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Courtesy Ruth Laken
Just like Daddy...
If Veterans Day isn't enough to get the patriotic tears flowing, wait until you see this amazing gallery of photos. Thanks to all who shared pics in our TODAY Moms Facebook "Your Cute Kids" photo submissions for this week. We were blown away by the snippets of memories you shared with us. We salute all of the parents who sacrifice time with their families to give to their countries. Thank you, and happy Veterans Day!
Courtesy Taryn Braid
USCG - BM3 Braid with his daughter!
Courtesy Alisha Auge
Eva, 2 months, and her Daddy
Courtesy Ashley Williams
Push-up competition between Chrisa, 6, and her dad.
Courtesy Seanda Bradshaw
Josiah, Jack, Luke say, "Daddy's home!"
Courtesy Ashley Williams
This is an Army family.
Courtesy Frances Wolf
Anna and Gracie say, "We miss you Daddy."
Courtesy Julia Kemp
Lizzie, 6, has a salute for her her deploying stepfather.
Courtesy Shanna Kadlubar
Lucinda, 2, there to witness the last flight
Melissa Boilard
Matilda, 18 months, has a day to remember.
Courtesy Sara Schimpf
Daddy's early morning work.
Courtesy Anne
Claudia, 1, says welcome home Dad!
Courtesy Renee K.
Addison, 1, gives a goodbye kiss for Daddy, who is leaving for Afghanistan.
Courtesy Ruthie
Rowan, 1, is Daddy's girl!
Courtesy Kalee Werner
Grant, 1, greeting Daddy!
Courtesy Katherine Palmer
I'll miss you, son - headed to Afghanistan 24 days after the birth of our son, Andrew.
Courtesy Bev Arnold
James, 9, with his dad...retired at last.
Courtesy Crystal Withem
Aurora, 6 weeks, saying goodbye to Daddy.
Courtesy Ashley Goode
Eva, 1, with tears after a year.
Courtesy Rhiannon Willard
Wyatt, 18 months, deploying Mom!
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This for sure brought on the tears. Thank you to all of those who have faught, are fighting and will fight for our freedom. It takes a strong person to stand up and fight for people they don't even know, and that's a TRUE HERO! Thank you all so much!
When one is called to defend one's home and family, it is not really courage that is required, it is a sense of duty. If my home is under attack, if my family is in danger, it is proper and fitting that I defend them and not expect someone else to put their life at risk for my home and family. When one is called to defend one's nation, the same sense of duty is conjured. Unfortunately, the calls to defend this nation have been issued on false information in EVERY WAR THE US EVER FOUGHT. The delusion that the US military is defending our home and our nation can be put to the lie with one simple fact: You do not defend your home by going next door and killing your neighbor. That is what our military does. There has never been a war, defending from foreign aggressors, the land that we call "ours" since we "won" independence from England (and stole from the Native Americans and Mexicans, but that is another topic.) I am sick of pretending that a person who joins today's army is a hero. They are a mercenary at best, and a murderer looking for legitimate employment at worst. The history of US aggression against peaceful nations is long and disgusting. The attack on the passenger ship the "Lusitania" was used to drag us into WW1, and it turns out the ship WAS full of military equipment after all. The passengers were murdered to rile the citizens and get them hungry for war. The citizens obliged. It worked so well the government used that trick over and over, and they are still at it today. The news is full of posturing to go to war with Iran. Iran, who has not attacked another nation in over 100 years, is supposed to be this grave danger to our freedom. Well, the joke is on us, we have no meaningful freedom left. I do not want to kill anyone. I do not want anyone to kill anyone pretending they are "protecting" me unless the attacker is IN MY HOUSE. (That is where the US soldiers are, IN THE HOMES of Iraqi and Afghan people.) I have tried to honor their heart, the thing that made them willing to risk their life for others. But they are WRONG and I will no longer defend them in any way. Defending is acceptable, but the US Military is NOT defending the US by going to OTHER nations and invading and occupying them. They are empire building and war mongering. I do not support that, and I only pay taxes out of fear of imprisonment (extortion) because I believe it is my MORAL duty to NOT fund these wars. It is a sad statement on US "freedom" when I cannot behave morally out of fear for my liberty. Veterans' Day was signed into "legal holiday" status by Eisenhower. Rather ironic, in light of his dire warnings against the military industrial complex. It seems he felt pressured to honor immoral behavior, too. It is hard to draw the line between good men and women who have been deliberately duped into fearing an enemy that does not really exist and the behavior they engage in due to that fear. So today, I do not honor Veterans who served, I honor the draft dodgers and the peace activists and the INCREDIBLY brave men who went to war and came back and TOLD US THE TRUTH. What they had to face about their own actions is no small task - we all want to believe that we make good decisions and behave morally, and it takes true strength of character to admit one was lied to and used, and then to stand and call out the liars. I still support the individuals who are caught in the military machinery, they are people who deserve better. I DO NOT SUPPORT WAR or anyone who is stealing money from me to wage it. If you are in the military, STOP KILLING PEOPLE IN MY NAME AND WITH MY MONEY. You are responsible for your actions, you KNOW there were no "weapons of mass destruction" and you know bin Laden was a CIA agent and you know Iran is no threat to you o9r me or this land we call home. The enemy uis domestic now, and if you are in the Middle East you are leaving your home and family defenseless. Shame on you. It was the men in the trenches who finally ended Viet Nam, it is up to the men and women in the desert to end the US invasion and occupation of the Middle east!
Thank you to all Veterans for your service and sacrifices. God bless you all..
dano
Z should go rant someplace else today.
From Piper, 11-11-11 11:11:11
Let’s honor our veterans and create jobs in America, the kind of jobs that grow the economy, in one swoop.
Make new homes viable for veterans. Exempt veteran new homes from environmental compliance studies and reports costs like reports about flora, fauna, water, storm water, and critical areas, and costs for subsequent permits. Pay a veteran $9600 for helping with the construction of his home. Pay 40% of the wages of workmen working on new homes for veterans. Guarantee the loan for the veterans home. Make it illegal for a lender to not qualify a veteran for a new home loan. Make all loan payments for veterans until they are on their feet with a job.
Sad, isn't it A Vet???
This stuff here, has made my day folks.
Hoorah to all our spec warriors.
If were down here in Texas, a cold beer is on me.
Thank you for this post and a big Thank you to all of our military men and women and their families.
http://www.thestatecolumn.com/texas/ron-paul-kicks-off-veterans-day-money-bomb/
First of All, Z, You're an idiot. You are talking about People that are serving their COUNTRY,Your Country. You have picked the WRONG DAY for your ranting, BULL@!$%#TTTT. If it weren't for Veterans, You wouldn't be allowed to Open Your MOUTH. We are the ones that have Maintained the FREEDOMS You Enjoy. Back off and Don't try to Discredit OUR ARMED SERVICES. Why Don't You Go to another Post and run that LICKER ya Got.
Z should move to another country. Perhaps a nice little hut somewhere in xxx? A place where Z won’t have to feel obligated to pay state/federally imposed taxes out of fear of being imprisoned; although Z will certainly be forced to give-up something more significant than money, like his/her children, or face death by whatever regime is in charge and with nothing promised in return.
Oh right, Z is ready to defend his/her home and family against any invasion… Thank goodness, because the village Z lives in is so remote that the atrocities happening there will be overlooked by the rest of the world, which is a good thing for Z because he/she won’t have to worry about us meddling Americans getting involved and invading Z's village to fight for his/her and his/her family’s freedom.
Such a move would not only be good for Z as it would free him/her from the unreasonable taxation and constraints that he/she feels have been placed upon him/her here in America, but also for America as it would certainly save some American lives and taxpayer money!
Good luck on your big move Z!
Happy Veterans' Day to all of the HEROIC men and women who have and continue to serve to protect the freedoms of so many, even Z's freedom of speech!
Happy Veterans Day! Thanks to those who have served and and are serving. You risk a lot and miss time with those you love to fight for your country. My daughters father is in the army and he is "too" busy to pick up the phone to talk to her and be apart of his life. Thank you especially to all those parents who fight for our country and still are parents!
While I agree with most of you about not slandering soldiers, Z has a point. His anger and frustration is misdirected though and should be placed on the government that use our soldiers as they do. The military are only acting on orders given to them by their leaders, they joined the military to defend our/their country and the freedoms we take for granted on a daily basis. America is still one of the best countries to live in, in the world. It is far from perfect, I agree that we shouldn't have fought most of the wars we have been in, but that does not take away from America being a great nation. that just means our leaders have lead us astray, and continue to do so. Z you should reevaluate your thoughts and feelings towards soldiers and their families. I will say that a person shouldn't be considered a hero based on him being a soldier though, there have been soldiers who killed, raped and tortured innocent people in the name of war, and that is wrong no matter how you look at it. With that being said, for the majority of soldiers are good people, with good hearts in the right place, and if it wasn't for them Z you wouldn't have the freedom to speak your opinion so freely.
Hats off to all vets!! We can never repay you for your service, only thank you. Those words seem so small. Thank you, men and women of the military.
Thank you for protecting my children, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you, Ann Curry, for your comment this morning recognizing the importance of the children in a military family. There is a large community of Military Brats (5% of the American population) of which the Overseas Brats community is 5 million. We have a bond that continues to grow at our high school reunions. Days like today (Veteran's Day) are very significant and emotional to us.
I HAD 2 SON IN THE ARMY and i know how it feels to have them in harms way, and when they come home unharmed we are GREATFUL FOR THEIR TIME, ONE SON RETIRED ARMY AND THE OTHER GOT OUT AFTER 9 YEARS ACTIVE DUTY. they both have children and missed them and to see these mom's and dad's with their children brings tears to my eyes but warms my heart that they are with their families some are not, and never will be again, GOD BLESS OUR MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES
My Long time Squeeze Deployed Last January.. I didn't breathe easy until he was back home in my arms..
I married him 3 weeks ago! God bless them all!!
I put down this prayer for my Son before he left for Afghanistan. yesterday was his birthday and I'm still trying to make it through it.
God Bless you Diane and praying for a safe return for your son..
Prayers for you Diane and for the safety of your son. Thank you does not even cover the sentiment I would like to express but - Thank you to you and your son.
Diane.. I feel your pain in my heart so well. I have two sons in the Army that were in Iraq at the same time. Holidays and birthdays were the worse... the comforting thing for me was knowing they were doing what they believe was right... words can neve describe how proud I am of both of them.. so dear you are in my thoughts and prayers and most of all your son!
I salute and bear honor to these fine young Americans serving their country. I wish them God Speed and a safe return to our beautiful country and the freedoms they are helping to protect. I also remember a different time when my brothers, friends and many men and women served in SE Asia and our returns. I hope we never see that division in our country again and remember my fallen comrades. Thank you all for your service to our country THE UNITED STATES of AMERICA!!!
New to this. It's called a military mama's prayer on viewshound.com it's not about me...it's about everyone.
I'm an Air Force brat, and I'll never forget the day my dad, who was the pilot of the plane, tipped his wings to me as he left for Korea.
Heroes and Heroines all.
Thanks for a beautiful photo essay which brought back so many memories and rekindled deep felt devotions to all who serve.
From an Army OIF vet, thank all of you who supported us through thick and thin. It's a truly wonderful feeling to have a complete stranger greet me with open arms and a smile because I served in Iraq and made it home in one piece. Thanks again.
My heart goes out to all of our Military and their families. I was married to a Military man for over 20 yrs. Three of my four sons were in the Navy. My grand father was in Honolulu during Pearl Harbor. Also had a number of cousins in the different forces. Kind of woven like heart strings through my family's being.
For Our Veterans,
Pause sometime today to remember how lucky and priveleged we all are as Americans to have the freedoms and liberties we do. Take the time to be appreciative of all the people who have sacrificed to give us these gifts. In many cases these men and women have given much more than any can understand unless you have been a service member. They have given things they can never get ...back again; time, youth, relationships, limbs, mental capacity, and lives to ensure our continued rights and freedoms and to try to bring those things to others through out the world. Please do all you can here at home to ensure their sacrifices mean something now and in the future. THANK them either in your thoughts or in person if you know one (chances are you do). Don't let your personal disagreements with circumstances surrounding things you don't agree with get in the way of recognizing this great group of people-they deserve your thanks and respect!
god bless all of you and Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You were correct about getting your tissues out.
A message to all the Vets:
Happy Veterens Day, and May God protect and keep you. We are so very grateful for your service. I am sending out a special thank you to Fabian, in Afghanistan. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Thank you for remembering us.
US Navy, 1979-84
Thank you for serving.
kathy lee and hoda just showed some dad surprising the kids at school well this made me cry they are very lucky to be coming home to their families god bless america
Thank You for all who have served and ones who are still serving. Having been in the military and currently have a son serving I am very blessed to be able to live in a free country.
Happy Veteran's Day to all the Veteran's and their families. Thank You for all you do and for your service. And to my hubby a Vietnam Vet Semper Fi.
God bless all who serve and have served, as well as their families. God bless those that gave thier lives and the mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters of the fallen. Because of their sacrifices we can live free, because of their losses we can walk proud.
Thank you, and God bless.
In tribute to all our military families:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B4E2-FEO8M
Our family, community and nation is honored to be defended by our loved ones... thank you my Anna Jo and Adam Blizman, USAF... Chris Marrufo, USAF... Joe, Vince and Joseph Chavira, USArmy ... Mike Chavira USMarine ... Ron Calvert, USArmy... Calvin Mays, USArmy..... and many other friends.... God bless you all....
You have a great All-American family.
Spent 3 months with a injured Airman at Walter Reed and a VA Hospital. I was in the presence of heroes. I am forever changed because of what I saw. Thank all who serve and sacrifice. Thank all who heal the broken minds and bodies of our heroes. I remember.
Today is Veteran's Day. A day to remember all the men and women that served and are serving our country so courageously. Veterans do a great service for our country...The United States of America. Let us give thanks for all your courage and for the sacrifices you make every day so we may live so freely. You are loved and appreciated more than you know. May God bless and keep you safe. God Bless the USA.
Thank you is not enough but there is no other word... Thank you!!! May God bless all of you each and every day of your life. Lots of love.
Just thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you and God bless you God bless you God bless you!!!!!!!!! Please stay safe and we will continue to fight here back home so when you do come home there are jobs for you to come home to. We will try to keep America the way you are fighting for it to be! We love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!God bless America!!!!!
As an Army/Special Forces Brat I have to say. Growing Up on Military Bases though hard cause of the moves...Is so much better then not growing up on the bases. Armed Forces day got to jump out of parachute training towers Drive an old ww2 tank they have a huge fair got to shoot and old german Machine gun, Fully paid sports programs it was great. Hats off to all that serve and to my cousin on a Mountain top on the Paki Afghan border Stay Safe and give them hell :)
"Thank you" to the thousands of military heros who lay it all down for us and our country. God bless you all! Praying for your safe return.