The morning of December 7, 1941 - seventy years ago today December 7, 2011 - The Japanese sprung a surprise attack on the US Navy at Pearl Harbor Hawaii . Included in the attack were many of the ships docked in the harbor and Hickham Airfield.
In a few days, we’ll honor our military on Veterans’s Day -
the 11th Month, the 11th Day at the 11th Hour…
The sacrifices that they and their families have and continue to make to defend the freedoms and foundation of the United States of America.
I am fortunate to have a fantastic group of friends and they are always giving me ideas or sending me great insights and items. This is a special one from Larry who served in the US Marine Corps and I’d like to share it with you. And please share it with your family and friends as a rememberance of what you have to be thankful.
And
Thank you for your service Larrry!
Continue Reading…Here’s a more in-depth look at the making and background of the calendar – “The Old Guard on Mission – 2010″ – some history and little known facts…
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Arlington National Cemetery
For those who have followed me on Facebook, you have seen how from Saturday morning in the frenzy of the snowstorm, I attempted daily to get into Arlington National Cemetery. The mission was to capture some of the beauty of this hallowed place in the snow… ANC closed on Saturday, and when I arrived, the barriers were symbolically across Memorial Drive.
I turned around and decided that Sunday morning was probably a better choice and when I returned on Sunday, I found the roadway of Memorial Drive completely clear thanks to the efforts of the National Park Service. Alas, the gates of ANC were closed and locked …
GHTime Code(s): bfcb9 669d0Today 11 NOV is Veterans’ Day – I thank all who have given of themselves for their service.
There are nearly 125,000 Americans who are buried on foreign soil among 24 cemeteries in places such as Tunisia in North Africa, Flanders Field in Belgium… Continue Reading…
GHTime Code(s): 33f4bTHE FORGOTTEN – OTHER D-DAY….
In all, 250,000 Allied soldiers stormed France’s Mediterranean shores on Aug. 15, 1944, just 70 days after the D-Day landings at Normandy, catching German troops in a pincer so tight that Hitler muttered to aides, “This is the darkest day of my life.”
The news that the remains of the downed US Navy pilot from the first Iraq war was comforting for all and shows the determination to find those who have pledged to defend the United States of America.
In August of 1949, it was Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson who proclaimed 3rd Saturday in May – A day to honor those who are serving in the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard & Marines!
It was 20 MAY 1950, when President Harry S. Truman declared the first Armed Forces Day to thank those who serve to protect the freedoms of our United States of America.
Some 44 million Americans have served in the Armed Forces of the United States according to the Veterans’ Administration. It’s because of them and the ones who now serve that I can sit here and write these words without any cause of concern.
Thank someone in the military today…
The day began with that “perfect” final honors I wrote about earlier at Arlington National Cemetery. The day for the soldiers of the 3d Infantry Regiment – The Old Guard – – began earlier their day with a regimen of physical training, then at 1000, the preparations for the two missions at 1500 in Arlington National Cemetery for MG Alvin C Welling, US Army (Ret) and RADML Chauncey F. Hoffman US Navy (Ret).
I found one section of the Presidential Salute Battery at a location between the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and President John F. Kennedy’s grave. The other section was on the other side of the hill to the North. The rain poured down as the soldiers waited for the commo call to begin their mission, and off in the distance, one could hear the other battery section firing the salutes for the Admiral.
It was minutes later that the soldiers around me got into formation and we saw the procession to the South of us for General Welling. When the commo call came through the guns fired. The photo you see above is the first round in that mission.
Despite all the rain and cold, both sections executed their missions with precision & perfection.
“Guns go long…”
Last night was a bit of a challenge, and I continued to wake and finally out of something to distract the active mind, I turned on the laptop and resumed my synopsis of Tuesday… I didn’t finish yet. I must admit I checked email and found that my network of friends & fans continued to grow.
I also saw that a soldier on their 3d deployment was on – it was morning there. but no reason for me to be on. I reached out and we had a nice chat. Nice, but rather disturbing. I learned from him that he had to reach into his own funds and buy ‘necessities’ for his soldiers. I was shocked and dismayed that we send our soldiers into harm’s way and we can’t provide “basic coverage” to do their jobs.
I alerted him to a website that I’ve used repeatedly to surprise the troops with “STUFF” that I have assembled (paperback books, treats, batteries, even my notecards with plenty of pens). I urged him to sign up and see what ‘donations’ he could attract.
I know that it’s tight for a lot of us these days (me included) but if you can, go out to the website http://www.anysoldier.com/ and pick a soldier and find out what they want/need and if you can send it off. You’ll feel better. I know I do when I head to the post office with that package.
They’re fighting for you… won’t you help them?
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