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Zach Hamilton, 10, right, of Vicksburg, listens in awe on Nov. 10, 2007, before the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Oswalt Park, as Martin Hoehne, of VFW Post 5189, describes his experiences while serving with the United States Navy. Despite the wars the United States is fighting on two fronts and everything your father, mother and grandfather told you about military service, it seems impossible to muster the respect for Veterans Day that it deserves — let alone the service people it honors. In an effort to correct that, here are some things you should know, care of the folks...

In most of our cities and towns, you’ll see memorials to brave Americans – some in uniforms of wars from long ago – who defended freedom. If you look down at their inscriptions, you’ll see that they were dedicated by the mothers, fathers, wives and orphans of the veterans who gave all for their country. In distant lands across the globe, you’ll find silent fields of white markers with the names of Americans who never came home, but who showed their dedication to their country by where they died. Today we honor those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice,...

I've been asked by many to repost this for Veteran's Day. This is what I have so far. Happy Veterans day to vets and active duty military. We love you and are praying for you every day! God Bless You! Photos of my soldier in Iraq, enjoy...... 6-10-05 As many of you know, my daughter is in Iraq. Here's a photo essay detailing some of her activities there. I hope you all enjoy...... My daughter, left, and her Iraqi roommate before they left for Iraq. They are in the same platoon. A convoy... A baby goat... Nora, her 10 year...

Adm. Jeremiah A. Denton Jr. is a true American hero. The former senator, retired admiral and naval aviator spent almost eight years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, half of that time in solitary confinement. When forced by his captors to do a television interview in 1966, he blinked the word "torture" in Morse code. He's the kind of man Washington leaders might want to listen to more carefully than the average purveyor of foreign-policy wisdom.

This being my first real Vanity and my first Veteran's day on Free Republic, I wanted to post a something to my fellow vets and their families who are active on Free Republic.I am a combat vet of Operation Desert Storm where I served in the capacity as a Combat Engineer and in these years that I have been out of the service I have seen the country I love and believe in become something it is not. However, this does not discourage me. Everyday I come here and I see people both civilian and military who continually remind me...

In observance of Veterans Day, the University of Washington will dedicate a new memorial to eight UW alumni who have received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest honor for valor in battle.Earning a medal, of any sort, was the furthest thing from Bruce Crandall's mind on the morning of Nov. 14, 1965, as he repeatedly flew his Huey helicopter through a hail of enemy fire in Vietnam. Only this mattered: His comrades needed him. Likewise, John "Bud" Hawk wasn't looking for glory on Aug. 20, 1944, when he stayed exposed in a French orchard, taking a shot in the...

Starting this weekend (SIC: Past Weekend), restaurants across the country are honoring veterans for their service with special offers.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2009 – Deployed and hospitalized servicemembers are expected to make about 120,000 calls home this Veterans Day, and it won’t cost them one thin dime. The Veterans of Foreign Wars organization is once again offering “Free Call Day” through its Operation Uplink program. USAA, which offers financial services to servicemembers, is sponsoring the day of free phoning, which is expected to total some 1 million minutes. “We are very pleased to join forces with USAA, an association recognized as a devoted friend and advocate of the military community, to offer a special Veterans Day Free Call Day,”...

"All paid some, some paid all"

The Queen today lead the annual ceremony for Britain's war dead in the first Remembrance Sunday not attended by any veterans of World War I. As Big Ben chimed 11am, the queen joined thousands of troops, veterans and civilians in the traditional two-minute silence. The silence was broken by a single artillery blast and the sound of the Royal Marine buglers playing the 'Last Post'. Each year, thousands of poppies are placed in the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey to remember all those killed by the war. This year the field also has plots dedicated to those killed in...

Visit the website for a link to email an invite to vets/active duty you know, email friends, or share on facebook and twitter. Valid Veteran and Active Duty Identification to Obtain Free Entree: * U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card * U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card * Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) * Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW) * Photograph in uniform * Wearing uniform * DD214 * Citation or Commendation Available during business hours on November 11, 2009 at participating Applebee’s only. Dine-in from limited menu only. Beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active...

On the occasion of Veterans Day 2009, I pay honor to those who’ve served and/or paid the ultimate price in service to their country by publishing a series of war stories that holds a special value in my heart, because they were written by my father, Ted.

Despite protests, the city of Homestead said they won't ban the controversial symbol --- Over a century later, the Confederacy seems to have won. It's a small battle, of course, but it looks like Homestead's Veteran's Day Parade will happen, and, despite protests by the NAACP, organizers decided they could not ban the displaying of the Confederate flag, according to the Miami Herald. The controversy over the flag began last November, when black residents became outraged that the city allowed the symbol to fly during Veterans Day events. "I think the Confederate soldiers have always been in the parade. I've...

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The smartest president in U.S. history seems to have confused Memorial Day with Veterans Day: President Barack Obama saluted veterans and urged his countrymen to do the same this Memorial Day weekend, saying the nation has not always paid them proper respect. In his weekly radio and Internet address Saturday, Obama said people can honor veterans by sending a letter or care package to troops overseas, volunteering at health clinics or taking supplies to a homeless veterans center. He said it could also mean something as simple as saying "thank you" to a veteran walking by on the street. ****...

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama urged Americans to pay tribute to veterans on Memorial Day, saying the nation all too often has "failed to live up to that responsibility." In his weekly radio and Internet address Saturday, Obama said people can honor veterans by sending a letter or care package to troops overseas, volunteering at health clinics or taking supplies to a homeless veterans center.

The 3rd Annual Heroes of the Valley event is scheduled for May 24, 2009, beginning at 2PM. The event is free this year (tickets need to be purchased for the multimedia theater presentation and the tri tip barbeque). Inga Barks, of NewsTalk 580 KMJ, will again be emceeing the theater presentation which will include military ceremony, live music, and multimedia tributes to our veterans. Please visit the event website at http://www.heroesofthevalley.com for more information. Tickets for the theater and BBQ can be purchased online. The theater only holds about 500 people so to ensure a seat we recommend tickets be...

My wife and I were watching C-Span recap of Veteran's day wreath layings and saw an absolute travesty at Chicago. The chosen one laid a wreath, at a Chicago memorial, with a female veteran who had prosthetic legs. After laying the wreath, she smartly saluted. The chosen on glanced her way then rendered the most half-a$$ed salute I have ever witnessed.

Walter Reed - Week 187, November 14, 2008, Veteran’s Day Week A misty, damp, but mild and quiet evening at the front gates of Walter Reed. A fitting way to end Veteran’s Day week observances. Many, as I did, visited the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial and the Air Force Memorial, which overlooks the just dedicated Pentagon Memorial commemorating those who were lost there during the terrorist attack on September 11. But Friday night found us again at the front gates of Walter Reed honoring our service men and women, and supporting the wounded...

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 12, 2008 – A Veterans Day observance yesterday at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial here honored the contributions of women in uniform throughout the nation’s history. Retired Air Force Maj. Linda S. Schwartz, left, and Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Patricia D. Ruth attend the Veterans Day observance at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington, Va., Nov. 11, 2008. DoD photo by Gerry J. Gilmore  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, president of the Women’s Memorial foundation, hosted the annual event,...

The 2008 Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 17, 2008 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 1.8 million free meals and contributed over $2.53 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

This may be the perfect week to reflect on a Presidential election and the nature of America. Veterans Day is a somber reminder of the millions of Americans who have fought for freedom and the more than one million who have died for that cause. It is also a good time to remind ourselves that we are Americans first before we are Republicans or Democrats, conservatives or liberals. One of the reasons I feel this sense of being an American first is because of the example set by my father. Robert Gingrich spent 27 years in the United States Army,...

President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush flew to New York City to attend the rededication ceremony of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space museum You can read the transcript herePresident Bush visited the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum TranscriptVice President Cheney visited members of the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island

NOTE: Bringing this back from 2005. Our commander in chief, who endured unprecedented criticism, in the face of adversity and actual treason here at home, will be treated more kindly in history. President Bush, you did many things to really upset us, but as the commander in chief, you protected this great nation. America led the for those who wanted to live free. What will the community organizer Manchurian candidate do? God, help us. On this Veterans Day, God bless the vets who make our freedom possible. DFU SONG: Runaway Train (freedom will not be stopped) DFU SONGS | 4-2005...

Here is video of President George W. Bush's first interview since the election of Barack Obama as President. Bush was interviewed on CNN today prior to speaking at a Veteran's Day observance in New York. He talked about his meeting yesterday with President-elect Barack Obama at the White House, and what he believes the election of Obama means for America. . . . . (Watch Video)

We conservatives have learned that we can’t rely on anyone but ourselves, and we’ll have to recapture America from the ground up. Our “to do” list is long, but some things are more important than others. Supporting the Fisher House program is one of these things. Fisher House is a totally privately funded effort to support our recovering wounded warriors by helping their loved ones when they are most in need. When a wounded warrior is recovering state-side, most often the hospital or rehabilitation facility is hundreds of miles from those who dearly wish to visit and give their love...

90 years to the day after 11/11. 11:11, the second which officially ended World War I. For the first time not one member of the two huge armies, German and French, that clashed on the fields of Verdun , attendeded Armistice Day service in Verdun, and paid tribute to those who had died, as the last 4 survivors of World War I are all British. Earlier in London, three of the four surviving British World War I veterans attended a ceremony at the Cenotaph.Henry Allingham, 112, Harry Patch, 110, and Bill Stone, 108, represented the Royal Air Force, Army and...

Photographer David DeJonge plans to capture a vanishing bit of history Tuesday on a trip to Arlington National Cemetery near Washington. There, he hopes to photograph 107-year-old Frank Buckles, one of the few men still alive who fought in World War I. Buckles will lay a wreath at the grave of Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, who led U.S. forces in Europe in World War I. The visit comes 90 years to the day after the end of World War I, an occasion that led to Veterans Day in the United States and Armistice Day in other nations. For...

On Nov. 11, Veterans’ Day, we honor those who have sacrificed in service to others. This annual observance offers an opportunity to highlight the value these dedicated individuals add to America’s businesses when they return to their communities and civilian employment. Across the nation, businesses both large and small are stepping up to recruit, hire and retain veterans. Many employers recognize it’s the right thing to do. But there are other important reasons to employ returning service members – including those who return with disabilities and combat-related injuries. Dawn Halfaker, CEO of the small business Halfaker & Associates, hires disabled...

NEW YORK – President Bush thanked veterans Tuesday for serving their country, noting wistfully that he'll "miss being commander in chief of such a fabulous group." Bush marked his last Veterans Day as president with a visit to a New York pier that is home to the World War II aircraft carrier Intrepid, appearing before a crowd of thousands bundled on a pier against the windy November chill for the rededication ceremony of the USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. The president praised veterans in the crowd, including those who served aboard the Intrepid in its long history of...

This Veterans Day was like no other for 77 service members who took the oath of allegiance and officially became U.S. citizens while deployed to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. The U.S. Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, William Wood attended the naturalization ceremony as the guest speaker, along with Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-101 and Regional Command-East commander. “For some of you, it probably seems like it was just yesterday when you raised your right hand and said that you would support and defend the constitution of the United States and serve in...

Welcome To The Sean Hannity Show Thread. Also Thanks Vets!

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

Here is video of President-elect Barack Obama laying a wreath at a memorial at Chicago's Soldier Field alongside Iraq War Veteran Tammy Duckworth, who lost both legs in Iraq . . . . (Watch Video)

Note: This commentary originally aired on November 12th, 2007 "I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Captain Nathan Hale, a 21-year old officer in the Continental Army, uttered those famous words upon his execution at the hands of British forces. 231 years later--and in all the years in between--those words define the spirit of America's servicemen. Oh by the way, for John Kerry and the other liberal elitists who see our military folks as uneducated grunts, Nathan Hale was a Yale man. In fact, our young men and women in the armed forces are...

President-elect Barack Obama issued a statement honoring America's veterans today, the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. His statement follows: As we mark Veterans Day, all Americans are united in honoring the extraordinary service and selfless sacrifice of our nation's veterans. Our veterans are part of an unbroken line of heroes who have defended the American people and stood up for American values -- from the beaches of Normandy to the battles in East Asia; from the deserts of Kuwait to the skies above Kosovo; from the cities of Iraq to the mountains...

Photographer David DeJonge plans to capture a vanishing bit of history Tuesday on a trip to Arlington National Cemetery near Washington. Antonio Pierro, 110, of Massachusetts. He served with the U.S. military in World War I, and died in 2007. There he hopes to photograph 107-year-old Frank Buckles -- one of the few men still alive who fought in World War I. Buckles will lay a wreath at the grave of Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, who led U.S. forces in Europe in World War I. The visit comes 90 years to the day after the end of World...

In my hometown newspaper the obituary page featured a key to the symbols indicating who among the deceased was a veteran. A pound sign indicated First World War service. Two pound signs indicated the Second World War — a bit of artistry there. The asterisk was set aside for the Spanish American War veterans. (Lest you think I’m nearing retirement age, the last of these, Jones Morgan of the 10th U.S. Cavalry, died in 1993). Other characters indicated service in Korea or Vietnam. No symbols were reserved for any other occupations or life experiences. There were no other special recognitions,...

Here is a moving video tribute to all those who have served our nation in military service to secure and protect freedom for America and for others in the world. On this Veteran's Day, please know that your service and sacrifice is valued beyond measure by millions in this nation. "You Are the Ones" who make our way of life possible. Thank You. . . . . . (Watch Video)

My Grandpa—my mom’s dad—Owen Johnston, enlisted in the army during World War II. He already had kids at the time, but joined anyway. He served in Patton’s Third Army and made it to France in December of 1944 where he was shot. When he would talk about it, which was almost never, he said he could see the tracer bullets coming at him and that they moved so slowly. He lay in a trench for a long time and lost a lot of blood. Eventually, he was evacuated, but he was in pretty bad shape. Several slugs had passed through...

The Armistice signing that ended World War I, the "Great War" and the "War to End All Wars," was signed on Nov. 18, 1918, at 11 a.m. Thereafter, Armistice Day was celebrated on that date and officially designated a federal holiday in 1938. After World War II, it became known as Veterans Day and in 1977 officially became celebrated on Nov. 11. Throughout our history, Americans have kept a special place of honor in their hearts for our veterans. And for more than 70 years, Nov. 11 has been set aside to recognize the men and women who have so...

Select Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants (164 participating restaurants nationwide) are testing a promotion that invites all active duty and veterans to pull up a chair for a delicious meal and heartfelt thanks this Veterans Day. With gratitude for their service and sacrifice, active duty and veterans will eat free at participating locations on Veterans Day (November 11, 2008) during regular business hours. Veterans and active duty with proof of United States military service will be able to go to one of the participating Applebee's and select one complimentary entrée from a selection of delicious favorites: a savory...

      ~The FReeper Canteen Presents~ Veteran's Day World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all...

FORT HOOD, Texas, Nov. 10, 2008 – The roar of nearly 1,200 motorcycle engines split the morning air at Hood Stadium here Nov. 7 as soldiers and civilians in the “Phantom Thunder” motorcycle safety event started their ride to Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. Nearly 1,200 riders depart the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery following a Nov. 7, 2008, memorial service. The riders participated in a 60-mile safety and mentorship ride. U.S. Army photo by Chris Varville   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Army Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of 3rd Corps and Fort Hood, said...

Minneapolis (Hennepin County) I want to thank the veterans who have helped defend our great country. I am proud of the United States of America. I get tears in my eyes when we sing "The Star Spangled Banner," "America the Beautiful," "My Country 'Tis of Thee" or "God Bless America." My husband, who is now deceased, felt honored to have served in the Army. He was a machine gunner in France in World War II. The letters to his folks could not contain any information about what he was going through, for security reasons and to keep his parents from...

MANDAN, N.D., Nov. 10, 2008 – "They are dead; but they live in each patriot's breast, and their names are engraven on honor's bright crest," Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote. Purple irises greet visitors at the entrance to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. U.S. Army photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. At the Veterans Cemetery here, 2,799 names are "engraven," remembered in their death for the life they lived and the war they fought. Nearly 1,000 more share the sacred space, honored for their service in the National Guard or reserves or as a veteran's family member. Stoic white-granite...

WHEREAS, on November 11 Alaskans join in honoring and remembering those who have served in the armed forces of the United States and Canada for their unselfish contributions toward making our world a better place to live. WHEREAS, America was founded on the principles of liberty, opportunity, and justice for all, and on Veterans Day we recognize our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who have valiantly defended these values throughout our country’s history. These remarkable individuals have helped to make us secure and have inspired our nation with their courage, compassion, and dedication. WHEREAS, on Veterans and Remembrance...

When Ben D’Lugin was in his early 20s, his country was at war and his people threatened. But when word of Nazi Germany’s persecution of Jews and others arrived in Wilmington, he said the Jewish community here responded. “Our whole community that was of age went into service,” said D’Lugin, who spent nine months on the European front, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and helped liberate a small concentration camp. “I wouldn’t go through that again for a million dollars,” D’Lugin told a crowd at the Temple of Israel in Wilmington Sunday. “But I wouldn’t take a million...