One can only issue the call – whether our generations will worthily respond is to be decided. Let us not lose heart though many have abandoned their positions, nor be too hasty in judging them – perhaps they can be reinspired to rejoin.

But for those who have not merely withdrawn from the fight but who have actively pledged allegence to the adversary, shame and ostracism must be their reward.

They do not call it the Great Generation for nothing. I am encouraged by the fact that in Iraq and Afghanistan we are forging another Great Generation.

We owe all of the members of “the greatest generation” any and all thanks we can express.

The last of the WWII veterans are dying off and soon all of them will only be treasured memories in the hearts and minds of their friends and relatives.

From the beaches at Normandy and the beaches of Iwo Jima and a host of other places Army, Navy, Army Air Corps and Marine Corps personnel defined what dedication to duty really is. Many stories were never told because many of those that survived felt that what they had done paled in comparison to what those that didn’t make it had contributed.

If you can….visit a vet and thank him!

P.S. Hey $peciallist, nice to see those photos again! Airplanes are marvelous machines aren’t they!!!!!!

nt

preserves freedom. God bless them all.

“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.”
-Oath of Enlistment, recited by all men and women who enlist to serve in the United States Military

With this solemn oath, all who have worn the uniform of this country know and understand simple little things; Laws, there enforcement thereof, and effect upon them. What all Americans can agree on is that there are too many. Some are too restrictive, some are too broad. They ALL cost money. Some just never went far enough.

Well, it seems that one current law corrected a matter of previous law that should have been obvious, but until now was not permitted, either by custom or regulation. You see, a funny thing happened when I put the chain of events together, I understood the tangled web of the civilian rule over the military. You see, it was a bunch of civilians who drafted our great Constitution, and in that document that we swore to protect and defend, it gave orders, and powers. The legislature shall introduce laws; The President shall sign them into law and enforce them through the Executive Branch of Government, and be the Commander in Chief…

In my days of active duty in the United States Navy, 1983-2003, a hand salute to the flag was only authorized while in uniform. Even then, if in “civvies,” and the national anthem played, or a flag passed in front of me during a presentation or parade, the most I could do was removed my hat and place my hand over my heart.

All that has changed now, and changed for the better. With George W. Bush’ signature of the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which became Public Law 110-417, an observant Senator adjust the law, at ZERO $$$ to make this a slightly better way to recognize our Veterans.

TITLE X. SEC. 1081. MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT IN UNIFORM AND BY VETERANS.
Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
`(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and’.

With this simple change of law, we who have served now have the LAWFUL right to salute the flag when not in uniform on the occasions when we always felt the obligation to do so, but refrained and complied with the customs and laws as they were written and in effect.

As an “earmark,” this isn’t a bad one. Although no actual expenditure of federal dollars have been appropriated for this codification of law, rest assured, the price has been paid. Is has been an extremely expensive, millions would say priceless.
It has been paid for with the lives of all the veterans of this country that we call America. It has been paid for by the sacrifice of those who have been forever wounded.
It has been paid for by all those who serve(d) who have not been injured.
It has been paid for by those standing their post now.
It has been paid for by the millions of American families who have supported and continue to support their family members who took up arms in defense of the inalienable rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Breathe easy my fellow veterans, for you now have the power of law to do that which your love of country has always called you to do, but your respect for law has previously prevented you from doing.

Remember always that the salute is a sign of respect. To our flag, it is a sign of your love of what she stands for, “…the land of the free, and the home of the brave.”

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can still read it in English, you’re welcome.
Deskpilot, AM(H)1 (AW), USN(Ret)

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can still read it in English, You’re Welcome
Deskpilot, AM(H)1 (AW), USN (Ret)

Join the RedState Strike Force