Welcome Home Soldiers Of The Red White And Blue

Attending

Invited

Christmas Letter To Iraq (Or anywhere else in the world our soldiers may be) Dear Husband; Dear Wife; Dear Light of my Life; Dear Mother; Dear Father; Dear Son; Dear Brother; Dear Sister; Dear Valued Friend; Dear Buddy; Dear Soul Mate; Dear One; Tonight my heart and mind are on you, As I gaze at our tree Christmas Eve, The angel on top is smiling down, And the lights are lovely to see. I am filled with thoughts of you tonight, I hope you're not all alone, It's not right for one to spend Christmas, Alone far away from home. Christmas candles are on the mantle, A scent of pine is in the air, I've spread greenery throughout the house, It looks like Christmas everywhere. There's foil-wrapped mints in the candy dish, On the front door, there's a wreath with a bow, And hanging near by on a ribbon, Is a sprig of Mistletoe. The outside lights are a real delight It seems there's more around town this year, I've only put one in our window, And it's there just for you, my dear. The turkey's defrosting now in the fridge, It will be ready to cook Christmas Day, Side-dishes are mixed; the Jell-O is fixed, And the pumpkin pies are made. Extra leaves have been placed in the table, The usual crowd, of course, will be here, You know it won't be the same without you, Oh my, how we'll miss you, my dear. They say you'll have a fine Christmas dinner, That the army will do it up right, I hope it is hot and you'll eat a lot, And you'll go to bed full Christmas night. I can't tell you how much you'll be missed, Although I miss you every day, But Christmas time is a special time, And you're so terribly far away. I started this letter to cheer you, But now I fear I've made you feel bad, I'm sorry; I shouldn't have done that, Please, honey, try not to be sad. Remember our Christmases of the past, Then think of the ones yet to be, We'll spend this year in each other's hearts, But next year you'll be here with me. I pray each day to the Lord above, To protect you and keep you from harm, May you be surrounded by angels, And be safe and secure in their arms. None of us ever thought one day We'd be at war in a foreign land, They said it would protect us at home, Isn't it strange? I don't understand. I do need to tell you, honey, How very proud I am of you, And though it may sound trite, I need to thank you, too. I know, my dear, you've learned how to shoot, But before that, you learned how to love, So, when you can, aim with your heart And trust God's guidance above. Now ... if you are out on the road, Or dug into a ditch, with no light, Look up high; see that star in the sky, It's the same star I'm seeing tonight. Years ago, a star exactly like that, Beamed down on the night Christ was born, It gave men hope then; it still does today, Merry Christmas, my darling, from home. Written by © Ginny (Virginia) Ellis

Merry Christmas, My Friend by Corporal James M. Schmidt, former U.S. Marine First published in "Leatherneck Magazine", December 1991 'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney, with presents to give and to see just who in this home did live. As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand. On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land. With medals and badges, awards of all kind, a sobering thought soon came to my mind. For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen. This was the home of a U.S. Marine. I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more, so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone, Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home. , He seemed so gentle, his face so serene, Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine. Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed? His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan. I soon understood, this was more than a man. For I realized the families that I saw that night, owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight. Soon around the Nation, the children would play, And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year, because of Marines like this one lying here. I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home. Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye. I dropped to my knees and I started to cry. He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice, "Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more. My life is my God, my country, my Corps." With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. I watched him for hours, so silent and still. I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill. So I took off my jacket, the one made of red, and covered this Marine from his toes to his head. Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold, with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold. And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride, and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside. I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure, said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure." One look at my watch and I knew he was right, Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight. Merry Christmas, My Friend by Corporal James M. Schmidt, former U.S. Marine First published in "Leatherneck Magazine", December 1991 'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney, with presents to give and to see just who in this home did live. As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand. On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land. With medals and badges, awards of all kind, a sobering thought soon came to my mind. For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen. This was the home of a U.S. Marine. I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more, so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone, Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home. , He seemed so gentle, his face so serene, Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine. Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed? His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan. I soon understood, this was more than a man. For I realized the families that I saw that night, owed

I can't nor do I want to ... let it Go... Not one single Soldier will go un known, Not one single soldier will be alone.

Replying to Funny how the Lest we forget and the Flanders Field popped up on both our sites. A lot of people today do not realize the 11/11 in the 11th hour was the end to the war that was supposed to end all wars...WW1. I miss wearing a poppy today but I did pause for the 2 minutes at 11...It is the Canadian in me I guess.

Sharing Veterans' Day With all Of You was Very Mind and heart opening, Thank You all I love you each and every one

Replying to Hi Liz I want to thank you for the videos. I got home from work and there they were, and I watched and listened to them all. You made me cry, girl....but that's ok. I do that a lot anyway. The good news is that I know that God is going to bring my son home safe to me. I just buried my step son, age 23 that was in the army 3 weeks ago, and I know HE's not going to make me do that again. Once again, thank you. A lot of messages I delete. Not this one. I'd like to add you to my friends list and I'll keep you posted on my son's adventures. Take Care, Dawn

Rabbit I need your help, I need an escort to ride me through each state along with all who are attending, Please send me more info

http://usmc.groups.vox.com/library/post/6a00e398c5ca24000400fa9699e9d50002.html

Come out and join the Warrior Watch Riders , we are all about welcome homes for the troops, we give them the rock star treatment motorcycle escort from the airport we take them to welcome parties whatever the family wants

Nov. 10 is the Marine Corp Birthday. Founded in Tuns tavern Pilly Pa. Nov. 10, 1775.. SEMPER FI

The Final Inspection The Marine stood and faced God,Which must always come to pass.He hoped his shoes were shining,Just as brightly as his brass.'Step forward now, Marine,How shall I deal with you?Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?'The soldier squared his shoulders and said,'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.Because those of us who carry guns,Can't always be a saint.I've had to work most Sundays,And at times my talk was tough.And sometimes I've been violent,Because the world is awfully rough.But, I never took a penny,That wasn't mine to keep...Though I worked a lot of overtime,When the bills got just too steep.And I never passed a cry for help,Though at times I shook with fear.And sometimes, God, forgive me,I've wept unmanly tears.I know I don't deserve a place,Among the people here.They never wanted me around,Except to calm their fearsIf you've a place for me here, Lord,It needn't be so grand.I never expected or had too much,But if you don't, I'll understand.There was a silence all around the throne,Where the saints had often trod.As the Marine waited quietly,For the judgment of his God.'Step forward now, you Marine,You've borne your burdens well.Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,You've done your time in Hell.'~Author Unknown~ It's the Soldier, not the reporter Who has given us the freedom of the press.It's the Soldier, not the poet, Who has given us the freedom of speech.It's the Soldier, not the politicians That ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.It's the Soldier who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, And whose coffin is draped by the flag. If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the Military, Please pass this on and pray for our men and women Who have served and are currently serving our country And pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Good Morning,

well as big as texas is lizz...i seriously doubt you will have no problems getting our support...let me know when ur this way and ill be there!

Welcome home.Proud of you all. As a vet i know what it is like to give for your country. GOD Bless

This was my reply to Sharon Before She wrote this Back To meRe: Photo Oh my gosh Sharon, tears are falling in the proud way you just honored your son . Wow. I know it's not good, their hearts will never be the same, The innocence of a child. who fights for our country, does so with strength . He will do things and things will done to him, that no one can ever know unless they walked in his shoes and inside his soul. for no one knows what he's been through, sorry mom, not even you. You ill love him and help him, but when all is said, this wonderful boy that you raised so well will need to talk and to be heard. This Viet Nam Vet I speak of, his mom told his brothers not to talk about it, his dad as well . they thought it best, he is still heeling. let him speak Sharon and let him be heard. My heart is there with you, if it means any thing to you , From the bottom of my heart and deep with in my soul , thank you and He for all he has done and all he is about to do.

Re: Photo 10/27/2009 7:24:03 PM my son is back in Georgia after his wife and him split last Christmas (she decided ANDY Changed and she went for the elite A Ranger) Imagine that. Andy did come back to Delaware to live with his dad for the months of Feb until about June. Andy works out at the gym 7 days a week and is huge (body building) but says thats how he thinks and when he thinks about the horrible stuff of way he fights back with working out. What he left in Georgia was his little son who will be 5yrs old next week, that is the only brightness out of my son's life. Andy has pushed the family away, doesnt speak to anyone even his sister that is 19 that he adores which is pregnant with her first baby. When I saw Andy for the first time in many years, I said whats with the sleeves of ink, dude, you a biker? (my kids were conceived on harleys with both his dad and me riding our own still) Andy said, MOM, you taught me to fight for what I believe in and this is my artistic expression for my brothers that I lost in the war. Not a biker but a very wise young man. BTW: Damn boy says harleys dont go fast enuff , cause he has been riding well for longer then he has been on this earth. Thanks again...Sharon

When I first started This Event I did it because of all the soldiers moms dads and Vets that wrote to me, No soldier , no matter how they serve should be left alone, No soldier Flying Home Over Thses United States Of America, Will ever be left alone again, Listen to what they have to say, don't shut them out and brush it away, Every soldier has some thing to say, Let Them in their own way, date and time, Let them have their pain let them free themselves , inside My Friends, This is deep inside, Know them Learn them, except what they have done, they did what they were told and now, let them tell you what that could not , not till they want to, not till then can, but don't force them into silence . Thats a killer

Please allow me to share what a mom wrote to me>>>>>>>> Photo 10/27/2009 6:51:21 PM Thank you for posting the pic of the Soldier with the child. Very moving and heart feeling. No one really knows what goes on in the War, and I am sure WE Americans Would NOT want to. Either do the Soldiers that have to deal with memories every moment of their life forever. Blessings, Sharon Proud Mother of Andrew, 82nd Airborn,Ft. Benning,Ga 4 years in Iraq fighting for OUR FREEDOM. (suffers daily with post traumatic stress syndrome as the rest of his platoon that survived the war living daily with horrors)

It is not the President That Gives Us Our Freedom. IT IS THE SOLDIER

People also seem to forget that its not the president that runs this country, its the PEOPLE!!!...people seem to have forgotten that in time and its time to get it back through their heads and get it back!!!

i did my time in the military and know what you mean lizz...but like it was said...public only knows and sees what the media prevails...that is why it is our responsibilty to get the information out that they mysteriously seem to forget...i will always back up my brothers and sisters any time any place and let it be known they are not alone or forgotten...DONT FUCK WITH MY FREEDOM!!!

It's hard for me to play trick or treat and have this as my profile pic, when I know it shows on this page. I hold as we all do the soldiers and what they do, in my heart, Look at this man, doing his job , yet knowing too , what an impact it has on you. Look at him, so worn and so strong, so soft and so hard, look at him and what he does, feel it . deep inside, deep with in. Know how hard it is for them, what do, what they see, what they feel. Know them

couldnt have said it any better liz!

No More Needs To Be said.....

View The Picture At The Top. Could Not Put It Here An Iowa boy .... John Gebhardt works at the Cargill plant in Eddyville , Iowa . Wouldn't it be fitting if this went completely around the world!..... This needs to make headline news .... not some of the other junk that makes the news these days! Like the Beer Summit .... celeb weddings ... who's not wearing undies ... etc. If you agree, please pass this along. It's a tough, but heartwarming story ..... with a picture of John Gebhardt in Iraq . John Gebhardt's wife, Mindy, said that this little girl's entire family was executed. The insurgents intended to execute the little girl also, and shot her in the head ... but they failed to kill her. She was cared for in John's hospital and is healing up, but continues to cry and moan. The nurses said John is the only one who seems to calm her down, so John has spent the last four nights holding her while they both slept in that chair. The girl is coming along with her healing. He is a real Star of the war, and represents what America is trying to do. This, my friends, is worth sharing. Go for it!! You'll never see things like this in the news. Please keep this going. Nothing will happen if you don't, but the American public needs to see pictures like this and needs to realize that what we're doing over there is making a difference. Even if it is just one little girl at a time. James Gates U.. S. Navy

This is looking like it is going to be a big ride. it would be awesome to ride in to San Antonio with over 1000 bike for this cause. Lizz you are doing a good job i am trying to get everybody i know to meet you all when yo cross into Texas. Thank You to you and all of our service men & women.

Thank you mOngO for your service, and for sharing your friend with us. I will do my best bring it to all the states, if I can not and the trails hit near your borders pleas come join us. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart, and from deep in my soul, Thank you for all you have done and all you do

Absolutely amazing tributes. these videos really speak volumes. at least to myself as one of them has a fallen brother in it that I watched breathe his last. thank you & all the vets of America past present but hopefully not future that will never again to be able to hug their children. If this is going to be anywhere in Oregon or near it let me know & I will be there

Special thanks to the men & women in harms way in the current war. & to those who made it home. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICES & YOUR SERVICE to uphold my freedoms. Patriots each & every one. MacV S.O.G. Vietnam '68 '69 '70 101st Airborne Ranger Sniper team Bravo. Leghorn 14

Absolutely amazing tributes. these videos really speak volumes. at least to myself as one of them has a fallen brother in it that I watched breathe his last. thank you & all the vets of America past present but hopefully not future that will never again to be able to hug their children. If this is going to be anywhere in Oregon or near it let me know & I will be there

http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/redirects/banner_dl-header.html

http://www.defenselink.mil/multimedia/multimedia.aspx Go To This Site , Current Up To Date news on the page

http://www.defenselink.mil/afd/ Armed Forces Day President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense. "

sandy May I ask what those photos are about ?

My fellow friend: Here is my e-mail" Harleybiker41@yahoo.com I have some pictures for you that you might want and like to add to your collection. Thanks again. Sandy

As the National Coordinator of the 1st National FreedomRide2010 for May 15 (Armed Forces Day) I would like to know when this Ride will be passing through my area,and will help in any way (Gypsy)

I will do that thank you, Charting our course with a Returning soldier, My honor to be working side by side with him, He is coming home in March

Give me a shout when rolling through Ky, or So Ill I will muster up a few to ride along

will do ,,, keep coming Im going to need more, thank you

When/If you get up to this part of the country give me a yell.

I'M ON I-10 JUST INSIDE AZ. LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO, OR WHERE TO MEET UP.

I will do that Doc Thank you

Keep me up to date on when you all will be coming into texas. so we can meet up with you

At The Top Of The page I have added a guest book, Please let them know you are here

It is still coming around . Have a great avenue to bring all of us together at one shot... Thank you again

I see lots of BONers that want to honor our brave soldiers, then I see 82 bikes at SPC Vogels Funeral from Patriot Guard Riders, with maybe 4 on a backseat. What gives ? Show your support for our dead heroes and their families... ride to honor them, hold a flag for an hour , and tear-up like the rest of us who ride. Just a thought.

Every now and then you will see me chime in.I'm reminding you that this will turn into a ride and event covering 50 states in 52 weeks,,, I will attend each and every one. Thank you Vintage Lady13 O.S.B I know this group well

Blessings for all our American troops!! :)

Biker404 I see you are in Florida, Thank You Florida

Thank You West Virginia

Always there, anywhere there is support for our Veterans..past and present!

You got my support from West Virginia, and I know all my friends will do what they can too!!! It's On!!

Thank You everyone... keep them coming... was a few ,,, till they knew ones like you , to spread the word. My goodness Keep them coming. Thank You..

Thank you Lizz for starting this, every comment made here passes it on to others :)

lizz i will send invites down here in fl. n hope to get everyone here to join in....

We Will Do 50 States in 52 weeks,

Then Spread The Word Country Girl Because this heart and Soul That we invite you to Is In Honor Of Our Red White And Blue

As more Of You Join I will be calling on you in May To join with me in a ride and event of a lifetime, One we will all remember as we write our history we write it about ourselves and of how we picked up the dropped baton and kept the flames held high , as we will never let the the flag hit the ground we will always honor our fellow human being.

Thanks to Neecee i'm here and added. Thanks for your service and my freedom.

Lizz....THANK you for this event! I joined as soon as I saw it...this is awesome and you're awesome for reminding folks that we need to NOT forget our troops...our guys and gals from the past, the present or the future!

It Is Official, I got It In THe Mail Today... MUMS THE WORD stops today... And tHis day I ask for all the help I can Muster... I will need every single state to Participate. Not One single soldier will ever be left alone again.. Not one single soldier will be passed by.. Not one single soldier will disappear . We will all take charge , we will all secure, We will all watch our brothers and sisters backs as they watch theirs

Thank You NeeCee For adding your heart... and for all The new who have signed up

You know what NeeCee, I have been nodding my head for years , saying hi and thank you, to know that there is a campaign so that it is recognized is truly heart felt. Tear came to my eyes as she never said hi... Very nice to see that she turned it around, Thank you again... MsOrchid I have thought about this as well. If we on the Holidays per haps once a month go as a group go as one, to visit with love in the heart and a card in hand, Thank as many as we can.

Thank You NeeCee For adding your heart... and for all The new who have signed up

Please consider visiting veterans nursing homes, many there have no family or friends to love them.

Awesome videos....I love this tribute to our troops. God Bless all of them!

Please know that we never ever again let a soldier be unknown

Please listen to the video below, It was sent to me. I want to share it with all of you

This site will be a ride for Welcome Home Soldiers Of The Red White And Blue. Please sing up and make a commitment with me to Rid =e The Ride Through your home town, to ride the ride and make it OUR hometown

Sent to me Today.. Please sit back and feel these words, then come with me on my journey as I hit the roads In May 2010

I for one would not want the memories some of our soldiers have seen, felt, and lived. Our young ones who are being shipped overseas are not trained for the stress and harshness of life they will see. combat ready yes, mentally ready. . . .NO. For every person out there that has a good life, They should thank a soldier or a vetern. Unless you have seen the violence of a big city gang you have no idea what these soldiers have seen, and how it has affected their hearts and moral. Prayers to all who is and has and will be serving this country!

Soldiers of Vietnam were treated so poorly and still are, Shaken and beaten they continue to end it, There will be no soldier in the USA left to themselves, we can't do that to them, how many times does the bikers stick together, When a biker is down we huddle round. This page and my events to come will have every biker live the life so none will ever again, be left to their memories.

Re: Lizz? 9/29/2009 9:09:03 PM I would have no problem with you posting anything you desire. I doubt much I would ever write something I'd be ashamed of, so it's a no brainer actually. The thought that there are sons,daughters, husbands, and wives who have taken up the cause of keeping us safe, and yet coming home to... emptiness is just wrong. How many of us would think about treating the Sheriff, or the State Police, the way we treat our soldiers. And MOST law enforcement officers here in America will never face a gun, or shoot theirs for that matter. (Yes there are some that face that every week, but in reality it's a minority) But those souls who are fighting, training, home, in hospitals, and wandering streets homeless, have had to endure hardships most of us never consider. I'm asking you to consider me as a friend so I can occasionally remember what you are doing, and see how it is coming along, and perhaps help, if I can. Sincerely, Gene Thank You Gene I will do so

Pam, WvSweets, you would be amazed and angry at how soldiers here in the UK are treated. You say "politically correct". Here this means the soldiers are not allowed to go out in their uniforms to avoid public uproar - we like to know our country defended but don't agree with the war. As we don't agree with the war, we don't "like" the soldiers. No, it's not my home country, but I've moved here quite a while ago. So it's "my country" of some sorts. We can all make a difference. Thanks for keeping us on our toes.

As the daughter of a soldier who served his country proudly, I and my mom send care packages and donate to the cause of trying to send every soldier a care package it breaks my heart when I hear of soldiers feeling so let down by this country that they commit sucide. If it was not for the young and old who believed in our country we would be in very bad shape. This country is starting to care more about what is politically correct instead of how to help these men and women when the are serving or when they come home depressed, injured, or stressed.

Thank you Lizz! I also wear my heart on my sleeve. I cannot walk past a soldier without a thank you, a touch or a kind word. God Bless them All and Keep them Safe!

I Too fly my flag every day, and I wear my heart on my sleeve. My daughter served in the Army, and Then On to The Navy, while she never served active, she sure wanted to. You have touched my heart WvSweets, thank you for your wonderful son , from the bottom of my heart, I know not what the pressures you had , only can imagine them , truly sad. When my daughter signed up she was three days out of high school, gave them all she could and I gave too. I gave the pride of a mother to know that no matter how hard her days, she choose to be there so we can be here. in our time and our space, let us every day say "Welcome Home Soldiers Of The Red White And Blue" you may not be here in body , but you sure are here in our hearts. This page is to let us feel the warmth , the love that we share together, we will never again let another soldier be without a welcome home, a hug a touch . when the holidays come , don't let them far. Show them who we all are. Love of country can only be real , if you yourselves show honor and respect , for those who have given and those who were taken and all though you never met them, show them know.

I am the mom whose son almost lost his life in an ammo dump explosion for his country, I am the mom whose sons best friend lost his life in the same explosion, I am the mom who worked at Walter Reed helping the soldiers young and old who returned from Iraq with injuries serving their country, I am the same mom who fought for those soldiers at Walter Reed when they were being treated like a number instead of a soldier. I am proud of each and everyone of our soldiers. I proudly fly our flag and support our troops. I also proudly served our country for 16 years. JPOP has it right! "If you do not want to stand behind our troops please feel free to stand in front of them"........In God We Trust....

Every day my I fly my flags, for two reasons; my love of country and our troopswho have fought and continue to fight It is my opinion that if you do not want to stand behind our troops please by all means feel free to stand in front of them! God bless and keep them all PAPPY VETERANS BROTHERHOOD,VETERANSM/C

http://www.foxnews.com/search-results/m/26526000/bank-of-america.htm#q=flag+lined+streets

It doesn't does it? why if that was not their policy would she do that, I thought the women ventured out on her own to See if any Of the other branches raised the flag, and none did, Who is telling the truth here ? Was she following policy and the bank got caught / Are we to believe that she acted alone, I'm not sure if the bank tried to make it right . Why would so many withdrawl so much so quick? Is it was it a panic button?

this just seems wrong on sooo many levels,, what could this woman have been thinking???? who is going to be offend by our flag??? to bad for them!!! just out of respect for this yong soldier seems she could have checked with upper management about the policy!!! you would think she might have thought "gee this doesnt seem right"!!! where is her respect???

Dedicated Marine Was Not To be Honored at this bank, But Officials say That bank Was Mistaken , Then Put Back The Flags. Please View The Video

Bank of America Gets American grants but refuses To Fly the American Flag

http://www.foxnews.com/search-results/m/26526000/bank-of-america.htm#q=flag+lined+streets

About This Video Title: Bank of 'America'? Published: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 Description: Outrage after bank yanks American flags saluting fallen soldier + Automatically Generated Transcript (may not be 100% accurate)

When a soldier comes home will you do what ever it takes to welcome him

Yes Indeed, we can how ever honor them by taking our freedom seriously

We can never repay the troops and Vets for all they have done & given up for our freedom. Much love & respect to all troops & Vets.. Proud Army Mom

As I travel the roads I travel I meet many, Thank you for all that you share with me , and My Hugzz do mean so very much. I hugged a soldier from Vietnam, In The shores Of Wildwood New Jersey. and his return hug was honest. No tightness no strength. I thanked him for all he had done, and he was way to bitter to return the Hug. If you stop and think to what I am saying here, some are bitter and can't orget what was done to them, by our family , The USA.

Speaking Of x-mas. I am doing a toy Run For Children Of The servicemen Who are in active duty, trying to bring them closer

try and look out for the childern of the troops that did not make it home!remember no matter how bad it is -you have it better then some-x-mas is coming help these kids have a better day knowing that you care!

Favorite Quotes: It is the soldier, not the President, who gives us democracy. It is the soldier, not the Congress, who takes care of us. It is the soldier, not the Reporter, who has given us Freedom of Press. It is the soldier, not the Poet, who has given us Freedom of Speech. It is the soldier, not the campus Organizer, who has given us the Freedom to Demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag; who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, that allows the protester to burn the flag. Father Dennis O'Brien, US Marine Corp. Chaplain Daddy's Poem Her hair was up in a pony tail, her favourite dress tied with a bow. Today was Daddy's Day at school, and she couldn't wait to go. But her mummy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home. Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone. But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there today. But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone. And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home. But the little girl went to school eager to tell them all. About a dad she never sees a dad who never calls. There were daddies along the back wall, for everyone to meet. Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats One by one the teacher called a student from the class. To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed. At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare. Each of them was searching, a man who wasn't there. 'Where's her daddy at?' She heard a boy call out. 'She probably doesn't have one,' another student dared to shout. And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say, 'Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day.' The words did not offend her, as she smiled up at her Mum. And looked back at her teacher, who told her to go on. And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak. And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique. 'My Daddy couldn't be here, because he lives so far away. But I know he wishes he could be, since this is such a special day... And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know. All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so. He loved to tell me stories he taught me to ride my bike... He surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite. We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him. I'm not standing here alone. 'Cause my daddy's always with me, even though we are apart I know because he told me, he'll forever be in my heart' With that, her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest. Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favourite dress. And from somewhere in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears. Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years. For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life. Doing what was best for her, doing what was right. And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd. She finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud. 'I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star. And if he could, he'd be here, but heaven's just too far. You see he is a soldier And died just this past year When a roadside bomb hit his convoy and taught brave men to fear. But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away.' And then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day. And to her mother's amazement, she witnessed with surprise. A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes. Who knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside. Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side. 'I know you're with me Daddy,' to the

Here Is The Article that I read Al Brudno did not die in Vietnam, where he spent seven and a half years in the cells of such North Vietnamese prisons as the Briarpatch, Son Tay and the infamous Hoa Lo Prison - the Hanoi Hilton. Four months after he came home to a hero's welcome with the other American POWs in 1973, Al Brudno killed himself just one day before his 33rd birthday. Former POW Orson Swindle, a Marine pilot who is now a member of the Federal Trade Commission, had the cell next to Brudno for more than two years in Son Tay Prison Camp. They "talked" incessantly by tapping on the wall in a code. "He was very young, very intense, very intelligent," Swindle remembers. "He had a degree in aerospace engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Al Brudno wanted to be an astronaut." Swindle said Brudno hated his communist captors and constantly searched for ways to thwart them or ridicule them. "He was a little guy so he used guile and cunning to outwit the guards," Swindle added. He was also one of the best at sending hidden messages in the few letters he was permitted to write home. A year ago Swindle urged Bob Brudno, Al's brother, to ask the Air Force to investigate Al Brudno's death and add his name to the Wall. There was a thorough investigation, and the Air Force found that it had not done right by Al Brudno. He had been cut loose upon his return from Hanoi, without the support or counseling that is now routine for all returning POWs - routine now BECAUSE of Al Brudno's death. "Al came home with mortal wounds," Swindle says. "His suicide was a result of deep wounds that were both physical and mental. I know of no one more entitled to a place on that Wall than Al Brudno." The Air Force approved it, and forwarded it to the Department of Defense, which normally accedes to the recommendations of the services and sends the approved name to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund for engraving. That should have been that. But the executive director of the VVMF and one of the co-founders of the organization that built the memorial, former Army grunt Jan Scruggs, decided to go public with his opposition to adding Brudno's name to the Wall. Scruggs hit the Internet and in e-mails called the decision of the Air Force "preposterous." He declared that this act would create a "new and broad criteria" and make it necessary to add the names of at least 20,000 other Vietnam veterans who took their own lives after the war. Joseph L. Galloway is the senior military correspondent for Knight Ridder Newspapers and a nationally syndicated columnist. One of America's preeminent war correspondents, with more than four decades as a reporter and writer, he recently concluded an assignment as a special consultant to Gen. Colin Powell at the State Department. Galloway, a native of Refugio, Texas, spent 22 years as a foreign and war correspondent and bureau chief for United Press International, and nearly 20 years as a senior editor and senior writer for U.S. News & World Report magazine. His overseas postings include tours in Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Singapore and three years as UPI bureau chief in Moscow in the former Soviet Union. During the course of 15 years of foreign postings Galloway served four tours as a war correspondent in Vietnam and also covered the 1971 India-Pakistan War and half a dozen other combat operations. In 1990-1991 Galloway covered Desert Shield/Desert Storm, riding with the 24th Infantry Division (Mech) in the assault into Iraq. General H. Norman Schwarzkopf has called Galloway "The finest combat correspondent of our generation -- a soldier's reporter and a soldier's friend." Full Joe Galloway Bio Joe Galloway Archives LZ Xray: The climactic 1965 battle in Vietnam's Ia Drang Valley We Were Soldiers: Joe's Photos from Vietnam We Were Soldiers - Official Movie Website Sound Off! - Have an opinion about this article? Visit the Joe Galloway discussion forum. SHOCK & AWE :: MULTIMEDIA CENTER Video: Coming Home A salute to

"Welcome Home "Solders Of The Red White And Blue. I will be traveling from city to city To touch those who have touched me, from deep down inside I thank you. I have nothing to give but a hug, please know that it is real as I thank you

Dear Turbo The Vietnam Vets have it so bad, the sadness you speak of the memories they share. gave a hug to a Vietnam Vet that he could not return. His hurt is so deep , he can never forget the way he was treated by the people he fought for are the scares he keeps. I read an article as to why the vets are now under go treatment, read it my friends so you understand, the eyes Turbo speaks of are deep and powerrful

Turbo, Thanks for trying to explain. People like me, who've never been there, will never fully understand. That's what I've learned this year. But that doesn't mean we don't want to try. In the US, when soldiers come back from war nowadays, they find more respect than here. Here (in the UK) they're not even allowed out on the town in their uniforms, because they just might offend someone by doing that. That's political correctness gone mad. We have a lot of that. I am not American. I'm not British. I was born German, but I am now a mixture of a lot of things. Still, one thing connects us all. The utmost respect and gratefulness and many other things towards the troops, no matter where they are, fighting so we are free. If you will have me here, I will keep this in my events. If this would upset or offend anybody, I will leave the event. Neither will change how I feel about the troops. Thank you.

Lizz, did you see the look in their eyes that only combat vets seem to have. A mixture of saddness, lonliness, an almost desperate look of wanting/needing people to understand. People told me, after I returned, that I had a cold and empty look in my eyes. They didn't see I'm hiding the hurt, dissapointments, and yes; even a little bitterness behind those eyes. We put the war behind us but our eyes still show we remember.

Spent time at Roar to the shore talking to Vietnam Vets, we shared allot of thoughts of how they were treated . Not a one was respected when they came home. They were called baby killers. Unless you were in the trenches with them , who are you to say, perhaps you can write on your pages how sorry you are, if you are one that did not know what they went through, but do now.

take your days ahead to think of how many give to you and you have never met

Love you guys and one day we will all meet in the middle.. Does anyone know wgere the middle Is >>>>>>.

So sorry will not be able to attend , surely will miss this event.

Lizz gurl thank you for the invite if there was anyway I could be there I would hell I'd even get to meet you but its so far away this is an awesome thing so hope lots join in, just to far away .. I'll be there in spirit

Thanks for the invite, but I will not be attending, to far to ride to PA this time of year. Ron

For Every soldier that comes Home and every one that is away, and all that have past, Thank you for all you have done, and all you are about to do. Know a soldier please feel free to salute him

http://www.bikerornot.com/event/21452//// welcome HOME MIKE

GOOD MORNING

As you picnic and Party and salute yourselves for the hard work you have done, Remember each and every one with love and shed no tears. The soldier who died or lived on is the soldier with in every song.