Humbling Weekend....

[tomstopper]

Went to DC on Thursday (stopped by Baltimore Aquarium on the way) with my wife and daughters. They wanted to see the Smithsonian museums (Natural History & American History), the zoo, and the Lincoln Memorial. We seen all of this along with the Vietnam Wall and the Korean Memorial which were humbling in themselves but on the way home, We stopped and seen the Marine Corps (Iwo Jima Memorial) and took a walk through Arlington. Looking at the memorial, I couldn't help but think of a fellow Marine that I was very close to (used to be my tank commander and platoon commander) Lt. Brian McPhillips who was killed on April 4th 2003. This was a little emotional and then I looked to my left and seen an old veteran standing with his wife hugging her with his head buried into her shoulder while sobbing. Giving them their space, we went around to the other side and witnessed another younger Marine (haircut and tats gave it away) kneeling and crying into his hand with his family around him. I am not going to lie, I got a little emotional after seeing and thinking about all of this. My wife and daughters were sad for him and my youngest wanted to go give him a hug but I advised against it due to just being respectful. I am so proud to be an American and a Marine. God Bless all that have served especially those that gave all. 

[101st501]

 
U.S. ARMY
101st ABN DIV
2000-2004
Iraq 2003-2004

God bless all our troops.

[perrytrails]

Thank you, for everyone who has served.

[870supermagnum]

tomstopper, I'm with you brother, I'm proud to be an American and a Marine.  You're feelings are shared by me and many others.  Thanks for sharing.

       

1stSgt Malcolm Stewart, USMC, Ret  63-83
I Co, 3/1, 1st MarDiv

[snapper1982]

Thank you all so very much for what you have done to keep us safe and free. I am proud of you all and proud to have men and women with such courage as fellow Americans.

[wisconsinteacher]

Thank you to those who have served our nation.  I have been to these historic places and words cannot describe the feelings and emotions in the air. 

THANKS AGAIN SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN!!!

[2eagles]

I deeply admire all the young men and women who are willing to sacrifice all for their country. I have two sons and a daughter in law who are vets and I am so proud of them. Thanks to you all.

[forcercon1]

I am honored to have served my country under the "Title U.S. Marine". I pray each day for being brought home safely to my family and for those who gave more than I on the field of battle.

Thank each of you for your service as well, and the families that served here at home!!!

[mgm1955]

Thank you all so very much for what you have done to keep us safe and free. I am proud of you all and proud to have men and women with such courage as fellow Americans.

Your service and sacrifice is greatly appreciated by all. Thank you for protecting our liberties and freedom.

[tomstopper]

Thanks guys. Whenever my family and I see a veteran (especially the WWII vets bc they are reducing in numbers so very fast), we try to shake their hand and say thank you. Its amazing how just two little words can mean so much to so many. God Bless all of our service men & women..

[HunterMc23]

  

[RutnNStrutn]

My greatest regret in life is not having served in the military. I've been a supporter of the armed forces since I was a child, and have studied military history all through my life. Upon graduating high school in 78, just a scant few years from the end of Vietnam, many family and friends advised against joining the military. Unfortunately, I took their advice.
I ended up being a firefighter , and am just a couple of years away from retiring. I have many friends who served in the military, and I remain a huge supporter of America and her armed forces. I thank all of you that have served our great country! You are all heroes and patriots in my eyes. God bless all of you!!

[forcercon1]

Thank you for serving you local community as well RutnNStrutn!

[tomstopper]

Thank you for serving you local community as well RutnNStrutn!

Thank you. You serve the community and put yourself in a position where you can face life threatening danger in a moments notice all for others. This is not to be taken for granted or lightly. God Bless brother.