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Posted on 07/05/2007 5:13:43 PM PDT by snugs
This one at ground zero with the bull horn takes the cake!
Oh, oh. This one takes the cake!
Thanks ync, pretty funny eh!
Pray for W and Our Troops
We went to a terrific band concert with lots of John Philip Sousa marches in a small community building. The stage was decked with flags, flags and bunting all around. A really old-fashioned, patriotic Fourth of July!
Just checking in. We visited a 79 year old friend yesterday who has Parkinson’s—it turned out to be his birthday. Today a funeral for a 79 year old WW II veteran who had a hero’s send-off; he had been a P.O.W in Germany. The most heart-wrenching moment was when his grandson, a medic with two deployments to Iraq, stood before his grandfather’s flag-draped casket and, in his magnificent Airborne uniform, proudly saluted him. It was a never-to-be forgotten moment. He said it was his grandfather who inspired him to join the Army.
Thank you for Sharing about the 79 Year Old Vet's Send-Off; it Put a Lump in my Throat, and Made me Grateful from my Heart for the Sacrifices our Military Men and Women Make for us. Our Lord Really has Covered our America with Grace.
Our friend Harry was born in 1917. He joined the Marines and served for 4 years. Then he joined the Army in ‘44, I believe, and served 18 months. He was captured by the Germans, and was held for 5 months in Stalag 11B. He wore the same clothing for 5 months and was never able to take a shower! Many of his fellow soldiers died and he said he promised himself he was going to live thru it. And by the Grace of God he did.
I learned most of this from two lovely scrapbooks his wife made which were at the reception at our church after his funeral—complete with Taps and presentation of his flag to her by a burly Master Sergeant, who remained at attention, with tears on his face, saluting this wonderful man.
One one page was one side of the Red Cross package which was delivered to him in prison! It took my breath away. Also the telegram she received from the War Dept. saying he was missing in action and a 2nd one saying he was back “under military control”!
The cover of the church program had his smiling face with a brushed flag in the background and the inside was printed with the same brushing with an eagle overlay with John Kennedy’s “Ask Not...” statement printed—that was all. (These are staunch Republicans but that was Harry’s credo.) There were small photos all around of Harry from his youth thru the stages of his life up to a recent one, surrounded by his family. On the back were the verses of On Eagles’ Wings which the organist played.
I was priviliged to have him grasp my hand his last days in Hospice—he had a steel grip! We wondered if he was experiencing some of his memories of prison camp since Alzheimer’s had robbed him of his recent memories.
I was a child during World War II and I remember wondering why the Army didn’t draft my father because I knew he would be able to defeat all the enemy himself! I may not remember where I put the cell phone, but I can remember that thought and understand that child’s thinking!
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Kitty Mittens, how is it possible to be covered with goosebumps and shivering on this extremely hot day in the Delaware Valley?
I’m going to send your lovely prayer to his widow, a dear lady nearly 87 with the heart and vigor of a 40 year old! Altho now she is weary from the strain of these past weeks and needs to recover in her own way.
It was a Blessing that our Lord took this dear man who was very active up until about 3 weeks ago when he fell and broke his hip. He refused to take any food or water from June 28 and survived until 10 p.m. July 3! We thought his body must have gone into survival mode, as it did in prison camp. He was just a bit over 5 feet tall, but a giant of a man. His widow hoped that they would celebrate their 65th!! wedding anniversary in November.
I know that every one of our heroic veterans has a story which is just as heart-rending. We must never, ever forget their sacrifices, and that of their loved ones, as they did everything in their power to save this magnificent country we all live in.
I know that Harry is tending those beautiful flower gardens in Heaven and hope to see him there one day!
Kitty Mittens, I forgot to say that the Lord works in Mysterious Ways.
Harry always brightened up when the little ones were led into our Sanctuary on Sunday mornings to sit on the steps with our Minister as he led them in little Bible stories and songs.
As the hearse entered the gates of the cemetery, there were several little children, all dressed in red, white and blue, with their bicycles decorated to match, with little flags—each with a huge, sparkly blue star on the front—waiting there. They waved as it slowly went thru, carrying its precious cargo sheltered by our glorious flag. All I could think of was “And a little child shall lead them...”
It’s because of men like these that we get to celebrate Independence Day!
65 Years! They were Blessed with a Long and Wonderful Marriage, but it was Only the Beginning, and an Eternity of Bliss and Joy Await them, through our Shepherd's Grace.
Tears Came to my Eyes when I Thought of the Little Ones, Dressed in their Red, White, and Blue, Waving their Farewells to this Blessed Man. Good and Heroic Men Like these have been the Strength of our Nation, and Every Blessing we have Enjoyed has been Due to them. We will Never Forget them, and their Deeds of Loving Sacrifice.
Eleanor, thank you for your prayers for my Mom. I truly believe in the power of prayer.
My Mom turned 85 in May but family wasn’t able to travel until this month. So, this week-end, my Mom’s 80 year old sister and 3 nieces came from NY to Fla and, with some friends, we celebrated her birthday at a nice restaurant. They spent the day with her on Sunday. Mom is not one for parties but she is very family oriented so she had a really nice week-end. And, i know You understand, when Mom and Dad are happy, it makes us happy.
Again, thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
Ann
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