Thank God I'm an American Soldier

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Tue May 31, 2005 9:40 pm

How incredibly cool....a female soldier here in our midst. This is great! I'll say "Thank you" and "Welcome to FG" and also...."duck". You're bound to get some 'interesting' replies to this. That's ok, though. I'm sure you can take it. :yh_flag :yh_flag

Be safe.

mominiowa · Post by **mominiowa** » Tue May 31, 2005 9:49 pm

WELCOME!! And THANK YOU! :-4 - You make us very proud! If your daughter needs some "special" gifts while you are away - we would certainly like to drop her some little things while you are away!!! Again - THANK YOU!

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Tue May 31, 2005 11:10 pm

i am happy to welcome you to FG. women warriors, what the world needs now. :yh_femfig ...not like in the time of our Moms.

smithy87 · Post by **smithy87** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 3:34 am

Wow. I'm proud of you and not even American. Anyone who is willing to give their life for their country in my opinion, is very special and amazing. :yh_flag :yh_flower

Peg · Post by **Peg** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 6:00 am

Hi, welcome to the garden, and thank you. :-6

minks · Post by **minks** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:33 am

Greetings from Canada, I am glad you are proud of what you do and whom you serve. Pity it is in war.

Hope you enjoy yourself here in the garden, many a great folks here.

Cheers

minks · Post by **minks** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:34 am

PS the mountains of Afghanastan used to have rivers that flowed with gold. I hope when you are over there you can at least imagine the beauty that country used to have. And I wish you safety when facing some of the scourage of the earth there.

capt_buzzard · Post by **capt_buzzard** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 8:28 am

I'm not getting into this one.:-2 American politics,I know nothing about. And don't want to:-2

minks · Post by **minks** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 10:00 am

well you at least could have welcomed them you old poop hehehe I hear ya mind you.

john8pies · Post by **john8pies** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 10:14 am

I wish you all the very best of luck, both personally and in your vocation.

David813 · Post by **David813** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 9:14 pm

Whom are you defending? This country wasn't attacked by Iraq or Afghanistan. You aren't defending anyone but George Bush's financial portfolio and the Saudi Royals. Hero you are not. (As Yoda would say.)

Wolverine · Post by **Wolverine** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:54 am

David813 wrote: Hero you are not. (As Yoda would say.)

shut the Hell up.

You bet your a$$ she's a hero! She is going over there to make sure jack-a$$es like you have the freedom to bash the president and the policies of the country you live in. I don't see you hopping on a boat to go defend the poor Iraqis or Afganis.

Blnd... Please, please be careful. And if you get into some SH!T... shoot first, ask questions later. :yh_shamrk :yh_flag :yh_flag

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:58 am

Wolverine, THANK YOU for saying that before I could! I keep saying it....over and over and over....If you're not ready to put on a uniform and pick up a gun, SHUT THE HELL UP!!! I have a feeling Blnd will be able to handle herself where David is concerned.

P.S. Love your new sig line, Wolverine. I'm a huge Floyd fan.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 3:01 pm

Take care of yourself. I'm chuffed, to borrow from the Brits, to have you in our military. Remember: your job is not to die for your country, but to make the other guy die for his!

MSgt(R) USAF

David813 · Post by **David813** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 3:07 pm

Wolverine wrote: shut the Hell up.

You bet your a$$ she's a hero! She is going over there to make sure jack-a$$es like you have the freedom to bash the president and the policies of the country you live in. I don't see you hopping on a boat to go defend the poor Iraqis or Afganis.

Blnd... Please, please be careful. And if you get into some SH!T... shoot first, ask questions later. :yh_shamrk :yh_flag :yh_flagYou mean if this person weren't invading Iraq I would have no freedom? That is Hilarious! People that think our troops in Iraq are "defending our Freeeedom" are mighty, mighty delusional. When has Iraq threatened the US? ANSWER Patriot! The hijackers are from Saudi Arabia, Bush's buddies. Get off the horse and hide that flag, it's embarrassing. When do you deploy to Iraq to "Save Free Speech!

David813 · Post by **David813** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 3:10 pm

BlndSmtOpinionated wrote: Thank you for your opinion David. Now as I "bleed red, white, and blue" where liberals continue to stab me, I'll have to ask you to thank the hundreds of thousands of soldiers (that I proudly represent every day of my life) for dying so that you could voice your opinion. Don't worry..... I'll wait.Again, when has Iraq or Afghanistan threatened free speech in the US? NEVER! Saudi Arabia was where the hijackers hailed from. Whose Royal Family dines at the Bush compound in Texas! My allegience is with the Iraqis fighting for their homeland. You have to do something honorable to gain respect from the world. The US has failed this simple test every year since 1945.

capt_buzzard · Post by **capt_buzzard** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 3:50 pm

BlndSmtOpinionated wrote: thank you so much for your support. it really is my pleasure. i must admit i expected a few agruements to ensue from my statements. it is a wonderfully shocking surprise to see that every single response has been so supportive. it's people like you that i am proud to defend.I'll not be agrueing with you Sir. Anyway I wish you luck:-6

Peg · Post by **Peg** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 4:06 pm

David813 wrote: Again, when has Iraq or Afghanistan threatened free speech in the US? NEVER! Saudi Arabia was where the hijackers hailed from. Whose Royal Family dines at the Bush compound in Texas! My allegience is with the Iraqis fighting for their homeland. You have to do something honorable to gain respect from the world. The US has failed this simple test every year since 1945.
America...Love it or get the fluck out!

David813 · Post by **David813** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 4:12 pm

Peg wrote: America...Love it or get the fluck out! :mad:Sorry Pegster, blind allegience is for fools. Looks like someone needs to adapt to the idea that not everyone is so one dimensional as to believe everything they hear on neo-Nazi talk radio! Sorry sweetie, I'm here! I'm staying! Get Used To It!!

David813 · Post by **David813** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 4:30 pm

Wolverine wrote: shut the Hell up.

You bet your a$$ she's a hero! She is going over there to make sure jack-a$$es like you have the freedom to bash the president and the policies of the country you live in. I don't see you hopping on a boat to go defend the poor Iraqis or Afganis.

Blnd... Please, please be careful. And if you get into some SH!T... shoot first, ask questions later. :yh_shamrk :yh_flag :yh_flagOne more item: You say you don't see me hopping on a boat to defend the poor Iraqis or Afghans. Is that not the very reason we were told we were invading?? To defend Iraqis and Afghans while we stop WMD's, "Spread democracy" and free them from tyranny?? You and your self righteous cheerleaders sound bent on murdering these people instead of that grand heavenly inspired mission by Bush to 'Save' these people. This racist bloodthirsty tact is why the US is STILL unable to secure even one city in either occupied country. How Proud you must be!

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 5:17 pm

David813 wrote: Sorry Pegster, blind allegience is for fools. Looks like someone needs to adapt to the idea that not everyone is so one dimensional as to believe everything they hear on neo-Nazi talk radio! Sorry sweetie, I'm here! I'm staying! Get Used To It!!

:yh_think I can't believe it, but I must side with the militant pacifist on this one Peg. :yh_worry

.

David813 · Post by **David813** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 6:22 pm

Accountable wrote: :yh_think I can't believe it, but I must side with the militant pacifist on this one Peg. :yh_worry

.FINALLY some love! I'm not a pacifist. I'm a communist. Just a teeeensy little difference there!! :yh_battin

turbonium · Post by **turbonium** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 12:39 am

Welcome to FG, I hope you come back safe and sound! This thread has potential powder keg written all over it, but I'll put my thoughts on it here anyway.

First, I respect your dedication and commitment to defend your family and country.

I will not presume to judge you or others who differ from my opinion, as these choices are made with honorable intentions. It's just that IMO the supreme allegiance to the Constitution, above all else, including the President, is what must be pledged.

This is something that each one of us has to decide for themselves, but I believe in starting the Iraq War the President has violated his sworn Constitutional oath.

It's best explained in this lawsuit against Bush by Francis Boyle, Professor of Law

Lawsuit for Impeachment

In the conduct of the office of President of the United States, George Walker Bush, in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of President of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, has planned, prepared, and conspired to commit crimes against the peace by leading the United States into aggressive war against Iraq in violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, the Nuremberg Charter, Judgment, and Principles, the Kellogg-Brand Pact, U.S. Army Field Manual 27-10 (1956), numerous other international treaties and agreements, and the Constitution of the United States. In all of this George Walker Bush has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as President and subversive of constitutional government, to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States. Wherefore George Walker Bush, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office.

You likely disagree with this assessment, and that is fine with me. But I do feel the situation is not in accord with US and International Laws.

Take care of yourself over there, I'll extend my hopes for you and all the people in Iraq to stay alive and well, and that peace will prevail very soon.

A Karenina · Post by **A Karenina** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 6:17 am

BlndSmtOpinionated wrote: Proud to Serve. That is the response I give anyone that thanks me for my service. Mother of a three year old daughter with dreams in her eyes, I can't imagine living anywhere except the United States.Amen, sister.

BlndSmtOpinionated wrote: This statement goes out to anyone that thinks the military is forcing soldiers overseas. If anyone tries to run that game on you, they aren't a true soldier. I will be departing for Afghanistan shortly to be followed up by a tour in Iraq. My daughter is safe at home with my mother and if you ask her, she'd proudly tell you, "My momma is giving the bad guys a spanking," and dammit, I am. Thanks to all who lay their life to protect my family. Happy Memorial Day, a little late.Aren't a true soldier? I'll argue that one, passionately. Soldiers, like all American citizens, get to have and voice differing opinions. Some are for this war and others are not. I happen to live with a 30-year Special Forces veteran who does NOT agree with it. I really wouldn't call him less than a true soldier and patriot.

Soldiers are amazing because they promise to go and defend wherever and whenever the American public tells them to fight. They don't get to pick and choose these battles, but are ready to do as asked. This places a heavy burden of responsibility on the public so that we DON'T send them out quickly or recklessly. It is a two-way relationship - you defend us, but we defend you as well. (In theory anyway...the actual practice these days is sadly broken down).

While I'm personally grateful and appreciative of anyone who loves our country enough to lay down their life for it, I do not feel the burden of gratitude...meaning I don't owe you - not agreement or blind allegiance or anything else. You choose to give your life, and I choose to give my gratitude. Anything less becomes a tyranny of sorts.

That being said, God bless and keep you and your family safe.

capt_buzzard · Post by **capt_buzzard** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 6:22 am

A Karenina wrote: Amen, sister.

Aren't a true soldier? I'll argue that one, passionately. Soldiers, like all American citizens, get to have and voice differing opinions. Some are for this war and others are not. I happen to live with a 30-year Special Forces veteran who does NOT agree with it. I really wouldn't call him less than a true soldier and patriot.

Soldiers are amazing because they promise to go and defend wherever and whenever the American public tells them to fight. They don't get to pick and choose these battles, but are ready to do as asked. This places a heavy burden of responsibility on the public so that we DON'T send them out quickly or recklessly. It is a two-way relationship - you defend us, but we defend you as well. (In theory anyway...the actual practice these days is sadly broken down).

While I'm personally grateful and appreciative of anyone who loves our country enough to lay down their life for it, I do not feel the burden of gratitude...meaning I don't owe you - not agreement or blind allegiance or anything else. You choose to give your life, and I choose to give my gratitude. Anything less becomes a tyranny of sorts.

That being said, God bless and keep you and your family safe.They are really GI's

Wolverine · Post by **Wolverine** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 6:27 am

David813 wrote: One more item: You say you don't see me hopping on a boat to defend the poor Iraqis or Afghans. Is that not the very reason we were told we were invading?? To defend Iraqis and Afghans while we stop WMD's, "Spread democracy" and free them from tyranny?? You and your self righteous cheerleaders sound bent on murdering these people instead of that grand heavenly inspired mission by Bush to 'Save' these people. This racist bloodthirsty tact is why the US is STILL unable to secure even one city in either occupied country. How Proud you must be!

So.... People from other countries can get p1ssed at the United States for some reason and seek bloody vengence on us for whatever atrocities we committed against them, and we as a nation have to sit idily by??? and do nothing???:-5

True, the pilots were Saudis. But they trained in IRAQ and AFGANISTAN. Saddam is a ego-maniacal Sociopath. The United States is the only country on the planet with the balls to step up and finally do something about it. And the Taliban were/are a group of women-hating bastards who don't believe in educating their people for fear that the people will learn how truly awful their way of life is.

Who exactly are we murdering? It is WAR. Casualities unfortunately happen. So far we have not openly fire-bombed any school children or women at the grocers or ANY unarmed civilians.

They are blowing up their own people. NOT us.

And didn't the Afgan/Taliban ask us for help when the former Soviet Union INVADED and tried to conquer? We, the United States, aren't trying to conquer anyone! We are trying to give the people of Iraq and Afganistan the CHOICE of democracy. Trying to show them that what they know and have grown up with isn't the way it is supposed to be. That there is a better way.

You are damned right I am proud!!

A Karenina · Post by **A Karenina** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 6:53 am

Wolverine wrote: So.... People from other countries can get p1ssed at the United States for some reason and seek bloody vengence on us for whatever atrocities we committed against them, and we as a nation have to sit idily by??? and do nothing???:-5 Wow....ok, speaking calmly and rationally, the US is not perfect and we have created some of the hatred that is directed against us. This does not make us evil or put us in the realm of Nazi Germany, but a bit of honesty goes a long way in preventing future occurrences.

Next, Iraq as a country is not responsible for 9/11. The question is more complex, and it can't be answered with a 5-second snap answer, especially when that answer contains more bravado than wisdom. Are we, the "greatest nation on earth" a raging bull, easily distracted by whatever red cloth is thrown at us? Or are we superior to that, able to seek out and destroy those that would harm us?

Wolverine wrote: True, the pilots were Saudis. But they trained in IRAQ and AFGANISTAN. Saddam is a ego-maniacal Sociopath.And their trainers were trained by our very own CIA. Enough said on that?

Saddam...whom we protected as he slaughtered people and we did business with him for YEARS. Enough on that as well?

Wolverine wrote: The United States is the only country on the planet with the balls to step up and finally do something about it. And the Taliban were/are a group of women-hating bastards who don't believe in educating their people for fear that the people will learn how truly awful their way of life is.The Taliban is a group of bloodthirsty extremist haters who use religion as a means to an end...not the first group to do so, and not the last. Nice of us to help them several years ago, though, wasn't it?

Please keep in mind that politics does indeed make strange bedfellows. We don't pick our allies based on a common moral ground, but on expediency. This means that when the SOB you're in bed with goes rabid, you can't suddenly use morality as your reason to turn on him. That's called hypocrisy. Not only is hypocrisy disgusting, it isn't exactly a precursor to strong decisions needed to protect and propel our nation forward. Cynical or realistic, that's how I see it. Ask the ancient Romans what they thought...

Wolverine wrote: Who exactly are we murdering? It is WAR. Casualities unfortunately happen. So far we have not openly fire-bombed any school children or women at the grocers or ANY unarmed civilians.

They are blowing up their own people. NOT us.Clearly you haven't been reading the news or you wouldn't make such statements. Of course we're blowing them up - and they're blowing themselves up, too. And we have killed civilians at weddings, etc etc. I'm not a soldier. Perhaps it is truly the cost of war...every war we've fought on our own soil has included civilians, so perhaps that is the way of it. If so, then we should simply shrug, bemoan the harsh reality and move on. Denial is a waste of time.

But don't forget that it was our pre-emptive strike that started this war. Playing innocent now doesn't gain us anything. We look like children trying to get out of blame by pointing fingers at someone else.

Wolverine wrote: And didn't the Afgan/Taliban ask us for help when the former Soviet Union INVADED and tried to conquer? We, the United States, aren't trying to conquer anyone! We are trying to give the people of Iraq and Afganistan the CHOICE of democracy. Trying to show them that what they know and have grown up with isn't the way it is supposed to be. That there is a better way.

You are damned right I am proud!!Then perhaps we should just get on with it, attack rapidly and with strength, and then get out. But we don't. We just let it drag on endlessly, and please don't tell me we don't have the means to make this happen within weeks. We did when we first got there and chose not to. Military experts can answer whether we still have that option...

I'm glad you're proud because according to Cheney, you've got 4 more years of being proud.

Wolverine, you're a nice person and I'm not trying to chew you out or anger you. I'd hope that you think a little about what I'm saying. The world is not black and white, good and bad...it is all things mixed together. One can be a patriot and still realize that our country isn't perfect. Some, including myself, would argue that this is a prerequisite of being a true patriot.

Finally, if I had the choice of where those dollars are being spent, I'd much prefer to see them at home improving education so we have a strong and educated populace, on health research so that we have a physically strong population, etc etc...because our future depends on our present. We need to invest wisely.

Just my thoughts.

Wolverine · Post by **Wolverine** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 7:46 am

No, no, no. You are absolutely right. And I am not trying to say that the US is perfect. And i am not saying that everything is balck&white either.

What I meant about the bombings was that US forces aren't intentionally targeting civilian locations. Accidents happen, unfortunately.

You are right again. get in, get out, get on with it. I fear that this might become My generation's Vietnam. In a lot of ways it already has.

I guess what gets me all geared-up is that my aunt and cousin died in the Towers. And my best friend in the whole world is over playing in the sand. We grew up together. I have known him since we were 4. He is my little brother.

And when people start talking crap about any of that, i get honked off.

Sorry, if I twisted anyone's nibblets.

David813 · Post by **David813** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 2:46 pm

Wolverine wrote: So.... People from other countries can get p1ssed at the United States for some reason and seek bloody vengence on us for whatever atrocities we committed against them, and we as a nation have to sit idily by??? and do nothing???:-5

True, the pilots were Saudis. But they trained in IRAQ and AFGANISTAN. Saddam is a ego-maniacal Sociopath. The United States is the only country on the planet with the balls to step up and finally do something about it. And the Taliban were/are a group of women-hating bastards who don't believe in educating their people for fear that the people will learn how truly awful their way of life is.

Who exactly are we murdering? It is WAR. Casualities unfortunately happen. So far we have not openly fire-bombed any school children or women at the grocers or ANY unarmed civilians.

They are blowing up their own people. NOT us.

And didn't the Afgan/Taliban ask us for help when the former Soviet Union INVADED and tried to conquer? We, the United States, aren't trying to conquer anyone! We are trying to give the people of Iraq and Afganistan the CHOICE of democracy. Trying to show them that what they know and have grown up with isn't the way it is supposed to be. That there is a better way.

You are damned right I am proud!!The pilots trained in FLORIDA. The Taliban are the product of Rotting Reagan's funding of Islamic fundamentalists fighting the Soviets in Afghanistan. The consequences of your wars have exceeded the value of either mission. Too bad you and those cheering Bush's invasions aren't required to have the photos of all our kids killed over there mailed to your home. If we had stood together as a nation to stop the insanity in SE Asia 35 years ago we could have saved tens of thousands of young American lives, not to mention 3 million SE Asians. Your 'Pride' is a tragedy. Is it really worth all the dead Americans and Iraqis? Can you take your 'Pride' to Heaven?

RedSoxFan · Post by **RedSoxFan** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 3:04 pm

It's really disturbing to me that you are excited to go over there. You'll change your mind after your missing an arm and have to draw disablility for the rest of your life when you come back. I fear that your daughter will suffer from this too in a much bigger way. So many people go over there with their FAMILIES at home and never see their daddy's or mom's again. For what? If they wanted us over there, why are they fighting us and BEATING us everyday? Name a city or town in Iraq or Afghanistan that has been taken by us and secured. 58,000 will be upon us soon......

A Karenina · Post by **A Karenina** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 6:47 pm

Wolverine wrote: No, no, no. You are absolutely right.
Happy sigh...words I love to hear, except for the "no no no" part. :wah:

Wolverine wrote: I guess what gets me all geared-up is that my aunt and cousin died in the Towers. And my best friend in the whole world is over playing in the sand. We grew up together. I have known him since we were 4. He is my little brother.

And when people start talking crap about any of that, i get honked off.
(((((Wolverine))) I'm very sorry, friend. I truly am.

Wolverine wrote: Sorry, if I twisted anyone's nibblets.
My niblets aren't twisted...at least I don't think so. I'm not sure what niblets are, really. LOL

nvalleyvee · Post by **nvalleyvee** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 7:10 pm

OK - I'm going back to the original post. My SIL is going to Iraq 9/11. He's proud to be a soldier. I'm grateful I get to see the kids is July.

BTS · Post by **BTS** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 7:34 pm

Peg wrote: America...Love it or get the fluck out!

Fightin' Side Of Me:

Merle Haggard.

I hear people talkin' bad,

About the way we have to live here in this country,

Harpin' on the wars we fight,

An' gripin' 'bout the way things oughta be.

An' I don't mind 'em switchin' sides,

An' standin' up for things they believe in.

When they're runnin' down my country, man,

They're walkin' on the fightin' side of me.

Yeah, walkin' on the fightin' side of me.

Runnin' down the way of life,

Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep.

If you don't love it, leave it:

Let this song I'm singin' be a warnin'.

If you're runnin' down my country, man,

You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me.

I read about some squirrely guy,

Who claims, he just don't believe in fightin'.

An' I wonder just how long,

The rest of us can count on bein' free.

They love our milk an' honey,

But they preach about some other way of livin'.

When they're runnin' down my country, hoss,

They're walkin' on the fightin' side of me.
- Yeah, walkin' on the fightin' side of me.
  
  Runnin' down the way of life,
  
  Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep.
  
  If you don't love it, leave it:
  
  Let this song I'm singin' be a warnin'.
  
  If you're runnin' down my country, man,
  
  You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me.
  - Yeah, walkin' on the fightin' side of me.
    
    Runnin' down the way of life,
    
    Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep.
    
    If you don't love it, leave it:
    
    Let this song I'm singin' be a warnin'.
    
    If you're runnin' down my country, man,
    
    You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me.

David813 · Post by **David813** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 8:25 pm

:yh_sick Good God put the guitar away BTSBS! Soooo nauseating!

BTS · Post by **BTS** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 8:39 pm

David813 wrote: :yh_sick Good God put the guitar away BTSBS! Soooo nauseating!
Kool David ....Love to nauseate.

Nature o the BEAST........

America the Beautiful

Words by Katharine Lee Bates,

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet

Whose stern impassioned stress

A thoroughfare of freedom beat

Across the wilderness!

America! America!

God mend thine every flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control,

Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife.

Who more than self their country loved

And mercy more than life!

America! America!

May God thy gold refine

Till all success be nobleness

And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream

That sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the enameled plain!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

Till souls wax fair as earth and air

And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet,

Whose stem impassioned stress

A thoroughfare for freedom beat

Across the wilderness!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

Till paths be wrought through

wilds of thought

By pilgrim foot and knee!

O beautiful for glory-tale

Of liberating strife

When once and twice,

for man's avail

Men lavished precious life!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

Till selfish gain no longer stain

The banner of the free!

O beautiful for patriot dream

That sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

Till nobler men keep once again

Thy whiter jubilee!

David813 · Post by **David813** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 9:07 pm

Like a Nazi you know all the anthems!! You have no idea how PRRROOOUUUUD I am of you!!!!!

BTS · Post by **BTS** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 9:20 pm

David813 wrote: Like a Nazi you know all the anthems!! You have no idea how PRRROOOUUUUD I am of you!!!!!
The Президент России

Says TANXXX...........

David813 · Post by **David813** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 9:21 pm

BTS wrote: The Президент России

Says TANXXX...........

LUV the Cyrillic!!!

A Karenina · Post by **A Karenina** » Sat Jun 04, 2005 10:12 am

BlndSmtOpinionated wrote: I agree with your statement and do not wish any gratitude. I was blessed to be born in America, and will gladly give my life so my daughter can experience a life free of threat from terrorists. I thank God for being here..... don't thank me. I feel you misunderstood me. Maybe I wrote it wrong. If you disagree in the war, and you go fight, that's one thing. My only concern with that is when you die your family complains about what you were doing over there, that you didn't want this, and now you left your family behind. I NEVER want anyone to say anything like that. I volunteered in the Army. I received ORDERS to go fight the fight, and will do so proudly. If I die, I want everyone to understand that I did what I could and in the end gave the ultimate sacrifice ..... for my daughter to be safe, and for America. That might be too patriotic for some, but I truly believe it.
I'm thinking this post is in response to mine. Maybe not, and I'll just look foolish. Not like it's the first time. LOL!

I may not have been clear, either. You DO have my respect and gratitude, but it is freely given.

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Sat Jun 04, 2005 10:29 am

BlndSmtOpinionated wrote: Trust me, I am scared of what could happen. I outwardly boast of how indestructable I am inwardly I know how soft flesh is. I am excited though, for the opportunity to serve and finally give something back. I lived on the streets for two years prior to my enlistment into the United States Army and the Army clothed me, fed me, educated me, and gave me the motivation and discipline to become what I am today. For my age, I'm doing really well. I own a house (VA Loan), and can afford to provide my daughter with all she needs, I'm 6 classes away from my BA in Liberal arts with a focus on Korean culture and literature (oh yeah the army made me a fluent Korean linguist) I'm teaching myself some Arabic. I didn't pay for my BA either. My Army paid my way through college. I am honored to go fight.WOW what a success story, i commend your patriotism, how proud your family must be of you, my very best wishes go with you x.

Good on yer girl :yh_clap

turbonium · Post by **turbonium** » Sat Jun 04, 2005 1:18 pm

Wolverine wrote: No, no, no. You are absolutely right. And I am not trying to say that the US is perfect. And i am not saying that everything is balck&white either.

What I meant about the bombings was that US forces aren't intentionally targeting civilian locations. Accidents happen, unfortunately.

You are right again. get in, get out, get on with it. I fear that this might become My generation's Vietnam. In a lot of ways it already has.

I guess what gets me all geared-up is that my aunt and cousin died in the Towers. And my best friend in the whole world is over playing in the sand. We grew up together. I have known him since we were 4. He is my little brother.

And when people start talking crap about any of that, i get honked off.

Sorry, if I twisted anyone's nibblets.
Hi Wolverine. I'm sorry for your great loss on 9/11. I wrote an orchestral piece just after the tragedy - It's a tribute to all those who lost their lives that day, including the heroic firefighters and rescue workers. So I'm posting it here (in 2 parts - limited upload space) with a special dedication to you and yours.

Attached files Tribute to NY pt1(c)b.fortier2001.mp3 (486.4 KB)