Thank You Vets !

[Peter_Spaeth]

My dad, who passed away two years ago, and was of German-Jewish background himself, served in WW II including the Battle of the Bulge. Like many or most I suspect, he didn't talk about it, except on rare occasions you could draw him out a little. It was clear that two things really stood out for him decades later -- the memory of facing live rounds, and the anti-Semitism he witnessed among his fellow soldiers.

It wasn't until the 1970s that he was able to face returning to Germany, which he did as part of a trip to Europe. At the border, of course, he was asked for his passport. He told the official, "I didn't need a passport the last time I crossed this border." It was cathartic for him, I think. He even ended up owning a Mercedes.

Late in life, he began to wear a ball cap that identified him as a veteran. He was truly surprised and touched how many strangers came up to him to talk and to thank him in restaurants, etc.

On a final note, even though it probably was offensive, I found Larry David's riff on thanking veterans for their service (he refuses to thank one at a party, just because he doesn't feel like it) hysterical.

[thetruthisoutthere]

We can never thank all of them enough for the safety they have provided us.

God Bless all of them for eternity.

[Baseballcrazy62]

Lost my Dad on November 13 of last year. He was a proud WWll vet and never took that ball cap that said “WWll Vet” on it. Probably a bit of a homer here but his military funeral was one of the most intense I have ever attended. The flag folding ceremony done by active Navy personnel was something to see. I was privileged to deliver his eulogy. My brother also served in Vietnam as well. Thank you to all the vets for the sacrifices you made for all of us.

[whitehse]

Originally Posted by Baseballcrazy62

Lost my Dad on November 13 of last year. He was a proud WWll vet and never took that ball cap that said “WWll Vet” on it. Probably a bit of a homer here but his military funeral was one of the most intense I have ever attended. The flag folding ceremony done by active Navy personnel was something to see. I was privileged to deliver his eulogy. My brother also served in Vietnam as well. Thank you to all the vets for the sacrifices you made for all of us.

"On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Navy and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."

My dad was a Navy veteran and the only thing he ever asked for was a military funeral with the gun salute and the flag draped coffin. When I heard the above statement spoken to my mom upon the presentation of the flag I lost it. A grown 6'4, 400 pound guy crying like a baby because my dad was no longer here but more importantly, I could not be prouder of the man who he was and the fact that he served his country with such pride and honor.

My thanks to all who served.

[jbsports33]

Thank you for your service!

Jimmy

[CobbSpikedMe]

As has been expressed by several previously, Thank You to all who have served this country.

My grandfathers and father served and I am immensely proud of them for that. My father never speaks of his time in the service, my grandfathers would occasionally talk about their time. I have one of the shell casings from my grandfather's 21 gun salute at his funeral. My mother, his oldest daughter, received the flag at his funeral.

Thank you.

[bobfreedman]

My father and younger brother both served 20 years in the Navy, I only served 10 but that was more than enough for me.

I am touched by everyone’s attitude these days, it wasn’t “cool” to like veterans in the 80’s and 90’s. I did not tell many people that I served back then but feel honored to a grateful country now.

This year has been the hardest in my life by far. I lost my 31 year old son in February and my 28 year old three weeks later in two separate unrelated occurrences. I have told a couple people here and they have been very supportive. In writing this, I still sob uncontrollably. This board and collecting in general, for the most part is a haven away from what has happened to my wife and I. I am blessed to have two boys that I now don’t want to let them out of my sight. I appreciate all those that have helped and supported me. Thank you