grunt
09-11-2003, 10:31 AM
This was my message I sent out to the individuals in my football league last year. As we still have men and women standing in harm's way, serving our country we can't forget the sacrifice they are making. God Speed to them all.
9-11-02
"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind."
Major Michael O'Donnell
KIA March 24, 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
I found that quote on the Vietnam Memorial page. It just seemed right.
As we start this day, it holds many different emotions for those of us around the country and world. The images, sounds and stories of those that were touched by the senseless loss of life one year ago today will forever be with us. As it should be. We will talk of where we were when we first started hearing of the tragedy that was happening to our Nation, families and friends. We will think of those that we've known before who have sacrificed for our nation. And we will thank them. For being strong and courageous and willing to be the one's who make this Nation what it is...a land of people who embrace freedom, who expect freedom but know it comes at a cost.
I spent 22 years proudly wearing the uniform of the United States Army. For some of that time we were looked at as second-class citizens, men and women who had nothing else to do or couldn't do. But never once in my time did I ever doubt why I was serving...from border duty in Germany when there was still a wall dividing the country, to sitting in Alaska running patrols along the pipeline because Russia wasn't our friend yet, and then rolling through Iraq. I was serving because I wanted to be one of those that protected our freedom.
I lost three comrades at the Pentagon. Men who shared the same beliefs and commitment that I did. But I will remember them for when they were here. What they meant to me, taught me and what we shared. Yes they can no longer go places we can but through our memories of them they will always be with us.
I will use the day to be thankful for what I have in my life. To remember old friends, and make new friends. To remember all those that have made this country strong. To thank those that serve in our military, on our police forces, fire departments, and emergency services. Yes I am one who has never forgotten nor will I ever forget.
God Bless,
Frank Pew (Ret AR)
9-11-02
"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind."
Major Michael O'Donnell
KIA March 24, 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
I found that quote on the Vietnam Memorial page. It just seemed right.
As we start this day, it holds many different emotions for those of us around the country and world. The images, sounds and stories of those that were touched by the senseless loss of life one year ago today will forever be with us. As it should be. We will talk of where we were when we first started hearing of the tragedy that was happening to our Nation, families and friends. We will think of those that we've known before who have sacrificed for our nation. And we will thank them. For being strong and courageous and willing to be the one's who make this Nation what it is...a land of people who embrace freedom, who expect freedom but know it comes at a cost.
I spent 22 years proudly wearing the uniform of the United States Army. For some of that time we were looked at as second-class citizens, men and women who had nothing else to do or couldn't do. But never once in my time did I ever doubt why I was serving...from border duty in Germany when there was still a wall dividing the country, to sitting in Alaska running patrols along the pipeline because Russia wasn't our friend yet, and then rolling through Iraq. I was serving because I wanted to be one of those that protected our freedom.
I lost three comrades at the Pentagon. Men who shared the same beliefs and commitment that I did. But I will remember them for when they were here. What they meant to me, taught me and what we shared. Yes they can no longer go places we can but through our memories of them they will always be with us.
I will use the day to be thankful for what I have in my life. To remember old friends, and make new friends. To remember all those that have made this country strong. To thank those that serve in our military, on our police forces, fire departments, and emergency services. Yes I am one who has never forgotten nor will I ever forget.
God Bless,
Frank Pew (Ret AR)