Order of the Eastern Star & Worthy Matron's Source


	Annette's Fraternal Merchandise Serving and Helping all Masonic Families MILITARY PAGE of JOKES-STORIES-POEMS

...MILITARY PAGE 3 OF JOKES-STORIES-POEMS. ...

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OUR BRAVE TROOPS

Smiles and welcome Sisters and Brothers in our Military!
These are Stories, Poems, Letters, and things about our Military Troops.

Please feel free to send me more things, personal letters or notes,photos etc. We want to show our support for our troops.
We have some great things from our Marines, and we could use some from our Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, as well, so send me some things.
This is our MILITARY Page of Letters, Stories, Poems and things that shows how proud we are of our military. Please read and pray for each one serving.

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WE

LOVE OUR TROOPS!

*** So many HOLIDAYS have passed,.. and we will be looking toward another Thanksgiving and Christmas with so many of our troops not with loved ones, and won't be again for these holiday, they are gone fighting for our freedom.... Count your blessings if you are surrounded by YOUR family, and pray FAITHFULLY for our Troops and our Beloved USA..God Bless America !!
These are things, jokes, stories, etc that I receive, and I pray you are not offended by some of the language. I try not to edit what I receive. If you think it offensive, please just skip it.

WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.

***************************************** If you have time, check out this wonderful Website...it tells it like it is. http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/THEWRONGARMY.HTML

************************************************************** The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

You could have heard a pin drop
When in England , at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by
the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example
of empire building ' by George Bush.

He answered by saying, ' Over the years, the United
States has sent many of its fine young men and women
into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders.
The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return
is enough to bury those that did not return. '

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was a conference in France where a number of
international engineers were taking part, including French
and American. During a break, one of the French engineers
came back into the room saying ' Have you heard the latest
dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft
carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What
does he intended to do, bomb them? '
A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: ' Our
carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several
hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply
emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they
have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000
people three meals a day, they can produce several
thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each
day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in
transporting victims and injured to and from! their flight
deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does
France have? '

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference
that included Admirals from the U.S. , English, Canadian,
Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception,
he found himself standing with a large group of Officers
th at included personnel from most of those countries.
Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped
their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that,
whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn
only English. ' He then asked, ' Why is it that we always have
to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking
French? '
Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied ' Maybe
it ' s because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans
arranged it so you wouldn ' t have to speak German. '

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND THIS STORY FITS RIGHT IN WITH THE ABOVE...

Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in
Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his
passport in his carry on.
' You have been to France before, monsieur? ' the customs officer
asked sarcastically.
Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France
previously
Then you should know enough to have your passport ready. '
The American said, ' ' The last time I was here, I didn ' t have to
show it.
' Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports
on arrival in France ! '
The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard
look. Then he quietly explained, ' ' Well, when I came ashore
at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country,
I couldn ' t find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to. '

You could have heard a pin drop.

If you are proud to be an American, pass this on!

RULES FOR NON-MILITARY

Make sure you read # 13

Dear Civilians, 'We know that the current state of affairs in our great
nation has many civilians up in arms and excited to join the military.
For those of you who can't join, you can still lend a hand.
Here are a few of the areas where we would like your assistance:

1. The next time you see any adults talking (or wearing a hat) during the playing of the National Anthem - kick their ass.

2.When you witness, firsthand, someone burning the American Flag in protest - kick their ass.

3.Regardless of the rank they held while they served, pay the highest amount of respect to all veterans. If you see anyone doing otherwise,
quietly pull them aside and explain how these veterans fought for the
very freedom they bask in every second. Enlighten
them on the many sacrifices these veterans made to make this
Nation great.Then hold them down while a disabled veteran
kicks their ass.

4.(GUYS) If you were never in the
military, DO NOT pretend that you were. Wearing battle dress
uniforms (BDUs) or Jungle Fatigues, telling others that you
used to be 'Special Forces, Collecting GI Joe memorabilia,
might have been okay when you were seven years old. Now, it
will only make you look stupid and get your ass kicked.

5.Next time you come across an Air Force member, do not
ask them, 'Do you fly a jet?' Not everyone in the Air Force is a pilot.
Such ignorance deserves an ass-kicking (children are exempt).

6.If you witness someone calling the US Coast Guard
'non-military', Inform them of their mistake - and kick their ass.

7.Next time Old Glory (the US flag) prances by
during a parade, get on your damn feet and
pay homage to her by placing your hand over your heart. Quietly thank the
military member or veteran lucky enough to be
carrying her - of course, failure to do either of those could earn you a
severe ass-kicking.

8.Don't try to discuss politics with a military member or a veteran.
We are Americans, and we all bleed the same, regardless of our party affiliation.
Our Chain of Command is to include our Commander-In-Chief(CinC).
The President (for those who didn't know) is
our CinC. Regardless of political party.
We have no inside track on what happens inside those big important buildings where
all those representatives meet All we know is that when
those civilian representatives screw up the situation,
they call upon the military to go straighten it out.
If you keep asking us the same stupid questions repeatedly,
you will get your ass kicked.

9.'Your mama wears combat boots' never made
sense to me - stop saying It!
If she did, she would most likely be a vet and therefore could kick your ass!

10. Bin Laden and the Taliban are not
Communists, so stop saying 'Let's go kill those Commies!'
And stop asking us where he is! Crystal balls are not standard
issue in the military. That reminds me- if you see anyone calling
those damn psychic phone numbers, let me know, so I can go kick their ass!

11. 'Flyboy' (Air Force), 'Jarhead' (Marines), 'Grunt' (Army),
'Squid' (Navy), 'Puddle Jumpers' (Coast Guard), etc.,
are terms of endearment we use describing each other. Unless you
are a service member or vet, you have not earned the right to
use them. Using them could get your ass kicked.

12. Last, but not least, whether or not you become
a member of the military, support our troops and
their families. Every Thanksgiving and religious holiday
that you enjoy with family and friends, please remember
that there are literally thousands of soldiers, sailors,
marines and airmen far from home wishing
they could be with their families.
Thank God for our military and the sacrifices they make
every day. Without them, our country would get it's ass kicked.'

'It's the Veteran, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.'
'It's the Veteran, not the poet,
who has given us the freedom of speech.'
'It's the Veteran, not the community organizer,
who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.'
'It's the Military who salutes the flag,
who serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.'

ONE MORE::

13. If you ever see anyone either standing for or singing the national anthem in Spanish - KICK THEIR ASS.

We must never forget who Gets the credit for the freedoms we have,
of which we should be Eternally grateful.

I watched the flag
Pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.

A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease...
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square
And eyes alert He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes Shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves ?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant 'Amen,'
When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I Thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington .
No, freedom isn't free.

Enjoy Your Freedom & God Bless Our Troops

Sent to me from an airman:

Subject: How long must this go on?
Two Arabs boarded a flight out of London. One took a window seat and the other sat next to him in the middle seat.
Just before takeoff, a Marine sat down in the aisle seat.
After takeoff, the Marine kicked his shoes off, wiggled his toes and was settling in when the Arab in the window seat said, I need to get up and get a coke."
"Don't get up," said the Marine, "I'm in the aisle seat, I'll get it for you

" As soon as he left, one of the Arabs picked up the Marines shoe and spat in it.
When the Marine returned with the coke, the other Arab said, "That looks good, I'd really like one, too." Again, the Marine obligingly went to fetch it.

While he was gone the other Arab picked up the Marines other shoe and spat in it.
When the Marine returned, they all sat back and enjoyed the flight.
As the plane was landing, the Marine slipped his feet into his shoes and knew immediately what had happened.

"Why does it have to be this way?" he asked.
"How long must this go on?
The fighting between our nations?
The hatred?
The animosity?
The spitting in shoes and pissing in cokes?"

******** THE MARINES WILL ALWAYS WIN !!!!

*************** Joke: Q: What's the difference between a jet engine and a fighter pilot?
A: A jet engine will stop whining when you shut the plane down. ***********************************************************

I received this from an OES Star Sister, Jeanie Bates and I wanted to share it, and say AMEN to it!

This poem was Written, & Read, by Doyle Lovelace , at his father's funeral.
An old Soldier's Passing is in honor of our dad, Alvin Lovelace, who was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, January, 1945 and is dedicated to all the Old Soldiers of World War II and especially to our uncle, Harry Grigsby, who was killed during the Invasion of Naples in 1943.

An Old Soldier's Passing

Another old soldier passed on today-
Their ranks are getting thin
When the sad day comes and they're all gone
We won't see their kind again.

At the Battle of the Bulge, on Italy's shores
And at a beach called Omaha,
They fought and cried and bled and died,
But they answered their country's call.

Another old soldier passed on today-
Their ranks are getting thin
And before too long these brothers of freedom
Will all camp together again.

Just who are these men, these bravest of men
To whom the free world owes so much,
No, not just men but heroes all
And deserve to be honored as such.

And another old soldier passed on today-
Their ranks are getting thin
And our old soldier today passed on-
Our hero, our dad and our friend.

January 28, 2006 ********************************

I just received this and thought you should read it:

Subject: Fw: LET'S BE SPECIFIC Subject: LET'S BE SPECIFIC Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2007 19:19:51 -0600

Some of the wording is a bit harsh, but I believe this guy has a firm grip on what our so-called "leaders" are trying to do to this country.
Read it and if you agree pass it on! LET'S BE SPECIFIC (By Brig. Gen. J. Cash, USAF, Ret)

Due to the thunderous applause that I received from the far-left over the "I Am Tired" letter written by one of our troops in Iraq, I thought it prudent to follow up with one last attempt to be very specific about what I have observed and actually personally encountered during my 36 years of service to this Great Country. Unlike Bob McClellan, I will not continue to whine, twist and degrade our country's leaders on a weekly basis. Instead, this will be a one time input attempting to reach some of those who are confused by McClellan and his ilk's unethical rantings and give some insight through my personal experience as a professional military officer over the years.

These examples are but a few. In real life there were many more which space and time will not allow.

As a young fighter pilot, flying F-4s in Vietnam, I was stopped in my tracks by the decisions made by Lyndon Johnson and Robert McNamara. I was young and naive, but even then I knew their daily interference was wrong and would not allow us to win this thing and go home. Decisions like not allowing us to strike enemy aircraft while still on the ground, keeping real targets off the target list, and allowing us to strike only rusted-out trucks made us basically a toothpick factory.

However, the big one for me came the day I saw the President Lyndon Johnson on television, forcefully lying to the American people. I'll never forget the language, "I want to assure the American people that the United States of America has never, and will never, bomb or use force inside the borders of Cambodia". On and on he disavowed the reports that this was happening. I was amazed. Guess where I had put several F-4 loads of 750 pound general purpose bombs every day for the past five days. You guessed it, Cambodia!!! So much for Mr. Johnson. The only question in my mind was simply, "Was it just Johnson or was it the methodology of a particular political party?" I decided to delay answering that question until more experience was gained.
Years passed, and I ignored politics as much as possible, as a good military man should.

Then came Jimmy Carter. Our young people don't remember 18% interest rates and 18% inflation, but I'll bet someone in your family does. That is one really bad thing Carter did for our country, but it is not the worst. During this period, I was an F-15 Squadron Commander, located at Langley AFB, VA. Jimmy Carter and his democratic party stopped spare parts procurement for almost every weapon system in our military, and diverted the funds to social programs. The F-15 was brand new at the time with leading edge technology designed to provide air superiority anywhere in the world on a moments notice. That was my job. I loved it, but guess what? In a two year period from 1979 to 1981, there was not one day when more than one-third of my assigned aircraft were flyable. It is amazing the lengths we went to in those days, cannibalizing parts, expending twice the time and energy to fix every little item, and still two-thirds of the birds were always broken because of no spare parts. Had this country faced a really serious military threat during that time frame, only Montana Hunters could have saved us. The military had some equipment, but it was all broken.
Do you want to know the really bad part for me and the young fighter pilots working for me?
Our flying sortie rate was so low that pilot proficiency dropped to dangerous levels. The accident rate tripled. That obviously was totally unacceptable, as we were losing expensive airplanes and highly trained young pilots at a rate comparable to losses seen in actual combat.
All of a sudden, even a Texas Aggie like me began to see a trend.

Forward a few years to 1986. I am an F-16 Wing Commander at MacDill AFB, Florida, and Ronald Regan is president. His change in attitude and policy toward the military had time to fix the spare parts problem. We were flying 26,000 flying sorties per year out of MacDill AFB, my aircraft fully mission capable rate (FMC) was above 90%, the aircraft accident rate was below 1.75 per hundred thousand flying hours, fighter pilots were flying and proficiency levels were at an all time high. The United States Air Force was ready to defend this Wonderful Country.

Proof of the pudding is simple. Look what the USAF, and the military in general, accomplished in Iraq during Desert Storm. And, they did it in less than 100 hours. Yeah, at this point I was starting to realize there was a difference in mentality between Democrats and Republicans, or should I say, the Right and the Left. Then, came everyone's favorite---Bill Clinton. If there ever was an individual 180 degrees out of sync with the ideals and the values of the US military, it was Clinton. He was a known draft dodger, military hating, self absorbed, unspeakingly shameless and immoral individual, who the Left managed to elect President of the United States of America.

Clinton's antics in the White House would have brought court martial, conviction, and Dishonorable Discharge had he been a military member. We still suffer oral sex on school buses, because the President told the world it wasn't real sex, and some of our children believed him. It took a lot of years, but now I became certain. There is a big difference in the right and the left on all fronts, and for the first time I started feeling angry and shamed that the majority of the American people were actually willing to vote for such an individual.

Sometimes, an abstract such as the following tells the story in very simple terms: Jane Fonda, Tom Hayden, Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, Ted Kennedy, Howard Dean, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Michael Moore, Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon, Nancy Pelosi, Barbra Boxer, John Kerry, Benedict Arnold, and the list goes on.

America, wake up. Giving in to the likes of these people and Abraham Lincoln's prediction of destruction from within just may come true. There is not a country in the world that can be considered a conventional military threat to the United States today.

However, this country faces a new kind of threat---one that will not go away. It is a threat even more serious than WWII, because money, industry and technology will not defeat it. It is a threat of defeat from within.
It is a threat of a faltering economy because of a lack of resources, or the even the simple threat of such a loss brought on by terrorism.
It is a threat created by the American people trusting the inept.
It is a threat created by the people wanting change, and perilously believing that the left can successfully deliver that change.
Have you seen anything from the left that remotely resembles an answer to the Iraq situation?
Have you seen anything more than continued Bush-Bashing?
Is that an answer?
If there was ever a need for a strong, well trained military, it is now.

THE LEFT HAS HISTORICALLY DISMANTLED OUR MILITARY IN THE NAME OF REDISTRUBITION OF WEALTH FAVORING SOCIAL PROGRAMS.

We just cannot afford to let that happen now.
If we do, the entire country will be bowing to the east several times a day within the next 50 years, maybe sooner.

Now a final thought meant to upset as many as possible on the far-left. As you might guess, I don't believe in political correctness.
So, let's look at the facts, not far-left rhetoric attempting to empower the democratic party.
Initially, I was not a George Bush fan. I am not even a Republican. I normally vote Republican, because of my total despise of Communism, Socialism and the far-left in this country. I am a Conservative.
However, during his watch, I feel President Bush just happened to stumble upon the leading edge of the greatest threat this country has ever faced.
Mistakes have been made, because of the newness of the threat. Overall, the President has done a superb job dealing with the threat, and at the same time held off the constant ranting, raving, deceitful and malicious escapades of the far-left attempting to regain political power.

IF THERE WAS EVER A TIME THE COUNTRY NEEDS TO COME TOGETHER AND BACK OUR PRESIDENT, IT IS RIGHT NOW. WITHOUT CONCENSUS WE ARE EMPOWERING THE TERRORIST!!!!
The far-left is totally absorbed with the power struggle and regaining control of congress.
They could care less about defeating the threat. It literally disgusts me to hear the constant disagreement with everything the President tries to do, all in the name of trying to make him look bad to the voters.
Unfortunately, by the time the American people really appreciate how bad the far-left really is, it may too late. What are the real facts? On the home front this country's economy is the strongest that it has been in my lifetime. Interest rates are as low as they were when I was in high school forty years ago. Inflation does not exist for all practical purposes.

For you youngster's, please remember the Jimmy Carter comments? The Dow is approaching 13,000. Unemployment is nonexistent. Wages are at an all time high. Home ownership is at an all time high. Taxes have been lowered to an almost acceptable level. Because of the surging economy the deficit is under control and projected to go away far ahead of schedule. The far-left is rich beyond its wildest dreams, so Mr. President when are you going to "fix" all these domestic problems? Bob and George, give me a break!!!!

On the war front this country has not been touched since 2001. I remember being part of a seminar at the USAF War College in 1983 discussing the terrorist threat. There were some good minds at that table and a lot of disagreement. However, one common thought was that the US would be hit within the next five years. Answers to the terrorist threat were just as hard to come by then as they are now. Well, it took a little longer than the projection, but the attack occurred. For an old military guy like me, the main point here is that it has not happened again. We have suckered the bad guys into entering the fight somewhere other than in our country. To hell with political correctness. The President can't say this, but I sure can. I smile every mornin g when I get up and realize that one of our great cities has not been blown away. And, there is zero doubt in my mind that if we pull out of Iraq prematurely, that will happen within a short period of time after our departure. I don't care what you might think of President Bush personally. He has done the best he can with what he has, and this country is not smoking because of it. So, back off McLean and McClellan. You honestly don't have a clue about what you are talking about. Call me, and I will tell you what I really think. I realize there are different points of view on war, and I do not believe the meek will inherit the earth, at least not in the next few hundred years.

To those like McClellan, McLean, poor Eve Kyes and Sinowa Cruz let me say, "This is a strong country!!!" It has survived the uneducated thinking of the far-left before, and I'll just bet it will again. Regardless of who is President, the people will not tolerate mass explosions on a daily basis, as our good friends in Israel have been forced to do. To protect that position of power, even Hillary will be forced to become a true hawk. To guarantee a few more votes Ted Kennedy may be forced to begin supporting a strong military. One more attack on America might even wipe the giddy, 'I-am-finally-somebody' grin from Nancy Pelosi's face, and make her realize that is not about votes and personal power. IT IS ABOUT PROTECTING THIS GREAT COUNTRY FROM ALL ENEMIES, BOTH FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC. Jimmy L. Cash, Brig. Gen., USAF, Ret. 349 Jib Lane Lakeside, Montana

Why we damn well better appreciate our freedom

Our alarm goes off, you hit the snooze and sleep for another 10 minutes.

He stays up for days on end.
__________________________

You take a warm shower to help you wake up.

He goes days or weeks without running water.

__________________________

You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.

He gets shot at, as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
__________________________

You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.

He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
__________________________

You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.

He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
__________________________

You talk trash on your "buddies" that aren't with you.

He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
__________________________

You don't feel like helping out your dad today, so you don't.

He does what he is told.
__________________________

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.

He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
__________________________

You complain about how hot it is.

He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
__________________________

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.

He does not get to eat today.
__________________________

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.

He wears the same things for months, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
__________________________

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.

He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
__________________________
You are angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.

He is told he will be held an extra 2 months. He does as he is told.
__________________________

You call your girlfriend and set a date for that night.

He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
__________________________

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.

He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
__________________________

You ditch class to go to a movie.

He goes where he is told.
__________________________

You roll your eyes as a baby cries.

He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
__________________________

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.

He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own government and remembers why he is fighting.
__________________________

You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of the men like him.

He hears the gun fire and bombs.
__________________________

You see only what the media wants you to see.

He sees the bodies lying around him.
__________________________

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.

He does what he is told.
__________________________

You stay at home and watch tv.

He takes whatever time he is given to call and write home, sleep, and eat.
__________________________

You crawl into your bed, with down pillows, and try to get comfortable.

He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap, only to be woken by gun fire.
__________________________

You sit there and judge him, saying the world is a worse place because of men like him.

If only there were more men like him.
__________________________

You gripe at your parents for not buying your favorite snack.

He's just happy to get some packages of Kool-Aid and a bag of chips.
__________________________

You get mad when you have to share your favorite treat with a younger sibbling.

He shares what little bit of anything he has with the men around him.
__________________________

Here's to our brothers, sisters, dads, moms, cousins, aunts, uncles, and everyone who is out there fighting. Here's to those who didn't die in vain. And here's to those who care enough to do something about what we don't like.

"We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same."- Carlos Castaneda >>>

I RECEIVED THIS LINK FROM A SOILDER: This puts our everyday jobs and stresses into perspective. . . . . . . . . Make sure you have your speaker volume turned up. Click on this link:

http://clermontyellowribbon.com/untilthenflash.htm
This one is approiate for Easter.

A mother's question

A mother asked President Bush,
"Why did my son have to die in Iraq?"

Another mother asked President Kennedy,
"Why did my son have to die in Viet Nam?"

Another mother asked President Truman,
"Why did my son have to die in Korea?

Another mother asked President F.D. Roosevelt,
"Why did my son have to die at Iwo Jima?"

Another mother asked President W. Wilson,
"Why did my son have to die on the battlefield of France?"

Yet another mother asked President Lincoln,
"Why did my son have to die at Gettysburg?"

And yet another mother asked President G. Washington,
"Why did my son have to die near Valley Forge?"

Then long, long ago, a mother asked...
"Heavenly Father, why did my Son have to die on a cross outside of Jerusalem?"

The answers to all these are similar --
"So that others may have life and dwell in peace, happiness and freedom."

This was emailed to me with no author and I thought the magnitude and the simplicity were awesome ...
Love to All

IF YOU DON'T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS, PLEASE, FEEL FREE...
TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM !!!

I would also like to ask you to send a card..only one, (or 20 or more if you wish) to our wounded If you can, please send to our American military heroes who are recuperating from wounds. Please enclose a short note thanking them for their service and personal sacrifice. They are the protectors of our freedom, we must let them know. Your small act of kindness will be greatly appreciated. Here's the address... A Recovering American Soldier c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20307-5001

�THE EMPTY CHAIR�

AS WE GATHER TO CELEBRATE,
ON THIS Any Special DAY,
WITH ALL OF OUR FAMILIES,
LET�S ALL STOP AND PRAY.

CAUSE ALL ACROSS AMERICA,
IN HOMES EVERYWHERE,
FAMILIES WILL BE GATHERED,
AT A TABLE WITH AN EMPTY CHAIR.

ONE OF THEIR LOVED ONES,
IS NOT AT HOME TO CELEBRATE,
SOME ARE IN FOREIGN LANDS,
AND SOME HAVE MET THEIR FATE.

LET�S THANK THESE MEN AND WOMEN,
WHO KEEPS OUR COUNTRY STRONG,
AND STAND AND SALUTE OUR FLAG,
AND SING OUR NATIONS SONGS.

CAUSE SOMEWHERE THIS Day,
AS WE SAY A THANKFUL PRAYER,
THERE ARE FAMILIES THAT ARE HURTING,
AT A TABLE WITH AN EMPTY CHAIR

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Marine stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, Marine,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And some! times, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you Marine,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

~Author Unknown~

It's the Soldier, not the reporter
who has given us the freedom of the press.

It's the Soldier, not the poet,
who has given us the freedom of speech.

It's the Soldier, not the politicians
that ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

It's the Soldier who salutes the flag,
who serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag.

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the Military,
please pass this on and pray for our men and women who have served and are currently serving our country
and pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

This is a poem being sent from a Marine to his Dad.
For those who take the time to read it, you'll see a letter from him to his Dad at the bottom. It makes you truly thankful for not only the Marines, but ALL of our troops.

THE MARINE

We all came together,
Both young and old
To fight for our freedom,
To stand and be bold.

In the midst of all evil,
We stand our ground,
And we protect our country
From all terror around.

Peace and not war,
Is what some people say.
But I'll give my life,
So you can live the American way.

I give you the right
To talk of your peace.
To stand in your groups,
and protest in our streets.

But still I fight on,
I don't complain, I don't whine.
I'm just one of the people
Who is doing your time.

I'm harder than nails,
Stronger than any machine.
I'm the immortal soldier,
I'm a U.S. MARINE!

So stand in my shoes,
And leave from your home.
Fight for the people who hate you,
With the protests they've shown.

Fight for the stranger,
Fight for the young.
So they all may have,
The greatest freedom you've won.

Fight for the sick,
Fight for the poor
Fight for the cripple,
Who lives next door.

But when your time comes,
Do what I've done.
For if you stand up for freedom,
You'll stand when the fight's done.

By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, US Marine Corps
USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF
March 23, 2003
Hey Dad,
Do me a favor and label this "The Marine" and send it to everybody on your email list. Even leave this letter in it. I want this rolling all over the US; I want every home reading it. Every eye seeing it. And every heart to feel it. So can you please send this for me? I would but my email time isn't that long and I don't have much time anyway. You know what Dad?I wondered what it would be like to truly understand what JFK said in His inaugural speech.
"When the time comes to lay down my life for my country,
I do not cower from this responsibility. I welcome it."

Well, now I know. And I do. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do. Even though I have left behind a beautiful wife, and I will miss the birth of our first born child, I would do it 70 times over to fight for the place that God has made for my home. I love you all and I miss you very much. I wish I could be there when Sandi has our baby, but tell her that I love her, and Lord willing, I will be coming home soon. Give Mom a great big hug from me and give one to yourself too. Aaron

I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry and stow their carry-ons and grab a seat so we could start what I was sure to be a long, uneventful flight home.

With the huge capacity and slow moving people taking their time to stuff luggage far too big for the overhead and never paying much attention to holding up the growing line behind them, I simply shook my head knowing that this flight was not starting out very well. I was anxious to get home to see my loved ones so I was focused on my issues and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to get their act together.

I knew I couldn't say a word so I just thumbed thru the "Sky Mall" magazine from the seat pocket in front of me You know it's really getting rough when you resort to the over priced, useless sky mall crap to break the monotony.

With everyone finally seated, we just sat there with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going although we were well past the scheduled take off time.
No wonder the airline industry is in trouble I told myself.

Just then, the attendant came on the intercom to inform us all that we were being delayed. The entire plane let out a collective groan.
She resumed speaking to say "We are holding the aircraft for some very special people who are on their way to the plane and the delay shouldn't be more than 5 minutes.
The word came after waiting six times as long as we were promised that I was finally going to be on my way home.
Why the hoopla over "these" folks? I was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be the reason for the hold up ..
Just get their butts in a seat and let's hit the gas I thought.
The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in a loud and excited voice that we were being joined by several U.S. Marines returning home from Iraq !!!

Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted into applause.
The men were a bit taken by surprise by the 340 people cheering for them as they searched for their seats.
They were having their hands shook and touched by almost everyone who was within an arm's distance of them as they passed down the aisle. One elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the Marines as he passed by her. The applause, whistles and cheering didn't stop for a long time.

When we were finally airborne, I was not the only civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in "me" getting home, finding my easy chair, a cold beverage and the remote in my hand.
These men had done for all of us and I had been complaining silently about "me" and "my" issues I took for granted the everyday freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the American way of life.
I took for granted that others had paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me" while those Heroes were going home to their loved ones.
I attempted to get my selfish outlook back in order and minutes before we landed, I suggested to the attendant that she announce over the speaker a request for everyone to remain in their seats until our heroes were allowed to gather their things and be first off the plane.
The cheers and applause continued until the last Marine stepped off and we all rose to go about our too often taken for granted everyday freedoms.
I felt proud of them.
I felt it an honor and a privilege to be among the first to welcome them home and say "Thank You for a job well done."
I vowed that I will never forget that flight nor the lesson learned. I can't say it enough, THANK YOU to those Veterans and active servicemen and women who may read this and a prayer for those who cannot because they are no longer with us.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

FREEDOM isn't FREE ... someone pays for you and me.

THESE TWO JOKES ARE "R" RATED FOR LANGUAGE..THESE WERE SENT TO ME BY ONE OF THE TROOPS IN HARMS WAY, SO PASS IT BY IF IT OFFENDS YOU. * * *Here's a quote from a government employee who witnessed a recent interaction between an elderly woman and an antiwar protester in a Metro station in DC:
There were protesters on the train platform handing out pamphlets on the evils of America. I politely declined to take one. An elderly woman was behind me getting off the escalator and a young (20ish) female protester offered her a pamphlet, which she politely declined.
The young protester put her hand on the old woman's shoulder as a gesture of friendship and in a very soft voice said, "Lady, don't you care about the children of Iraq?"
The old woman looked up at her and said, "Honey, my father died in France during World War II, I lost my husband in Korea, and a son in Vietnam. All three died so you could have the right to stand here and bad mouth our country. If you touch me again, I'll stick this umbrella up you�re ASS and open it!"

~God Bless America~*

THE CORK

Two Arab terrorists are in a locker room taking a shower after their bomb making class, when one notices the other has a huge cork stuck in his butt.
If you do not mind me saying," said the second, "that cork looks very uncomfortable. Why do you not take it out?"
I regret I cannot", lamented the first Arab.
"It is permanently stuck in my butt."
"I do not understand," said the other.
The first Arab says, "I was walking along the beach and I tripped over an oil lamp. There was a puff of smoke, and then a huge old man in an American flag attire with a white beard and top hat came boiling out. He said, "I am Uncle Sam, the Genie. I can grant you one wish."
I said, "No shit?" * * God Bless America

I know it is past Christmas, but this is worthwhile, regardless of what time of year it is.

A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white

transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,

Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

a lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,

"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light.

Then he sighed and he said "It's really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl' on a day in December,"

Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram' always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?"

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

Author unknown.

GOD BLESS THEM, AND PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL EVERY NIGHT..they are the line between us and freedom.

Remember to PRAY for our Troops!

Homeland Security

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THESE COLORS DON'T RUN

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