on 12/26/2005 7:19:14 PM PST by The Mayor ( As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.)
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To: The Mayor; All
Hello

Here is the explanation of Boxing Day that put up on the dose I thought maybe the finest would like to see it, I will also put it on yesterday's thread as well

Happy Boxing Day. This maybe a term that many Americans are not familar with in this case let me explain. Boxing Day is the day that follows Christmas Day and in Britain is a public holiday. So for example this year Monday 26th is a holiday in Britain and then the 27th is also a public holiday in lieu of Christmas Day because that fell on the Sunday.

Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. It falls on December 26th, which is also St. Stephen's Day.

Stephen was the first Christian to be martyred for his faith, and he met his death by stoning. Acts 7 v 54 - 60.

There is also a popular Christmas Carol that refers to this day.

GOOD KING WENCESLAS

Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen, When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even. Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel, When a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel.

"Hither, page, and stand by me, if you know it, telling, Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?" "Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain, Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me food and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither, You and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither." Page and monarch, forth they went, forth they went together, Through the cold wind's wild lament and the bitter weather.

"Sire, the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger, Fails my heart, I know not how; I can go no longer." "Mark my footsteps, my good page, tread now in them boldly, You shall find the winter's rage freeze your blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted; Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed. Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing, You who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.


THE HISTORY OF BOXING DAY

The holiday may date from as early as the Middle Ages, but the exact origin is not known. It may have begun with the Lords and Ladies of England, who gave Christmas boxes/gifts to their servants on December 26. Tradition here says that that food etc not used on Christmas Day was "boxed" up the following day and taken to the employees and tennants. Another theory is was started by priests, who opened the church's alms ("charity boxes"), and distributed the contents to the poor and needy.

Popular belief is that modern day Boxing Day is so called because on this day it was the customary for tradesmen to collect their Christmas boxes or gifts in return for good service throughout the year. Also, it included giving money and other gifts to charitable institutions, and the needy. Nowadays with tradesmen not working on Boxing Day many people give money to the dustmen, milkman, postman etc the week before Christmas. Some people may give Christmas fare such as homemade mince pies and sausages rolls instead of actual cash.

In England, this day has become part of the celebrations, of being with family. A day to visit other relations, and to have a rest from the day before, to play fun games. Some families, buy a new game each year or have traditional games that they play each year.

For many people it is the 2 days are a blessing rather than rushing all over the place one day you can visit your parents or have them at your house and the next day do the same with the in-laws or other family members.

St Stephen is the patron saint of horses, so Boxing Day became associated with horse-racing and hunting. Other sports are also held on this day like football and rugby.

My traditional Boxing Day especially in my teens and 20s was spent watching a local semi professional soccer game with dad, turkey sandwiches from the previous day's meal and a bag of sweets from the Christmas collection were taken with us to eat at the game. Mum and nan very often used to go out together for a lunch time meal whilst we were at the game.


8 posted on 12/26/2005 7:48:55 PM PST by snugs (An English Cheney Chick - BIG TIME)
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To: snugs
We got to eat our Christmas Dinner today sharing it with a friend and his dog here is the goose and the dog - not in the same photo I hasten to add :0)


9 posted on 12/26/2005 7:57:54 PM PST by snugs (An English Cheney Chick - BIG TIME)
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To: snugs

Thank you Snugs!


10 posted on 12/26/2005 8:02:11 PM PST by The Mayor ( As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.)
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To: snugs

Hugs,(((( snugs)))).. Thanks for telling us about Boxing Day!


11 posted on 12/26/2005 8:06:43 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: The Mayor; DollyCali; ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; dutchess; Mama_Bear; dansangel; Billie; Aeronaut; ...
Thank You to all who serve our country and to the families who support them.

12 posted on 12/26/2005 8:21:05 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: MEG33

Hi Meg...thanks for the ping!


13 posted on 12/26/2005 8:24:24 PM PST by trussell (Work for God...the retirement benefits are great!)
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To: MEG33
Here are 2 of our traditional shops in Ashford, one is the bakers just round the corner about 2 minutes walk and the other a confetioner and tabaconist in the town centre.


Notice the walking sticks (canes) outside and the pipes in the window

Here is a house just up our road with some Christmas characters outside

14 posted on 12/26/2005 9:15:32 PM PST by snugs (An English Cheney Chick - BIG TIME)
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To: The Mayor

Falling in for muster, yer honor.

Saluting our Armed Forces, Past and Present!


15 posted on 12/26/2005 10:09:39 PM PST by Diver Dave
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To: Diver Dave; the; Mayor; All

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1529600/posts?page=1

A tribute for service members and families
michaelyon.blogspot.com./ ^ | 11/25/05 | michael lyon


Click on his home page for an interesting article on "propaganda".
http://www.michaelyon.blogspot.com./
and view his video at the bottom.


16 posted on 12/27/2005 2:13:19 AM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: The Mayor
Thank you for that lovely devotional reading!

On my local Christian radio station one supporting business tags their short ad with this good reminder:

Those who leave everything
in the Lord's hands
will eventually see
the Lord's hand
in everything.

Merry Christmas!

17 posted on 12/27/2005 3:44:05 AM PST by .30Carbine (Christ Jesus died to save sinners, of whom I am chief)
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To: The Mayor; Dan Lacey; All

18 posted on 12/27/2005 4:16:56 AM PST by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: snugs

I remember cute little shops like that. Just don't see them anymore, it's a darn shame.


19 posted on 12/27/2005 5:34:26 AM PST by The Mayor ( As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.)
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To: Diver Dave

Thanks DD!


20 posted on 12/27/2005 5:34:46 AM PST by The Mayor ( As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.)
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To: MEG33

Thank you Meg, what a great thread!


21 posted on 12/27/2005 5:42:09 AM PST by The Mayor ( As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.)
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To: .30Carbine

Merry Christmas to you and of course Happy New Year!


22 posted on 12/27/2005 5:42:49 AM PST by The Mayor ( As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.)
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To: DollyCali; Dan Lacey

What an Emotional picture that is!

Thank you!


23 posted on 12/27/2005 5:43:52 AM PST by The Mayor ( As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.)
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To: The Mayor
What is so great about those 2 shops is that they are modern thriving businesses not retro curiosity shops. The bakers in particular they supply many of the other shops in Ashford with cakes and sandwiches plus even cater food for business meetings. My company use them every Monday for their lunch time meeting, it is very convenient 2 people just walk across the road and collect 2 platters of sandwiches and cakes. The sandwiches made with freshly baked soft bread with lovely crisp crusts and of course homemade cakes. I am also fortunate that the bakers backs onto our back garden if you go up there about midnight to 2.00am you can smell the bread proving proving.

The little shop in the town centre has quality sweets (candy) but also caters for the everyday chocolate bar eaters, you can be an exclusive box of chocs or just a simple bar or Cadbury's Dairy Milk. A great shop with a great history, at one time their was 2 shops but they closed one down a few years ago but kept the older one.
24 posted on 12/27/2005 5:57:11 AM PST by snugs (An English Cheney Chick - BIG TIME)
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To: The Mayor; All

http://www.angelfire.com/ny5/ItisPeke/VDay.html

..."You will watch the backs of the men next to you as they will watch yours,
no matter the color, or by what name they call God..."

* * *


***THE MANSIONS OF THE LORD***
from the movie "We Were Soldiers"

To fallen soldiers let us sing
Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing
Our broken brothers let us bring
To the Mansions of the Lord

No more bleeding, no more fight
No prayers pleading through the night
Just divine embrace, eternal light
In the Mansions of the Lord

Where no mothers cry and no children weep
We will stand and guard though the angels sleep
While through the ages safely keep
The Mansions of the Lord




Some gave all



25 posted on 12/27/2005 7:22:53 AM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: DollyCali

Misty screen thank you for the picture.


26 posted on 12/27/2005 7:40:01 AM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: snugs; All
How very lovely it is of you to share with us your traditions and descriptions of your surroundings, Eleanor!
I love bakeries, and from your text can almost experience the wafting odors, and 'see' the display cases in it and the confectioner shop.

The history of Boxing Day was especially interesting to me.
"Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. It falls on December 26th, which is also St. Stephen's Day.
Stephen was the first Christian to be martyred for his faith, and he met his death by stoning. Acts 7 v 54 - 60."

'There is also a popular Christmas Carol that refers to this day.
GOOD KING WENCESLAS
Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen, When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even. Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel, When a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel."

==============================================

This evokes memories of the Christmas season when I was 10, and my very first piano recital, playing this song as a duet with my teacher, Mrs. Peyraud..:))
Incidentally, my first child is named Stephen, and he bears it well....

27 posted on 12/27/2005 8:16:01 AM PST by LadyX ((( He Is The Lord, above all things )))
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To: The Mayor; All
In response to the posting of the Prayer Prompt List, for those who might have missed my update the other day on my grandson (27, and my first grandchild of 8) in the Air Force, he went from Colorado to Korea, and is now in Germany.
Like so many men, he is a continent apart from his little boy in Alabama (who will be 5 in March), and in need of prayers for the lonely....

You are lifted up to our Lord daily, B.J., as are all our miitary around the world.

Love,
Grandmama

28 posted on 12/27/2005 8:45:49 AM PST by LadyX ((( He Is The Lord, above all things )))
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To: The Mayor
Good afternoon Mayor, thanks for posting the Military thread.

Lots of things to do today, putting up Christmas decorations and trying to get things back to normal. What a fiasco! lol

29 posted on 12/27/2005 9:42:11 AM PST by Aquamarine
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To: Aquamarine; The Mayor; All
Lots of things to do today, putting up Christmas decorations and trying to get things back to normal. What a fiasco! lol

Sigh! Way more fun getting it out and putting it up than taking it down and putting it all away. :(

Morning, all! Happy two days after Christmas and five days before New Year's Day.

Thank you to our Military! Thank you to our Leaders! God Bless the USA!

30 posted on 12/27/2005 9:59:51 AM PST by Billie
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To: All

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Dec. 20, 2005) -- Most children grow up playing with trucks and tanks, but few of them have the chance to ever experience riding the “Iron Horse.”

Thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Marines of 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, that experience came alive for six-year-old Brandon Rasnick of Lehigh Acres, Fla.

Brandon, who was promoted to the rank of sergeant by his fellow Marines, has cystic fibrosis, a genetic lung disorder. Since his one wish was train with Marines and to “save the world,” the Marines of 2nd Tanks arranged a tank display and ride for Brandon.

Sgt. Ricardo Fernandez Jr., a tank commander with C Company, instructed Brandon on the M-1A1 Abrams Battle Tank and took him on the ride of his life.

“It was great doing something like that for him,” said the San Antonio native. “For us, riding in a tank is not that big of a deal, but seeing the excitement and amazement in his eyes made me realize how important and special it is to some people.”

Before taking off on the ride, Brandon got the opportunity to look around the inside and outside of the tank. He learned about where the rounds go to fire the main gun. He was able to look through the sights of the mounted guns, and he learned the basic functions of the tank.

“It was so awesome teaching him about the tank,” said Fernandez, a 2002 John Jay High School graduate. “Seeing the look on his face when I told him certain things about the tank was great.”

The 22-year-old father of two explained what it was like for him driving Brandon around the base.

“He was a little cold, but he was so excited to be riding in a tank,” he said. “When we were crossing the road, he said to me, ‘All clear tank commander!’ I could tell he was having an awesome time.”

Spending the morning with Brandon and giving him the experience of the “Iron Horse” put a different light on life for Fernandez.

“Just seeing this six-year-old fighting through this sickness was amazing,” he said. “It’s tougher than anything we’ll have to do. He’s definitely a warrior and for me it put a different perspective on life. It makes you appreciate everything you take for granted.”

This morning was one that Brandon or his fellow Marines will not soon forget.

“I’m glad I got a chance to be a part of this,” Fernandez said. “This experience made me feel special, and I will never forget this.”


31 posted on 12/27/2005 1:13:16 PM PST by Dubya (Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,but by me)
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To: All

Tank battalion grants 'wish' for 6-year-old

Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division

Story Identification #: 20051220133518

Story by Lance Cpl. Lucian Friel

32 posted on 12/27/2005 1:15:13 PM PST by Dubya (Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,but by me)
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To: Billie; Mama_Bear; Aquamarine; ST.LOUIE1; DollyCali; LadyX; The Mayor; dixie sass; GailA; ...


God Bless Our Military Men and Women and their Families



33 posted on 12/27/2005 4:11:48 PM PST by dutchess
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To: LadyX
I love bakeries too. If I am abroad on holiday I always love to find local bakery it is the best way to try real local food.

If you like cakes made from seat yeast recipes 2 of their specialties are Chelsea Buns or Belgian Buns. Both are huge and are soft and moist inside but with lovely crispy surface, made fresh each morning.
34 posted on 12/27/2005 4:19:09 PM PST by snugs (An English Cheney Chick - BIG TIME)
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To: All; dutchess; The Mayor; Texas Songwriter; Billie; DollyCali; LadyX; deadhead; Diver Dave; ...


[click on picture]

Run to the Sounds of the Guns
~~~by Texas Songwriter~~~
aka Jeff Russell

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!

35 posted on 12/27/2005 4:19:39 PM PST by LUV W (Everyone that doesn't like what America and President Bush has done for Iraq can all go to HELL.-BD)
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To: The Mayor
I do not know if all on the finest are aware but the British Prime Minister visited Iraq just before the Christmas holidays.


British Prime Minister Tony Blair (C) disembarks from a helicopter after arriving at Basra airport in Iraq.


Prime Minister Tony Blair meets British troops based in Shaibah Logistic Base, Basra, Iraq, December 22, 2005

36 posted on 12/27/2005 4:39:48 PM PST by snugs (An English Cheney Chick - BIG TIME)
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To: snugs
chocolate bar eaters

Eat one for me!

I like your dog.

I love England--particularly the countryside. I learned to enjoy baked tomatoes in England.

37 posted on 12/27/2005 4:51:30 PM PST by lonestar (Me, too--Weinie)
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To: The Mayor

I was looking through your photo gallery of veterans, and caught the one of COB1 in uniform... missing him this first Christmas he's gone from us...


38 posted on 12/27/2005 5:13:13 PM PST by La Enchiladita ("We never lose! We're the United States of America!!" Rush, 12/26/05)
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To: snugs

I admire how your Prime Minister has supported us all throughout this war on terror...and supports and believes in his troops like GW does.


39 posted on 12/27/2005 5:17:07 PM PST by LUV W (Everyone that doesn't like what America and President Bush has done for Iraq can all go to HELL.-BD)
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To: dutchess; freema; SoldiersPrayingMom; sxytxredhead73; txradioguy; Azbushgal; LUV W

God bless our troops, yes, and God be with their families back home. As Gen. Peter Pace said, the families back home sacrifice and serve every bit as much as those in uniform in harm's way. Oo-rah, General!


40 posted on 12/27/2005 5:32:41 PM PST by La Enchiladita ("We never lose! We're the United States of America!!" Rush, 12/26/05)
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To: MEG33

Amen. Very nice, MEG33.


41 posted on 12/27/2005 5:34:46 PM PST by La Enchiladita ("We never lose! We're the United States of America!!" Rush, 12/26/05)
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To: LUV W

LOVE the eagle.
Hey, how can we both be here and at the Canteen at the same time! It's magical!
LOL.


42 posted on 12/27/2005 5:37:05 PM PST by La Enchiladita ("We never lose! We're the United States of America!!" Rush, 12/26/05)
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To: DollyCali

O, Dolly, that photo is heart-breaking!


43 posted on 12/27/2005 5:38:55 PM PST by La Enchiladita ("We never lose! We're the United States of America!!" Rush, 12/26/05)
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To: La Enchiladita

Amen!


44 posted on 12/27/2005 5:39:36 PM PST by LUV W (Everyone that doesn't like what America and President Bush has done for Iraq can all go to HELL.-BD)
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To: La Enchiladita

We can FLY!!!! Isn't it wonderful?


45 posted on 12/27/2005 5:40:04 PM PST by LUV W (Everyone that doesn't like what America and President Bush has done for Iraq can all go to HELL.-BD)
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To: MEG33

Okay, now I've got a gusher going.


46 posted on 12/27/2005 5:40:22 PM PST by La Enchiladita ("We never lose! We're the United States of America!!" Rush, 12/26/05)
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To: LadyX

Amen.


47 posted on 12/27/2005 5:44:46 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: snugs

God bless our great ally, Tony Blair, and our coalition Brit troops.


48 posted on 12/27/2005 5:50:47 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: snugs

Thanks for these pix of your PM Snugs.. I know you don't care for him as much as I do.. We are grateful here for his strong support of the war ... we reallly needed him & he came thru.


49 posted on 12/27/2005 5:51:21 PM PST by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: Dubya

Wonderful story.


50 posted on 12/27/2005 5:54:18 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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