The American Spectator : A Military Funeral

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A Military Funeral

By Ben Stein on 11.5.10 @ 6:08AM

As described by a dear friend, who had never been to one.

Thursday
I received this today from a dear friend. I believe my dear readers would want to take it to heart:

Fredi’s late husband was buried today with full military honors at the nearby Veterans Cemetery. I had never been to a military funeral. It had been a long long time since I attended a Jewish funeral. It was an amazing display to see the two of them together.

The service was conducted in an open air structure. (Some of this is going to seem non-informational to you since you have attended a military funeral… but

it was totally new to me!) The honor guard stood at attention as we arrived. There was a representative from each of the branches of the service and I made sure to thank each of them as I passed by. I hope they knew that I was completely serious when I thanked them for their service. The military person who conducted his portion of the service warned us that the volleys would be loud, and most of those in attendance covered their ears, but it didn’t seem that bad to me. I admit that I flinched. I don’t think we should kid ourselves about the level of noise when a gun is fired. And I wanted to make certain that I honored everyone who has ever fired a gun in defense of this nation by listening to the noise their guns make.

The flag folding part is really awe inspiring. I remember that my mother received the flag that draped my father’s coffin, but it certainly was not folded in front of us. When Taps faded, there was a calliope sounding rendition of a patriotic tune, but I forget what it was. It played nearly constantly, but once the Cantor began, I guess they either cut it off or I was not aware of it.

They offered us the shell casings of the bullets fired and I took one because it felt rude not to. What in God’s name am I supposed to be doing with it? I thanked the service men and women again as we left and then we made our way out.

If Fredi hadn’t taken 10:30 AM today, there wasn’t another available time for internment until next Tuesday and that obviously would have been a tremendous problem. Can there be that many service men/women and their families who are dying? And I was taken by the lines upon lines of simple white headstones standing there in the cool crisp late fall morning sun — which made only a momentary appearance on the otherwise gray day. It made me think about how many such small cemeteries there are honoring men, women and families who placed defending this nation as a priority on their list of life accomplishments. It made me think about the vast number of those who have died putting America first. It is an understanding that made me feel abundantly grateful and at the same time reminded me how ignorant we are as to the vast number of souls who have put their lives on the line. I think we can all honor the collective memory better than we do with a few days that are only half-heartedly observed — and then mostly as a day when the retail chains offer specials and discounts.

I have a renewed appreciation. And while I have always admired you for your support of the military men, women, wives and families I applaud you for it now.

Be well.

About the Author

Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist, and lawyer living in Beverly Hills and Malibu. He writes “Ben Stein’s Diary” for every issue of The American Spectator.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (138) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Ret. Marine| 11.5.10 @ 6:27AM

Like many disabled veterans through out this great Country, I am one of these people that place Old Glory upon those who have fallen, be it during or after their service to our fellow men, woman, and the future children of my beloved Country on Veterans Day. I am reminded of the consequences of our lives on a daily basis. I do not often hear a thank you for this but, I have learned that a veteran always recognise a veteran and we seldom have harsh, or displeasing words among us.
For the fallen, I can name around a dozen or so just in my circles, they will never be missed, forgotten of their duty or erased of their patriotism. May they rest in peace along side of those who's belief will never render them obsolete.

GreginOkinawa| 11.5.10 @ 6:47AM

Ret Marine: I find it amazing how easily we can pick our own out of a crowd.

Semper Fi

WRTolkas| 11.5.10 @ 8:36AM

Dear GreginOkinawa,

Five years ago I was with my family at a company sponsored picnic. The setting was a park in Michigan. As my family was eating lunch, I was looking around, by habit I guess. A co-worker walked up to me and asked: "Vietnam?" My response was "How did you know?" His response: "I know the look."

Be safe,
WRTolkas

Bob Klahn USAF 1967-1971| 11.5.10 @ 9:34AM

I find it amazing how much we don't know about those we know.

Among the people I worked with for 30+ years. The fellow whose legs were scarred from wounds in Vietnam. The best man at my wedding I didn't know had been a door gunner on a chopper in Nam until just a few years ago. The fellow who seemed a bit odd, whose sister told me after he came back he never left the local area again. The fellow who was a marine sniper in Nam.

They don't talk much about it, but bits and pieces come out sometimes. War is hell, that's true. And those who come through it live with it for life.

As another poster said, all gave some, some gave all.

Add to that, some gave what we will never know.

Buzzymuzzwelle| 11.5.10 @ 12:10PM

My daughter is a Sgt. in the Marines serving in afghanistan right now. My neighbor a retired Navy officer gave me a Marine cap to wear and I wear it
proudly. My youngest son likes to go to a skateboard
park nearby. He doesn't like me to watch to much so
I found a local haunt to go to. At the bar I was sitting at an older man asked me if I was a marine
and I explained about my daughter. Within minutes I was surrounded by people who had served, were serving, or were now in the CIA
or some branch of the Defense Dept. They treated
me like gold! Now every time I go there it's just the
nicest time. These people really care about our country. Many have told me little things about there service. They are truly heros and I'm humbled every time I'm around them. BUZZY

Stormzeye| 11.5.10 @ 10:51PM

"Some gave what we will never know."
Well said. My uncle often joked with us kids about how he played softball throughout Europe during WWII. He was an armorer in the 8th and loaded armament into B-17s. After they took off he and his buddies played softball on the tarmac. After he died in 1967 I spoke with his widow, my aunt, and reminded he of his joking about his service during the war. She said, "You didn't know about his nightmares? When some of the planes returned to base they had to remove the friends they said good bye to in the morning, clean out the blood and guts from the planes and sometimes planes never returned. Every day it was the same." God bless them all.

JayDubIII| 11.5.10 @ 10:06AM

I think the time it's taken for us Nam vets to become visible is due in part from the stigma attached to our service in the RVN. I try to always go up to current members that I see in uniform to thank them for their service. I always mention I'm a Nam vet and almost without exception they thank our generation for our service.

On another note I'm still highly pissed that Richard Blumenthal was given a free pass by the Connecticut voters on his "Vietnam era vet" gaff. I honestly believe if he'd been running against anyone but the CEO of the WWE he's have gotten spanked.

No one who served in Nam could ever make that mistake.

chuck| 11.5.10 @ 8:04AM

God bless you, and thank you for your service. And this goes to all who served.
I used to live a mile from the new Georgia National Cemetary in Canton, GA. I would take a trip through there several times a months, because it was such a beautiful and special place. A friend of mine has his son buried there, killed in Afghanistan.
For those who don't live near, or have never been to a National Cemetary, take the time, and pay tribute to all those who have served.
May God bless them all.

Alan Brooks| 11.5.10 @ 6:00PM

Still, Defense is basically population control. People can't get along to share the Earth so the military exists to kill, not spread the love of Jesus to the multitudes; IMO glorifying the military is a form of idolatry. Defense is a necessary, but very dirty, business.

Please can the apple pie and red white and blue bunting. Can it!

beebop| 11.5.10 @ 6:23PM

I am trying to see how honoring the passing of men and women who laid their lives on the line so that a putz like you could spew this nonsense amounts to "glorifying the military." In case you failed to notice, "the military" is comprised of men and women who answer orders.

How sorrowfully empty your existence must be.

Alan Brooks| 11.5.10 @ 6:51PM

You sidestepped, beebop..

I didn't write there was anything wrong with the servicemen or their funerals; it WAS to say, though, that AS promotes militantism, wrapping oneself up in the flag to say: "my country good, other countries bad. Duh."
War is business. I know nothing can be dome about it, but you don't have to stick the apple pie down our throats.

Greg P| 11.5.10 @ 8:16PM

War and the dying make your comment from your young and un-educated mind possible

Alan Brooks| 11.5.10 @ 8:24PM

"War and the dying make your comment from your young and un-educated mind possible."

And someone here called ME the syllogist?
War and the dying make my comment possible. That is one hell of a coarse oath. How about war and dying make churches possible?
How about war and dying make Jesus happy?

Greg, you rightwing swine.

Fenestra| 11.6.10 @ 3:27PM

Alan;
Late at night, when you look at yourself in God's eye, do you see anything other than self hatred?

Alan Brooks| 11.7.10 @ 11:30PM

Worry about your soul, Fenestra-- you are in danger as well.
Satan never sleeps.

MacAdams| 11.18.10 @ 3:56PM

My blood is boiling. I'm trying to control my words and my thoughts for what you, Alan Brooks, have written here. I'll keep it down to a respectful minimum of words. I'd like to see you on the front lines in Viet Nam. I would have liked to have fought along side of you in Nam. But as we all know, it would have been for only a very short time. Your silence would be music to the jungles. You'd either change your tune and fight like a man or you'd be crying like a little girl begging for your mama. You'd probably be crying just like you're doing now, and as nobody would listen to you or care. I'm rather proud of myself, I'm getting better. I've with-held what I really wanted to say.

Ray| 1.2.11 @ 7:10PM

MacAdams, I agree 100 %. I think Alan would be one of those people, who like you said would be crying like a little girl, who I treated as a medic in Nam, who when hit with a fragment and received a cut needing less than 5 stiches whould be screaming for his MAMA. Then he would run around with his purple heart and tell all the girls what a big hero he was. You sound like you would know the kind I'm talking about you've probly seen them as I have.

Army '69-'78

MrCrispy| 11.6.10 @ 2:07AM

We live in a world infected with evil. There are times when we will be called upon to defend good against evil. And some of us will die in those wars. Military funerals are about honoring those who sacrificed themselves in defense of their homeland. They may not have been saints, very few of us are, but in placing themselves in harms way to protect us, they have earned our respect.

"Greater love hath no man than to lay his life down for his friends"

T H Huxley| 11.7.10 @ 12:46AM

I think you must separate the politicians, who declare wars, from the soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines, who have a duty to carry out their orders. If I don't agree with a war, I don't place blame on the military; I place all blame on the politicians. The military personnel, who are willing to die, are all heroes as far as I'm concerned. Every Memorial day I walk a military cemetery, near my home, and reflect on books or articles I've read about D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, the conditions the military had to endure in Viet Nam, etc. I find that many use Memorial Day to have a three-day vacation, which I think is shameful.

Doug| 11.5.10 @ 6:49PM

Alan, When I read your posts I see great pain. May God Himself reveal His love to you and may He meet that need that is so deep within you and yet so visible to others.

The military are the LAST ones who want to do what they do, particularly those who have 'been there'. They do what they do so you may post your blog entry here.

You should thank them for that.

No one here is so caught up in 'the apple pie and red white and blue bunting' in the fashion you are apparently thinking they are.

Respect is earned.

Alan Brooks| 11.5.10 @ 6:55PM

I don't agree. My dad was in WWII, but he didn't talk about it except to praise the beauties of France & England (BTW, don't you think AS attacks Europe too much? Europe is no worse than America).
This piece is flag vaving, bunting shoving jingoism.

Doug| 11.5.10 @ 7:00PM

What happens to the soul that can no longer feel for others?

Alan Brooks| 11.5.10 @ 7:01PM

"MI6 comes out of the cold, into irrelevance."

AS goes out of its of way to diss Europe. What of all the English who died in the Blitz?
And you ought to praise M16 for being on the frontlline during the Cold War-- not thousands of miles west.

Doug| 11.5.10 @ 7:12PM

Every soul stands before God. Each answers only for him/her self.

Honor, duty, service and sacrifice are not American only.

You are projecting your thoughts on to others - perhaps unaware.

The discussion was about Ben Stein's friend, not your angst about American Spectator's inability to convince you of whatever you seem to think they need to convince you of.

Alan, really, this isnt about you.

What do you think about Ben's friend's observations of her first military funeral?

Alan Brooks| 11.5.10 @ 7:21PM

I think it is mawkish, Doug-- can't you get it? I'm not interested in rightwing propaganda, am interested in conservatism. If AS is more rightwing than conservative, they ought to say so; otherwise they are engaging in false advertising. I went to my dad's funeral, a soldier merely folded a flag and gave it to my mom-- nothing more happened. No mawkish article was written.

Alan Brooks| 11.5.10 @ 7:24PM

"What happens to the soul that can no longer feel for others?"

It votes libertarian.

Doug| 11.5.10 @ 10:36PM

Libertarianism - Willful self expression with no boundaries.

Statism - Willful imposition of the will of one human on others.

Free Will vs Personal Responsibility?

No, free will PLUS personal responsibility.

Any thoughts on where that comes from? (smile)

Tim*| 11.6.10 @ 10:50AM

Ronald Reagan:

"If you analyze it I believe the very heart and soul of conservatism is libertarianism. I think conservatism is really a misnomer just as liberalism is a misnomer for the liberals–if we were back in the days of the Revolution, so-called conservatives today would be the Liberals and the liberals would be the Tories. The basis of conservatism is a desire for less government interference or less centralized authority or more individual freedom and this is a pretty general description also of what libertarianism is."

Doug| 11.6.10 @ 5:06PM

Hi Tim*,

If you will, what boundaries are inherent or intrinsic in Libertarianism?

Not those presumed or assumed, but defined?

Mr Reagan had a moral code, no doubt. One I suspect I'd wholeheartedly agree with. Did he get that set of boundaries (moral code) from Libertarianism or di dhe 'overlay' his set on to his definition of the same?

Important to understand.

Doug| 11.5.10 @ 10:30PM

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mawkish
–adjective
1. characterized by sickly sentimentality; weakly emotional; maudlin.
2. having a mildly sickening flavor; slightly nauseating.

Right, I understand you think that way. Can you not tell the diffference between mawkish and respect?

Since when is relating a heartfelt story, or one that causes one to express heartfelt appreciation mawkish? That's just plain cold and appears to indicate you just can't relate to others on a human level.

Now, if you want mawkish I'd recommend the media. I have affectionately designated that as 'Emotion Pimps'. Talk about selling emotion for money. :) Ben wasn't doing that. He was sharing something that is impostant to him with us. He's doing what normal humabs do - relating, or at least attempting to do so.

I think you're being too harsh in your judgements, and I mean that with no disrespect. Men are not machines - give him a little air to breathe!

Doug| 11.5.10 @ 10:46PM

Let me ask the question another way..

What is it in your personality that cannot allow YOU to accept someone else expressing *their* heartfelt emotional response (within the context of never having seen it before) without you presuming it's mawkish?

Why can you not allow yourself to accept others just the way they are, warts and all? Take them at face value?

Do you think criticizing them will make them want to be like you somehow? Or agree with you? If you do then I would say you are very clumsy in your personal relations with others.

Alan Brooks| 11.5.10 @ 11:15PM

Then why did you demonize Obama in the most un-heartfelt, disrespectful, clumsy way?
Pharisee, heal thyself!

And this: "Libertarianism - Willful self expression with no boundaries. Any thoughts on where that comes from? (smile)"

No boundaries?? isn't THAt in and of itself false advertising?

Alan Brooks| 11.5.10 @ 11:18PM

No boundaries!
No borders either!
As soon as Jesus comes back it'll be a lead pipe cinch.

The cat's in the bag. No boundaries!

Occam's Tool| 11.8.10 @ 3:21AM

Myself, I always appreciate guys who risk their skins to save my overweight ass. Sorry, Alan, must respectfully disagree with you.

Incidentally, The European Union is a great example of "No G-d above us, and no religion, too---nothing to live or die for, etc."

Just one problem with the EU---its demographics suck. Bad. Could that be because of La Dolce Vita?

MacAdams| 11.18.10 @ 4:11PM

Alan Brooks, you are so messed up it's just unreal.
All kidding aside, you really need some professional help. You sound like one of those guys who are right on the edge of going berserk, taking a gun and going into a public place and killing everyone there. It's like you are mad at the world, and you sound like you think Jesus and God are mad at the world just like you are and when he comes back, he'll "help you" clean this mess up. I've got to give credit to Doug. He really knows how to talk to you in a way that is neither condemning or attacking you. I wish you could spend some time with him over the phone, he could really help you if you would just lay your guard down for minute. Seriously, try and get some professional help.

Doug| 11.6.10 @ 5:10PM

Demonize Obama? Ok, where did I do that? *chuckle* Or do you have me confused with someone else? We were discussing Ben Stein's friend's reaction to a military funeral when this all started. I was sort of hoping I could engage you in a rational discussion about the issues you brought up.

No, no false advertising of any sort. I asked a straightforward question and you did not answer that question.

Bruce | 11.6.10 @ 8:41AM

So what your angst is really all about is your pique at your dad not getting the honors others have received, or you feel he was entitled to. Why don't you just say that, and people would maybe have a bit of sympathy.
A good part of honors rendered at military funerals rests strictly with the family requesting honors appropriate to rank. For other than officers, get in touch with the local veterans organization, and have the funeral director - who hopefully has some experience with these matters - contact a member of "Bugles Across America". BAA consists of volunteer musicians who offer their time and services to play Taps for ANY veteran, anywhere, any time - you need only make a request. Most funeral directors are aware of people in their area who provide the service.
It's unfortunate your father didn't receive his due, but with the number of vets passing on the last few years, resources to render honors are slim. For a good while - before BAA came into being - the military provided a "canned" version of Taps, no escort, practically no honors at all. When a dear friend of mine - a Major of Marine Aviation veteran (Attack/CAS Vietnam) passed a few years back, he fell into this area. His rank entitled him to full honors yet the money was not available, so his friends got in touch with the local marine Corps League, The American Legion, BAA, and very lucky enough to find a funeral director who knew what the story was. Result - full honors provided. Rifle squad, escort to/from funeral home, flag ceremony.
I'm sorry your dad didn't receive that which he was entitled to, but your posts on this do little to engender any sympathy at all.

Alan Brooks| 11.7.10 @ 11:37PM

You are all evading what I brought up: the idolatry of the military.
If you believe in God, then country is virtually nothing-- countries are temporary; God is permanent.

Those of you who are atheists are sincere; those of you who are not are trying to serve two masters.

Forever Marine| 11.6.10 @ 1:17PM

Alan,

There will always be apple pie and red white and blue. Thank God. If you don't like, leave. Try France or Russia.

The military exists to save this miracle called America from idiots like you who would give it away in a heartbeat just to prove yourself a liberal eliteist. Go, just please go.

Forever Marine

Ray| 1.2.11 @ 7:25PM

AMEN

Alan - Forever Marine stated it perfectly - you don't like the fredoms you have, paid for by those you disrepect, then go to a different country and try spouting your Bull about your feelings there. I would say you might get a funural, depending on what country you chose or you might just go missing.

Hey Marine, for a jarhead you have a great idea. (smiles) from the Army.

Ms. Ma'am| 11.7.10 @ 12:31PM

Brooks,

I try to remain somewhat civil when posting, but I will relieve myself of that constraint to state the obvious; you are a top notch douche bag.

A little profiling; Brooks is likely in the 45-55 year range. He is an aging, hipster doofus (nod to Jerry Seinfeld) who has been telling the same stories (circa late 60's early 70's) for three decades.

He likely brags about such things as having grown hair past his shoulders (a skill in his eyes apparently) in his youth. He has spent the better part of his life firmly rooted in an idealized past when he thought he stood for something.

Above his desk is a photo of Brooks shaking hands with Barack Obama (not cheap) and on his desktop computer the NY Times web site is always open.

Brooks has spent his entire adult life trying to convince himself, and anybody that will listen to him, that despite the fact that he has never risked anything for his beliefs, he is uber relevant.

Since proving bona fides on the left takes nothing more than spouting idiotic, thread bare 1960's conspiracy theories Brooks continues to believe that everyone outside of his well maintained liberal bubble is either a rube or a malitia loving thug completely out of touch with reality. Brooks never stops to consider that his rhetoric has not changed since he was an adolescent.

But by far the most important aspect of his personality can be found in his anti-military stance. Brooks is your classic weakling, how he loathes his betters, men of honor, substance, principle, integrity and bravery. Men that are everything that Brooks is not, nor will he ever be, leave him seething below the surface, so like the chiuhuahua or toy poodle all he has is his incessant little bark, that he hopes and prays keeps danger at bay.

Jinny| 11.7.10 @ 11:10PM

My father served in the Army in WWI, my uncle was a tail gunner in WWII. My husband retired from the Air Force as has our son. Their job was to keep our country safe so that we could live in freedom, even people like you, blathering about something you know nothing about. It’s too bad you have no clue about our wonderful men and woman who serve in our military and their sacrifices.

I pity you and I will pray for you.

John| 11.8.10 @ 8:52AM

Alan,GFY! Turtle

Bruce Berger| 11.8.10 @ 1:52PM

Alan,

While I was reading Ben's post and some of the great comments by the vets here I began to feel bad that I don't do enough to reflect on the sacrifice people have made in this great country's existence. More importantly, I realized I had really done a poor job educating my three sons about that sacrifice and it got me thinking about ways to make sure that my boys don't take anything that this country offers them for granted.

Then I read your post. I want to thank you. It made me realize it was even more important than I thought to educate them about this country's military traditions and history. I will consider myself a failure if any of them view American military service the way you do.

Ray | 1.2.11 @ 6:58PM

MR. Brooks,
I served in Viet Nam, and I am DAMNED proud to admit it! In reading your statement I am take back in time to that war (please not I did not sa conflict). An Woman or Man who has served this nation will atest to the fact when bullets, IED's, Morters, or any other device or methoid of taking you life is involved - it's a war not a conflict. I gladly placed my life in harms way, an at 59 years of age would do so still, so that people like you can still have the rights of free speach and all of the other FREEDOMS, taht some one else paid the price for, can make a total ass of their self.

One thing anyone of them would ask from you, the next time you wish to make such a BS statement, pause just a second and thank them for the cost of you freedom being paid for with their blood, like you would thank someone who gave you an expensive gift - BECAUSE THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES GAVE YOU THE MOST EXPENSIVE GIFT IN THE WORLD - THEMSELVES. Then feel free to make an ass of your self.

Miss Word Perfect| 11.6.10 @ 6:10PM

"If Fredi hadn't taken 10:30 AM today, there wasn't another available time for internment . . .

Internment means imprisonment.
Interment (no n) means burial.

Mr. Stein improperly emloyed the word.

beebop| 11.6.10 @ 11:07PM

1. Typos when correcting someone else are a terrible embarrassment, don't you think?

2. It is Mr. Stein's friend who incorrectly used the word.

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep and Veteran's Day, missy.

aloola| 11.7.10 @ 10:13AM

beebop,

How about inserting a couple of commas:

1. Typos, when correcting someone else, are a

Enjoy your can of Ensure.

Ms. Ma'am| 11.7.10 @ 12:37PM

How 'bout, folks that spend their spare time correcting the grammar of strangers, on the internet, cleary have too much spare time on their hands.

aloola| 11.7.10 @ 2:38PM

Ms. Ma'am,

What's that comma doing after "'bout"? And why have you set "on the internet" off with commas? And you left the L out of clearly.

The word ma'am is an abbreviation of madam, and I am surprised you know how to spell it.

As for Alan Brooks, he serves an important function on this post. Without his skillful input, the bloated blatherings of America's most rancid right-wingers would go unchallenged.

Too much alliteration for your taste?

Ms. Ma'am| 11.7.10 @ 4:54PM

aloon-la,

Thanks for proving my point.

Carry on.

aloola| 11.7.10 @ 5:39PM

I will carry on nicely, gracias.

And I hope you will have another cold can of Ensure. Your aging body needs the vitamins and nutriments.

Ray| 1.2.11 @ 8:02PM

My grammer and spelling she may not be so good. Enough Bull Shit! Sorry for the choice of words. But really, the conversation is about RESPECT, DUTY, HONOR, FREEDOM, and COUNTRY. FREEDOM as we know it carries a hell of a price, a price. A price that has been pay for with the life of Individuals, who served a country we call AMERICA. It's a price that demands payment from someone, as the current phrase goes 24/7. It's what allows Reagon, Carter, Clenton, and even Obama to be elected to office. It allows idiots, to go around and make asses of themself on the internet. When you have lost something it is amazing what you will offer to get it back. In some cases it might be a material item, or in other cases it might just be your freedoms. The best couple of examples I can offer is Russia - the Wall, they lost their freedom and are still trying to get it back, even though the wall is down. And the one that will stick with me, the price of a Coke - in Viet Nam I was offered 6 months back pay of a LTC. Pilot who was missing when we found him, by an act of GOD, for a cold coke I had on the helicopter. So I guess the question comes down to this: Are you willing to defend you right to free speech, the right to go get a cold drink (beer, coke, glass of milk, etc) or someone else's rights, by placing your life in harms way when asked by your country to serve in the Military? This question applies to Alan as well as anyone else who wishes to belittle those who have served or who will serve the country we call America. ARE YOU WILLING? I did what I thought of as my DUTY to this nation from 1969 thru 1978. Can you or Alan say you have done something along those lines for the freedon you get for free.

Post script: I gave him the Coke. You or Alan would probably made him give you the money, or least made sure his grammer was correct.

Appleby| 11.5.10 @ 6:40AM

My beloved Daddy had a full military funeral and lies in a veterans cemetery where they play Last Post and Taps every day at sundown. Mama goes there often (it is near her home) and helps to keep the flowers nice in the section where Daddy lies. The funeral was just exactly what he would have wanted, and she was presented with the flag that had draped his casket *with the thanks of a grateful nation* -- and we could see him beaming from Heaven, for his military service was what made him proudest (even more than hitting 187 mph over a quarter mile timed course in his 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL). Every Memorial Day the community holds a service of remembrance there, and although politicians show up, they speak only of their military experiences or those of their parents and grandparents, and we have never seen any Hippie Scum within the gates. In the evening of Memorial Day we go to the Watchfire at the fairgrounds; this is held by Vietnam and Korea vets and is both impressive and sobering.

Since Daddy died, there are five new rows of graves. The Greatest Generation whom battle did not get are heading upstairs in batallion strength to join their comerades once again.

Bob From District 9| 11.5.10 @ 9:27AM

Hippie Scum? Bit behind the times, aren't you?

A lot of us former hippies are also vets. Many of us come from families with a long tradition of service. When I was serving there were a lot of us with hippie backgrounds.

Don't confuse the current funeral protesters with hippies, they aren't even close. They are so far right they forget they even have a left hand.

Nunya| 11.5.10 @ 1:40PM

Bob, you're wrong about the current idiot funeral protesters--they're not "far right". They are idiot protesters, most from the same stupid family, from an independent church they call "Baptist" that is not recognized by the Baptist churches association. They're not even Christian by my definition of the word. They do it for the press that they get by offending every decent person in this country.

Thank God for the Patriot Guard Riders who protect our fallen heroes from those idiots who would profane them.

Ole Sarge| 11.5.10 @ 5:30PM

Yep, they had a draft.

Alan Brooks| 11.5.10 @ 10:18PM

"They are so far right they forget they even have a left hand."

Reverend Phelch, I mean Phelps, from Kansas ("God Hates Fags") was in my town recently, protesting gays, international finance Judentum; the trilateralist- Papist-Jesuit new world order water-fluoridating socialist Marxists baby-abortionists.

You know, those pot-smoking draft dodgers who danced nekkid during the Watts riot with Hanoi Jane-- and ate granola laced with LSD.

Appleby| 11.6.10 @ 5:18AM

I am speaking of the ones who link arms and whine, *All wee are saaaaaaaaaaaaaaying....* and still have bumper stickers that say *War is unsafe for children.* and *arms are for hugging* --- I would love to take a few of them to Auschwitz and show them the pile of childrens shoes and ask them what they would have done instead of fight that war. I had a friend at University who went to Vietnam as a CO and served as a medic, which is one of the most dangerous positions there is. He came back and joined the Newark NJ Police Force. His comment was, *They cant make you fight, but they can put you where the fighting is and let you make up your own mind.* He learned from his experience that life is a lot more complex than it looks from the front lines of a protest march.

1stcav| 11.5.10 @ 9:28AM

Appleby, your last paragraph put chill bumps on me. I know how fast those of that wonderful generation are leaving us but I can picture the batallion as they head toward their friends and our God. Thank you for putting that in perspective for me.
A Viet Nam Infantry Vet.

Alan Brooks| 11.6.10 @ 12:20AM

"A Viet Nam Infantry Vet."

And what of all the blacks who died in 'Nam for our sins?
why do you still generally treat them as hired help?
"Play yer harmonica, son."

beebop| 11.6.10 @ 7:52AM

You clearly have issues that cannot be resolved here and it is very painful to watch you lash out in such a meaningless fashion at people who you don't know making assumptions you can not support.

Considering the odd hours at which you post, perhaps you are not getting enough sleep? Or maybe your prescription has not been refilled on time? Or you are suffering from the lack of sun that many feel at this time of year. Whatever. How you can possibly find so many negative unsaids in a post amazes me. You might want to try to view your fellow man from a better perspective -- more Albert Brooks and less Alan Brooks might be a good start.

Honestly, I am so sorry for you that I can't even find anything mean to say.

Ray| 1.2.11 @ 8:29PM

Alan!

"and what of aal the blacks..." I would like to enlighten you on something I noticed from day one in Viet Nam - When the human body: Black, Hispanic, American Indian, American, Vietnamise, Koren, or any other nation, color or creed gets hit with Bullets, Shrapnel, Mines, or any of a number of different body destroying devices they all have one thing universally in common: They bleed a substance that is bright red, I think if my 59 year old brain is still working they call it Blood. They do not give a damn about color, creed or national origin. They scream in a lot of cases, the die in some cases, and those that servive live with nightmares for the rest of their lives. Even those who had the good fortune or luck not to get hit suffer nightmares. I know I do, and I've been back from Nam for almost 40 years. Do we talk about it, some of us do now, most of us only with some one who has lived it. "Play yer harmonica, son" I would gladly stand next to Black, Hispanic, White, Koren, or anyother you care to name and call him/her my brother/sister in any war and at home if they are willing to place their life in defence of my freedom. I sure as hell would not say that they were used to control the population growth (decress the population) or any thing else. They have my respect, and my most sincere thanks.

MikeBee| 11.5.10 @ 11:29AM

Appleby,
Your last paragraph also answers the question posed by the letter writer, why there are so many funerals that they had to schedule. The WWII vets are all passing in large numbers, now. When my Mom died, she was to be buried with my Dad, who had received full military honors, including 21-gun salute, because he had been a POW during WWII. The schedule for burying my Mom was very tight, with all the WWII vets passing.

Alan Brooks| 11.6.10 @ 12:43AM

Ben Stein is the worst writer at AS.
He a living insult to the Judaic heritage.

Margie| 11.6.10 @ 11:48AM

Brooks,

I have no idea why you say this about Ben Stein. He's a good man.
Alan, take your nasty self and go read something out of the book of Psalms. I think you need a good dose of reality right now. We all do, everyday. King David need it too. He had to constantly call out to God for His mercy.. so do I. So do you.
I am not kidding. Take two Psalms and call me in the morning.. it is a fitting prescription for what ails you.. and all of us!

Bob K.| 11.6.10 @ 7:30PM

Over the years I've read and enjoyed most of Ben Stein's columns and I've also had disagreements with some things he wrote. That's life! He is a long, long way from being the worst writer at AS.

I am not Jewish so I won't say much about who or who is not a "living insult to the Judaic heritage" except to say that he certainly is not that. If you are Jewish you probably can think of much, much better examples. If you aren't Jewish you shouldn't be making comments like this.

Occam's Tool| 11.8.10 @ 3:26AM

No, he isn't the worst writer, nor an insult to the Judaic heritage. I am a Jew, descendant of Rabbis, and have a good grasp of this.

(However, Stein is an attorney, and has the deficits consistent with that problematic breed.) Alan, eschew Tim*itude. Your writing is much better when you do. And this column is Stein at his least offensive. Honestly, he's eulogizing an American hero. What's wrong with that?

Darin| 11.5.10 @ 6:58AM

A tribute to veterans.
All gave some, some gave all.

JayDubIII| 11.5.10 @ 8:23AM

As a young airman at Hamilton AFB in California I had the honor of serving on the Honor Guard for USAF funerals at the Golden Gate Military Cemetery.

I can tell you that it's a very sobering experience to bury our warriors.

TennesseeVolunteer| 11.5.10 @ 9:07AM

Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!
God bless.

JayDubIII| 11.5.10 @ 9:22AM

I'm new to the site and it's gratifying to see some moderating and deleting done on absurd comments that are woefully inappropriate.

Thank you.

beebop| 11.5.10 @ 9:39AM

Yes .... but ....

Those who have served did so to protect all of us. The uninformed, knee-jerk and ridiculous comments stand in stark contrast to those of a grateful nation. Let the dogs have their say.

JayDubIII| 11.5.10 @ 9:55AM

I respectfully disagree. Our nation was founded in part by dissent but some comments like the one deleted are so far over the line that leaving them on detracts from the overall discourse a good article should generate.

Tim*| 11.5.10 @ 9:32AM

Dad's immortal being has separated from his mortal body.
We laid his noble warrior body next to my mother's under a tree by Valley Forge.

Fide Et Fortitudine.

Ken (Old Texican)| 11.5.10 @ 9:35AM

It was an honor to fill sand bags for you guys.

God bless those of you here, and those of you not.

dsayne| 11.5.10 @ 10:19AM

Late in the course of my basic training in 1979 I was selected to serve on an Honor Guard for a veteran's funeral. Why they used trainees I don't know, but we were driven to a cemetary next to a small country church, marched into position, waited motionless and silent, fired our volleys, and marched out again. We returned to training and no information was ever given to us about what we had participated in. In fact, there was no entry in my service record of having performed this salute. I do not know if that is standard procedure or not. What I do know is that as a National Guardsman who spent 6 years drilling and training, and who was never activated, I have always felt that this funeral was the greatest service I ever performed for my country.

Ole Sarge| 11.5.10 @ 5:37PM

At the local VFW there is an old Marine, he never went into battle, no war while he is in, he is very concerned over this, I have made it a point to tell him that he was there, he was ready and had the need occurred, he would have gone and done his duty.

You should feel no regret over not ending up in a war, you were there and ready, stand on the line, ready to fight for your country, you did your part

Ray| 1.2.11 @ 8:42PM

To serve! Not going to war is nothing to be ashamed of. The point this "old Marine" should look at is like you stated. If needed to fight he was there. He saw a Duty, filled it with Honor by serving. No where does Honor, Duty, Loyalty, Couarge, or Pride does it say "must go to battle or war'. Those come from knowing that you did what you thought was your duty, with honor, loyalty to your fellow team members and country, and you did it proudly.

Tell him from on vet to another I think him and gladly call him brother.

Taxpayer| 11.6.10 @ 7:51PM

What Old Sarge said. My father was USAF but didn't serve during wartime, so he never considered himself a "real" soldier. He felt his service could never compare to that of his father, a WWI AND WWII vet; to his brothers in Korea and Vietnam; to his nephews in Gulf I and Iraq/Afghanistan.

He said he didn't want any military honors at his funeral. But as his next of kin, I and my stepmom decided to piss him off and do it anyway. He deserved it, even if he didn't think so.

Ray| 1.2.11 @ 8:43PM

Thank you.

matthew s harrison| 11.5.10 @ 10:19AM

I was at a doughnuts for dads event at my sons' school this morning. The three of us arrived and as we walked in, we walked by 4 other fathers, all in uniform-2 Army, 1 Marine, 1 Navy. One of the Army and the Marine were battle veterans-and my sons and I thanked them all for their service(as we always do-we live by a large Naval Installation).
I passed a note to the President of the PTO, and watched her share it with the principal, as they were making announcements over the loud speaker-the note read 'We have some military dads with us this morning".
The PTO president and the Principal looked at each other and shrugged-then they both looked at me with disdain.
I guess there is no accounting for class-and it is difficult to fathom the lefties who run our public schools to stoop to recognize the sacrifice of our military they so disdain.
It ruined my day.
The piece above, and the words from Ret. Marine brought tears to my eyes. I and my family thank you all-especially my former Marine big brother, and my former Navy father.
Greater heroes I have never, nor will I ever know, than those who defend our nation.

Texas Mom 2012| 11.5.10 @ 1:40PM

My father was Navy, stationed in San Diego and Tokyo in the mid-fifties. He does not consider himself a vet although he is partially deaf from his service on a destroyer. But God Bless all who have served. It is the greatest regret of my life that I did not...

joli| 11.5.10 @ 8:15PM

Texas Mom, you have kids, right? (the "Mom" gave it away). And they respect and admire our servicemen and women? Would they scorn the idea of going into service one day when they are of age? You haven't worn a uniform, but you have served, just as I have, and any other mom who teaches her children respect for our country and our country's defenders.

Occam's Tool| 11.5.10 @ 4:45PM

I make it a point to always thank the Vets I meet and treat for their service. One member of the 28th (Bloody Bucket) division gave me a beautiful book on the Battle of the Huertgen, whcih he participated in, with handwritten comments. When my son gets old enough, I plan to read it with him so he can understand.

RacerJim| 11.6.10 @ 12:46PM

My dad was the Executive Officer and Forward Observer Laison Pilot of BBty229th FABn122thInfReg28thInfDiv during the "Battle of the Ardennes". A hand written "V---MAIL" to my mom shows:
"ROUNDS FIRED By "B" Btry in COMBAT (ETO)
July 31st to Dec 31st

SECTION AMOUNT OF ROUNDS
First 5265
Second 6949
Third 7239
Fourth 6462

25,915 Total

Occam's Tool| 11.5.10 @ 4:48PM

Liberals do as Liberals do. You know, Liberals used to be patriots.

But our schoolteachers in Minnesota do not treat our vets in that fashion.

Phil Hoey| 11.5.10 @ 7:19PM

Matthew I know where you are coming from. At Urbana High School in Ijamsville, MD, (South of Frederick), the day after 9/11 one of the English Teaches announced in class (my middle son was present - now active in the US Navy) that the United States deserved this. When I found out it was all my son could do to prevent me from making a major blow up. We later ran into this butt hole at a restraunt and I refused to shake his hand, and told him why. I did complain about his, along with a lot of other parents and all that happened was a slap on the wrist. At this same school, after graduation, my youngest son enlisted in the Marines. After Parris Island he went to the schoo,l in uniform, to visit some friends who had not yet graduated and the vice-principle told him he had to leave that he was not premitted to be in a military uniform on Frederick County School property and wanted him and his recruited to immediately leave.
Oh - by the way - this school has been labeled to be in the top 6% of all High Schools in the US. For teaching what?

Our children are not being educated they are being brain washed. Freedom is not free and if the lefties get their way I can't wait to see them try to put a burka on Ms Couric and Ms. Barr LOL.

RacerJim| 11.6.10 @ 12:09PM

Phil...please shake your son's hand for me, firmly!

Our children are indeed being brain washed. The Principles of two K-5 schools in Rockville MD recently cancelled Halloween festivities because of cultural and/or religeous complaints by a handful of parents. Diversity run amock.

Bill| 11.5.10 @ 10:19AM

One thing that some people do with the folded flag and the cartridge casing is to mount the flag and the casing, frame it and hang it up in an honored place. If the deceased had any medals or campaign ribbons, sometimes they get mounted too.

Appleby| 11.6.10 @ 5:23AM

Michaels sells the special boxes for the flags as they are triangular when folded. Mama got one for Christmas from the grandchildren.

Taxpayer| 11.6.10 @ 7:54PM

And you can get small plaques engraved and mounted on the box, too. Things Remembered does the plaques.

RacerJim| 11.8.10 @ 8:50AM

Medals of America has the most extensive catalog of US Military Service Decorations & Awards, display cases, etc, etc. I've seen.

http://www.medalsofamerica.com/

ENOUGH ROPE| 11.5.10 @ 10:51AM

Thank you Ben Stein for sharing your friend's reverence.

May God shower his consoling graces on your friend and all those who grieve for their departed beloved warriors. Know that their goodness lives on in their families. May their grief be assuaged by the knowledge that they can someday live in eternal joy with their kin.

A. C. Santore| 11.5.10 @ 11:15AM

I sent my eldest son (like me, a vet) a photograph of our church cemetery. His response was, "Wow! I cannot believe that there are so many flags!"

Marc Z| 11.5.10 @ 12:30PM

For those of you who have access to Netflix or Blockbuster, may I suggest renting "Taking Chance" about an Escort Officer's experience of traveling with a fallen Marine's body to his final resting place.

Ole Sarge| 11.5.10 @ 5:40PM

I have seen this movie, it is very moving. I would second your suggestion.

Taxpayer| 11.6.10 @ 7:59PM

My grandfather was USCG in WWII Pacific. One of his ship's duties was to bring the boys' bodies back home. If they couldn't get home because of a blockade or whatever, he had to bury the boys where they died.

He'd already served in WWI, and was married, in his 40s, with 5 kids when he re-upped. When he returned from the war, he wept long and hard, like many vets did. But it wasn't for himself. It was for all the young soldiers he buried. "They were just boys!" was his lament.

OLDRAY| 11.5.10 @ 12:54PM

Good to see so many remember our fallen.It's been a long time now, but I often think of 1st Armored Regiment comrades who lie in Tunisia, Anzio and the Appenines. Thanks for the many fine comments. It is moving.

JKS| 11.5.10 @ 2:18PM

Were you with the 36th Division. My wife's grandfather was an artillery sergeant in that division and was in the same places. My parents' best friend's father was also in Anzio, though I haven't found out if he was in the 36th Division. We are blessed to still have granddad. He's 97 years old and still going strong.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Margie| 11.5.10 @ 2:06PM

I once knew a Vietnam vet who received the purple hear medal. After knowing and being close friends with him and his wife for several years he told me about it.
I had no idea! He told me about it after I asked him why his skin was broken out so badly. He said it was from agent orange in Nam. He took out the purple heart medal to show me during the course of the conversation and I was kind of surprised at how tiny it was. This was in the early 90's. I remember thinking it should have been a lot larger of a medal.
I too have always marveled at how the most honorable and courageous among us seem to also be the most humble.
I love and appreciate so very much all of our men in uniform, and also those who go unnamed in our intelligence community who give their all.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Jn. 15:13.

Alan Brooks| 11.5.10 @ 6:20PM

Marge,
these people worship Satan.

Margie| 11.5.10 @ 6:33PM

Brooks is either taking psychotropic drugs today or else someone is posting in his name.

Whoever you are~ grow up.

Appleby| 11.6.10 @ 5:25AM

Pray for him. Obviously his father was a disappointment, and his mother was not a lady.

Margie| 11.6.10 @ 11:09AM

Alan knows that when he speaks well, I am on his side. Today just wasn't one of those days.
I know that God so loves Alan Brooks. He doesn't give up on anybody.. and I'm speaking from many years of experience of being in and out of rebellion against Him.
If His mercy is sufficient for me, it can save anyone.

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness."The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD." Lam. 3:21-26.

Not only do I pray for Alan, but God's love is in my heart for him.
That is why I've been called a Marxist traitor by some here.. because to some who can't understand.. the way I try and appeal.. in His way as best I can, to Alan at times. God judges not by outward appearance but looks on the heart.
God bless you, Appleby.

Gretchen| 11.5.10 @ 3:20PM

Whenever I see someone in uniform -- in the grocery or drugstore, on the street, etc. -- I make a point going up to, and thanking them and their colleagues for all they are doing for us.

RacerJim| 11.6.10 @ 11:56AM

Thank you Gretchen -- rest assured they appreciate you doing that more than you can imagine.

I do likewise. And whenever I visit my father in Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery and see someone in uniform or civies paying their respects to a fallen hero from Iraq or Afghanistan -- I make it a point to walk over to, introduce myself to, shake hands with, hand a small American Flag to, and thank them and their colleagues and offer my condolences and pay respect to their fallen hero.

Whenever

Carolyn Izzo| 11.5.10 @ 4:09PM

On November 9, 2007, at age 28, my nephew, Marine Sgt. Phillip Allen Bocks was killed in an ambush during a mission in Afghanistan's Nuristan province. His funeral was at the Mountain Warfare Training Center where he was and instructor before volunteering to to to Afghanistan. The part I will never forget was when the roll call was done and each Marine responding in a sharp and loud voice "Present". They called Phillip's name three different times during the roll call and the silence was not only deafening, it was haunting. I will never forget.

Ray| 1.2.11 @ 8:56PM

I am sorry for your loss. And I thank you for your nephew's service. As is so often stated "No greater has a man..." I know he is missed as so many lost to war are missed. As a vet my self I say thank you to you, his father, and his mother.

Ray,
army '69-'78

Penny| 11.5.10 @ 4:57PM

Just saying thank you to all the posters here. This is most moving. Our Dad fought with the RAF in 1940, the Battle of Britain. Like so many of that truly great generation, he has passed on. Let us make the most of those we are lucky enough to still have with us.

Wallie Lacks| 11.5.10 @ 5:31PM

God bless all of my brothers (Semper Fi)

Tim*| 11.5.10 @ 5:36PM

" Prentice "

Well today he died!
Nobody knows why, you see.
I couldn't place his name and face
if you asked it of me.
His line number only has meaning to me.
He was one of us, you know.
But over here they come and go.
A blur of green before your eyes.
A half-hearted smile is what you
know him by.
Really !
Nobody knows, nobody cries.
Nobody wonders.....Why?
Really !
It's been so long since it all started.
But today he died.

SSG. Richard B........
2nd Platoon
B Company
1/22nd Infantry
4th Infantry Division

Ray| 1.2.11 @ 8:58PM

Don't we all cry and wounder why? Thank you.

Heywood| 11.5.10 @ 5:39PM

My Father was also honored in this way. He served 572 straight days of combat duty, valiantly, in Korea. When they fired that cannon, the whole city knew my Father had died and the sound still echos in my heart--forever.
An indescribable feeling of faith, pride and extreme patriotism rushed over me. Everyone there was weeping uncontrollably when they played taps. I could barely hold that Flag and wished my mom was the one who received it.

Sarah Baynes | 11.6.10 @ 5:59AM

God Bless you for continually bringing these heartfelt moments of distinction our way.

PELLIGRINO| 11.6.10 @ 6:37AM

Thank you for the original Ben Stein article above. Thanks more to the vets who have posted here, their siblings, their relatives, and their friends.

It is reassuring to see that many understand.

I appreciate very much reading the comments of those like Appleby, Ken, Bill, Occam, and Doug. (Thanks for trying to help that young man -- he seems young -- understand. You worded your thoughts well, Doug.)

It is very heartwarming to know that we have fellow countrymen like all of you who find real ways to honor, remember, and respect both those fallen and those still with us.

Many posts here have touched me....as I read here this morning. Heywood, thank you.

And all of you pass these valuable understandings on to your children. Thank you. Bless you.

Doug| 11.6.10 @ 5:15PM

A young man approached his rabbi.

He asked, "Rabbi, what should one gain in life?"

After a moment the rabbi responded, "Good judgement."

The young man thought, "My rabbi is wise", and asked, "Rabbi, How does one gain good judgement?"

Stroking his beard thoughtfully the rabbi said, "Experience."

"Ah", the young man thought, "Now I know why this man is our rabbi". "Rabbi", he asked, "How does one gain experience?"

After a short pause the rabbi responded, "Bad judgement."

Free SMS - SMS Gratis | 11.6.10 @ 6:58AM

Brooks is either taking psychotropic drugs today or else someone is posting in his name.

Mike From Wixom| 11.6.10 @ 9:10AM

Ben is that you teasing us, acting as Alan Brooks?

Margie| 11.6.10 @ 11:32AM

May I add just one more little story here? It's only because I love him so much. That's my Dad. (And because I feel like I'm among some friends here expressing similar stories too).
My Dad (a lifelong Democrat by the way, and I'm a lifelong Repub.), but anyhow.. was always extremely quiet my whole life. Growing up in our house it was kind of amazing if he would even speak much to us. I always never understood it.. he always seemed unhappy but I never knew why. I still remember like it was yesterday when I was very little him coming home from work one day and me running up to him and hugging him and saying "I love you, Daddy!" He looked so shocked. I think it was because he knew he didn't show that kind of emotion to me..

Well my Dad has been a loyal husband to one woman for 56 years of Marriage and a hard working man. He's going to be 80 soon. He still works part time in the court as a police officer and is Captain in the town where I grew up.

Sorry to make this a long post folks. But here's the thing. Two Summers ago as we were at a family barbeque and Birthday for one of the Grandchildren he suddenly opened up and told us that when he was in the Korean war (he was around 18 yrs. old)~ he was about to be sent out to active duty and he got a burst appendix. He almost died. In his place another man was sent and as soon as he hit the battlefield, he was killed.
I don't know why he suddenly told us but to me, it finally made me realize everything I always wondered about why he was the way he was. So emotionally distant. Now I know.
And somehow all my life I knew he was a really good man. And that even as a child I somehow knew that that the way he was wasn't evil or bad.. just that something was wrong but I didn't know what it was.
God let me know in my little heart that Daddy really did love me.. he just couldn't show it exactly like I wanted him to. All his life he's carried that burden..

When we get to Heaven just imagine how wonderful it's going to be to be able to see all of our loved ones again. Just imagine all of the Vets we're going to see there.. myriads and myriads! They won't be in their uniforms.. but they'll be clothed in glory.
God bless.

Yosemeti Sam| 11.6.10 @ 12:19PM

" ... I thanked the service men and women again as we left and then we made our way out...."

John 15:13; "greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

It's been demonstrated over and over - IMO - by those imbued by the HOLY Spirit.

If ANGELS may strive against ANGELS - why not man against man?

For ULTIMATE - VICTORY!

somnolence| 11.6.10 @ 2:00PM

I'm going to use this humble forum to remember my father, who was awared a Bronze Star for heroic action near Kassel, Germany in WWII. Like most veterans, he was very reluctant to talk about his combat experiences. He just felt that he did his service for his country, nothing else. My nephew has remembered this at www.historicalgenealogy.blogspot.com . As for myself, I'm going to be attending one of those "red, white, and blue" proceedings this coming Thursday at a local grade school, where children honor vets every year. I'm a non-combat vet, served in the Air Force from 1974-1977. To this day I still cringe when I think that one of our presidents, during his formative years in political involvement, stated that he "loathed the military."

OLDRAY| 11.6.10 @ 3:18PM

Re JKS..Thank you for your comments. The 1st Armored Regt (G Company) was part of the 1st Armored Division. The company was almost totally destroyed at Mt Lassuda when Rommel attecked at Faid Pas (the start of the Kasserine Pass Defeat0, I escaped fro Gafsa (the other wing of Rommels initial assault. It was a good company later (after Anzio) we were the nucleus (64 men) of the reoganized (redesignated) A co 1st Tank Bn of the 1st AD. and remained that til the end of the war (near Switzerland) except for a spell when due to winter and terrain half of us went into the line as A Co 1st Provisional Rifle Company (1st Tank Bn)..Our 17 Tank company went thru over 100 tanks in this period. Gcompany lost over 100 ment in it's 1st day of combat at Lessouda 14th Feb ,1943..I was 18 years old..My , my but it doesn't seem that long ago.

OLDRAY| 11.6.10 @ 3:26PM

JKS..More re your comment...Your relatives in the 36th Division..A very fine division . They took the brunt of some very tough battles and a terrible Rapido River crossing. Italy was a real tough go. Mountain after mountain and rivers and mud . I am sure your 97 year old relative will well remember. I salute him and his comrades of the 36th.

PELLIGRINO| 11.6.10 @ 7:44PM

To: OldRay Sir, thank you for posting here. And thank your for what you were a part of so many years ago now. People seem to think that the German Army in Europe just "rolled over" once the D-Day beachhead was established in Normandie in northern France.

No way! (You know better; I think most readers here know better. But I doubt the general population under 45 knows.)

Unlike you, I only know of the Italian peninsula campaigns from countless walks and visits to places throughout that part of Italy and then other ventures into southern France (the US and allied invasion near Marseille of fall 1944 almost NEVER gets any attention) and yes the Anzio part of Italia just an hour's drive south from Rome on today's roads.

I hope you will take some pleasure in knowing that some of the historical markers and monuments in that part of Italy remain, the ones marking the US military advances. They almost go unnoticed by everyone. But if you look for them, they are still there.

I am sure that you know that The World War II Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial just outside of Nettuno is still there. Website: http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/sr.php

(something odd: I don't see listed a ceremony for this coming Thursday, Veterans' Day. Maybe I am overlooking something?)

Sir, thanks! Please keep telling your grandkids, the younger ones at the VFW, and everyone in all places in between about these events in the 1940's.

(From one "Iron Soldier" to another "Iron Soldier," Old Ray)

And, sir, I can vouch that the "Anzio" streamer is always there on the 1AD flag.

Tony Electric Shaver Cigo | 11.6.10 @ 6:30PM

I work in a hospital which is close to a military base. On almost a daily basis I see young soldiers still in their teens come into the hospital with terrible injuries. It really does make you appreciate how hard the work they do really is.

Mildred Pritchett| 11.6.10 @ 6:46PM

I am the daughter left behind while my daddy was serving in the 82 Airborne during WWII. Daddy jumped into Normandy on D Day. I was able to go to Normandy with Daddy and the 82nd. for both the 50th and 60th anniversary of D Day.
The story I want to share happened to us at the American Cemetery in the Netherlands. We were there on Memorial Day, 2004. There were 10,000 Dutch at our American Cemetery thanking us that they do not speak German.
The Americans got to sit down during the ceremony. We had bleachers such as you would find on the visitor's side of a Texas High School football game. The Dutch had to stand.
A Dutch man was holding a sign with my daddy's last name. In spite of the size of the crowd, I saw him. He was looking for daddy because daddy was a 507 from Texas. He had adopted a grave of a 507 Paratrooper from Texas.
When this man decided he wanted to adopt a grave, he walked the graves and picked his, a Texan. He then went to the courthouse and signed some legal paper that he would decorate that grave at least three times a year.
He was in no obligation to adopt a grave but once he did it must be decorated. When he becomes too old to decorate his chosen grave, his family must continue. He brought his son with him.
I guessed his age to be older then I am and his son older than my daughter.
He gave daddy 24 roses to decorate other graves and proudly showed us his adopted grave with three beautiful roses. He told us that every year the eight to nine thousand Dutch will come to the American cemetery on Memorial Day. For the 60th Anniversary they had about 10,000 Dutch honoring our American Vets. The ceremony lasted about 4 hours. The highlight of the trip was meeting this grateful Dutch citizen and his son.
Thank you, service men and women and all the vets for my freedom.
We lost my mother just after 9-11 and Daddy is now under Hospice care.

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Mrs. Brooks (Alan's Mom)| 11.7.10 @ 9:32AM

I must apologize for my son. His medication ran out while I was "working" and I had to turn one more tric... I mean I had to go to the bank to get the money to refill it.

I'm very sorry for his actions here. If only I knew who his father was so I could blame him...

T| 11.7.10 @ 9:38AM

A very meaningful post with many profound comments.

Re: Alan Brooks, if it isn't obvious yet, Brooks is a troll and a provocateur. To respond to him is to give him the attention he craves. Ignore him.

QuietPro| 11.8.10 @ 5:14PM

When I was in my early 20's, I had the great honor of conducting funeral details while stationed in New York, for many soldiers who had gone before me in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. As I gazed at their families, and at the final rest of these veterans, I wondered what they thought of in life, what was going through their minds while going through these expereinces. Now, having repeatedly fought in Iraq and now looking back and quietly reflecting on this article, ladies and gentlemen, all I can say is this:

I know now.

Yes, I know.

Thank you so much, Mr. Stein.

Mike From Wixom| 11.8.10 @ 8:18PM

Ben - Brillant acting as Mrs. Brooks (Alan's Mom)

general summerall| 11.9.10 @ 12:29AM

I wish I knew why Alan is using the name he is regaling us with. The real Lord Alanbrooke was not one to suffer fools(including the Prime Minister WC), and if Alan and Lord A ever meet in the Ultimate Reality the (I assume young college kid) is going to experience a painful Eternity.

G F Founder| 11.11.10 @ 2:13PM

On this Veterans' Day 11/11/2010, to all the military and their families who have written in this article's blog, or have read this blog, I want to say THANK YOU for ALL you have done in service and after service to our blessed nation.

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