Yippie!! I got into the Canteen today!!! Most of the graphics won't load, but I got to read the mail. Wonderful!!!
Prayers for everyone and wishes for a great day!
I'll reply to them when I come back. Have a wonderful day; see you all later.
Getting to hear from those 'somewhere out there' makes such a personal connection with REAL PERSONS - all those we here love and support to the best of our ability.
We do more than fling words into cyberspace - we really want to convey the message we CARE and KNOW the monotony and strains and limitations of most of your days.
Many of us have 'been there - done that.'
You are not free, confined aboard ship or guarding a perimeter or prowling the skies, to merely pack a picnic lunch and head to the lake - go out and play softball - visit old friends - go on a date with a loved one - kiss your spouse and tuck in little ones.
Instead, you are there, like hundreds of thousands of Patriots before you, doing your part to keep America safe and ensure freedom for it and others around the world.
We honor your personal sacrifices for the good of all.
To each of you whose letters were presented today, we wish Godspeed and a special thank you for expressing your thoughts.
You touch our hearts deeply.
To each of you our love is extended, prayers for your safety and well-being given, and special hugs for all.
We carry you in our hearts.
Here is something which applies to each of you, and all of the 'you's' around the world:
“The ultimate test of a man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard."
USMC - Korean Conflict
Her husband (newbie freeper SoldierBoy)is stationed in Germany and she works in the USO office in Stuttgart!!
Here is an email I got over the 4th of July, but I was out of town and could not post it. I think all will enjoy.
God bless all you guys for what you do for us!
Daddy Talked to Me Today
It was late one Tuesday evening,
Before a mother could sit down,
To tell her only child about
The terror that hit downtown.
She looked into the eyes of her son
God, she loved him so,
She felt her heart begin to break
And the hurt begin to show.
She gathered all her strength and courage,
as her story she began to tell.
"Baby don't cry, but I'm afraid daddy
Might be under a building that fell."
The boy looked back at his mother,
His eyes made not one blink.
And the mother's tears began to fall.
What would her baby think?
You see, his dad is a firefighter,
And his hero from the day of his birth.
He loved his dad more than anything else
That could ever inherit this earth.
The mother's head began to drop,
Her forehead resting on palm.
She thought her son would be upset.
Instead, he was very calm.
The boy leaned over towards his Mom,
And put his hand upon her head.
In her ear he began to whisper,
And this is what he said:
"Mommy please don't cry,
I knew daddy wasn't coming home.
I talked to him just a while ago,
But it wasn't on the phone.
He told me that he loved me,
And he promised we'd meet again.
He told of his new home,
And the job he was to begin."
"God is building an army,
And there are many angels needed.
That, is where daddy and the others went.
They weren't all defeated."
It was then, the mother lifted her head.
The tears streamed down her face.
And she could feel her husband's presence,
As it filled her heart with grace.
It was then she knew her son was right.
He was in God's great army now.
She also knew her son was safe,
That he'd be kept from harm somehow.
So, evildoers of the world beware.
An army is on the way.
Bolstered by new angels,
Who left the towers that day..
Their commander has never been beaten.
His power has never been matched,
And if evil thinks He was almighty before......
Well, the surface has just been scratched!
GOD BLESS AMERICA !!!!!
To Tony
USMC
Thank you so much for your letter. I'm so glad you liked the New York thread and also the music.
Your USO sure knows how to throw a party and how important liberty is to all of us.
We owe our liberty to guys like you, thank you for your service to our Country. I'm glad the USO Canteen brings a little bit of happiness to everyone reading it and I'm delighted you liked the music.
And big kiss for you, too.
. . . . .
Ryan Adams, New York New York
_________________________________________________________
To: Mike
US Army
Thank you kindly for your letter. I'm flattered.
Thank you for making my days over here feel a little more like I am home.
Thank YOU Mike for your service. I feel safe and protected knowing that you and many brave men like you are out there defending the freedoms we hold dear. God bless you.
I love you, too! You guys are my heroes.
Oak Ridge Boys, American Made
_________________________________________________________
To: Hugh
US NAVY
Hugh, it'll be my pleasure to dance with you, thank you very much. I'm honored.
Victoria, we will just let ole Sam play the records for the night, you will be way too busy if you say yes. Dancing under the stars with me.
You bet! Sam has agreed already (whether he wants or not, lol.)
I'm so proud of you guys! Love you, all!
112, Dance with me
_________________________________________________________
To: Karyn
US Army
Thanks Karyn for your wonderful letter.
I love the Canteen, it makes a bad day good, sadness go away, a loneliness disappear. Each time I am there. In one of your posts you have me crying it is so touching, then you Turn around and have me laughing so hard. Thank you!
Thank YOU Karyn. It's people like you who make this country great.
God bless you and keep you safe.
Whitney Houston, America the beautiful.