Honor the Veterans in Our Lives

becunning2

Many of us know veterans (or perhaps some of us are veterans), so let's take a moment to recognize them and explain what they did for us!

My (first) stepdad was a veteran. He's currently struggling due to the economy, but I'll never forget him--or his new wife, or their two awesome kiddos. True story:  he saved my life when I was a child in a house fire.  Talk about a hero.

My (actual) dad was a veteran who served in Vietnam. Many times.  Like Green Beret Special Forces kind of veteran. We have a really difficult relationship (aka, not much of one), but he sacrificed a LOT for us, including one of his, err, testicles.  He wasn't SUPPOSED to be able to have kids because of earning that purple heart, but he did.  And all in all, I'm pretty glad he had me.

Kudos to our veterans.

peekaboo2011

My mom is a veteran.  She served in the first Gulf War.  She's been in the Army for 30 years, and she's retiring next month.  Although things haven't been easy sometimes, she's never wavered in her support of me and my brother, and if I've only ever learned one thing from her, it's how damn proud I am to be an American.  And even more so, how damn proud I am to be asked "Oh, what's your mom do" and to be able to respond "She's a SGM. in the Army."  Fewer people make SGM than make General.  And even fewer women accomplish the task.  She taught me to be a strong woman, sometimes in the least conventional of ways.  I'm beyond proud to be her daughter.

Thanks to all the veterans out there who serve our country.  Your willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice is amazing.  

becunning2

Polo:  Your grandpa sounds awesome!  I'm really not close to my dad, so I'm not sure about all of his military honors. I'm pretty sure he has a bronze star in addition to his purple heart, but I don't really know what it's for. We have a really strained relationship, but I know how much he sacrificed (including, apparently, his ability to have normal relationships with his children), so I'm proud of him for that.

Peek:  Your mom sounds like a bad ass.  

bsidebella

My grandpa (my dad's dad) is a veteran and a retired Marine (although he says "Marines never retire"). He was a drill instructor and served in the Korean War. He is known as one of the Chosin Few.

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir took place during one of the coldest winters on record in Korea, over 17 days. Thirty thousand American troops (who were known collectively as one of the Chosin Few) tried to infiltrate Korea by crossing the Chosin Reservoir. They did, and then were surprised by enemy Chinese troops, who outnumbered, encircled and tried to capture them. Instead, the Americans fought back. It resulted in one of the biggest losses of men for the Chinese army. It was one of the turning points of the Korean War.

To date, my grandpa is one of ~15 members of the Chosin Few still alive today.

I am very proud of my grandpa and what he did to serve his country. He continues to do so - even though he is in his 80's, he is a long-standing and respected member of his town's ambulance squad.

Happy Veteran's Day to my Pop, one of the best men I know

lennonkdc

My Grandpa served in WWII, he passed away a few years ago, and the flag that was draped over his coffin sits proudly on my parents mantel. My BF's father was in the Navy and served on nuclear subs, and my BF's brother and brother in law are currently serving in the Marine Corp, and have served in both Afghanistan and Iraq. My sister's boyfriend served in the Army and was stationed in Iraq as well. 

I am also very proud of my sister, who works for the Cleveland VA. She has not served, but she works tirelessly to promote Veterans' issues and make sure that Veterans' have access to all the services they need. 

becunning2

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_honor-veterans-lives?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:371bb5fc-ecb6-4968-b2ab-258709d8d636Post:f182800a-b547-4837-91c0-ed9cd64eda4d">Re: Honor the Veterans in Our Lives</a>:
[QUOTE] I couldn't handle the uncertainty of being a military wife. But anyway, that's a long story to say I'm very proud of him and grateful for his service to our country. 
Posted by LivLeighton[/QUOTE]

<div>No joke. That is a HARD life.</div>

bsidebella

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_honor-veterans-lives?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:371bb5fc-ecb6-4968-b2ab-258709d8d636Post:f182800a-b547-4837-91c0-ed9cd64eda4d">Re: Honor the Veterans in Our Lives</a>:
[QUOTE]I couldn't handle the uncertainty of being a military wife. But anyway, that's a long story to say I'm very proud of him and grateful for his service to our country. 
Posted by LivLeighton[/QUOTE]

I agree. I know it's a hard, hard thing to do, and I really admire the men and women who do it daily. <em>They</em> deserve their own holiday.

csousa1

My Grampa (who died last Christmas) served in Korea in the Air Force. He was an incredible man and I miss him a lot today.

So many thanks yous to all of the veterans out there!

cu97tiger

Both my Grandpas served in WWII. My dad's dad was the leader of an army orchestra and my mom's dad was also in the army. He was on the first c-plane to reach the USS Indianapolis, a ship that was hit by Japanese torpedos and which many of the survivors of the blast ended up drowning or being killed by sharks. There have been many books and a couple movies about it, and there was even a picture of my grandpa in one of the books. He was so young, it was hard to imagine that he was in that position.

Also, my uncle served in Desert Storm, and many of my friends have served as well. I don't thank them often enough, but I'm grateful that we have a day like today to remind us what they gave up for us...

CCO2012

MY grandfather served in WWII. He enlisted when he was just 17 (lied and said he was 18) and turned 18 flying overseas. If you go to the Smithsonian and visit the WWII exhibit at the Air and Space Museum you can see the exact type of plane my grandfather flew in. He did morse code. He actually passed away on Vetern's day 4 years ago. Miss you Pawpaw.

My cousin is in the Navy, but has never deployed. He works on computers in planes etc and teaches pilots how to use them. He will likely never have to deploy.

I also have friends from high school serving in various branches of the military.

EDITED: to fix grmatical errors... I'm tired! lol

alanna91

I love reading all of your stories. It's so great to feel the pride you all have from having veterans in your life :-)

My Grampa passed away July 4, 2007. He was a Marine and served in WWII. He was wounded in combat and when I was younger I misheard the story and though he had been hit in the side by a cannonball. We have the small blue bible that he carried with him in combat. I only wish I had spoken more to him about his time in the Marine Corp but he didn't talk too much about it. He was incredibly proud, though...he always wore his WWII USMC baseball cap. I like to think he'd be proud of the route I'm taking with AFROTC and college.

Swazzle

My Poppop who passed away in August was a Korean War vet. 

I am so incredibly grateful for all those who have served, are serving, & will serve in the future to protect our country & our freedoms!!!

flygirlmeg

My dad is a Vietnam vet; he flew A-1s (the might Skyraider) there during his tour. 

And, at least in part due to his influence, I am a veteran (and a pilot) as well.  I guess I'm just extra cheesy this morning but . . . serving my country for the past 14 years has been such an amazing experience.  From the day I first joined to the day I die, I will look at our flag in a different way; every veteran I know feels that same way. 

NEY ladies, thank you for thanking and supporting your veterans.  They appreciate it today, and every other day of the year. 

bethsmiles

My grandpa's brother was in WWII. I don't remember meeting him because he died when I was a baby. There is an old picture of him standing on a porch holding me.

My vice-principal from high school (whom I was very close too) is currently serving a second tour in the middle east. He was also my seventh grade history teacher and is just an awesome guy.

A friend from high school went to the Naval Academy and is now serving over seas as well.

Another friend of mine is in the National Guard, he is also overseas.

A friend of BF's from high school just enlisted in the Army last year. I think it's a really brave and honorable thing to do but his friends just tear him down all the time about it and it really pisses me off.  I have the greatest respect for the men and women who serve our country.

bsidebella

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_honor-veterans-lives?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:371bb5fc-ecb6-4968-b2ab-258709d8d636Post:e7f42e36-ec01-4841-a7fd-c39cafa29534">Re: Honor the Veterans in Our Lives</a>:
[QUOTE]My dad is a Vietnam vet; he flew A-1s (the might Skyraider) there during his tour.  And, at least in part due to his influence, <strong>I am a veteran (and a pilot) as well.  I guess I'm just extra cheesy this morning but . . . serving my country for the past 14 years has been such an amazing experience</strong>.  From the day I first joined to the day I die, I will look at our flag in a different way; every veteran I know feels that same way.  NEY ladies, thank you for thanking and supporting your veterans.  They appreciate it today, and every other day of the year. 
Posted by flygirlmeg[/QUOTE]

meg, I had no idea you were a veteran. Thank you for your bravery and your service to our country <3

flygirlmeg

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_honor-veterans-lives?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:371bb5fc-ecb6-4968-b2ab-258709d8d636Post:60cf4100-42ed-46c8-bb32-54c59125eb88">Re: Honor the Veterans in Our Lives</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Honor the Veterans in Our Lives : meg, I had no idea you were a veteran. Thank you for your bravery and your service to our country <3
Posted by bsidebella[/QUOTE]

THANK YOU!!  Yep, I've been in for 14+ years so far.  The first 5 of those we weren't at war and the military was such a different place than it is now.  Hard to believe we've been at work for 10 years already.  Hopefully that will come to an end sooner rather than later!

ravenray

One of my grandfathers was a vet but I don't remember which one *shame*  However I do have lots of friends who have served and are still serving and I am so proud of them.  Thank you all for your stories and Meg for your service to this greatest nation on God's green Earth