[Bucco]

On this day....

From The first Veterans Day Proclamation, by President Eisenhower, 1954:

"On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly...to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace...."

[Polar Bear]

[jebartle]

We salute your service and bravery!

[seoulbrooks]

[Kenswing]

And let us not forget the families who stood beside us. Thank you to everyone who has served.

[graciegirl]

Remembering my uncle, Bronze Star, Second World War.

[bilcon]

Amen Brothers and sisters who served.

[Wendell]

Thanks

[Bucco]

The ceremonies in France the last 48 hours made me actually open myself up to the horrors of WW2, and review the damage to our world by that conflict.

The world, in phases, came together to fight a movement that was simply self absorbed.

If you find the time, read about the deaths in that war. The United States lost over 400,000 military. The Soviet Union lost almost TEN MILLION military and 25 MILLION total citizenry...

This epic war left no part of the world untouched and the numbers killed and wounded are simply incredible..

World War 2 Statistics

The link is not political but just a list of deaths of human beings by country.

WW2 was unbelievable, and while we honor all vets, recalling this horrific time in world history serves to keep everything in perspective, and we do tend to forget sacrifice and WW2 offered up so much in the way of sacrifice, it is difficult to even imagine.

I put myself through this excercise of revisiting this time in history simply to remind myself of what we should be fighting against to prevent even worse times.

[graciegirl]

I am old enough to remember the second world war. As a small child, I remember the sorrow of neighbors who lost their sons. I remember playing with army jeeps in our sandbox and the parade down our street when it was over. We had three uncles who saw combat. I was little but I remember the fear and the hatred and the sorrow the way a child absorbs things.

I remember the tokens that we used for food rationing and the oleo with the red capsule to color it yellow. I remember people saying to each other; "by by, buy bonds. I heard bad words about the enemy. People didn't usually say bad words in front of kids.

[Bucco]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I am old enough to remember the second world war. As a small child, I remember the sorrow of neighbors who lost their sons. I remember playing with army jeeps in our sandbox and the parade down our street when it was over. We had three uncles who saw combat. I was little but I remember the fear and the hatred and the sorrow the way a child absorbs things.

I remember the tokens that we used for food rationing and the oleo with the red capsule to color it yellow. I remember people saying to each other; "by by, buy bonds. I heard bad words about the enemy. People didn't usually say bad words in front of kids.

Your, and my suffering here at home pales in comparison to those veterans of that war or the residents of Europe.

I lived through all you mention, but as I learned, I knew I was very lucky, and recall the suffering that occurred in Europe. Thankfully, we ended it...and made pacts to stop it forever.....hopefully.

[Jima64]

Remembering my brother died covering a grenade to save others. Plus three more of us who served in the family.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by Jima64

Remembering my brother died covering a grenade to save others. Plus three more of us who served in the family.

Vietnam? Sorry for your loss. And thanks to all the Veterans who served.