Veterans Day

[hobbles]

Q. What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

A. Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty. A complete history of Veterans Day, and why it is observed on November 11, can be found on the Veterans Day History Web page.

Q. Why are red poppies worn on Veterans Day, and where can I obtain them?

A. The wearing of poppies in honor of America's war dead is traditionally done on Memorial Day, not Veterans Day. The practice of wearing of poppies takes its origin from the poem "In Flanders Fields," written in 1915 by John McCrae. Click here to read "In Flanders Fields." For information on how to obtain poppies for use on Memorial Day, contact a veterans service organization, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) or The American Legion, as a number of veterans organizations distribute poppies annually on Memorial Day. You can find veterans groups in the Veterans Service Organization link on VA's Veterans Day web page. Veterans groups in your area can be found in your local phone book. Look in the yellow pages under "Veterans and Military Organizations" or a similar heading.

[petey]

Thanks hobbles!

This is one day I make sure I never forget. In fact I make it a point to shake ever person's hand that I know to be a veteran at work and say thank you.

Any bit of gratitude and thanks I can give definitly shows when I see their face light up by giving them recognition. I've had (other) people give me weird looks before while doing this, like "what in the world are you doing?". I have no problem telling those people that any true American wouldn't forget Veteran's day and would show their thanks. After all, that veteran's service is one reason why you have the freedoms you take for granted.

[Rocky Raab]

Thanks to both of you for being thankful, and a crisp salute to all my fellow vets.

Many of us can remember being cursed, reviled and spat on just for serving our country. Sadly, it's happening again today in a small way. But the ignorant and vicious people who do so are more than balanced by those of who who truly understand and respect what it means to raise one's hand and offer to die for your country.

[Dan Morris]

Guys, there is a couple of generations that have no concept
of the past!
Dan
:(

[hobbles]

I will never forget the first time I was told thanks and welcome home, it was 30+ years after I got out in 68,,,,, Such simple words,, yet they were so strong,

[Deerqueen]

on veterans day..Love the avatars!!

[Rocky Raab]

Just because you said it, deerqueen, I changed my avatar to a more appropriate one for Veterans Day.

[toxic111]

Up here in the Great White North we just have one day to do both, November 11, Remembrance Day.

I think up here the Red Poppy means more than any where else in the world. I already have mine, and many other have been wearing thiers for several days now.

In fact the poem 'In Flanders Fields' and the Red Poppy have so much meaning for Canadians that both are on our ten dollar bill.

I will say this to all Vetrans, wheather in Canada, or the US, THANK YOU!

[BILLY D.]

Originally posted by Rocky Raab
Thanks to both of you for being thankful, and a crisp salute to all my fellow vets.

Many of us can remember being cursed, reviled and spat on just for serving our country. Sadly, it's happening again today in a small way. But the ignorant and vicious people who do so are more than balanced by those of who who truly understand and respect what it means to raise one's hand and offer to die for your country.

Rocky, they better hope this ol' vet never sees those kind of actions again cause if I do I'll kick butt and take names. I'm not in the military anymore and do not have to project the image of an American fighting man and as a gentleman.

People like Murtha and Heinz-Kerry curdle my blood. I'm afraid if I ever seen either one I'd punch their lights out on the spot. Enough, pepcid time.