SALUTE on Veteran’s Day 2019

[RanchRoper]

My grandfather fought in WW1. I have a photo of him at 17 yrs old in France.

Lest We Forget.

[GunnyGene]

And then there's those like the University of VA powers that be:

https://www.thecollegefix.com/citing-gu ... -ceremony/

Citing “gun violence,” the University of Virginia has canceled the 21-gun salute portion of its Veterans Day ceremony, an annual tradition that dates back at least a decade.

In a statement posted to social media on Saturday, university President James Ryan stated the reason was two-fold: “to minimize disruptions to classes, given that this event is located at the juncture of four primary academic buildings and is held at a time that classes are in session; and second, recognizing concerns related to firing weapons on the Grounds in light of gun violence that has happened across our nation, especially on school and university campuses.”

According to the local ABC news affiliate WHSV, the annual ceremony “marks the conclusion of a 24-hour vigil by ROTC cadets and has included the 21-gun salute for more than a decade,” but the decision to nix the salute was made by the provost’s office in conjunction with the colonel of UVA’s ROTC program.

[RanchRoper]

My grandfather, Leonard Allen. Top right. And these were his as well from WW1.

[RetiredSeabee]

Today I had the honor of shaking the hand of a soldier who went ashore in the second wave of the landing in Normandy. He has seen what hell looks like. His reservation in Heaven is paid in advance.

[bandit1250]

We all should listen to this story and hear what those heroes of our country went through while in a terrible war. These were some very tough guys and we should all honor them and be proud of what they gave up for all of us to be free and live in such a great country.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdzWRdZgan0

[The Wiz]

Today at a restaurant that was giving free meals to vets ( O'Charley's ) a WW 2 vet got up to leave. He was wear some sort of fatigues. He was given an ovation. He waved at everyone in response. He had a tough time getting out because everyone wanted to shake his hand. Pretty darn cool. Tears.

[Mags]

.
My step dad was in battle for Market Garden and Battle of the Bulge. He was very reluctant to talk of what he experienced in WWII. Two of the incidents he did speak of. Being ordered to execute a Nazi prisoner ( a kid) and refusing. The 2nd, rushing to evacuate infantry via tank before getting surrounded. Some of the troops mounted the front tanks, assuming the Nazi would be shooting at the rear of the tank column as they made their escape. Others mounted the rear tanks, assuming the front tanks would take fire to get a break out. Only the troops on the tanks in the middle of column survived. Both front and rear got clobbered.

[PT7]

Thanks to all who participated in this year's Salute.
You brought some really great & deserved expressions of appreciation of our Veterans and families.

PT7