In honor of our Heroes

It is the

VETERAN

not the preacher,

who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the

VETERAN

not the reporter,

who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the

VETERAN

not the poet,

who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the

VETERAN

not the campus organizer,

who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the

VETERAN

not the lawyer,

who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the

VETERAN

not the politician,

Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the

VETERAN

who salutes the Flag.

It is the

VETERAN

who serves

under the Flag.

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET

PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

This came to me from an old and good friend. He used to be Navy and I think that has hung over him like a dark cloud his entire life. I get to say that because I am a Marine! Not really. Shoe got to show me that Squids were just as dedicated to freedom as us Jarheads. This upcoming weekend is time for us to remember and honor our fallen heroes. For them we would not have what we have today. And that is just plain fact.

Did you know that Memorial Day started as Decoration Day to honor the Union soldiers who had fallen during the Civil War? Many communities after the war set aside a day to honor their boys who fell in battle. In 1868 The Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization of Union Civil War Vets, established Decoration Day for May 30th. May 30th being close to the day of the North and South reunification. After World War 1 it was changed to honor all fallen soldiers of all wars. Read the declaration below. You can tell just by reading the emotion these men had for their fallen comrades.

Memorial Day Order

I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and comrades will, in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

We are organized, Comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, “of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers sailors and Marines, who united to suppress the late rebellion.” What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead? We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If other eyes grow dull and other hinds slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains, and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledge to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon the Nation’s gratitude—the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.

II. It is the purpose of the Commander in Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this Order effective.

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands Protect them as they protect us Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.

May God bless and Semper Fidelis

TEXAS VETS PAY ATTENTION!!!!

If you lived in Texas and were a legal immigrant and served in the U.S. Armed Forces you may have had some problems with Texas law and tuition waivers. Well it seems that the politicians pulled their heads out long enough to correct that error. Read up and learn, it could effect you and your future. Good Luck and God Bless

It’s Time for Vets and Military Personnel to get cracking on Home Projects

Now through May 27th Lowes and Home Depot are offering an addition 10% off purchase price to those who are or who have served our country. You have a long weekend so get those projects done cheaper. Good Luck and God Bless.

Two things to ponder. Traffic laws and old age.

Have you ever been sitting in the office, amongst the acres of cubicles, and hear some one laughing? I did the other day at Homes for Heroes. What is it about us humans that has to find out what the laughing is about? If I had heard just normal talking I would not have given it a second thought. So I get up and hunt down the source of the laughing. I see my boss and my other boss standing by the water cooler having a chat. I ask them what was so funny. They looked at me and said nothing.

Being a Ninja prepares you for these moments. That awkward silence is easily handled. I let my eyes fill up with tears and ran away. Later I regrouped and did some stealthy sniffing around to find out what had them chuckling like old busy bodies. I was successful and I will share that information with you now.

A Police Officer was out patrolling one fine afternoon and witnessed a young driver that had just rolled through a stop sign. The Officer proceeded to pull him over and when he approached the vehicle he asks the young driver why he was pulled over.

“I don’t know.”

“Young man, you did not come to a complete stop at that stop sign.”

“I did too!”

“No, you did what we call a roll through. You slowed down but did not stop.

“Yeah, well what’s the big deal, slowing down is the same thing.”

“Please step out of the car, sir.”

As soon as the young kid gets out of the car, the Police Officer pulls out his baton and starts to mercilessly beat the snot out of him. As the kid is falling to the ground in agony the Police Officer asks him.

“Should I stop or just slow down?”

An interesting perspective. The next tidbit is just as telling. Read on you won’t be disappointed.

An elderly couple had just retired and were looking forward to a lot of travel and relaxation. They decided that with the new life style change they should see the doctor for a physical check up. They made their appointments and showed up at the set date. After the check up the doctor came in to give them the results.

“Well folks, you guys are both physically fit and really have nothing that I see to be alarmed about. Enjoy your retirement. However, your memory is not as it used to be and that is normal. I suggest that the two of you carry around a small notepad and pencil and jot what you are going to do so you won’t forget.”

That same evening the two were watching television. The husband decides it is time to have a beer and gets up to go get it.

“Hon, I am going to get myself a beer, is there anything I can get you?”

“Oh, thank you. I think I would like a bowl of ice cream.”

“Sure thing, dear.” He starts towards the kitchen.

“Honey, don’t you think you should write that down like the doctor told us?”

“Naw, it’s just a bowl of ice cream and a beer. I think I can handle that.”

“Vanilla ice cream.”

Okay, one bowl of vanilla ice cream and a beer.”

“Well I would like strawberry topping on it too.”

“Hmm, one bowl of vanilla ice cream with strawberry topping and a beer. Easy.”

“And don’t forget the whipped cream!”

“Is there anything else?”

“No. Thank you dear.”

“A bowl of vanilla ice cream with strawberry topping and whip cream and for myself a nice cold beer. You see nothing to worry about.”

The husband heads off to the kitchen and is gone for a half an hour. When he returns he sits down in his chair with a plate of scrambled eggs and a cup of orange juice.

As he starts to eat, the wife gives him a disgusted look and says to him.

“WHERE’S MY &#@*ING TOAST?!?!