I have a family history of patriotism and military duty in my family.
It all started back in Europe where my Great Great Grandfather served in the then Russian/Polish Army. His name was General Joseph Bohusz-Szysko
His son, my Great Grandfather also served and went on to become the second in command at one of the most instrumental battles of World War 2...Monte Cassino. His name was General Zygmunt Bohusz-Szysko.
My mother's father, my Grandfather also served during World War 2, he spent most of the war in a POW camp. His name was Captain Max Michalak
My uncle joined the Air Force and spent more than 20 years in service all over the world. His last few years were spent flying into hurricanes with a scientific crew. His name was Master Sergeant Peter Michalak
My husband is currently on active duty here in the states and has nearly 24 years in the Army. He has been to combat many times, including The Gulf War and Bosnia. His name is Sergeant First Class William Gordon.
The word "Veteran" to me is synonymous with the words, hero, brave, duty, respect, selflessness, patriotism...among others.
I told you the names of the military men in my family, but there are millions more names that through out time have served selflessly. They fought for years against hitler, went to Vietnam whether they wanted to or not, made a career out of the military or gave the ultimate sacrifice... their lives. All so we could be free.
The word "Veteran" will always be capitalized by me no matter the circumstances.
While we can never know all the birth names of all the heroes through out time, we do know their given name...Veteran. Never forget what they have done for us all and never forget to respect Them and care for Them. And please when you see a Veteran or a service member, look them in the eye and thank them for their sacrificies. It is the least we can do.
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Comments: 80
Thank you, Mandi.
Many blessings upon you.
Thanks for the reminder Mandi~
and thanks for your 10's!
Blessed be,
Wilka
Karen
I came across an article here where this moron of a man had the audacity to give me his condolences because of my nephew and every family who has loved ones in the military!!!!! Can you believe it??? This insult to our families and the brave men and women serving in the military in one form or another, is a total slap in the face. I have yet to come across him again, but if I do, I'll have some choice words for him.
My son is now in the Army and serving our country with his life.
When you see a soldier, PLEASE thank them for serving the country so that you can continue to live in our free country. And another thing, if you are at liberty to give these guys and gals a discount or help them out in some way...PLEASE DO SO !!
If you are a cashier at a restaurant and the management freely offers discounts to seniors and police and such, please give a soldier a break. They really don't make much money for the duty that they are doing for our country.
I couldn't agree more.
Are you related to Lisa M? M for Michalak?
Though I think her name is Michalek.
Great wonderful tribute, Mandi.
As a Veteran currently in Afhghanistan, you comments touched my heart. So did a lot of the reponses to you your article. My family too has several Veterans besides my Father in WWII and his brother, several cousins, and two nephews who are both 2 time Iraq veterans. Since my family has been here since the 1640's, I am sure there are a lot more.
Knowing you and your husband Bill, you are both 'Good People' and supporters of the military. It is the support from loved ones and freinds not yet known that support us and express their gratitute which keep many of us still in.
I am named after my mother's brother Robert who died in the forest of Germany during WWII. My sister is named for my mother's brother Randy who died in Europe in WWII. My oldest brother Alan Floyd is named for my mother's brother who served in the Pacific, returned home and died from his wounds ten years later. I guess that was a lot to ask of my mom's family but freedom isn't free.
God Bless.
The sacrifice of our Armed Forces and their families is what has allowed this Republic to survive for so many years despite the failures of those who govern. God grant this nation will always have that tiny minority who serve this nation as such...
As commented by Wil B.
"LOL, is calling me an internationalist supposed to be in insult? I have never served in the US military, Robert. And yet I am just as much a US citizen as you are. My vote counts the same as yours. The same goes for my 3 sons, who are all US citizens despite never having set foot on US soil."
"As for the enjoyment of our rights as US citizens, your service in the US military has had zero impact. Did we ask you to fight, bleed or die so that we might enjoy our right to fly any damned flag we like? Nope."
Here is the link to the article on which this comment was made:
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977334507
We need to let this person know how us Veterans feel about this type of disrespect.
Thanks,
H. G.
My middle nephew is getting ready to be deployed for the second time over to iraq, he volunteers to go so married men don't have to leave the family behind, to me that takes guts just to go to a strange country and serve over there,
Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
I just wanted to stop by since I am finally going through what is now listed as under 4,700 pieces of gather new mail that is sitting in my inbox on here.
With that mentioned I just came across either a mailing from you yourself, or someone else brought this piece to my attention. You or they felt that your creation should be shared with the gather community, which I am very glad that it was passed on to me to view. So I wanted to say Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to publish it here on gather for us to all view. :o)
As well before I leave you I wanted to wish you a Happy New Year... in 2009 :o)