Happy Veterans Day

I have days that will never leave my mind. When I first fell in love in high school, when my kids were born, when my dad died, and when I retired from the military.  Thinking of all my friends and loved ones who have gone before me let’s remember what Veterans Day is all about.  It is not just a holiday but it is a time to not only thank a vet for what he did, but to think of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and will not be coming home to be with families.   It was originally established to honor Americans who had served in World War 1, but today it honors vets of all wars for their patriotism and williness to serve our country.

What use to be called Armistice day is now considered Veterans Day.  It started in 1919 by President Wilson to mark the end of the “war to meet all wars” It was considered a legal holiday in 1938.  There was some confusion weather it would be observed on a Monday or its original day of November 11, but in 1975 President Ford signed Public Law 94-97 stating it would be observed on Nov 11. All branches of the service, all men and women who served are honored! 

I am sure each one of us know a Vet, whether it be a family member ,coworker ,or friend, but they all should be thanked and given a thumbs up!  Vets are in all walks of life from CEOs  of large companies to homeless folks but each one of these folks can probably tell you of a sacrifice they had to endure.  Flags will be at half staffed there will be parades, ceremonies and such but one thing for sure.   These folks deserve a lot more than a day of thanks!  Some gave all some gave their lives!  My hats off to all vets weather you stayed in for only a few years to all those who retired, you made a difference.  Be proud of your accomplishments, you deserve this day!  Until next time

Happy Birthday USMC!

Ok so it is November 10^th 2011 just another beautiful fall day.  Leaves are turning, it is getting colder and we are getting ready for winter.  Just another day to some but to some very special folks this is the second most important day in the year besides Christmas.  That’s what I was led to believe anyway.

What is it?  It is the United States Marine Corp birthday.  To thousands of folks it represents the anniversary of the toughest fighting force in the world.  In my opinion if Chuck Norris wanted to be any tougher he would have joined the Marine Corp. He is an honorary Marine but not the real thing. He was though in the Air Force!  Just sayin.  Anyway,   I have been around the Marine Corp up bringing all my life.  My father was a Marine. He loved the Marine Corp so much he got married on the Marine Corp Birthday; OK he wanted a day off. I learned the Marine Corp hymn before I learned my alphabet.  I have several friends who were Marines and friends whose fathers were Marines. I grew up with a lot of folks associated with the Corp that is why they were so damn tough, Joanne even plays a good round if golf! Anyway, I remember liking this girl in High School. She was smart, very cute, and boy I was head over heels for her.  Her dad was a Marine Colonel and tough as nails and he scared me enough that I walked a fine line. He reminded me of Clint Eastwood in the Movie Hamburger Hill.  It did not help for my dad to say things like he knows more ways to kill you then you know how to die and things of that nature. 

There is no such thing as an ex-Marine.  Sure they have a retirement but you are always a Marine!  Think I’m wrong just ask one of them.  Some are not as lean or not as mean but their still a fighting machine!

They had humble beginnings that started in a little bar in Philadelphia PA called Tuns  tavern.  You can say the Marines started drinking cold beer and having an opportunity to serve their country Yep that pretty much sums it up.  The Marines are part of the Navy Department, if you ask a Marine they will tell you it’s the Men’s Department of the Navy LOL, anyway  They started as a protection force in the Revolutionary War and they have been protecting us ever sense.  Thanks to all the US Marines past and present. Semper FI, Happy Birthday and God Bless.  Have a great day! Until Next time!