The Soldier's Oath that your vets took for you..............

FAOL Community Sound Off
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…and it is still taken today by all members of the military services of the United States of America.

I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR (OR AFFIRM) THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC; THAT I WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME; AND THAT I WILL OBEY THE ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE ORDERS OF THE OFFICERS APPOINTED OVER ME, ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS AND THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE. SO HELP ME GOD.

To my fellow vets and service members, thank you!

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Semper Fi Nighthawk! When I look at the flag I dont see stars. I see my brothers in arms who went before me. When they honor vets in our Church even our 80 year old Marine stands tall. I would gladly serve again

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you are welcome.

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The day for honoring our vets (and those now serving) has been moved a time or two. Friday is the ‘actual’ day, but because of the commericalization it is being celebrated on Sat.

Thank you to all who served. It is an honor to thank you all.

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In the U.S. Army, there is always the reference to those who have served before, those who serve at the present time, as “The Lone Blue Line”. This refers to the Traditional U.S. Army Uniform of “Army Blue”, and to those who have worn the uniform. Many sacrificing, all for the protection of the U.S. Constitution. The present soldiers, are but a continuation of all who have served before, of “The Lone Blue Line”.

I have recently read in the news, the the U.S. Army will be returning to the “Army Blue” Uniform, for their “Class A” dress uniform. This will replace the Olive Green “Class A” uniform, that was issued in the 1960’s, which replaced the Brown Uniform worn since the World War I.

Military Units, alway rememeber the Heraldry, Wars, and Campaigns; that their units have served in. Their Regimental Flags have the “Battle Ribbions” attached to the standard to which their Regimental Flag is affix.

Within the Regiment are individual units, who have their own “Unit Crest” which date to the days of sheilds carried into battle. Each has a unique design and motto, that expresses their units Valor.

Then there are the Unit Patches worn on the shoulder of the uniform. Active Unit is worn on the left shoulder, while the unit the soldier served with in combat is on the worn on the right shoulder. The right arm (near the sleeve cuff) is the combat arm, where the stripes are affixed to show length of service in combat (each stripe denotes 6 months of combat). The hash stripes on the left sleeve cuff denote time served in the U.S. Amry (3 year/hash stripe). All of this along with the medals awarded, that are displayed on the left front of the uniform, allows anyone to be able to read that soldiers career, and honors at first glance.

General McArthur at his last visit to West Point said it best. “Duty, Honor, Country”, always remember, “Duty, Honor, Country”! Once you have taken the oath, you are bound to that oath, forever. 12 years ago, after 27 years of service, I too joined that “Long Blue Line”!

Meorial Day, is designed for Honoring the those who Died in Combat, while Veteran’s Day is for Honoring those who have Served!
I do object to Commericalization of these two National Holidays with Memorial Day Sales or Veteran’s Day Sales, as well as Commercial Establishments that fly Old Glory from Light Poles!

Steven H. McGarthwaite
Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired
3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard)

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To all soldiers past and present, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. My door will always be open for you.

Rocky

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No one wanted to die. They laid their lives down for their comrades. Our soldiers were and are the BEST of the BEST! Our country is the guiding light of freedom because of them. I would encourage others to read stories about our soldiers. To this day I am grateful for their strength and example.
Doug

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Thank you Vets and service members–it has been 60 plus years that I took that oath and it brings back memories of days in the Arny Air Corps. Parnelli they told us we were to get blue also but it took many years. Our best improvement was a "Eisenhower Jacket’ Bill

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I want to thank all vets for all you have done and sacrifised. John

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Amen, and thank you … every day of the year.

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Veterans’ Day (formerly Armistice Day)
November 11, is the anniversary of the Armistice which was signed in the Forest of Compiegne by the Allies and the Germans in 1918, ending World War I, after four years of conflict.
At 5 A.M. on Monday, November 11, 1918 the Germans signed the Armistice, an order was issued for all firing to cease; so the hostilities of the First World War ended. This day began with the laying down of arms, blowing of whistles, impromptu parades, closing of places of business. All over the globe there were many demonstrations; no doubt the world has never before witnessed such rejoicing.
In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued his Armistice Day proclamation. The last paragraph set the tone for future observances:
To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn 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 nation.

In 1927 Congress issued a resolution requesting President Calvin Coolidge to issue a proclamation calling upon officials to display the Flag of the United States on all government buildings on November 11, and inviting the people to observe the day in schools and churches…But it was not until 1938 that Congress passed a bill that each November 11 “shall be dedicated to the cause of world peace and …hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.”
That same year President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill making the day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia. For sixteen years the United States formally observed Armistice Day, with impressive ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the Chief Executive or his representative placed a wreath. In many other communities, the American Legion was in charge of the observance, which included parades and religious services. At 11 A.M. all traffic stopped, in tribute to the dead, then volleys were fired and taps sounded.
After World War II, there were many new veterans who had little or no association with World War I. The word, “armistice,” means simply a truce; therefore as years passed, the significance of the name of this holiday changed. Leaders of Veterans’ groups decided to try to correct this and make November 11 the time to honor all who had fought in various American wars, not just in World War I.
In Emporia, Kansas, on November 11, 1953, instead of an Armistice Day program, there was a Veterans’ Day observance. Ed Rees, of Emporia, was so impressed that he introduced a bill into the House to change the name to Veterans’ Day. After this passed, Mr. Rees wrote to all state governors and asked for their approval and cooperation in observing the changed holiday. The name was changed to Veterans’ Day by Act of Congress on May 24, 1954. In October of that year, President Eisenhower called on all citizens to observe the day by remembering the sacrifices of all those who fought so gallantly, and through rededication to the task of promoting an enduring peace. The President referred to the change of name to Veterans’ Day in honor of the servicemen of all America’s wars.

Denny
15 years Airborne Ranger
I Pray for an enduring peace

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To the ones we brought home alive, the ones we brought home, and the ones who fell behind, comrades all.

Doc

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The soldier who are the Honor Guard at the Tombs of the Unknown Soldiers (WWI, WWII, and Korean War) are members of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard), which is the oldest military unit in the U.S. Military.

I served in the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard).

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LF

Are you sure about that? I have always been under the impression that Veterans Day has always been on November 11th. No matter what day of the week it fell on. It was on November 11th at the 11th hour in 1918 that the armistice was signed ending WWI. It use to be called Armistice Day. Am I missing something?

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Anglerdave, we have 3 calendars, each shows today,
November 10th as “Veteran’s Day (observed)” and November 11 as “Veteran’s Day”.

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Eric,
Thanks for the post. To my fellow Vets & those who currently serve…THANKS & GOD BLESS!
Mike

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Ladies and Gents, this evening we lost a famous WWII Army Air Force vet.

Jack Palance has passed away this evening. :cry:

http://www.forbes.com/business/commerce … 64665.html

He was one of my favorite actors even before the City Slickers movies.

Thanks for all you did for us, Jack. Your service is greatly appreciated.

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Semper Fi my brothers… and sisters in arms. I sure wish I could have dropped a bug on the Qua Viet while I was there.

If your fly is up, it should be at 10:00. If your fly is down, it should be in the riffles! And to Mr. Palance: thanks for the memories. “Have fly… will cast”.

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What follows is something that was read at my father in law’s funeral by a Navy chief. Actually he recited it from memory.

I AM THE FLAG . . .

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America’s halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.
I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer.
I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped I am saluted.
I am loved I am revered.
I am respected and I am feared.
I have fought in every battle of every war
for more than 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg,
Shiloh and Appomattox.
I was there at San Juan Hill,
the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome
and the beaches of Normandy, Guam.
Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me,
I was there.
I led my troops,
I was dirty, battle-tested and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me
And I was proud.
America has been attacked by cowardly fanatics
And many lives have been lost
But those who would destroy me cannot win
For I am the symbol of freedom,
Of one nation
Under God
Indivisible
With liberty and justice for all.
I have been burned, torn and trampled
on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have been soiled upon, burned, torn
and trampled on the streets of my country.
And when it’s by those whom I’ve served in battle it hurts.
But I shall overcome for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth
and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness
to all of America’s finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.
When I am torn into strips and used as bandages
for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms
of a grieving parent
at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,
I am proud.
MY NAME IS OLD GLORY
LONG MAY I WAVE.

Semper Fi

Gary

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Currahee!!

and some of the best people in the world have taken that oath, honored it with great resolve, and gave so much more than was expected.