May 26, 2008
Never Forget Our Warriors
"Tell them, tell them when you get home that I gave all of my tomorrows so they could have today!"
Those are the words on a tombstone, far across the Pacific, of someone who gave up his life for our future.
Were those words uttered so that those of us who are left could just enjoy our lives without "getting involved", or were they written to remind us that the work of freedom and liberty is never done?
Were those words written to suggest to us that it is not our job nor our responsibility to keep alive what they fought and died for, or were they written to remind us that we were given the opportunity of life so that we would continue to defend, and keep alive the memory of what they gave their last full measure for?
Let us here today, tonight, tomorrow, next month and next year - remember these gallant defenders of our freedom.
Most were not heroes as defined by the most hallowed Medal of Honor nor even as defined by the silver or bronze star.
They were ALL Heroes
Yes they were heroes, because without hesitation they fought for our country when they were asked to defend her.
They left their families, friends and good times behind and went to fight for our freedom without hesitation.
Some -- never even fired their weapons because they were killed before they ever reached the beach.
But they were heroes because they were there, ready to fight for America - for family, flag and country.
Most were scared to death as they prepared to meet the enemy. Their stomachs were turned upside down and they prayed to God and wished they were with their moms, dads and sweethearts rather than being where they were.
But they were where they were, fighting an enemy that was threatening their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They were fighting an enemy because they believed in America, they loved Her flag and they wanted to protect Americans' right to worship as they chose.
They were there, without hesitation, fighting for what they believed in and dying for what they believed in so you and I could live the way we choose in a free country. But they did not die so that we would stop fighting for what they believed and died for.
They fought and died knowing that we, the living, would go on fighting for that same freedom, that same country, that same flag and for that same right to worship as we choose. Abraham Lincoln, at Gettysburg, said:
"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth."
It is for us the living to go on defending what they died for. It is for us the living not to allow history to forget what they gave up all their tomorrows for.
If when we attacked Guadalcanal and landed at Salerno, we found that "they" were going to fight back, we didn't give up because they fought back. We continued to fight because we knew our cause was right!
When Americans rode in the landing craft before storming the beaches at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Sicily, Anzio, Normandy, Peleliu, Saipan, Iowa Jima, Okinawa, Inchon and many other places we had never heard of before and when they fought in North Africa, the Philippines, Italy, France, Bastonne, Germany, Korea and Vietnam -- most were scared to death; their stomachs were turned upside down and they wanted to be back home with their loved ones.
But that did not stop them from attacking America's enemies bravely and without hesitation. They fought, and many died, but they did not give up because someone shot back at them.
It is for us the living to continue to defend and keep known what they fought and died for -- what they gave up all of their tomorrows for.
They did not die so that we could become complacent; nor did they die so that when we, the living, reached a single obstacle --- we should quit
They died knowing that we would go on defending their actions, defending history and defending what they gave up all their tomorrow's for.
If WE don't remember ---if WE don't defend what they fought and died for and what we fought for -- who will remember? Who will care?
How many of them and you who fought for our flag and our country and remember the feeling as Old Glory" was being raised over a piece of land we fought for ---- and many died for?
How many remember seeing or hearing about our valiant warriors, who were fighting on Iowa Jima, as they stood and cheered when they saw the flag being raised over Mt. Suribachi.
We take this time on Memorial Day to salute our Fallen Heroes who through the history of our country have fought and died for all of us.
-- Thank you , Wild Thing
Please also see UPDATE to Rolling Thunder post
Posted by Wild Thing at 04:55 AM | Comments (5)
May 25, 2008
Rolling Thunder
Rolling Thunder members and others spoke at the annual Memorial Day Rally honoring their fallen comrades and vowing to continue their efforts on POW/MIA issues. Special guests were the families of Staff Sargeant Keith "Matt" Maupin, a prisoner in the Iraq war whose remains were recovered in March 2008, and Private Byron W. Fouty and Sargeant Alex R. Jimenez who were both captured May 12, 2007.
Brigadier General Wilma L. Vaught USAF (Ret.) delivered the keynote address.
This event was held on a stage at the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Rolling Thunder was founded by motorcycle enthusiasts who were veterans of the Vietnam War.
"POW/MIA : YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN"
1,804 Americans remain missing in Vietnam. Since the war ended over 6,000 reports concerning Americans still alive in Southeast Asia have been received by the government. 600 Americans were lost in Laos (The Black Hole), NOT A SINGLE MAN WAS EVER RELEASED. The Pathet Laos government stated on several occasions that they held prisoners, yet our government NEVER NEGOTIATED FOR THEIR FREEDOM. These men were abandoned by the government for which they bravely fought.
POW/MIA Statistics
World War I - 3,350
·World War II - 78,753
·Korea - 8,170
·Vietnam - 1,783
·Persian Gulf - 2
We can thank Senators John traitorous rat snake Kerry and his good bud John McCain for these POW's stats. In their rush to "normalize" relations with Vietnam, they ran roughshod over the POW/MIA hearings.
The select committee, established August 1991, was tasked with the mission of resolving the lingering POW/MIA issue by either gaining the release of American prisoners of war believed to be alive under the control of Hanoi, but never released, or explaining what happened to the missing prisoners.
It has been made obvious that McCain and Kerry were more interested in using the Select Committee as a means to justify lifting the U.S. Imposed Trade Embargo against Vietnam then resolving the issue of missing U.S.Service men and POW's.
The Select Committee was formed because of the volumes of intelligence pointing to the existence of LIVE POW's still in captivity.
McCain, the "former POW" wasted NO time making headlines by alleging that most of the activists involved in POW/MIA issue were only in it for the money. He stated in front of a room full of cameras, " The people who have done these things are not zealots in a good cause. They are criminals and some of the most craven, most cynical and most despicable human beings to ever run a scam."
In two sentences McCain effectively branded nearly ALL the activist POW/MIA families and Vietnam Veteran activities as " despicable" and "criminals."
About 350,000 bikers gathered in the nation's capital to participate in the rally, which has attracted prestigious guests, including President George Bush, in the past, The Washington Times reported.
"First thing, this is about supporting America and our folks in the military, past and present. It's about love of country, love of bikes. People have a calling to be here," said Pete Ries, who has been to the event at least six times.
Money raised through raffles and other events is donated to needy veterans and their families.
"We donate our time, no one gets any compensation and 100 percent of the money we raise goes to help vets or their families," said Artie Muller, Army veteran and Rolling Thunder founder.
Honor Guard March
Agent Orange Victims & Widows Support Network displays "A Quilt of Tears" showing support for the families of veterans who died during the Vietnam War.
A drum and fife corps marches along the Reflecting Pool while the speaker program begins in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
Many of the memorials in Washington, DC are decorated with wreaths for Rolling Thunder and Memorial Day.
One of the guests this year is John Amos
Best known for his roles in TV’s West Wing, Good Times, and the miniseries Roots, Amos is also a Vietnam-era honorary U.S. Coast Guard veteran and is a veteran of the N.J. National Guard. On his breaks from TV and films, he devotes his time to supporting veterans causes and to mentoring children at risk throughout the U.S. and the world.
A long-time fan of country music, in late 2007 he released his first country music CD featuring patriotic-themed songs aimed at saluting the U.S. Armed Forces. His involvement in Rolling Thunder came about through a chance encounter last November at a Veteran’s Day rally in Nashville. There, he met Bob Ousley, president of Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 Tennessee, who invited him to participate in this year’s Memorial Day events.
“I spent time with Bob and his chapter members after the rally and I was blown away by their passion and commitment to the POW/MIA cause,” Amos said. “People forget that for families of troops left behind, there is no closure. Rolling Thunder makes sure that the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who put their lives on the line are never forgotten. I’m a veteran myself, so I’m only too happy to lend my name and my presence to this effort,” he added.
NEWS VIDEO for today of Rolling Thunder.....This is one not to miss and hear what Artie Muller - Rolling Thunder
National Executive Director has to osay about Nancy Pelosi in the video!!!!! God bless you Artie!
Please feel free to visit my POW/MIA Tribute page there have been some updates.
........I will be adding more photos as they come in.
Some more about President Bush meeting with Rolling Thunder could be titled......heh heh
Marine One, meet the choppers of Rolling Thunder!
Note that one report said about 350,000 bikers and other reports say even a higher numebr. The main thing is this grows every year and I am so proud of this group Rolling Thunder. One day before I die I would love to go to this. It is a goal of mine.
UPDATE: More photos added
President Bush, center, walks with members of the Rolling Thunder, Sunday, May 25, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Haraz )
President Bush was given a leather vets and cap by Rolling Thunder.
President Bush also met with some of the group's organizers, and described the parade of motorcycles — many adorned with the American flag — as "a magnificent sight. "I am just so honored, and I want to thank you and all your comrades for being patriotic and loving our country as much as you do," said Bush.
Among the motorcyclists were four Bush administration officials, all of whom on Harleys: White House chief of staff Josh Bolten (a Hog fan from way back). Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer, and Edward P. "Eddie" Lazear, chairman of the president's Council of Economic Advisors, who sported a leather Harley vest and a black bandanna.
Rolling Thunder Storms Into Nation’s Capital
DOD
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2008
A chain of about 750,000 motorcycles ridden by Vietnam veterans and military supporters blazed through the nation’s capital today as part of the 21st annual Rolling Thunder rally.
In addition to offering vets a chance to reconnect with their brothers-in-arms and honor fallen comrades, the ride aims to raise awareness about issues concerning prisoners of war, troops missing in action and veterans’ benefits.
President Bush this afternoon arranged for Rolling Thunder founder Artie Muller to be delivered by helicopter to the White House, where the two discussed topics at the heart of Muller’s nonprofit group.
“I am just so honored to welcome you back,” Bush told Muller at a news conference on the White House’s South Lawn after their meeting. “I want to thank you and all your comrades for being so patriotic and loving our country as much as you do.
“Our troops appreciate you, the veterans appreciate you and your president appreciates you,” added Bush, calling it a pleasure of his presidency to get to know the leaders of the motorcycle rally.
The parade circuit whizzed riders past national landmarks such as the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall, the U.S. Capitol building and the Lincoln Memorial, where group organizers held a ceremony as riders continued to speed past along nearby Constitution Avenue.
Addressing the crowd gathered at the footsteps of the Lincoln Memorial just beyond the sun-drenched reflecting pool, Muller said he urged the president to help advance legislation that will bolster the Rolling Thunder effort.
“And I just want to say, ‘Thank you very much,’ because you are America, you are the true patriots of this country, you come here year after year, put up with the rain the heat,” he told the crowd. “And you stuck by [the group’s mission], and we’re getting something done.”
Meanwhile, servicemembers past and present, plus family members and other spectators cheered riders on as the convoy roared from the Pentagon parking lot to the National Mall here ahead of tomorrow’s Memorial Day observance.
Former Army Spc. James Yorke, a veteran of the Vietnam War, said he rode here from Richmond, Va., to participate in his fourth Rolling Thunder ride as a way to connect troops with the civilians they serve.
“Americans should think about the people who gave it all,” Yorke said, referring to those fallen military members who he said should be remembered over Memorial Day. “They were asked to do a job just so we could live in this country — that’s all they were asked to do.”
Also on hand for the holiday were brothers Gary and Jeffrey Elker, who rode their hogs more than 200 miles here from Middlesex, N.J. Gary is a retired Marine corporal who enlisted after the Vietnam War. Jeffrey didn’t wear the uniform, but he said he has buddies whose names are listed on the memorial wall among the more than 58,000 killed in Vietnam.
“It’s a weekend away to honor our fallen veterans,” said Jeffrey Elker when asked to describe the meaning Rolling Thunder holds for him.
Gary Elder, on his 17th ride today, said he also makes the annual trek to show support for military veterans. He added that there’s a common thread between past and present servicemembers.
“They’re willing to sacrifice for everybody else,” he said. “They believe in honor, integrity, and what’s going on in this country, and they’re willing to fight for it; I was.”
George Leiter, a former Marine sergeant who served from 1972-76, motored from Manchester, Pa., for his fourth ride. Over this Memorial Day weekend, as both of his sons wear the Army uniform, Leiter said he hopes his fellow citizens remember the people who answered the nation’s call.
“It’s important for Americans to consider all the veterans, whichever war they were in, whether they were in a combat zone or not,” he said. “I think they’ve just got to think of their freedoms, and what they have, and how important it is to have a strong military, and to support your military.”
Posted by Wild Thing at 04:27 PM | Comments (9)
Freedom Is Not Free
I Watched A Flag Pass By - author unknown
I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease..
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill
I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington .
No, freedom isn't free.
Enjoy Your Freedom & God Bless Our Troops
....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.
Posted by Wild Thing at 03:55 AM | Comments (10)
Memorial Day Weekend
When the security of our land is threatened,
We call on our soldier's might,
To go wherever they're needed,
To defend us day and night.
They leave their loves ones behind,
A great price our soldiers must pay.
Let us salute their courage and bravery,
May we remember them each time we pray.
Each time we spot "Old Glory"
Waving for all to see,
Let's think of all the soldiers that have
Kept it flying proud and free.
This great country is tolerant
Of cultures from other lands,
But, when they attack our precious freedom
We will punish with a heavy hand.
Our soldiers are tried and true,
Tempered like carbon steel,
Born of American Spirit;
Raised with American will.
Remember our fallen heroes that died,
So freedom may grow,
To nations around the world,
Wherever our warriors may go.
Posted by Wild Thing at 03:50 AM | Comments (6)
Harley Davidson Memorial Day Salute
Posted by Wild Thing at 02:45 AM | Comments (10)
May 24, 2008
Memorial Day Weekend Events
There will be posts today (Saturday), Sunday
and Memorial Day Monday Tribute posts
.
MEMORIAL CEREMONY - 5-23-08 - A patriotic ceremony honoring the service and sacrifice of America's military members is scheduled in the Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery for Memorial Day, May 26, 2008. The 140th observance of Memorial Day will be hosted by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Richard J. Rowe Jr., commanding general, U.S. Army Military District of Washington and Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region. U.S. Army photo
PBS unites our nation with the award-winning National Memorial Day Concert honoring the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all of those who have given their lives for our country. The event, which has become the memorial service for our entire nation, is co-hosted by Gary Sinise (CSI: New York) and Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), two actors who have dedicated themselves to veteran's causes and supporting our troops in active service.
The top-rated show will be broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 25, 2008
from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. (check local listings)
before a concert audience of 300,000, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Network.
The all-star cast includes Gladys Knight, Sarah Brightman, Idina Menzel, Denis Leary, Charles Durning, General Colin Powell and Rodney Atkins in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of maestro Erich Kunzel.
Posted by Wild Thing at 01:55 AM | Comments (14)
To Those Who Gave Their All
A song sung by Willie Nelson and Ray Charles, and a pictoral slide show dedicated this to the men amd women of the Armed Forces.
He looked down into her brown eyes and said, ?Say a prayer for me?
She threw her arms around him whispered, ?God will keep us free?
They could hear the riders coming he said, "This is my last fight
If they take me back to Texas they won't take me back alive"
There were seven Spanish angels at the alter of the sun
They were praying for the lovers in the valley of the guns
When the battle stopped and the smoke cleared
There was thunder from the throne
And seven Spanish angels took another angel home
She reached down and picked the gun up that lay smokin' in his hand
She said, ?Father please forgive me I can't make it without my man?
And she knew the gun was empty and she knew she couldn't win
But her final prayer was answered when the rifles fired again
There were seven Spanish angels at the alter of the sun
They were praying for the lovers in the valley of the guns
When the battle stopped and the smoke cleared
There was thunder from the throne
And seven Spanish angels took another angel home
There were seven Spanish angels at the alter of the sun
They were praying for the lovers in the valley of the guns
When the battle stopped and the smoke cleared
There was thunder from the throne
And seven Spanish angels took another angel home
Alright John help me now
There were seven Spanish angels at the alter of the sun
They were praying for the lovers in the valley of the guns
When the battle stopped and the smoke cleared
There was thunder from the throne
And seven Spanish angels took another angel home.
.
....Thank you John for sending this video.
Posted by Wild Thing at 01:50 AM | Comments (12)
April 19, 2008
Happy Patriot's Day ~ "the shot heard 'round the world"
On 19 April 1775, the brave Patriots at Lexington and Concord fired the opening volley for American liberty. Today we honor them, as well as those Patriots who continue in that tradition, shouldering the burden of American liberty, particularly those on the warfront with Jihadistan.
The famous Minuteman statue stands at the ready in the predawn hours in Lexington.
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
Patriots' Day civic holiday in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and state of Maine and a public school observance day in Wisconsin.
Traditionally it was designated as April 19 in observance of the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War.
Observances and re-enactments of these first battles of the American Revolution occur annually at Lexington Green in Lexington, MA, and The Old North Bridge in Concord, MA.
On the evening of April 18, 1775 General Thomas Gage, the British Commander in Chief of the Massachusetts Bay Colony was ordered to bring the colonies under control. He ordered Lt. Col. Francis Smith to destroy Colonist's war supplies held in Concord. Smith was also instructed to take Samuel Adams and John Hancock into British custody. Smith's orders were to be carried out in secret. However, Joseph Warren, a doctor, learned of the plans and sent William Dawes and Paul Revere to warn the Patriots.
Paul Revere rode 16 miles from Olde North Church in Boston to Lexington. The British arrived in Lexington in the early dawn of April 19, 1775. It was there that the Patriots or 'Minutemen' and British confronted each other on the green and "the shot heard round the world" was fired.
At Lexington Green, the British were met by 77 American Minute Men led by John Parker. At the North Bridge in Concord, the British were confronted again, this time by 300 to 400 armed colonists, and were forced to march back to Boston with the Americans firing on them all the way. By the end of the day, the colonists were singing "Yankee Doodle" and the American Revolution had begun.
Wild Thing's comment........
The incident that precipitated the Alarm was a British raid on the colonial powder stored at the Powder House on the Somerville/Medford line. It was one of several "alarms," including ones in Marblehead and Portsmouth, NH, that let the Provincials know the British were clamping down on them, militarily, before Lexington and Concord.
People armed were vital to this nation gaining freedom. Now, it's vital to KEEPING it. One of the reasons the colonists were so pissed, was the British had come to confiscate their guns. Both the American and Texan revolutions began because of an attempt at "gun control".
“Contemplate the mangled bodies of your countrymen, and then say, ‘What should be the reward of such sacrifices?’ Bid us and our posterity bow the knee, supplicate the friendship, and plough, and sow, and reap, to glut the avarice of the men who have let loose on us the dogs of war to riot in our blood and hunt us from the face of the earth? If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animating contest of freedom, go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen!”—Samuel Adams
“The Sun never shined on a cause of greater worth.”—Thomas Paine
“Our cause is noble; it is the cause of mankind!”—George Washington
“The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments, of their duties and obligations... This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution.”—John Adams
“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.”—Thomas Jefferson “Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”—Patrick Henry
....Thank you Darth for the heads up that today is Patriot's Day.
Posted by Wild Thing at 11:27 AM | Comments (10)
Happy Passover To The IDF and Theodore's World Jewish Friends
To all my Jewish friends and those in the IDF I wish you a joyous Passover.
Posted by Wild Thing at 02:48 AM | Comments (10)
March 23, 2008
Happy Easter
Army Rangers recieving Easter baskets in Afghanistan
Happy Easter to our Troops, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Wild Thing and Team Theodore
Posted by Wild Thing at 02:55 AM | Comments (7)
Via Dolorosa
Via Dolorosa - Isaiah 53 - Sandi Patty
Via Dolorosa - written by Billy Sprague and Niles Borop
He was bleeding from a beating
there were stripes upon his back
And He wore a crown of thorns
upon His head
And He bore with every step
The scorn of those who cried out
for His death
Down the Via Dolorosa called
the way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah,
Christ the King.
But He chose to walk that road out of
His love for you and me.
Down the Via Dolorosa
all the way to Calvary.
Por la Via Dolorosa, triste
dia en Jerusalem
Los saldados le abrian paso a Jesus
Mas la gente se acercaba
para ver al que llevaba aquella cruz
Por la Via Dolorosa, que es
la via del dolor
Como oveja vino Cristo, Rey, Senor
Y fue El quien quiso ir por su amor
por ti y por mi
Por la Via Dolorosa al
calviro y a morir
The blood that would cleanse
the souls of all men
Made its way through the heart
of Jerusalem.
Down the Via Dolorosa called
the way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah,
Christ the King
But He chose to walk that road out of
His love for you and me.
Down the Via Dolorosa
all the way to Calvary.
Posted by Wild Thing at 02:50 AM | Comments (4)
March 17, 2008
St.Patrick's Day ~ "The Minstrel Boy" by Thomas Moore
"The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone In the ranks of death you will find him; His father's sword he hath girded on, And his wild harp slung behind him; "Land of Song!" said the warrior bard, "Tho' all the world betrays thee, One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard, One faithful harp shall praise thee!" -- Verse from the Minstrel Boy
THE MINSTREL BOY
by Thomas Moore
The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;"
Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
"Tho' all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"
The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring that proud soul under;
The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder;
And said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and brav'ry!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free,
They shall never sound in slavery!"
An emotionally stirring and inspirational song, The Minstrel Boy was written by Thomas Moore (1779-1852) who set it to the melody of The Moreen, and old Irish aire. It is believed by many that Moore composed the song as a memorial to several of his friends he had met while a student at Trinity College and who had participated in the 1798 rebellion of the United Irishmen. One died in prison, another was wounded, and a third captured and hung. The song originally consisted of two verses. Due to its popularity, the song was a favorite of the many Irishmen who fought during the U.S. Civil War, primarily on the Union side. It was at this time that a third verse was added by unknown authors:
The Minstrel Boy will return we pray
When we hear the news we all will cheer it,
The minstrel boy will return one day,
Torn perhaps in body, not in spirit.
Then may he play on his harp in peace,
In a world such as Heaven intended,
For all the bitterness of man must cease.
.
This song plays over the closing credits of the 2001 movie " Black Hawk Down". It has appeared, in various recordings, in a surprising number of movies, including 'The Informer', 'Untamed Heart', 'Gods & Generals', 'Gettysburg', 'The Departed', 'Rough Riders', 'The Man Who Would Be King', as well as episodes of Star Trek:TNG and Star Trek:DS9.
Posted by Wild Thing at 02:55 AM | Comments (11)
'Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!' - Happy St. Patrick's Day!
.
....A friend of mine, her name is Siobhan lives in Kerry, Ireland. She made this for me for today's St.Patrick's Day post.
....Some Irish jokes from Lynn, thank you Lynn.
Irish Coffee
An elderly Irish woman goes to the doctor and asks his help to revive her husband's sex drive ...
"What about trying Viagra?" asks the doctor.
"Not a chance," says Mrs. Murphy. "He won't even take an aspirin for a headache."
"No problem." replies the doctor. "Drop it into his coffee, he won't even taste it. Try it and then call me in a week to let me know how it worked out."
A week later, Mrs. Murphy calls the doctor and he inquired as to how things went. "Oh, faith and bejaysus and begorrah it was terrible, just terrible, doctor."
"What happened?" asks the doctor.
"Well, I did as you advised and slipped it in his coffee. The effect was immediate. He jumped straight up, with a gleam in his eye and with his pants bulging fiercely!!! He swept the cutlery off the table, at the same time ripping my clothes off and then proceeded to make wild, mad, passionate love to me on the tabletop! It was terrible!"
"What was terrible?" said the doctor. "Was the sex not good?"
"Oh no, doctor, the sex was the best I've had in 25 years, but I'll never be able to show me face in Starbucks again."
Two Irishmen, Patrick Murphy and Shawn O'Brian grew up together and were lifelong friends. But alas, Patrick developed cancer, and was dying. While on his deathbed, Patrick called to his buddy, Shawn, "O'Brian, come 'ere. I 'ave a request for ye." Shawn walked to his friend's bedside and kneels.
"Shawny ole boy, we've been friends all our lives, and now I'm leaving 'ere. I 'ave one last request fir ye to do."
O'Brian burst into tears, "Anything Patrick, anything ye wish. It's done."
"Well, under me bed is a box containing a bottle of the finest whiskey in all of Ireland. Bottled the year I was born it was. After I die, and they plant me in the ground, I want you to pour that fine whiskey over me grave so it might soak into me bones and I'll be able to enjoy it for all eternity."
O'Brian was overcome by the beauty and in the true Irish spirit of his friend's request, he asked, "Aye, tis a fine thing you ask of me, and I will pour the whiskey. But, might I strain it through me kidneys first?"
Two Irishmen, Patrick & Michael, were adrift in a lifeboat following a dramatic escape from a burning freighter. While rummaging through the boat's provisions, Patrick stumbled across an old lamp. Secretly hoping that a genie would appear, he rubbed the lamp vigorously To the amazement of Patrick, a genie came forth. This particular genie, however, stated that he could only deliver one wish, not the standard three. Without giving much thought to the matter, Patrick blurted out, "Make the entire ocean into Guinness Beer!" The genie clapped his hands with a deafening crash, and immediately the entire sea turned into the finest brew ever sampled by mortals. Simultaneously, the genie vanished. Only the gentle lapping of Guinness on the hull broke the stillness as the two men considered their circumstances. Michael looked disgustedly at Patrick whose wish had been granted. After a long, tension-filled moment, he spoke: "Nice going Patrick! Now we're going to have to pee in the boat!
McQuillan walked into a bar and ordered martini after martini, each time removing the olives and placing them in a jar. When the jar was filled with olives and all the drinks consumed, the Irishman started to leave.
"S'cuse me," said a customer, who was puzzled over what McQuillan had done. "What was that all about?"
"Nothing," said the Irishman, "my wife just sent me out for a jar of olives."
A Texan walks into a pub in Ireland and clears his voice to the crowd of drinkers. He says, "I hear you Irish are a bunch of hard drinkers. I'll give $500 American dollars to anybody in here who can drink 10 pints of Guinness back-to-back."
The room is quiet, and no one takes up the Texan's offer. One man even leaves.
Thirty minutes later the same gentleman who left shows back up and taps the Texan on the shoulder. "Is your bet still good?" asks the Irishman.
The Texan says yes and asks the bartender to line up 10 pints of Guinness. Immediately the Irishman tears into all 10 of the pint glasses, drinking them all back-to-back.
The other pub patrons cheer as the Texan sits in amazement. The Texan gives the Irishman the $500 and says, "If ya don't mind me askin', where did you go for that 30 minutes you were gone?"
The Irishman replies, "Oh... I had to go to the pub down the street to see if I could do it first."
Into a Belfast pub comes Paddy Murphy, looking like he'd just been run over
by a train.
His arm is in a sling, his nose is broken, his face is cut and bruised and
he's walking with a limp " What happened to you?" asks Sean, the bartender.
" Jamie O'Conner and me had a fight," says Paddy.
"That little shit, O'Conner," says Sean, "He couldn't do that to you, he
must have had something in his hand."
" That he did," says Paddy, "a shovel is what he had, and a terrible
lickin' he gave me with it."
"Well," says Sean, "you should have defended yourself, didn't you have
something in your hand?"
That I did," said Paddy.
"Mrs. O'Conner's breast, and a thing of beauty it was, but useless in a
fight."
An Irishman who had a little too much to drink is driving home from the city one night and, of course, his car is weaving violently all over the road.
A cop pulls him over.
"So," says the cop to the driver, where have ya been?"
"Why, I've been to the pub of course," slurs the drunk.
" Well," says the cop, "it looks like you've had quite a few to drink this evening."
"I did all right," the drunk says with a smile.
"Did you know," says the cop, standing straight and folding his arms across his chest, "that a few intersections back, your wife fell out of your car?"
"Oh, thank heavens," sighs the drunk. "For a minute there, I thought I'd gone deaf."
I hope you all have a fun St. Patrick's Day. And to those that are Irish thank you for the music, the humor and the hearts uplifting others in your joy. A toast to William F.Buckley, he was Irish and will be missed.
God bless our Troops and their families. We are all in our thoughts today as everyday.
~ Wild Thing
Here are a couple of songs for today:
Celtic Woman - Danny Boy
This is a perfect rebel song......
luke kelly Rising Of The Moon
The Dubliners - Molly Malone
This is the fight from the movie "The Quiet Man "
Posted by Wild Thing at 02:48 AM | Comments (8)
February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day Team Theodore And Our Troops
Valentines Day is here
and hundreds of thousands of United States soldiers
will be far away from their loved ones,
unable to share an affectionate embrace,
a romantic candlelight dinner,
a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers.
Valentines Day is about showing the ones you love
just how much they mean to you,
and no one knows this better
than friends and families of troops overseas.So to all our Military, and their families,
to all the Veterans,
and to all of you that are friends of
Theodore's World blog.......
Angry Old Salt and I wish you all
a special Valentines Day!
Thank you for being in our lives and
to the troops, thank you for all you do
and for serving our country.Mbr>
Thank you for our freedom!And Happy Valentines Day
to each one of you
that are such an important part of
Theodore's World blog
You are the song in my heart.
~ Wild Thing
Posted by Wild Thing at 01:45 AM | Comments (14)
December 31, 2007
~ Happy New Year ~
We will open the book.
Its pages are blank.
We are going to put words on them ourselves.
The book is called "Opportunity" and its first
chapter is New Year's Day.
~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce
.
Praying we are blessed with a Conservative President this year. We ask Lord, that You guide the leaders of our great country in their hour of decision. The burden that has been placed on their shoulders is overwhelming. We ask that with Your infinite wisdom You guide them gently to the right decisions. Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask that no Airman, Coast Guardsman, Marine, Sailor, Soldier or National Guardsman, feel alone or forgotten.
~~ WildThing
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (14)
December 22, 2007
First Day Of Winter
As this is the first day of winter I hope those of you that live in the colder and snowbound areas have a mild winter. One that you can enjoy and not have any hardships from the storms, ice and snow.
Tonight is the night Nick and I go out to eat and then take the awesome drive through our local streets and roads near our home to look at the beautiful Christmas lights. Then back home a cozy evening, the fire going and for hot chocolate and some Christmas movies. The old ones are still the best.
I love the Chtistmas season so I always hope for cooler weather since we are in Florida, and we have been having just that with 51 degrees in the evening and early mornings. I know for those of you that live in the cold areas this is not cold, but it does feel good here for a change.
I see where a storm is supposed to be coming in for the Northeast. Those of you that live in those areas will be in my thoughts that it won't be harsh and you can enjoy a wonderful Christmas week coming up.
Posted by Wild Thing at 01:55 AM | Comments (16)
December 08, 2007
Happy Chanukah
.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (12)
November 28, 2007
Christmas Censors Are Out In Force
“We haven’t hit December yet and already the politically correct police are out in force trying to censor Christmas.
Catholic league
Here are some samples:
· For 75 years, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce sponsored the ‘Hollywood Christmas Parade.’ When it refused to sponsor the parade this year, the L.A. City Council took over, renaming it the ‘Hollywood Santa Parade.’
· The Department of Housing and Urban Development has censored Christmas religious symbols from its housing complexes.
· No Christmas decorations are allowed on school buses in parts of Vermont.
· A Jewish public official in Wisconsin wants to rename the State Capitol Holiday Tree the Christmas Tree, but is being opposed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
· Chattanooga has banned a live nativity scene from its public festivities.
· Sonoma City Council has nixed religious displays on the Plaza.
· Voters in Berkley, Michigan have forbidden a crèche at City Hall.
· Fort Collins, Colorado says it is okay to have green and red lights outside city buildings, but only secular symbols are allowed inside.
· After Briarcliff Manor, New York was ordered to erect a crèche next to a menorah, the village elected to ban all religious symbols.
· Residents in Olean, New York are fighting over privately owned nativity scenes being displayed in city parks.
· A nativity scene in front of the Ypsilanti Township fire hall in Michigan has been banned.
· No religious symbols are allowed in Seattle-Tacoma airport, but trees made of cardboard are legit.
· Nativity scenes at Texas Tech are not permissible, but a tree is okay. The official in charge says, ‘We’re not saying it’s a holiday tree, because it’s a Christmas tree, but we choose to do a tasteful tree that really anybody can embrace.’ Great idea!
“There you have it. The multicultural monsters are rearing their ugly heads once again, showing what they really mean by tolerance for diversity.”
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Wild Thing's comment........
I say a BIG ole Merry Christmas and a HO HO HO!
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (20)
November 25, 2007
Christmas With a Capital "C"
The group is Go Fish and the album is named Snow.
To all Muslim lurkers and lefties wanting to wipe out our upcoming Christmas holiday. Watch it, and know we aren't giving anything up for your agenda!
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (6)
November 24, 2007
A Special Thankgiving With Friends
It was a wonderful Thanksgiving this year and so special. We got to be with close friends that are family to me. Online is a world that opened up to me in 1997 when I got my first computer. There are many stories how we all have met our friends that we cherish, and when we meet friends we have gotten to know online it is such a special time. With blogs like this one we can get a feeling of how a person thinks, where there passion is about our country, our military, their stand on many things.
This last Thanksgiving some of us that have already met in the last few years were able to see each other again. Linda of Something.... and Half of Something, Beth of MVRWC, Vinnie or Vince aut Morire ( he has taken a break in blogging ) , and Merri of Merri's Musings. And their children as well which made it even more special and fun.
Laughter, wonderful conversation, more laughter and delicious food. Merri is an awesome cook, she did a special treat for all of us and fixed the Thanksgiving meal. Yummy. Merri is Vinnie's wife and her blog has two of her many interests. One is the protection of children and her love of cooking.
And ALL agreed that Merri is a better cook then Rachel Ray.
I wanted to share about our Thanksgiving with all of you, my dear friends and family here at Theodore's World because you all mean so much to me just as those that got to come here for the holiday do in my life. My friends are my family and the times we share on here, online, in person mean so much to me.
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well.
Posted by Wild Thing at 09:47 AM | Comments (14)
November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving and Thank You Troops and Veterans
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I am so grateful to each of you that are part of Theodore's World family. You are all very special to me. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Thank you to our troops, please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (27)
Traditional Holiday Meal To Replace Field Rations for Many Troops
Traditional Holiday Meal Will Replace Field Rations for Many Troops
DOD
When troops stationed in the Middle East sit down to Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, the turkey won’t come in a brown field rations pouch.
Thanks to the efforts of the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia’s efforts, troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Dubai and Djibouti will enjoy a traditional holiday meal.
“Historically, Thanksgiving dinner is one of the most family-oriented meals that there is,” said Ray Miller, director of subsistence for DSCP, the agency that supplies meals to the military worldwide. “When you are deployed and you’re not with (family), … it’s a taste of home wherever you are.”
Hundreds of thousands of troops will dine on turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, assorted pies and more. While this all sounds very “Norman Rockwell” normal, there’s nothing normal about the amount of food needed to feed that many troops.
The employees sent 342,382 pounds of turkey alone. More than 15,000 containers of stuffing mix and about 13,000 containers of white potatoes will join nearly 120,000 pounds of shrimp and a combined total of 249,357 pounds of ham and beef, as well.
“It would be like 100 tractor-trailers pulling up outside your house to deliver Thanksgiving Dinnerdinner,” Miller said, describing just how much food was sent to the Middle East for the dinner.
And at the back of the very last tractor-trailer would be the one thing needed to finish the meal in fine holiday tradition: nearly 163,500 pies.
As for those with no access to a dining hall, they’re not destined to eat the same old everyday field rations. They, too, will get a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day.
“We … have provided a special ration meal called an URG-E (Unitized Group Ration – Express),” Miller said. “It won’t be the turkey, but it’ll be a turkey meal. It’s our attempt to at least try to get something to the folks that are on the far end of the supply chain.”
That effort doesn’t stop with the supply center personnel. The dining facility staffs go above and beyond, often working on their own time, to make decorations to ensure the day is as special as possible.
“Each dining facility has its own theme chosen by the manager,” said Army Sgt. Maj. Terry L. Stewart, a Bridgehampton, N.Y., native and food service sergeant major for Multinational Division Baghdad.
Adding a competitive element to the decorating helps to reward the DFAC workers for the time and effort they spend preparing their crafts. Each command with a dining facility judges the decorations, and medals are awarded.
Sharing a traditional holiday meal that’s usually a family affair can bring servicemembers closer together Stewart noted.
“It humbles me,” the sergeant major said. “Even though we are away from our families at home, those of us here are family, and we come together in fellowship and give thanks for being alive.
“It’s especially rewarding to see the soldiers smile and the joy in their faces when they come through,” he added.
Wild Thing's comment........
I am so glad that many of our troops are getting a traditional meal today. They deserve far more than they will ever ask.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (10)
November 11, 2007
Thank You Veterans We Owe You So Much
November 11~We Honor All Who Have
Served and Sacrificed For The Freedoms We Enjoy.
It was the Veteran,
Not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.It was the Veteran,
Not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.It was the Veteran,
Not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.It was the Veteran,
Not the police,
Who has given us the right to be secure in our persons.It was the Veteran,
Not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the right to demonstrate.It is the Veteran,
Not the politician,
Who defends our NationIt is the Veteran,
Who salutes the flag.Who served under the flag.
Who gave his oath to support and defend
The Constitution and Our Nation
Against all Enemies, Foreign and DomesticIt is the Veteran,
Willing to give his life to protect your freedoms and mine.
Whose coffin is draped by the flag.It was the Veteran,
With faith in God
Who has given us all our Freedoms.ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD,
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (5)
October 31, 2007
** What is your Halloween Name? ** ~ LOL
You can get your Halloween name here
Mine is:
Necrotic Obsession
LOL whatever that means. hahahahaa
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (5)
October 08, 2007
Happy Columbus Day
giggle
Have a great day everyone. I was in a contest in one of the graphics groups I am in. This was my entry for the Columbus Day contest. It is ok but not nearly as good as the girl that won the contest, she had it all filled with animated water. hahaha It was really awesome what she did with hers. But it was fun do to.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (6)
September 13, 2007
L'Shana Tovah! To All Our Jewish Troops, IDF and Friends
Rosh Hashanah Day My very best wishes for the coming year.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM
September 03, 2007
~ Happy Labor Day ~
Today is a day to honor all who work,
but I'd like to say a special thanks to our brave men and women
in the Armed forces, who work long,
hard hours each and every day to keep us safe and
to make sure we keep all that is so important to us.
I would also like to thank all workers for their hard labor
and in making this country still the BEST in the world.
I would also like to take a minute of silence to honor those
who have given their
lives in the line of duty. God Bless them
God Bless all of you, our men and women of the
Armed Forces and GOD BLESS THE USA.
Have a safe and wonderful day!
Wild Thing
Posted by Wild Thing at 10:30 AM | Comments (4)
July 04, 2007
U.S. Birthday 231 Years Old and 300 Million Invited
U.S. throws birthday party, over 300 million people invited
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Guests of Honor: All Veterans and our Troops today
.
.
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~~ Music for this special day! ~~
~Aaron Tippen~ The Stars and Stripes and The Eagle Flies
Ron & Kay Rivoli - Press One For English
Posted by Wild Thing at 02:55 AM | Comments (11)
Happy Independence Day America!
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighboring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments :
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Some of my dear friends that are celebrating Independence Day
* Beth at Blue Star Chronicles
* Raven at And Rightly So
Posted by Wild Thing at 02:47 AM | Comments (7)
June 17, 2007
Thank You Happy Fathers Day
Male members from the Joint Task Force and Australians located in Baghdad got together to celebrate Fathers' Day in Iraq.
My father has passed away but this is one of my favorite photos of the two of us. We both loved the fall and winter months and he would always held me build a snowman. He was a man of honor and loved this country. He is the one that taught me why we live in the land of the free and took us on many trips around the United States to show me the historical places like Arlington, Washington D.C., Mount Vernon etc. to teach me as much as he could about this very special country, America.
It was Fathers who preserved our Freedom from tyrants in WWII.
It was Fathers who froze at the Chosin, preserving our Freedom
It was Fathers who went to a far away place called Vietnam to preserve our Freedom
It was Fathers who went to Grenada, Panama, Iraq and now the War today.
Thank you to all Fathers for Protecting and Defending us through the years
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent.The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across American other people were beginning to celebrate a "father's day." In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.
Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father's Day.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:57 AM | Comments (5)
June 14, 2007
Flag Day and U.S. Army Established Today
When I see the colors of the flag, I think of how many lives were lost and how many people were injured so that I can say the pledge of allegiance to the flag today. I think of the wars where young men fought and where young men died. I have an American Flag on a flag pole outside my bedroom window. As the flag billows proudly in the wind, I can hear the sweet sound of freedom and liberty.
The history of Flag Day
The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'.
And it is also.............
Since its birth on 14 June 1775—over a year before the Declaration of Independence—the United States Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of our Nation. Soldiers have fought more than 10 wars, from the American Revolution through the Cold War, the Gulf War, to the current War on Terrorism. This 232nd Birthday is a recognition of The Army's history, traditions, and service to the Nation, a Call To Duty, 232 Years of Service to Our Nation.
"The U.S. Army is a brotherhood of warrior leaders dedicated to the cause of freedom. To me, celebrating the Army's Birthday is celebrating my freedom and brotherhood," said Capt. Chris Joyner, North Carolina National Guard public affairs officer.
Fort Bragg held a 11th Annual Army Birthday 10-miler.
Spc. Richard Rogers, a food service specialist in the 37th Engineer Battalion, was running the Army Birthday 10-Miler for his second year in a row, he said. "I placed third in last-year's race," said Rogers. "I want to get under an hour. I've been practicing."
Staff Sgt. Marco Rodriguez, a shop foreman with C Company, 27th Engineer Battalion, said he ran an Army 10-miler in Afghanistan last year in 1:10:00. "This time I hope to finish in an hour," said Rodriguez.
Sgt. German Sanchez, A Troop, 3rd Battalion, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, was just hours away from answering the call to duty in Iraq when he ran the 10-miler. "I figured I'd leave with a bang," said Sanchez, "I think I ran it in about 112 minutes; I was shooting for 120 minutes."
Afterward, participants were invited to help celebrate the Army's 232nd birthday with the cutting of the birthday cake by Thornal. The Army's official birthday is June 14.
Thanks to American Soldiers, freedom’s light shines as a beacon throughout the world. We will never be able to tell you enough how very proud we are of you. Thank you for your service, for your sacrifices, and for your abiding devotion to something greater than self. God bless each and every one of you and your families, God bless our magnificent Army, and God bless America.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (6)
May 28, 2007
Never Forgotten ~ Never Forget
Every generation of Americans have been called on to defend freedom and liberty. Over the years more than forty two million American men and women have served their country in time of war. More than a million have secured the blessings of liberty with their lives. America is blessed by our Heroes.
Those are the words on a tombstone, far across the Pacific, of someone who gave up his life for our future.
Were those words uttered so that those of us who are left could just enjoy our lives without "getting involved", or were they written to remind us that the work of freedom and liberty is never done?
Were those words written ,to suggest to us that it is not our job nor our responsibility to keep alive what they fought and died for, or were they written to remind us that we were given the opportunity of life so that we would continue to defend, and keep alive the memory of what they gave their last full measure for?
Let us here today, tonight, tomorrow, next month and next year - remember these gallant defenders of our freedom.
Most were not heroes as defined by the most hallowed Medal of Honor nor even as defined by the silver or bronze star.
They were ALL Heroes
Yes they were heroes, because without hesitation they fought for our country when they were asked to defend her.
They left their families, friends and good times behind and went to fight for our freedom without hesitation.
Some -- never even fired their weapons because they were killed before they ever reached the beach.
But they were heroes because they were there, ready to fight for America - for family, flag and country.
Most were scared to death as they prepared to meet the enemy. Their stomachs were turned upside down and they prayed to God and wished they were with their moms, dads and sweethearts rather than being where they were.
But they were where they were, fighting an enemy that was threatening their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They were fighting an enemy because they believed in America, they loved Her flag and they wanted to protect American's right to worship as they chose.
They were there, without hesitation, fighting for what they believed in and dying for what they believed in so you and I could live the way we chose in a free country. But they did not die so that we would stop fighting for what they believed and died for.
They fought and died knowing that we, the living, would go on fighting for that same freedom, that same country, that same flag and for that same right to worship as we choose. Abraham Lincoln, at Gettysburg, said:
"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth."
It is for us the living to go on defending what they died for. It is for us the living not to allow history to forget what they gave up all their tomorrow's for.
If when we attacked Guadalcanal and landed at Salerno, we found that "they" were going to fight back, we didn't give up because they fought back. We continued to fight because we knew our cause was right!
When Americans rode in the landing craft before storming the beaches at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Sicily, Anzio, Normandy, Peleliu, Saipan, Iowa Jima, Okinawa, Inchon and many other places we had never heard of before and when they fought in North Africa, the Philippines, Italy, France, Bastonne, Germany, Korea and Vietnam -- most were scared to death; their stomachs were turned upside down and they wanted to be back home with their loved ones.
But that did not stop them from attacking America's enemies bravely and without hesitation. They fought, and many died, but they did not give up because someone shot back at them.
It is for us the living to continue to defend and keep known what they fought and died for -- what they gave up all of their tomorrow's for.
They did not die so that we could become complacent; nor did they die so that when we, the living, reached a single obstacle --- we should quit
They died knowing that we would go on defending their actions, defending history and defending what they gave up all their tomorrow's for.
If WE don't remember ---if WE don't defend what they fought and died for and what we fought for -- who will remember? Who will care?
How many of them and you who fought for our flag and our country and remember the feeling as Old Glory" was being raised over a piece of land we fought for ---- and many died for?
How many remember seeing or hearing about our valiant warriors, who were fighting on Iowa Jima, as they stood and cheered when they saw the flag being raised over Mt. Suribachi.
We take this time on Memorial Day to salute our Fallen Heroes who through the history of our country have fought and died for all of us. THANK YOU!!! ---- Wild Thing
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (18)
May 08, 2007
V-E Day Remembered
May 7, 1945: “Germany has surrendered unconditionally.”
This time the news was real. There had been two earlier reports; one was erroneous and the second officially premature.
On April 28, as the war continued in Europe, as Russian and American troops met on the River Elbe, there were rumours from San Francisco, the site of the conference leading to the founding of the United Nations.
The second report came on the morning of May 7, when there was a flash from The Associated Press saying Germany had surrendered.
The military surrender agreement for the German armed forces was signed at a schoolhouse in Rheims, France, at 2:41 a.m. local time on May 7, 1945, by Colonel General Gustav Jodl, chief of staff of the German army; Lt.-Gen. Walter Bedell Smith, chief of staff for the Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower; General Ivan Susloparov for Russia; and General Francois Sevez for France.
But there were no confirming bulletins from other news organizations – Allied headquarters had ordered the news withheld for 24 hours, even though German radio had announced the surrender.
Churchill went on the air, it was afternoon in the U.K.
In his speech, Mr Churchill said:
"We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead. Japan with all her treachery and greed, remains unsubdued."We must now devote all our strength and resources to the completion of our task, both at home and abroad. Advance Britannia."
He then declared “Victory in Europe Day,” soon shortened to VE-Day.
And President Truman.................
Broadcast to the American People Announcing the Surrender of Germany
May 8, 1945
[Delivered from the Radio Room at the White House at 9 a.m.]
THIS IS a solemn but a glorious hour. I only wish that Franklin D. Roosevelt had lived to witness this day. General Eisenhower informs me that the forces of Germany have surrendered to the United Nations. The flags of freedom fly over all Europe.For this victory, we join in offering our thanks to the Providence which has guided and sustained
us through the dark days of adversity.Our rejoicing is sobered and subdued by a supreme consciousness of the terrible price we have
paid to rid the world of Hitler and his evil band. Let us not forget, my fellow Americans, the
sorrow and the heartache which today abide in the homes of so many of our
neighbors-neighbors whose most priceless possession has been rendered as a sacrifice to
redeem our liberty.We can repay the debt which we owe to our God, to our dead and to our children only by
work--by ceaseless devotion to the responsibilities which lie ahead of us. If I could give you a
single watchword for the coming months, that word is--work, work, and more work.We must work to finish the war. Our victory is but half-won. The West is free, but the East is
still in bondage to the treacherous tyranny of the Japanese. When the last Japanese division has
surrendered unconditionally, then only will our fighting job be done.We must work to bind up the wounds of a suffering world--to build an abiding peace, a peace
rooted in justice and in law. We can build such a peace only by hard, toilsome, painstaking
work--by understanding and working with our allies in peace as we have in war.The job ahead is no less important, no less urgent, no less difficult than the task which now
happily is done.I call upon every American to stick to his post until the last battle is won. Until that day, let no
man abandon his post or slacken his efforts. And now, I want to read to you my formal
proclamation of this occasion:
"A Proclamation--The Allied armies, through sacrifice and devotion and with God's help, have
wrung from Germany a final and unconditional surrender. The western world has been freed of
the evil forces which for five years and longer have imprisoned the bodies and broken the lives
of millions upon millions of free-born men. They have violated their churches, destroyed their
homes, corrupted their children, and murdered their loved ones. Our Armies of Liberation have
restored freedom to these suffering peoples, whose spirit and will the oppressors could never
enslave.
"Much remains to be done. The victory won in the West must now be won in the East. The
whole world must be cleansed of the evil from which half the world has been freed. United, the
peace-loving nations have demonstrated in the West that their arms are stronger by far than the
might of the dictators or the tyranny of military cliques that once called us soft and weak. The
power of our peoples to defend themselves against all enemies will be proved in the Pacific war
as it has been proved in Europe.
"For the triumph of spirit and of arms which we have won, and for its promise to the peoples
everywhere who join us in the love of freedom, it is fitting that we, as a nation, give thanks to
Almighty God, who has strengthened us and given us the victory.
"Now, therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, do hereby
appoint Sunday, May 13, 1945, to be a day of prayer.
"I call upon the people of the United States, whatever their faith, to unite in offering joyful thanks
to God for the victory we have won, and to pray that He will support us to the end of our
present struggle and guide us into the ways of peace.
"I also call upon my countrymen to dedicate this day of prayer to the memory of those who have
given their lives to make possible our victory.
"In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States of
America to be affixed."
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (9)
April 08, 2007
Happy Easter To Each of You
Have a very special Easter everyone.
Love and hugs
Wild Thing
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (6)
From God To Al Gore
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (11)
April 07, 2007
Hijack!
I'm hijacking the site today, to throw a surprise birthday party!
Happy Birthday my dear friend, and thank for all you do! I honestly don't know how I would get through my days without having you in my life.
I love you!
Posted by LindaSoG at 11:16 AM | Comments (38)
April 03, 2007
Happy Passover To All Our Jewish Friends Throughout The World.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM
March 17, 2007
A Special Mesage To Our Troops, Our Veterans And All of You
Please CLICK the above image
to see and hear something special
I made for all of you.
Thank you
Wild Thing
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (7)
In Honor Of The Brigade At The Battle of Fredericksburg on St. Patrick's Day
Mark thank you for posting this in the comments. It is so good I wanted to put it as a post. Thank you so much.
In honor of St Patricks day, a day early since I won't be at my terminal. To all the Legal Immigrants who made this country possible.
Briefly this was written, after the Battle of Fredericksburg, in honor of the Brigade that put it on the line for their adopted country. Before the Battle General Maehger ordered all of his Brigade to put sprigs of 'Boxwood' in their caps, so that the whole world could see that the Irish died facing the enemy. On that fateful day the made 13 assaults on Maryre's Heights all were dismal failures.
THE IRISH DEAD ON FREDERICKSBURG HEIGHTSSoftly let thy footprints fall,
Upon this holy ground,
In reverence deep,
For those who sleep,
Beneath each lowly mound
Here hath many a noble son,
Of trodden mother land,
Whose joy thro' life,
Was hope of strife.
For their love of native land.
They came from Carlow's fertile plains,
And Wexford's woody vales,
From Innisbowen,
And green Tyrone,
And Wicklow's hills and dales.
They came to seek amid the free,
Homes to reward their toil,
In which to see
That liberty
Unknown on Erin's soil.
And well they loved the chosen land;
When menaced was her might,
Each grsteful heart
A willing part
Took in her cause to fight.
And her they lie in unblessed earth,
No kindred eye to weep,
Far, far away,
From the abbey's grey.
Where the sires and grandsires sleep.
Oh! Many a matron, many a maid,
Mourn in their native isle,
For the dear ones here,
Who no more shall cheer
Their hearts by their gladsome smile.
In many an ancient chapel there,
Nestled on the green hill side,
Will the good priest pray,
On the Sabbath day,
For his boys who in battle died.
Let us offer too, our orisons,
For each of the mayyr band,
Who nobly gave
Their lives to save
The might of their adopted land.
Kate M. Boylan
Jersey City, New Jersey
St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1863
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (4)
February 14, 2007
Happy Valentines Day from Theodore's World blog
Valentines Day
is here,
and hundreds of thousands of United States soldiers
will be far away from their loved ones,
unable to share an affectionate embrace,
a romantic candlelight dinner,
a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers.
Valentines Day is about showing the ones you love
just how much they mean to you,
and no one knows this better
than friends and families of troops overseas.
So to all our
Military, and their families,
to all the Veterans,
and to all of you that are friends of
Theodore's World blog........
Angry Old Salt and I wish you all
a special Valentines Day!
Thank you for being in our lives and
to the troops, thank you for all you do
and for serving our country.
Thank you for our freedom!
And Happy
Valentines Day to each one of you
that are such an important part of
Theodore's World
blog.
You are the song in my heart.
Wild Thing
Posted by Wild Thing at 01:47 AM | Comments (8)
December 31, 2006
Theodore's World Wishes All Of You A Happy New Year!
2007
A huge thank you and a Happy New Year to our Military!
I want to say a special Happy New Year to my Blog Mom....... LindaSOG
And also a very special thank you
to each one of you that are a big part of this blog,
with your comments and input.
I love you all so muchYY
Posted by Wild Thing at 02:47 AM | Comments (9)
December 25, 2006
Christmas Day at Theodore's
God
Bless America,
our
Troops
and You and Yours.
May this Christmas
be
joyful,
peaceful
and spiritually renewing.
I was over at Daisy Cutter's blog and D.C. had posted about the songs of Christmas. I love Christmas and I wait all year long for the Christmas season to arrive. I am sure a large part of that are the happy memories I have of my childhood, the traditions we kept each year and the special times with family and friends. Funny how the presents only stand out with some of the years, but one thing that is constant in my memories, are the times shared, the songs played and sang. The scents of pine and baking and of course the lights that added to the atmosphere to all the senses.
Christmas's of watching the grand old films, which hopefully will be around forever so future generations, can see them too. Singing Christmas carols around the piano and friends stopping by for some egg nog or hot chocolate on their way to visit their families. A glow to our home from the fireplace, and candles throughout the house. Many cherished memories and traditions to keep alive.
Thank you D.C. for knowing how special those times were and how music of Christmas as you said stands the test of time.
So here are some thing's I would like to share with you this Christmas Day.
Watching old movies that never change
It's a Wonderful Life (the ending of this great film)
What Christmas is all about...........Jesus Birthday.
"And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all the people: For, this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger."
Gathering around the fireplace and singing Christmas carols.
Nat King Cole - Christmas Song
Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra - White Christmas