Veterans Day

Tomorrow is a great day of rememberance, and honor for all of our soldiers. I think I could try to say something touching, but I think President DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER did a much better job than I ever could:


Veterans Day, 1954
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
3071
Whereas it has long been our customs to commemorate November 11, the anniversary of the ending of World War I, by paying tribute to the heroes of that tragic struggle and by rededicating ourselves to the cause of peace; and

Whereas in the intervening years the United States has been involved in two other great military conflicts, which have added millions of veterans living and dead to the honor rolls of this Nation; and

Whereas the Congress passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926 (44 Stat. 1982), calling for the observance of November 11 with appropriate ceremonies, and later provided in an act approved May 13, 1938 (52 Stat. 351), that the eleventh of November should be a legal holiday and should be known as Armistice Day; and

Whereas, in order to expand the significance of that commemoration and in order that a grateful Nation might pay appropriate homage to the veterans of all its wars who have contributed so much to the preservation of this Nation, the Congress, by an act approved June 1, 1954 (68 Stat. 168), changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day:

Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954, as Veterans Day. On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.
I also direct the appropriate officials of the Government to arrange for the display of the flag of the United States on all public buildings on Veterans Day.
In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.

Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington this eighth day of October in the Year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventy-ninth.
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

Thank you to all the soldiers who have fought for our freedom. My prayers go out to the families of those that serve. We are the home of the free, because of the brave.

Countdown

I have been really horrible in the past months about updating this blog! I am happy to report that Blaine is on the last leg of his tour in Iraq. He has deployed from Kuwait and is "somewhere out there", nearing Hawaii. I am so excited to have him home, safe, for the holidays. I know it's unrealistic to think that he will always be able to make it home for the holidays, but I'm grateful that this year, I don't have to learn what it's like to be celebrating my favorite time of year, while worrying about death and destruction for my little brother. Extremist...I know. :) This will be the first year in about 3 (i think) that my family will all be together again for Christmas. Blaine will get back to California and have debriefing for a few weeks, and should be home to Idaho Falls sometime in early December. He's working out plans to MAYBE be in IF for Thanksgiving, but no plans yet.

I am so grateful for a brave little brother, and I can't WAIT to see him and hug him and ask a million questions about Iraq. I'm excited to learn what kind of country it truly is, and what wonderful people he met, without media influences! (I believe the heart of life is good...and I'm CERTAIN that our brothers and sister's in Iraq have good hearts too!) Extremist again?! who knows....

But I am extremely excited to see Blaine SOON. What a great reunion lies ahead! My heart goes out to those that will not be having a soldier make it home for the holidays, and they will remain in my prayers, and hopefully YOURS.

A great reunion and lots of pictures to follow soon...in December!

...Counting the Days....

Blaine called me yesterday. I was so excited to get his call. We haven't talked in a while and it was good to hear his voice. He seemed to be in good spirits. As of TODAY, he is shipping out of Kuwait/Iraq, and heading to Bahrain. From there - it should be smooth sailing HOME. This, of course, is all circumstantial, and I'm knocking on wood...but that is the run down for his return.

Blaine has accomplished so much while in Kuwait/Iraq. He has faced personal trials - many of which we (as regular civilians) will never face. I am so proud of him and his committment to the Marines. Even when things are frustrating and not going his way, Blaine never has anything negative to say - except for when another troop broke in and stole over $30,000 of Marine's stuff. His camera was stolen, with EVERY fond memory of Iraq/Kuwait/Bahrain...This REALLY upsets me...but what can you do?

Anyway - please keep the soldiers in your prayers! Many should be returning home in the next few months, and I pray that they will all arrive home safe, and on time!!!!

9/11

It has been REALLY hectic and I meant to post this on 9/11....but even if it's late, it's still VALID:

Thursday, September 11, 2008

"Let's Roll"
These were the words uttered by Flight 93 passenger Todd Beamer shortly before he and fellow passengers rushed the cockpit on 9/11. I don't know why, but when I think of that moment, I swell with tears. It makes me think that in a moment when he could play the victim, he ended up playing the hero instead. What a role model. What an example of strength and courage. I couldn't imagine getting that phone call on 9/11 from a loved one saying they were in a hijacked plane. I couldn't imagine having to say goodbye to someone that way. I couldn't imagine my life coming to an end in such a manner. It makes me appreciate the true strength of those passengers as they FOUGHT for their lives, even though they knew there was no hope.

I think "Let's Roll" is such an appropriate comment, and perhaps a great motto for our nation. After 9/11 our nation saw an overwhelming amount of pride, patriotism, and union. I look at our country now, everyone torn on the election, everyone fighting over politics, and it makes 9/11/2001 seem SO long ago. Maybe we can try to bring back that spirit of "Let's Roll" and remember that though we all differ and disagree, we are still ONE nation, under God. The past few years have been very hard for this nation. We took some serious hits with Hurricane Katrina, the war is devastating, the economy is crushing, and spirits are so low. But I am calling out to all of you to say "LETS ROLL". Let's roll with this, let's move forward, let's take our defeats head-on, and become stronger. Say hi to a stranger, smile at random people, do a kind deed, roll with life and what it's dealing you. Never be defeated, even if DEATH is the only outcome, have the courage to STILL say "let's roll".

Today, I will remember. Today I will not forget the heroism and courage of those who were directly affected by 9/11. Today, I am going to take life head on - and no matter how tough things get...I'm going to say "Let's Roll".

A quick shout out to the military - and my brother in the Marines! OOOOH RAH! Thank you for defending this nation, and I'm looking forward to seeing you SOON.

God bless.

Comments from Others

I have been receiving emails from people expressing their support and appreciation for our troops. I'm really impressed with everyone's willingness to support the troops one way or another. I have had TONS of people RSVP for the National Fast (August 3rd). This is amazing! Here are some of the emails, I've removed names and personal info:

· This group is Awesome. I have a cousin that serves our country in the Army. He has served in Iraq and is more than likely going to go back sooner or later. Of course I will be joining the fast as well. What a terrific idea. I wish the best to your brother and just to let you know I pray for our service men and women daily.

· To the soldier this goes to,Thank you for everything you do. Thank you for risking you life everyday for our freedom. Please keep doing what you are doing!! Semper Fi!!!

· I'm so honored to be participating in this support for the american soldiers. I'm brazilian but I fully understand the fight that they face in Iraq for the benefit of that country! if there is anything that I can do to light their burden, i am willing to do so. In my opinion, their will to be there is unique and they deserve all our support and fast and prayer or whatever they may need from us! You can count on me on August 3rd for sure!

· Thank you for having this group set up.My boyfriend and son's father is currently in Iraq serving as a SGT in the United States Marines. He has been gone for two weeks today and I am 8 months pregnant, So I will not be able to partake in the Nation Wide Fast, but I will certainly give up the un needed snacks. Again, thank you so much for making this group and remembering those who fight for out freedom. God Bless

· Thank you for your love and support you so genuinely show by your words, thoughts and actions. My son just returned from Iraq and I know he will be sent again. He is doing what he knows is right and I will support him and all the troops who risk their lives to save their buddies out on the front lines and for us here at home. I will gladly participate in the Fast for our troops. This Fast done in numbers can make a difference and allow our soldiers, marines and seaman to do their job in safety with the help of our prayers and energy focused on them.

· hey thanks for inviting me to join the fast! I'd love to! I really appreciate all those who sacrifice everything to serve our country. Please send my support!

Cindy and Gina Put Together Care Packages for Soldiers

Posted By Cindy Pack:

Care Packages for the Marines!
Gina and I had a blast as we put together 12 care bags/packages for some of the men in BJ's Unit. Brent supplied us with 52 various magazines to send!!!! We couldn't fit them all in but we'll send some in each box we send. They love em-they read then pass them around. Fun for all! Thanks Brent! We put in candy, crackers, hand sani, chapstick, individual propel powder to add to their H2O, tissues, gum, Juice boxes, etc. They all like to get mail so this was fun to do. BJ will divvy them out when theyget there-hopefully in the next week or so.Pics didn't turn out the best---sorry!

The Bumper Sticker on My SUV

I read the lyrics to this song today and it made me happy - I didn't think the song was all that great...but the lyrics are.

"Bumper Of My SUV"

I've got a bright red sticker on the back of my car

Says United States Marines
And yesterday a lady in a mini-van held up a middle finger at me

Does she think she knows what I stand for

Or the things that I believe

Just by looking at a sticker for the U.S. Marines

On the bumper of my SUV

See, my brother Chris, he's been in for more than 14 years now

Our dad was in the Navy during Vietnam

Did his duty then he got out

And my grandpa earned his purple heartOn the beach of Normandy
That's why I've got a sticker for the U.S. Marines

On the bumper of my SUV

But that doesn't mean that I want war

I'm not Republican or Democrat

But I've gone all around this crazy world

Just to try and better understand

Yes, I do have questions

I get to ask them because I'm free

That's why I've got a sticker for the U.S. Marines

On the bumper of my SUV'

Cause I've been to Hiroshima

And I've been to the DMZ

I've walked on the sand in Baghdad

Still don't have all of the answers I need

But I guess I wanna know where she's been

Before she judges and gestures to me

'Cause she don't like my sticker for the U.S. Marines

On the bumper of my SUV

So I hope that lady in her mini-van

Turns on her radio and hears this from me

As she picks up her kids from their private school

And drives home safely on our city streets

Or to the building where her church group meets

Yeah, that's why I've got a sticker for the U.S. Marines

On the bumper of my SUV

Please add this blog to your personal blog!

If we add this blog to our personal blogs, more people are likely to stumble upon it. Thanks everyone. I'm already recieving an incredible response for people who are willing to fast August 3rd.

The Few...The Proud

I pulled this from my personal blog:

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

The Few, The Proud...

I got to talk to my littlest brother, Blaine today! Blaine is a Marine, serving over in Iraq/Kuwait. It was so great to hear his voice! I had a hard time holding back tears! I thought I would share a little of our conversation because I asked a hundred questions :) maybe questions we've all wondered, and I got some answers! Blaine said it is HELL over there, literally. It's an average of 120 F degrees in the day, and barely dropping at night. He said he drinks around 7-8 liters of water out in the desert each day. When he was in Bahrain, he was able to bulk up a little bit. He said he looked huge, but now that he's in that weather sweating all the time, he's lost it. No matter how much food and water he puts down - he's still losing all his weight! Poor kid! Luckily, he sleeps in an air conditioned room - which he keeps FREEZING

...

I would too.Blaine said the Kuwaiti/Iraqi people are very kind, generous, and respectful. He kind of expected a bunch of crazy, angry terrorists, but has found that those are rare, and for the most part, the people are grateful and kind to each other, and the soldiers. He said if you show any interest in their stuff, they will want you to have it! You like something, it's yours. Even the children will do this. If they are playing with a toy and you look interested in it, they will want you to have it. If you refuse to take it, then it's offensive! Blaine said luckily he hasn't collected any of their stuff :) He said they are actually treated better there in Kuwait, than they were treated at Camp Pendleton. They can eat as much as they like, where in CP they were only allowed thru the food line ONCE. They have a movie theater and watch whatever they can get on DVD - or bootlegged :) They have a few places to eat, like a Burger King, but they rarely do. They have phones and Internet, but it's usually pretty crowded with everyone trying to call family or read emails. His cell phone doesn't work over there, he figures it's because all cell phones have a GPS tracking system in them, so the base probably shuts all of those off.It wouldn't be Blaine if he didn't try some crazy things....like say....eating a CAMEL SPIDER!!??!?!?!

He was dared to eat this lethal spider, and well, who can back down from that?! Before seeing a picture of it, I asked him what they look like. He said - imagine if a scorpion and spider mated...you get a camel spider! GROSS. He said they taste bitter, and a little tangy, and it feels like you're chewing on frosted flakes..........UMMMM GROSS........

On a heavier note....He has taken the howitzer into Iraq 4 times.

He said they roll these in when it's time for the "big guns". The reality of firing these off is difficult, and I could tell he was reserved in what he told me. He said he's having a hard time sleeping. When I asked why, I could tell he was a little lost for words. He said it's really stressful over there. There is a lot going on that he can't talk about, but it stresses him and it's emotionally, physically, and mentally draining. Luckily, he has made a few really good friends, and they are all going through this together.They are still expecting to come home on Nov 4 (a great Bday present I told him!) but he said he'll believe it when it happens. Haha- this was funny....He said "it's like going to work with dad on the farm. If dad says, "Ok, we gotta irrigate this field and that field and then we're done" and then at the end of the day you're in Napa buying parts for the tractor...and you don't know what the hell for!" It changes every day and they take it one day at a time. So - he rather not hold his breath for Nov 4.

He said the 4th of July over there was pretty cool. They had a BBQ. The steaks were cold, the chicken was cold, the ribs were cold, and all the drinks were hot :) Typical desert dinner. But that night, they shot off the howitzers and guns, and the helicopters shot of missiles. It was as close to fireworks as one could imagine! He thought a lot about home on the 4th, and I told him we were all thinking about him, and this year, I think the 4th was a little different for everyone. It wasn't just another day off of work with a BBQ and party, it was a day reserved to give thanks to our little Budgee and all the soldiers that fight for our rights that we are lucky to take advantage of.I love Blaine and I am so proud of him for serving our country. I know that when he signed up for the Marines he wasn't imagining doing what he is doing right now, but he has never complained about his decision to serve our country. He said he's learning how much he took things for granted, and I'm so grateful for his willingness to learn and grow from this experience. I know our Heavenly Father loves all of us, and I know He is watching over BJ. I know our prayers will be answered with his safe return home for Christmas. I know BJ will be able to endure the hardships he's facing because he has the Lord by his side. I know our thoughts and prayers are felt by BJ. I know he is comforted by our love and support. I know that through this tough time, BJ will grow closer to the Savior, as will the rest of us, as we rely on Him to protect our little brother. God bless ALL the soldiers who are so willing to fight for our freedoms!

Nationwide Fast! We can do it!!!!

Blaine called last week to report that a friend of his was shot and killed. He also informed us that his promotion has been held up because of paperwork issues, which means he will continue to be sent to the front lines. This has been weighing heavily on my heart and I just wish there was something I could do. I was thinking it would be nice to do a family/friend fast. Not just for our Blaine, but for all the soldiers, that they might be comforted and safe. But why stop at a family/friend fast? I want this to be HUGE!!! We can do this! I think we could organize a national fast! Everyone knows SOMEONE in another state, and if we can just pass this email around to EVERYONE - just imagine what a little faith and fasting can do! I know we all have different views on the war, but I think we can all agree that we want our soldiers to be safe, and comforted, and we want them to come HOME!!!!

So, how about this???? NATIONAL FAST FOR OUR SOLDIERS AND THEIR FAMILIES - August 3rd (which is also International Friendship Day....interesting!!!)

I know our Heavenly Father loves us, and he is watching over our soldiers. I know that the power of fasting can bring great results. I have faith that if we just trust in the Lord, he will provide a way. I know it's unrealistic to think our soldiers are all going to be safe and sound, and that all of them will return home, but I do know that we can pray for the strength and courage to face the heartaches of war. I know we can heal the heart of the soldiers who come home who have seen more than we could ever imagine. I know we can restore the faith and happiness in ALL of us who stress and worry about our soldiers.

I know that regardless of religion or creed, God loves ALL of us, and wants us to live happy lives. We are all brothers and sisters. Let's reach out to those that have less than us, those who have lost more than us, and those who fight for our rights, even at the cost of their lives.

........WILL YOU JOIN ME?

Strength and Support

My little brother is a Marine, serving in Kuwait and Iraq. He's teaching me so much about freedon, and faith. I am constantly praying for his safe return. I am relentlessly pleading with God to keep his spirits high, and his courage strong. I hope that he feels my love and support from the other side of the world.

I know these feelings are not mine alone. In this day and age, we all have a family member or friend serving our country. Many of us know of someone's father, husband, wife, mother, brother or sister, or worse, someone's son or daughter, that has died serving our country. As a nation, we are grieving and celebrating all at once. It's a surreal feeling.

We all differ on our policital views, we all have mixed feelings on the War in Iraq. But I think we can all agree on one thing. We want our troops to be safe and sound. We want our troops to return home with honor. We want to support them one way or another. This is why I am creating this blog. I want to dedicate it to all the men and women who are serving our country, who have served our country, and to those that WILL serve our country. I want this to be a place for people to praise their friends and family, to share in the heartache of losing someone, a place to vent and share the emotions felt nationwide. Our nation has been rocked by the war, and again, regardless of our different feelings about it, we could all use a little support.

Please share your stories and photos with us! I would like to post your stories on my blog. Email your stories, thoughts and feelings, and pictures to SupportAllSoldiers@gmail.com