Thank you so much for your service. I attended a Veterans Day program this morning. At one point while Taps was being played I watched as several high school girls stood and placed their hands over their hearts. More people followed until the whole gymnasium was standing. I never felt prouder to be an American. The love and respect that was shown was overwhelming. A tear slid down my cheek as I listened to an elderly gentleman tell stories of a war long past. Thanks again, for without you, our freedoms would be lost.

My father is a Vietnam Veteran. I am almost positive, to this day, he has never been thanked for his service. Not even for the additional service he and his fellow Vietnam Veterans performed without realizing it. It's partly because of their struggles and lack of recognition, that most American's can now stand up an realize that it's not whether we agree with the what's going on, but that there are men and women doing their job for us anyway, and asking for nothing in return. When I think about that, I am even more proud of my father and his service. I thank him, and every other person who serves or has served in our military at any point in time. You are doing what few of us are willing to do ourselves! So, "Thank You" doesn't even begin to cover it! I say it anyway.... Thank you!!

I'd also like to express my thanks to all of the servicemen and servicewomen of this country, both past and present. We owe you a huge debt of gratitude.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ll4Ej-myoI&feature=related





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8poZshcDj8g



by Terry Kelly -





"A Pittance Of Time"


* * *







They fought and some died for their homeland.
They fought and some died, now it's our land.
Look at his little child; there's no fear in her eyes.
Could he not show respect for other dads who have died?

Take two minutes, would you mind?
It's a pittance of time,
For the boys and the girls who went over.
In peace may they rest,

may we never
forget why they died.
It's a pittance of time.

God forgive me for wanting to strike him.
Give me strength so as not to be like him.
My heart pounds in my breast, fingers pressed to my lips,
My throat wants to bawl out, my tongue barely resists.

But two minutes I will bide.
It's a pittance of time,
For the boys and the girls who went over.
In peace may they rest.
May we never forget why they died.
It's a pittance of time.

Read the letters and poems of the heroes at home.
They have casualties, battles, and fears of their own.
There's a price to be paid if you go, if you stay.
Freedom's fought for and won in numerous ways.

Take two minutes, would you mind?
It's a pittance of time,
For the boys and the girls all over.
May we never forget, our young become vets.
At the end of the line,
It's a pittance of time.

It takes courage to fight in your own war.
It takes courage to fight someone else's war.
Our peacekeepers tell of their own living hell.
They bring hope to foreign lands that hate mongers can't kill.

Take two minutes, would you mind?
It's a pittance of time,
For the boys and the girls who go over.
In peacetime our best still don battle dress
And lay their lives on the line.
It's a pittance of time

In peace may they rest,
Lest we forget

thank you all and may god bless and keep you all safe