Sunday evening I was reminded why I like living in a small community. Our town is built on a square. At one time it looked very much like Mayberry, RFD. The city has grown to nearly 30,000, but the square is in tact and so is the small town feeling, for the most part. Sunday evening our church music ministry presented a tribute to freedom, and to those who have served this country. It was a wonderful evening.
By the time the performance began, over 5,000 people had gathered on the square to Celebrate America!
In case you are wondering what the face of freedom looks like, I present the following images.
Born after WWI, children of the depression, they literally saved this world in WWII. The life that we enjoy today is only possible because of their service and sacrifice. They are indeed, "The Greatest Generation. We are losing 900 WWII veterans every day. When ever you see one, thank him/her.
Similar to Viet Nam, the Korean Vet fought a war that no one wanted to be involved in. In fact it was called a "conflict" not a war, for quite some time.
The Viet Nam vet came home to a country that had little use for his service, regardless of how honorable. Only now do some appreciate the fact that a soldier does not choose his battles, nor question the reason for the conflict. He merely serves his country with honor and is proud to have been a part of preserving the freedoms that we enjoy, even if one of those freedoms involves protesting his involvement in the fight.
The guest speaker was Viet Nam beteran, Lt. Clebe McCleary. Lt. McCleary lost an arm, a leg, and an eye while serving in Viet Nam. His testimony is one that all should hear.
Today the face of freedom looks much like it always has, young, proud, and ready to serve.
Viet Nam '67-'68
Excellent. You can't get red to look any better than this.
ReplyDeleteHave a terrific day. :)
okay, I got goose bumps! Love this post. you are goood.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless America.
ReplyDeleteI have a veteran I photographed recently; I love the looks on their faces. Special, special people.
Well done!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for your service Sir.
Bless all the veterans with a salute to all of them :)
ReplyDeleteGreat pics ! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a proud and beautiful post, and how great to know that places like this still exist outside of the movies.
ReplyDeleteThis is the BEST post I've looked at! Thank you so much for all your wonderful pictures!
ReplyDeleteB.
What a beautiful post, the photos of the vets are inspiring. Thanks too for the words concerning Viet Nam. My brother lost his life in that "conflict". Happy 4th! We will also celebrate my mother's 85th bithday on that day!
ReplyDeleteMy Ruby Tuesday
Blood-red are the stripes,
ReplyDeletepure white are the stars that tell
of great sacrifice.
Very nice work! This is a wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. There are a few memories that stand out to me as uber-special. One is standing at attention during the retreat ceremony while wearing my country's uniform stationed on foreign soil...knowing that the reason that foreign soil was in a democracy was because the WWII soldiers were willing to die for freedom. Thanks, Driller! and for the new RT sign!
ReplyDeleteTimely Ruby post. We have a BIG 4th of July parade in Huntington Beach and lots of other commemorative events too ;--)
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,
Brilliant post Sir...thank you for your service and for your posting these wonderful pictures
ReplyDeleteYour post is awesome, as the wife of a Viet Nam Marine I loved every bit of it and will come back to see what else you post!
ReplyDeleteHappy fourth and RT!
Mine is here
http://www.moorebloglife.com/2009/06/30/ruby-tuesdaylake-arrowhead/
We, collectively, owe so much to those who served. The freedoms we have solely exist to the military soldiers/sailors/airmen/marines who chose to do this. The places of deployment change, but service to all never changes. A fine retrospective, and if I may, you look dashing in uniform! Happy 233rd birthday to the USA!
ReplyDeleteOops, that was me! Forgot to change the profile...Patti holds these views as well!
ReplyDeleteSo well said, my friend. Please accept my humble, humbled gratitude.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic reminder! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. The shots are fabulous and the story is even better, Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteHappy WW!
Happy upcoming Fourth of July!!! Today is our own celenbrations its Canada Day :) Thanks for stopping by my blog and Happy WW too :)
ReplyDeleteWell done post... and very touching and truthful. Happy Birthday, neighbour! Much of the world owes a debt to American's who gave and continue to give towards those freedoms we're all thankful we share!
ReplyDeleteThis post brought tears to my eyes.... and... thank YOU for your service to this country... I am most grateful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
Great captures!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! A salute to all the veterans. :)
ReplyDeleteTake a coffee break...
Great post, got to love veterans!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Happy belated WW and a very Grateful Independence Day to all the people who have made it possible!
ReplyDelete