God Bless Our Veterans

[Lsufan]

Kmann just sent me this e-mail and asked that I post it here for him.

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN,
who salutes the Flag,

It is the VETERAN,
who serves under the Flag,

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD,
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

I don't know if you saw this in the news but it really impressed me. Funny, our US Senate/House took 2 days off as they couldn't work because of the expected storm.

On the ABC evening news, it was reported tonight that, because of the dangers from Hurricane Isabelle approaching Washington DC, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment.

They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!"

Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson.

The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.

God Bless them.

[amhlilhaus]

amen

[Lsufan]

Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier

A few facts about the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier:

1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the Tomb Of The Unknowns, and why?

21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?

21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1

3. Why are the gaurd's gloves wet?

His gloves are moistened to prevent him from losing his grip on the rifle.

4. Does the guard carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and if not, why not?

He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.

5. How often are the guards changed?

Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be
between 5'10" and 6'2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform (fighting) or the tomb in any way.

After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guards must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.

The shoes are specially made with very ***** soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.

There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.

The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis (the boxer) and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, (the most decorated soldier of WWII) of Hollywood fame.

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

God Bless and keep them.

[rwall]

Great thread my friend.......


God bless the fallen soldiers and their families, both who have made the ultimate sacrifices...................

[realreason]

To all that served or are now serving I THANK YOU for your service, so I can have my freedom.....to serve and die that others may live...to you'll we are indebted

[BigMike]

This should be in the main forum for everyone to see. Great thread LSU!

Spark? Wayne? Can you move?

[Spark]

This should be in the main forum for everyone to see. Great thread LSU!

Spark? Wayne? Can you move?

I could not agree with you more Mike ... God Bless ..

and THANK YOU!!!!

[Spark]

Lets do one better ... Sticky

[BigMike]

Thanks buddy!!! LSU and rwall posted some really moving pics and everyone should see them. If you don't know what Memorial Day is all about look at the emotion on the women's face that is crouched down in front of the Fallen Soldier's boots. It really puts things in perspective and makes you thankful! I know I am!

[Udog]

Thanks, Lsu! Beautiful! rwall, thank you for your magnificent image, too. May God bless you guys! This is one vet who is now officially too emotional to pick anything today! Haaaaa!!!!!!!

[jcan]

Seems Like Yesterday

I was only a puppy when I pushed up my draft at 18. It seems like yesterday when I raised my right hand, and took one step forward at the introduction center 401 N. Broad Street Philadelphia. If I'd had waited to be drafted more then likely I'd been in Vietnam 1966-1967. I always thank the Lord for guiding me in that decision.

To all fellow veterans, I salute you.

August 1962 thru August 1964

[doktardave]

Amen brother! I believe I owe a debt of gratitude to all who have served our country. To all who have, past, present and,future...Thank you and God Bless you and your families.

Dave

[ChuckLazar]

This is great guys!!! God bless America!! Thanks LSU!

[trick4]

Great Job LSU fan! We have alot to be thankful for! God Bless all our veterans!

[BigMike]

The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day, May 30, 2005 to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute).The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans.