Just A Moment To Pay Respects

Blues

Blues

hovering overhead
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Over the past few years I've had an opportunity to read several books about the Normandy invasion and the men and women that put their lives on the line for us all to make it work.

On top of that, I think Saving Private Ryan was a very moving testament, albeit fictionalized, of the events.

Every time I watch a TV program or read another book about those who served under those incredibly difficult circumstances I find myself feeling inadequate in comparison and my eyes welling up with awe and gratitude.

Nothing I have done in my career as an LEO, whether as a member of SRT or any other unit can stand up to the valor displayed by those ordinary folks put in extraordinary circumstances.

I salute them all. All who proudly and unselfishly served and made the ultimate sacrifice. (And from this distance, I'll go further and say on whichever side.)

What's it got to do with khukuris? Well, you guys know.

Blues
(Humbled Shaman, Dirty Old Fish Clan)

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Live Free or Die

Blues' Knife Pix
 
My late father was one of those who went ashore at Omaha Beach. He told me that all the Germans were 10 feet tall, and that they were all shooting at him!

Kidding aside, he and so many more were incredibly brave men. I, too salute them.

Mike L.


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What goes around...comes around.
 
Since I am German, I am not too sure if this is the appropriate topic to answer, and I hesitated somewhat before posting my unsorted thoughts. But, I am glad that Germany has lost WWII, and (this really doesn’t happen too often) I am glad that I am part of a majority – namely the majority of people in our country that feels the same way.
My grandfather told me that he was glad about the outcome of WWII, too – despite the fact that he was fighting for the opposite goal. Somehow, he was torn between the oath he had sworn, and his feelings about what was right and what was wrong. He had chosen to follow his oath, but nevertheless he hoped that Germany would loose the war.
I hope that I will never be in such a situation, but again, I am glad about the outcome of WWII and I would like to extend my thanks to the people who made it possible for me to grow up in a free country.

anton
 
Anton,

Before I posted I thought about wording what I had to say in a manner that wouldn't be offensive to those of us whose families fought on different sides during the war.

Since Uncle Bill's cantina is an international brother/sisterhood, it would be wrong to exclude the brave and just from any of the sides.

My late father-in-law was in the Italian army during the war and saw combat in Africa and Europe. I loved him like he was of my own blood.

My own family is made up of Jewish and Siclian Catholic immigrants, but in my life I've had a chance to have been befriended by
a much older man who served in the army of Germany during WWII and let me know in no uncertain terms that he didn't share certain feelings of derision toward Jews that was commonplace during the time. He didn't have to do it, I was just a kid working in a factory for college money, but I appreciated it. I remember Willie had a deep bayonet scar in his neck that always made me wonder about what his own war experiences had been like.

Hell, I used to joke with my father-in-law that if he had won, I'd never have taken his daughter off his hands.

As far as I am concerned, heroes are heroes regardless of the side fate happens to place them on, as long as they find it within themselves to conduct their affairs with honor both on and off the battlefield.

All best,

Blues

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Live Free or Die

Blues' Knife Pix
 
I, too, pause a moment today to honor in my heart the young men who were so sure of the righteousness of their cause; who thought they would live forever but died on the beach, or in the flooded marsh by Ste.Mere Eglise, or among the hedgerows.
When we are young, it's easy to hate, and find reason to fight. It's harder when you are old, and have learned the emptiness and futility of '-isms'.
We old men who are left can only mourn and praise those who weren't so lucky, but who died with their ideals and their honor intact.
God bless 'em, every one.



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The sword cannot cut itself, the eye cannot see itself.
 
I too would like to join all of you in paying respects to those who served in the terrible conflagration we commonly refer to as the Second World War. In the quiet little neighborhood I grew up in there where two WWII veterans I came to know who had won the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and numerous purple hearts each. But neither of them cared to talk much about their experiences or heroics, and they both wore haunted looks sometimes. One had been an alcoholic most of his life since the war. Truly we owe these men a debt that can never be fully understood.
Any man who can serve in the senseless hell of a war and maintain even a vestige of human decency and compassion is a hero, no matter what side he is sworn to.
May God bless them all and grant them peace.Amen

humbly and sincerely,
Patrick
 
:
I can still remember standing on the side of Oklahoma Highway 11 back around 1943 - 1944 and waving at the soldiers that were going by in the Army trucks.
I was only 3 -4 years old at the time and of course didn't have much understanding about the war.
But I did know what death was and that many of these soldiers might possibly get killed or hurt badly.
One of my favorite uncles was overseas at the time and when the war was being talked about I always brought up Uncle Floyd's name and asked if he was alright.
I had uncles who were very much affected by being in combat and seeing their buddies killed.

On the other side of the coin dad took mom and me along with him one day to drive around the German POW Prison.
Many of the POW's were outside playing baseball and I asked dad how come we were figting with these people since they looked like everyone else.

And I can imagine another little boy overseas much like myself asking the same questions and having the same thoughts.
I cannot add to what the rest of you guys have spoken so eloquently.
But I am also very proud and full of honor to have known some of these fine men and been invited to hear some of their stories.
They did what I have often wondered if I could have done had I been in that time and place and old enough.
I pray that I would've been up to the task.....

I have great respect for all the honorable soldiers and warriors through out all time.
I have to being a mixed blood of many nationalities.




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Yvsa.

"VEGETARIAN".............
Indin word for lousy hunter.
 
To all of you-----in the name of my Grandfather,Father,two Uncles, a sister and myself---all US Navy Veterans---THANK YOU! It is just simple daily reminders from friends and strangers that reflect heartfelt gratitude for an action that may be an unconstious thought that can bring happiness and a feeling of pride in the world of today when things seem more complicated--but aren't really. Again I thank you for those who are no longer here to thank you for themselves----May the world have no need to create future veterans. I pray that this happens........Tony
 
Blues,
My Dad was at Pearl,when it started!Dad's gone, but I remember all he told me!Kids today don't remember,asked one if he remembered June 6, or Dec.7,didn't know !!
jim
 
When I was in Germany a couple of years ago, I talked to an older guy that had a lot of interesting stories.
When Hitler came to power his father said "Well, I don't like this guy, but at least he won't lead us into another war. He was an ordinary soldier, like me, and none of us could ever do that to anyone."
When he reached military age the war was already on and he was stationed in France. He asked a French priest if they would hide him, if he deserted. The priest said:
"You are a traitor to your country and if you hadn't told me that in the confessional, I'd turn you in to your superior officer."
Just a few years ago, the same guy was backpacking in California and talked to some American vets. He said of course he was glad to meet them, "you were our liberation army". One of them almost started to cry, and said he'd never heard anyone (from Germany) say that before. (Presumably, the American hadn't been there for a few years, Anton.)
 
The common soldier in any army is a hero. He is usually there because of someone elses decisions, does his best to do what he thinks right, tries to keep himself and his camrades alive; and suffers for all these things. Any man or woman who has fought in combat deserves respect. There may be exceptions, but I believe this is the rule.
 
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