Today NFTOS is taking the time to thank every soldier for their "service above self"!
Veterans Day originally titled "Armistice Day is a day for remembering Americans whom put service above self and to often either lost their life doing so, or became handicapped by either war wounds or wounds that entrenched itself in the minds of these warriors.
Veterans Day is an United States holiday honoring military veterans. A federal holiday, it is observed on November 11. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)
President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said
"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."
The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution seven years later on June 4, 1926, requesting that the President (Calvin Coolidge) issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies.
For 25 years I was a civilian that occupied space with literally 100's of thousands of military men and women in theaters of war and at the Pentagon. As a Global War On Terror expert I literally embedded myself for long periods of time with our fine military establishment.
I tell you there is no finer institution than these 5 service groups that protect our country. "Service Above Self" is a coined phrase by my fellow Rotarian's, but the term is much more than Rotary service.
Nothing in the world speaks more of ones character than when one chooses to dawn a uniform, grab a weapon and stand post, and what makes them heroic, "Because they stand upon a wall and say, "Nothings going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch."
What bothers me about those whom haven't served is that one day a year it warms their self inflated politically correct heart to say thank you to those of service.
NFTOS says to those whom claim real patriotism, put "your money where you mouth is" and make veterans day 365 days a year. Make it every time you see a past or present veteran that you walk up and thank them for their service, not just today! If you are so "appreciative, go to your nearest VA and volunteer some time to those whom spent their life protecting your "political" views. If your a true America that is grateful for your freedoms, bring a dinner to that soldier whom now can't fend for himself because he is either homeless or disabled! When soldiers return from war be the first to welcome them back home.
Human psyche always astonishes me. When in times of trouble we pull out our "closet" God and or Veteran and praise their existence, but when times are favorable we push those back in the closet.
Instead of protesting dead soldiers burial sites, and "tea party" groups mocking America with your adopted Gadsden flag, be real Americans and do what's right. Stand behind your troops 24/7/365, as certainly they have done the same and more for you.
While on the Gadsden Flag, nothing is more disturbing than to see a "political" group "borrow" a military flag for their eroded, convoluted, demented, radical extremist point of view.
Speaking to a Naval Capt. today on the very subject, we learned that we are not the only ones perturb and aggravated about Republicans adopting this sacred flag as their movement symbol. Certainly General Christopher Gadsden didn't design and create "don't tread on me" with current tea bags in mind. This very flag was a USMC motto flag in its early days, and polling soldiers shows that the majority of soldiers deplore the very thought of these chicken hawk Republicans (Beck, Loesch, Limbaugh) toting the very backbone of what soldiers band together for.
One final note from the blasphemy that exudes from camp tea bags is when we visit our competitors blog site (Big Journalism) the number one avatar for the extreme right view is an American Flag displayed upside down, which is their limited mentality. Their stance is that we "protest" the current Government so we dishonor the very flag VETERANS fight and defend! In my world as a Senior Pentagon official I tell you there is nothing more NON-AMERICAN than this. This is also quite ironic, because most of the people doing this are political tea bag conservatives, who are generally the most vocal supporters of flag anti-desecration laws. Apparently, they feel that it's OK to dishonor the flag to express their point-of-view, but not for others to do so.
United Stated Flag Code states:
"No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America." Section 8
"The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing." Section 8j
If you are protesting your Government use something other than the stars and stripes, US soldiers and our military, for many have sacrificed much for it.
We here at NFTOS salute those whom stood up for her and defended her, your sacrifice is overwhelming to us. We are in awe of your bravery and steadfast resolve to ensure ALL Americans have the right to be free! Thank you for your service!
Roger West
West Media CEO
NFTOS Editor in Chief
