A Tribute To Our Soldiers

A July 4th / Late Memorial Day Tribute:

This is not so much about the birth of our nation, but about the soldiers who have fought for, protected and died for this country.

Most of these photos I have taken from other postings on Facebook, U-Tube and the internet.

"Take time this weekend to remember its’ true meaning and remind those that may have forgotten…Brave men and women have laid down their lives to provide the freedom we enjoy. My sympathy and respect goes out to the families of the fallen, as I know they touched more lives than just those that they served with. To my Fallen Brothers...We shall never forget. "
Semper Fidelis!

 "Only two people in your life have ever delivered on their promise that they would die for you:
Jesus Christ and the American GI. The first laid out the path to the salvation of your immortal soul. The second secured the route."
From the 236th ICTC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t6C1UCP19U&feature=related
This is a great video song that will touch your heart!

This next series of photos is on a more personal level.

I took them off the 236th ICTC post and from Dan. The 236th Inland Cargo Transportation Company is the name of his unit.  I don't see Dan in many of these pictures... but know he was with this group these last 6 months as they prepared for and deployed to Afghanistan.

At Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin and Ft. Bliss, Texas

In Decatur, Illinois

Various Airports

At Bagram in Afghanistan

This Tribute Post ends with a message from an unknown author.
I revamped it somewhat and added more photos too:


Thank A Soldier

Your cell phone is in your pocket.
You're looking at all the pretty girls.

He patrols the streets, searching
for insurgents and terrorists.

And he's told he will be held
over an extra 2 months.

 You call your girlfriend and set a  date for tonight.

He waits for the mail to see
if there is a letter from home.

You hug and kiss your girlfriend,
like you do every day.

He holds his letter close and smells
his love's perfume.
 

 




You roll your eyes as a baby cries.

He gets a letter with pictures of his
new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.








 

 














  
You criticize your government, and
say that war never solves anything.

He sees the innocent tortured and
killed by their own people and
remembers why he is fighting.

 

 

 

 

 









 
You hear the jokes about the war.


He hears the gunfire,
bombs and screams
of the wounded.

You see only what the media wants
you to see.

He sees the broken bodies lying
around him. 

You are asked to do something by your parents.
You don't.

He does exactly what he is told
even if it puts his life in danger.

 

 










You stay at home and watch TV.

He takes whatever time he is given
to call, write home, sleep, and eat.

  

 

 

 

 

You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.

He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.

Keep our soldiers in your thoughts and prayers.
Hug and thank them when they come home.






 

Think of our soldiers sacrifice for us.    
Thank a soldier when given the opportunity.