Veterans Day 2008

[Richard]

From President GW Bush.

Richard's $.02

Veterans Day, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.

From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.

Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America's veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

[Ret10Echo]

The Origins of Veterans Day



In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, became the focal point of reverence for America’s veterans.
Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as “Armistice Day.”
Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was “the War to end all wars,” November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle.



Armistice Day Changed To Honor All Veterans



An answer to the question of how to pay tribute to those who had served in this latest, great war came in a proposal made by Representative Edwin K. Rees of Kansas: Change Armistice Day to Veterans Day, and make it an occasion to honor those who have served America in all wars. In 1954 President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.
On Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American war dead were brought from overseas and interred in the plaza beside the unknown soldier of World War I. One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean War. In 1973, a law passed providing interment of an unknown American from the Vietnam War, but none was found for several years. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from that conflict was placed alongside the others. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, The 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.
A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.

National Ceremonies Held at Arlington

The focal point for official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day continues to be the memorial amphitheater built around the Tomb of the Unknowns. At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes “Present Arms” at the tomb. The nation’s tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath. The bugler plays “taps.” The rest of the ceremony takes place in the amphitheater.
Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington and elsewhere are coordinated by the President’s Veterans Day National Committee. Chaired by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the committee represents national veterans organizations.
Governors of states and U.S. territories appoint Veterans Day chairpersons who, in cooperation with the National Committee and the Department of Defense, arrange and promote local ceremonies.

[Ret10Echo]

The Origins of Veterans Day



In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, became the focal point of reverence for America’s veterans.
Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as “Armistice Day.”
Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was “the War to end all wars,” November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle.



Armistice Day Changed To Honor All Veterans



An answer to the question of how to pay tribute to those who had served in this latest, great war came in a proposal made by Representative Edwin K. Rees of Kansas: Change Armistice Day to Veterans Day, and make it an occasion to honor those who have served America in all wars. In 1954 President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.
On Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American war dead were brought from overseas and interred in the plaza beside the unknown soldier of World War I. One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean War. In 1973, a law passed providing interment of an unknown American from the Vietnam War, but none was found for several years. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from that conflict was placed alongside the others. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, The 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.
A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.

National Ceremonies Held at Arlington

The focal point for official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day continues to be the memorial amphitheater built around the Tomb of the Unknowns. At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes “Present Arms” at the tomb. The nation’s tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath. The bugler plays “taps.” The rest of the ceremony takes place in the amphitheater.
Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington and elsewhere are coordinated by the President’s Veterans Day National Committee. Chaired by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the committee represents national veterans organizations.
Governors of states and U.S. territories appoint Veterans Day chairpersons who, in cooperation with the National Committee and the Department of Defense, arrange and promote local ceremonies.

[The Reaper]

This pretty much sums up my feelings about my fellow veterans.

TR

"This day is called the feast of Crispian:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian:'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispin's day.'
Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day: then shall our names.
Familiar in his mouth as household words
Harry the king, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day"

William Shakespeare, Henry V

[PSM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kX_3y3u5Uo

Pat

[Puertoland]

Although we cannot thank those who have served enough, I wish you all to know that we have been both honored and humbled thanks to the sacrifices you have made.

I look around in school, observing students and teachers openly display and debate political views, and personal opinion.

I watch my son play in the park with kids of different ethnicity and cultures.

On my way to Church, I pass Muslims and Jews.

I look around myself, and I thank you all for it.

Thank you all for our freedom.

[RT AXE 10]

A SALUTE AND THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED...


Axe

[FMF DOC]

America’s Wars

Veterans Day 11 November 2008

American Revolution (1775-1783)

Total U.S. Servicemembers1 217,000
Battle Deaths 4,435
Non-mortal Woundings 6,188

War of 1812 (1812-1815)

Total U.S. Servicemembers 286,730
Battle Deaths 2,260
Non-mortal Woundings 4,505

Indian Wars (approx. 1817-1898)

Total U.S. Servicemembers (VA estimate) 106,000
Battle Deaths (VA estimate) 1,000

Mexican War (1846-1848)

Total U.S. Servicemembers 78,718
Battle Deaths 1,733
Other Deaths (In Theater) 11,550
Non-mortal Woundings 4,152

Civil War (1861-1865)

Total U.S. Servicemembers (Union) 2,213,363
Battle Deaths (Union) 140,414
Other Deaths (In Theater) (Union) 224,097
Non-mortal Woundings (Union) 281,881
Total Servicemembers (Conf.) 2 1,050,000
Battle Deaths (Confederate) 3 74,524
Other Deaths (In Theater) (Confederate) 3, 4 59,297
Non-mortal Woundings (Confederate) Unknown

Spanish-American War (1898-1902)

Total U.S. Servicemembers (Worldwide) 306,760
Battle Deaths 385
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater) 2,061
Non-mortal Woundings 1,662

World War I (1917-1918)

Total U.S. Servicemembers (Worldwide) 4,734,991
Battle Deaths 53,402
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater) 63,114
Non-mortal Woundings 204,002
Living Veterans 1

World War II (1941 –1945)
Total U.S. Servicemembers (Worldwide) 16,112,566
Battle Deaths 291,557
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater) 113,842
Non-mortal Woundings 671,846
Living Veterans 5 2,306,000
______________________________________
NOTES:
1. Exact number is unknown. Posted figure is the median of estimated
range from 184,000 – 250,000.
2. Exact number is unknown. Posted figure is median of estimated
range from 600,000 – 1,500,000.
3. Death figures are based on incomplete returns.
4. Does not include 26,000 to 31,000 who died in Union prisons.
5. Estimate based upon new population projection methodology.


Korean War (1950-1953)

Total U.S. Servicemembers (Worldwide) 5,720,000
Battle Deaths 33,739
Other Deaths (In Theater) 2,835
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater) 17,672
Non-mortal Woundings 103,284
Living Veterans 2,307,000

Vietnam War (1964-1975)

Total U.S. Servicemembers (Worldwide) 6 8,744,000
Deployed to Southeast Asia 7 3,403,000
Battle Deaths 8 47,434
Other Deaths (In Theater) 8 10,786
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater) 8 32,000
Non-mortal Woundings 9 153,303
Living Veterans 5, 10 7,125,000

Desert Shield/Desert Storm (1990-1991)

Total U.S. Servicemembers (Worldwide) 2,322,000
Deployed to Gulf 694,550
Battle Deaths 147
Other Deaths (In Theater) 235
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater) 1,590
Non-mortal Woundings 467
Living Veterans 5, 10 2,269,000

America’s Wars Total (1775 -1991)

U.S. Military Service during Wartime 41,891,368
Battle Deaths 651,030
Other Deaths (In Theater) 308,800
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater) 230,279
Non-mortal Woundings 1,431,290
Living War Veterans 17,456,000
Living Veterans (Periods of War & Peace) 23,442,000

Global War on Terror (Oct 2001 - )

The Global War on Terror (GWOT), including Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), are ongoing conflicts. For the most current GWOT statistics, visit the following Department of Defense Website:
http://siadapp.dmdc.osd.mil/personne..._component.pdf




__________________________________________________ ______

6. Covers the period 8/5/64 - 1/27/73 (date of cease fire)
7. Department of Defense estimate
8. Covers period 11/1/55 – 5/15/75
9. Excludes 150,341 not requiring hospital care
10.VA estimate, as of 5/08, does not include those still on active duty and may include veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Source: Department of Defense (DOD), except living veterans, which are VA estimates as of Sep 2008.

America’s Wars Fact Sheet, Nov 2008



American Revolution
Last Veteran, Daniel F. Bakeman,
died 4/5/1869, age 109
Last Widow, Catherine S. Damon,
died 11/11/06, age 92
Last Dependent, Phoebe M. Palmeter,
died 4/25/11, age 90 Mexican War
Last Veteran, Owen Thomas Edgar,
died 9/3/29, age 98
Last Widow, Lena James Theobald,
died 6/20/63, age 89
Last Dependent, Jesse G. Bivens,
died 11/1/62, age 94
War of 1812
Last Veteran, Hiram Cronk,
died 5/13/05, age 105
Last Widow, Carolina King,
died 6/28/36, age unknown
Last Dependent, Esther A.H. Morgan,
died 3/12/46, age 89 Civil War
Last Union Veteran, Albert Woolson,
died 8/2/56, age 109
Last Confederate Veteran, John Salling,
died 3/16/58, age 112
Last Union Widow, Gertrude Janeway,
died 1/17/2003, age 93
Indian Wars
Last Veteran, Fredrak Fraske,
died 6/18/73, age 101 Spanish-American War
Last veteran, Nathan E. Cook,
died 9/10/92, age 106


VA estimates the number of living World War II U.S. veterans will be:*
9/30/08 2,306,000 9/30/09……. 2,024,000 9/30/10….….1,761,000 9/30/11………. 1,517,000 9/30/12 1,294,000 9/30/13……..1,092,000 9/30/14……….911,000 9/30/15… …. …750,000 9/30/16 611,000 9/30/17………. 490,000 9/30/18…....….388,000 9/30/19…………303,000 9/30/20 233,000 9/30/21……….176,000 9/30/22……….131,000 9/30/23……….….96,000

* Estimates have changed based on new population projections. ___________________________________________

.
U.S. Veterans and Dependents on
Benefits Rolls as of
September 2008

SURVIVING
VETERANS CHILDREN PARENTS SPOUSES
Civil War - 2 - -

Indian Wars - - - -

Spanish-American War - 94 - 90

Mexican Border - 15 - 60

World War I - 3,169 - 4,873

World War II 274,052 14,403 117 223,895

Korean Conflict 156,842 3,170 257 60,948

Vietnam Era 1,015,151 8,843 2,932 165,376

Gulf War 1 896,288 13,688 926 15,945

Non service-connected 315,763 18,103 2 182,236

Service-connected 2,951,587 28,016 5,385 320,979
1 For compensation and pension purposes, the Persian Gulf War period has not yet been terminated and includes veterans of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

[Richard]

Regarding 'Armistice Day'--there is one living American WW1 veteran--he is 107 years old--and there are three living British WW1 veterans--the oldest is 112...and one is an Army vet, one is an RN vet, and one is an RAF vet.

Richard's $.02

[BryanK]

Today I had the privilege to attend a celebration event at my nephews elementary school. It reminded me of how proud I am to serve, and proud of those that serve as well. It epitomized what Veterans Day is all about. The kids did a wonderful job of memorizing poems, songs, and the National Anthem. Among us were some distinguished guests such as WWII Veterans, one of which had served 2 1/2 years as a POW, Vietnam Veterans, and those Veterans who continue to serve today. Even a "Congress Critter" as Richard would say, gave the key note speech. I had the honor of standing up when the principal had called for anyone in the audience who was serving or had served to rise. The kids shouted a thunderous THANK YOU!, and I started to get a bit choked up. The fact that a good 2 hours out of the school day was devoted to honoring our great nations Veterans was astounding. I want to pray tonight for the ones who didn't make it to see this day, thank everyone here who serves or has served, and may God bless you and your families.

[thomps2100]

Thank you to all who are and have served!

[Gypsy]

Thank you to all of our Veterans past and present, we owe you all so very much. Happy Veterans Day. Thanks Dad...I miss you.

[Sigaba]

My father's forebearers were brought to this country from Africa (probably Madagascar), chained like animals in the holds of ships. They were ultimately freed by the righteous strength of the U.S. Army.

My mother was born under the flag of fascist Japan. She and her countrymen were freed from a government of their own making and spared from the horrors of Stalinist rule by the valor and professionalism of the navy, the army, and the Marines.

I have two surrogate mothers. One was born in a concentration camp in Utah. The other in Bavaria. Both have political beliefs that are unfavorable here. Both are free to believe as they wish because of men and women in uniform.

It is with thoughts of these civilians who can live their lives in peace that I offer my most sincere and humble gratitude to the veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

[greenberetTFS]

I'd like to thank my dad(departed 1990) who was my inspiration. He was drafted in WW2 at the age of 37 and had 1 child(me). He could have gotten out of the service because of it, however he elected to stay. He served 3 1/2 years as a combat medic in the pacific. He had family in Sicily and requested not to fight in Europe which was honored by the powers to be. Like many who came back from that war he never discussed what he went though,however his military picture after the war had quite a lot of "salad" mounted on the left side of his uniform. It was growing up with his kind of patriotism that I enlisted in the service.

GB TFS

[abc_123]

Thanks to my Father in Law, Dr. Benjamin Randolph Page, whom I helped bury a week ago with millitary honors. (WWII veteran of the 158th RCT (Bushmasters) in the Phillippines).

19yr old kid from Vidalia, Ga. Ended up in the AZ national guard fighting inthe philipines. Trained as an Infantrynman... made a medic because he had some medical classes in is first year in college. Till the end never understood why he wasn't eligible for a CIB since according to him, "I was trained as an infantry man, carried the rifle of an infantryman, and never spent a day on the inside of the perimeter as we were too short... I fought as an infantryman until I had to help someone who needed it."

Came home after spending 6months at Ft Sam in the hospital recoving from lingering effects of disease. Became a veteranarian in Savannah, GA and raised a family . Was the vet for mascots UGA I-IV

Never talked much about the war... only two things he told me (ONCE) was about a medal his PL was going to put him in for (until the PL got killed) for pulling a wouded guy back to cover when noone else would, and how hard it was as a kid to have to lie to the horribly wounded that a.) they would be ok and b.) that he would contact their wives, mothers , girlfriends ...

On his deathbead my wife discovered a big scar on his head that noone knew about.... several inches long and asked him how he got that. All he said was "A bullet."

Nothing in his records. Never mentioned it.

He fought with bravery, lived a simple and dignified life, died and was buried the same way.

Thanks, Dad.