Today is Veterans Day

[noiseredux]

post deleted.

[s1mplehumar]

Any Iraq War vets? I spent 12 months in the Al Anbar province, 2005-2006. I was a gunner on an M1A1.

[s1mplehumar]

Some of my most outrageous port stories are from Osan. But I'm not sharing those till someone else pipes up with one of theirs.

Are you familiar with Osan Annie? Anywho, my brother did two hardship tours in Osan.

[CRTGAMER]

Any Iraq War vets? I spent 12 months in the Al Anbar province, 2005-2006. I was a gunner on an M1A1.

WOW!
I would love to hear tales of riding that tank. Amazing how the main gun seems to remain stable as the tank bounces around the hills. The area you were assigned, how were the locals? Were there a general openness or distrust between the soldiers and the people there?

[Jayson]

While I have never served in the Military, I would like to take a moment to thank all of you that have for your service. Despite all opinions good or bad, you guys (and gals) put your asses on the line out there every day for your country and it needs to be appreciated more.

GG's fellas!

[invincibleservant]

Well, Nullface, hopefully you are fed no more.

I was 6 years active duty in the Air Force, stationed here in Alaska, and was honorably discharged. That's really all there is to it. Never murdered anyone the whole time. Mostly, I just did paperwork. Thanks to OP for the reminder.

[Breetai]

Stop being so America-centric (and I say that in jest)!

I'm here to represent the Canadians, Europeans and everyone else who also celebrate November 11th (UK is Remembrance Sunday; 2nd Sunday of November. Some other countries are at different dates).

I very much disagree with war most of the time, but like others here have said; today is not about politics. Today is about remembering and honouring those soldiers who put themselves on the line for what they believed was right, or for doing their damned best when they had no choice. Not all killing is murder! Self defense, or defending those you love from an attacker, is a just cause for tilling (sad as it is). November 11th is in no way justifying war.

God bless those who fight for our freedoms, and may God guide those in power who decide the proper time to fight.




The Canadian version of today, from good ol' Wikipedia:


In Canada, Remembrance Day is a public holiday in all provinces and territories except Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba. Veterans Affairs Canada, a federal entity, states that the date is for "remembrance for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace"; specifically, the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and all conflicts since then in which members of the Canadian Forces have participated. The department runs a program called Canada Remembers with the mission of helping young and new Canadians, most of whom have never known war, "come to understand and appreciate what those who have served Canada in times of war, armed conflict and peace stand for and what they have sacrificed for their country."
The official national ceremonies are held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, presided over by the Governor General of Canada, any members of the Canadian Royal Family (such as Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, in 2009), the prime minister, and other dignitaries, to the observance of the public. Typically, these events begin with the tolling of the Carillon in the Peace Tower, during which serving members of the Canadian Forces (CF) arrive at Confederation Square, followed by the Ottawa diplomatic corps, ministers of the Crown, special guests, the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL), the viceregal party, and, if present, the royal party. Before the start of the ceremony, four armed sentries and three sentinels (two flag sentinels and one nursing sister) are posted at the foot of the cenotaph.


Poppies are laid on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Remembrance Day in Ottawa
The arrival of the Queen or governor general is announced by a trumpeter sounding the "Alert", whereupon the monarch or viceroy is met by the Dominion President of the RCL and escorted to a dais to receive the Royal or Viceregal Salute, after which the national anthem, "O Canada", is played. The moment of remembrance begins with the bugling of "Last Post" immediately before 11:00 am, at which time the gun salute fires and the bells of the Peace Tower toll the hour. Another gun salute signals the end of the two minutes of silence, and cues the playing of a lament, and then the bugling of "The Rouse". A flypast of Canadian Air Command craft then occurs at the start of a 21 gun salute, upon the completion of which a choir sings "In Flanders Fields". The various parties then lay their wreaths at the base of the memorial; one wreath is set by the Silver Cross Mother, a recent recipient of the Memorial Cross, on behalf of all mothers who lost children in any of Canada's armed conflicts. The royal and/or viceregal group return to the dais to receive the playing of the Royal Anthem of Canada, "God Save the Queen", prior to the assembled Armed Forces personnel and veterans performing a march past in front of the royal and/or viceregal persons, bringing about the end of the official ceremonies. A tradition of paying more personal tribute to the sacrifice of those who have served and lost their lives in defence of the country has emerged since erection of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the War Memorial in 2000: after the official ceremony the general public place their poppies atop the tomb.


The military Remembrance Day parade in Ottawa
Similar ceremonies take place in provincial capitals across the country, officiated by the relevant lieutenant governor, as well as in other cities, towns, and even hotels or corporate headquarters. Schools will usually hold special assemblies for the first half of the day, or on the school day prior, with various presentations concerning the remembrance of the war dead. The largest indoor ceremony in Canada is currently held in Montreal, Quebec, followed in size by that held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with over 8,500 gathering in Credit Union Centre in 2008; the ceremony participants include old guard (veterans), new guard (currently serving members of the CF), and sea, army, and air cadet units.

[CRTGAMER]

A good point, any warrior protecting his or her country should be remembered. Are there any Active Duty members here? You are the Elite, the ones I truely respect and envy.

[hashiriya1]

The closest I have ever been to the armed forces is taking a tour of the USS Hornet, visiting the USS Arizona, the Vietnam memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Thanks to all veterans living and dead.

[Droid party]

Stop being so America-centric (and I say that in jest)!

I'm here to represent the Canadians, Europeans and everyone else who also celebrate November 11th (UK is Remembrance Sunday; 2nd Sunday of November. Some other countries are at different dates).

Here in Australia November 11 is remembrance day. We hold a minutes silence at 11 am. Unfortunately nobody seems to give a shit about it any more and many don't even realize that they supposed to shut up for one whole minute and contemplate . I take it very seriously but sadly my desire to respect those who risked or lost their lives in service to their nation isn't matched by everyone. Arseholes.