Honoring America's Heroes on Veterans Day
Today we honor our veterans. Those who have served bravely and courageously to keep America safe, secure and free. Many of you received the Veterans Day newsletter which is copied below this message. But here at Families United we felt that we needed to do more, do more for those who have done so much for us.
We put together this video in honor of our veterans.
Please click thumbnail above to view.
The video is dedicated to those who are with us today and those who have passed. We dedicate it to all the troops and their families currently serving, who have served, and those who still show the wounds of war. Dedicated to those who have protected us on the battlefield, and those who keep us safe here at home. We dedicate this video to all of our Heroes, America’s veterans who truly know what it means to sacrifice.
To all those who have worn this nation’s uniform we say a humble…
Thank you.
Veterans Day Newsletter
Ninety years ago, on November 11 at five o’clock in the morning in a railway carriage in the Compiegne Forest, the Armistice with Germany was signed, agreeing to stop hostilities six hours later. Consequently, at 11 o’clock on the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918, the guns of the First World War fell silent.
The “Great War” had left nearly 20 million military and civilian dead, that many again wounded, and a continent buried under rubble. “The war to end all wars” was over. And then, there was World War II, and Korea, and Vietnam, and now Iraq and Afghanistan.
Originally known as Armistice Day, November 11 later became known as Veteran’s Day. A day we honor all who have served our country, especially those who have given their last full measure.
For those who have served in our military, Veterans Day is a day that reminds them of the buds they served with, those they fought with, and those that did not come home. Families of Fallen Heroes are reminded of their loss and grieve anew for their hero. Blue Star families with heroes currently serving will reflect on the volatility of their current status as “Blue Star” hoping to never join the ranks of Gold.
Our current military is unique in the fact that it is an all volunteer force. Any soldier, sailor, airman or marine who is currently serving willingly raised their hand and said they would serve; and if need be, give their all for the country, as we have been fighting the War on Terror since 2001. This special group of patriots is typical of all who have fought in our nation’s history. Some would argue that during Vietnam and previous wars, not all who served were volunteers. I disagree with that. Whether it was in 1776 and a fledgling country issued a call, World War II, or the Vietnam Draft, soldiers had a choice to make. They could answer the call to serve, or the draft demand to serve, OR they could ignore the call and hide from the duty. During Vietnam many chose to hide from duty in Canada. Others made the choice to stay and serve their country, despite their fear and misgivings about the conflict. It was a tough choice, but it was a choice. This choice speaks volumes about the men and women of our military. This choice is about honor. Honor demanded they accept the call and in honor they answered the call.
This Veterans Day, let us return that honor. Let us reach out to the veterans in our midst and thank them for their service in defense of our country. Let us reach out to families of deployed heroes and stand beside them in support of their loved one who is in harms way. Let us reach out to the families of the fallen heroes and thank them for their sacrifice in preserving our freedom. This Veterans Day, let us return that honor – let us be worthy of the gift of freedom that each and every Veteran has fought to defend and protect. And then, let us make every day Veterans Day. Let us be worthy of the gift of freedom each and every day!
Veterans Day Events Around the Country
Arlington National Cemetery
A special event in honor of all past and present members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served and continue to serve in defense of our nation.
Event hosts include the Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Honorable James B. Peake, M.D., the Commanding General of the Military District of Washington, Major General Richard J. Rowe, Jr. and the Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, John C. Metzler, Jr.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, VA 22211
11 November, 2008
A wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns will begin at 11 a.m. and the observance ceremony will commence in the amphitheater immediately following. This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 8 a.m. with a free shuttle service located at the Visitor’s Center.
For more information, please click here.
1st ID Veterans Day in Washington DC
The 1st Infantry Division will honor its heroes on Veterans Day, November 11 at it's Monument in Washington, D.C. at 11:00 am. The 1st ID memorial in Washington DC is located in the park to the West of the White House and South of the Eisenhower Office Buildinig near 17th Street.
Special Veterans Day Concert Invitation extended to all Families United families:
A special concert will be held to mark the Diamond Jubilee of the Berlin Air Lift (1948-1949) and The Universality of Remembrance.
Keynote Speaker: The Honorable Karsten D. Voigt, Coordinator of German-American Cooperation.
Special Guest: General Radhi Dahham Al-Assal, Military Advisor to the Minister of Defense, Republic of Iraq
Saint Matthew’s Cathedral
1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
Veterans Day, 11 November 2008
6:00 p.m.
Cathedral doors open at 5:00 p.m.
For tickets, Email: BerlinAirLiftRemembranceConcert@hotmail.com
Please provide Name(s), Affiliation(s), Mailing Address
The concert is underwritten by a generous grant from DAIMLER. All tickets issue, free of charge, first come, first served, to U.S., U.K., Commonwealth and Allied veterans, troops and families.
Dress Code: Business Suit, Class-A Uniform
Click here for the invitation to this event.
The Convocation on Universal Remembrance
An event to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and an exploration into an international day of remembrance. For more information, click here.
Honorary Chair and Keynote Address: General Radhi Dahham Al-Assal
International Student House
1825 R Street, NW
Washington, DC
12 November 2008
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
To RSVP for the convocation, please email: BerlinAirLiftRemembranceConcert@hotmail.com
On April 9, 2008 an emotional ceremony took place at Section 60, Arlington National Cemetery. The Iraqi Ambassador to the United States laid a wreath honoring all of America's Fallen Heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan at Section 60 where over 400 of those heroes lie. The Ambassador then hosted a dinner for all of the families in attendance. It was a memorable event filled with comments that our families have wanted to have for remembrance. These speeches along with a series of comments on International Remembrance of the Soldiers have been combined in an EBook that is available by clicking here.
Battleship New Jersey
The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial will honor Veterans Day with half-price tours for all veterans throughout the day. This includes the ship’s new City at Sea Guided Tour and General Quarters Audio Tour.
Battleship New Jersey
100 Clinton St.
Camden, N.J. 19103
The ship is open for tours on November 11, from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Navy wreath ceremony
forecastle (main deck)
12:15 p.m.
Colors presented by the Naval ROTC of Villanova University.
Special Guests: veteran father and son, James Roselli and James Roselli, Jr. will speak about their years of service for their country.
To contact the Battleship New Jersey, please click here.
Veterans Day Parades Across the Nation
Friday, November 7, 2008
Columbus Military Veteran’s Day Parade (Milvets)
Downtown Columbus, Ohio
12 p.m.
Parade begins at Nationwide Plaza
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Auburn’s 43RD Annual Veterans Day Parade
Auburn, Wash.
11 a.m.
Parade begins at Main Street, downtown Auburn
Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade
Colorado Springs, Colo.
10 a.m.
Parade begins at St. Vrain Street
Milwaukee 24th Annual Veterans Day Parade
Milwaukee, Wisc.
11 a.m.
Parade route begins at Kilbourn Street
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Dallas Veterans Day Parade
Dallas, Texas
11 a.m.
Parade beings at Reunion Arena
New York Legacy of Honor Parade
New York City, NY
11:30-3 p.m.
Parade begins at Fifth Ave. from 26th Street to 56th Street
San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade
San Fernando Valley, Calif.
11:11 a.m.
Parade beings at the corner of Laurel Canyon Blvd. and San Fernando Mission Blvd.
Georgia Veterans Day Parade
Atlanta, Ga.
11:11 a.m.
Parade begins at West Peachtree Street near Pine Street and Centennial Olympic Park
National Veterans Day in Birmingham
Birmingham, Ala.
1:30 p.m.
Parade beings at 8th Avenue North and 19th Street
Columbia 30th Annual Veterans Day Parade
Columbia, S.C.
11 a.m.
Parade route begins at Sumter Street
Branson Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
Branson, Mo.
11 a.m.
Parade route goes through downtown Branson
Applebee’s Salutes the Military on Veterans Day!
This Veterans Day, Applebee’s invites all active duty and veterans to eat free at participating locations. To find a participating location near you, please click here.
You will be required to show proof of military service. Acceptable documents are: U.S. Uniform Services ID card, retired ID card, DD214, LES, Citation or Commendation, a photograph in uniform or a veterans
Honoring our Heroes
Families United will be honoring a hero in each of our Newsletters. If you wish to share your hero’s story, please email it to Heroes.FamiliesUnited@gmail.com.
My heroes by Sgt. Harold Letson,
In August of 2004 while I was home for two weeks R & R from Mosul, Iraq some of my buddies were ambushed by a vehicle born IED. They were in a four vehicle convoy enroute to the Palace in Mosul. While all of the vehicles were affected, one bore most of the blast. The saw-gunner was "Spanky" Gibson. He was in the "box" (the area in the back of the humvee where the gunner stands with his mounted weapon) and was hit in the left shoulder and leg.
The driver, Bill Hatton, had an alternate MOS as a combat medic. He and the TC, "Dagwood" Gross, traded positions so that Bill could climb in the back to work on Spanky while Dagwood drove them out of the kill zone. Spanky was lying in a growing pool of blood and would have bled to death without the medical aid provided by Bill.
Once they reached safety Bill could then work on himself. During the explosion a piece of white hot shrapnel pierced the lower edge of the driver side door. It entered and exited completely through Bill's left boot. It went in a few inches above his ankle and exited through the inside portion of his calf muscle on the other side of his left leg. His boot was rapidly filling with blood and his foot, ankle and lower leg were swelling. But his first thoughts were of Spanky.
Spanky was eventually air lifted to Germany for extensive life saving surgery. After a couple of weeks he was sent to Walter Reed for more surgeries and rehab. There were some "close calls" during his surgery in Germany. He developed a high fever and sepsis. For a couple of days the doctors were unsure if Spanky would survive. He eventually received a medical retirement.
Bill received prompt medical treatment and was placed on light duty (if there is such a thing in a war zone!) He had to go before a medical board and was given a permanent profile. The swelling of his ankle has never gone down and he walks with a limp.
Dagwood did not receive any physical injuries that day. His injuries are not visible, but he lives with the constant memories of how close to death they came. He witnessed two of his buddies being severely injured. Sometimes emotional injuries can be as traumatizing as physical injuries.
While all of the men in that convoy are my heroes, SSGT Bill Hatton, SSGT Darin Gross and SPC Spanky Gibson have my utmost respect and admiration.
SGT Harold Letson
115th Signal BN
Co C
Moulton, Al 35650
Thank you to each of these heroes:
SSGT Bill Hatton
SSGT Darin Gross
SPC Spanky Gibson
SGT Harold Letson
