Big doings in Emerald City tomorrow, according to a couple of Standard-Examiner articles:Veteran's day parade tomorrow, announces today's Standard-Examiner headline.
And for a little history, here's this great earlier Std-Ex story.
Be there or be square, fellow Emerald City U.S. military veterans.
And to rattle the memories of those vets who may have forgotten how to march, or even rout step properly, here's a the familiar and authentic U.S. military marching/running cadence (Duckworth) chant, going back at least to the Korean War Era, which we're sure all late 20th/early 21st century military folks will well remember, even in its most recent, probably politically-correct and watered-down manifestation[s].
Brings a tear to yer humble blogmeister's jaded eye, actually... [sniff]
We call upon all U.S. military veterans -- and lifetime patriotic civilians to get downtown tomorrow for the Emerald City Veteran's Day Parade.
Rudi will be there, out of uniform, as per normal when he's off-duty & mustered from the U.S. Army for +26 years; and Rudi will also be participating in a short veteran's gathering/reunion at the Kokomo Klub after the parade, one click off the parade/UTA #603 bus route.
This is the first time in a long while that U.S. military veterans have been honored with a parade in Emerald City, as the above history article reports.
We hope Emerald City citizens will show up in force tomorrow morning to support the troops present and past; and that the turnout will mandate the doing of this as an annual Emerald City event.
Update 11/12/06 7:58 a.m. MT: Rudi attended yesterday's parade, and had a danged fine time of it. What the crowd in attendance lacked in sheer numbers, it made up for in wild enthusiasm. There was much spirited interaction between the folks who stood on the curb, cheering, waving and saluting, and the hundreds of active-duty military personnel, veterans and other participants (including city council members Stephens & Jeske) who were officially part of the parade.
Numerous wheelchairs were in evidence, as a stark reminder of the true nature of the sacrifices made by men and women who wear the uniform in the service of their country. And in the olde-tyme blue-collar spirit of Emerald City, we enjoyed the 2-1/2 block long Emerald City Harley-Davidson parade unit, with many riders sporting Vietnam War-era military insignia and apparel -- something which particularly touched your sentimental blogmeister's heart.
We've uploaded a few snapshots of the event to our Picasa web photo album, for those who were unfortunate enought to have missed it. Although the camera lighting was poor, we believe these images do generally capture the atmosphere of this fantastic event as it transpired.
We sincerely hope the Emerald City Veteran's Day Parade will become an annual event; and we congratulate and thank all organizers, participants and attendees for putting together what was a genuinely heart-warming and spiritually-uplifting event.
20 comments:
I heard a weather forecast today that SAID the rain/snow is coming in the afteroon tomorrow!!
What great news. I'm very excited that this parade is taking place, and on November 11, too!
I hope all us posters will come out and wave flags, cheer and applaud our wonderful veterans. This is so important for our children to attend and feel the pride and love we have for our country, flag and those who lay their lives on the line for us to enjoy the freedoms we cherish. (Like being free to grouse about our gov't on this blog!)
My brother died in Korea and is buried in Arlington...my other brother was a Marine and served in Viet Nam. He's buried in the Beaufort (SC) National Cemetery.
See you tomorrow! Thanx for the thread, Rudi.
So Rudi, I tune into the anti Godfrey rage channel and get a memory jolt from days gone by in the 101st!
What a pleasant surprise.
Tanks Pal.
Today, the USMC is 235 years old. Happy Birthday all you jarheads. It's always been a SPECIAL day for me and those of us who served in the Corps! Of course, we'll honor all of those who served in any branch, on Veterans Day.
Freedom isn't free and we have the absolute BEST military in history!
Semper Fi!
My dad is tougher than yours,
My school is better than yours,
My government is more rightous than yours,
And if you don't agree with me
I will kill your ass!
Semper Fi!
Maybe old Ted should serve a hitch and he'd understand....punk!
butch
I would venture to guess that "Ted" dodged more enemy bullets in combat, in service to the United States, than you did...punk!
This could explain his infinately better understanding of this than you and some other weekend warrior patriots seem to have.
Attended the parade and patriotic program today!! What a great event! I hope that next year thousands will turn out to honor our veterans, living and dead, past and present.
I counted only a half dozen WWII vets, that I could identify anyway.
I thot the program was outstanding.
Godfrey was introduced to say a FEW words. WHY was it necessary for us to hear about his BA degree in Finance? BS in bankruptcy is more apt.
But, that was so self serving and inappropriate when we were giving honor to the Military! Then he didn't know when to quit.
Other than that sour note, the program was superb.
Colder'n a well-digger's knee out there today. I appreciate all who planned and participated.
Those little flag girls, from Weber??, must've been frozen in their skimpy outfits. The bands were wonderful, and men and women in uniform made us all proud.
The female soldier, whose name I didn't catch, sang the National Anthem and what a lovely voice she has! She's served since '81.
Kudos to all.
This needs to be an annual event with lots of publicity by the City.
It seem like the philosophical point that "Ted" made sailed clean over the head of "Butch"!
I don't think Ted was making an anti US military statement, but one on man's condition that creates war in the first place. His next post seemed to confirm that. Nothing like having some one shooting at you in war to give some real insight into what war is all about.
Thanks "Ted" and all the other Vets out there that have served.
And butch, before you attack me please know that I did 3 years, 3 months and 29 days in the 101st Airborne, and I fully agree with Ted's first post.
"Semper Fi" and "Geronimo" too
Right as rain, Ozboy. I totally misinterpreted Ted and owe him an apology and a thanks for his service, along with you and all those who served their country, where-ever and whenever.
Am I the only one who attended the parade and program today? Dorrene Jeske was there as she rode IN the parade...but where were the rest of you?
You weren't the only one, Sharon. I was in that lucky group of people standing rigidly still for an hour in the middle of the field. Yay cold!
Honors to you, Turdust!!!
You ALL were a magnificent sight! Thank you for your service.
Common now Sharon, the Mayor must have done something besides get up and talk about himself and his college degree - didn't he?
We all know he is arrogant and totally self posessed, but surely he is not so clueless as to not throw at least a few bones to the Vets - isn't he?
Was he in the parade? Were Stephens and Jeske the only two council members who bothered to come out and honor our Vets?
Did the Mayor and Mr. Reid perhaps don their "Biker Drag" costumes that Oz talks about occasionally and join in the biker portion of the parade?
And how about the Geigers? I do believe that one or more of them are Vets, were they there, or were they part of the promotional effort?
Bob Geiger was a Captain in the USMC. He, with everyone else who served, gets my respect. There should be no politicizing this day, just honoring those who keep us free by putting on their uniform.
Anonymous, you've got to be kidding?! The only things the Geigers promote are themselves and Ogden as a ski hub! The Mayor walked. Yuh, Stephens and Jeske were the only two Council members to ride in the parade, but I saw Garcia at the program at Lindquist Field.
Turdust, THANK YOU!! YOU GUYS AND GALS ARE MY HEROES!! I think that you stood at attention for TWO hours in the middle of the field, not just one. But, geez, you were a magnificent sight! THANKS, AGAIN, and to ALL the VETS WHO HAVE SERVED IN OUR COUNTRY'S NAME. This definitely HAS to become an annual event and tradition! It was wonderful to feel the pride that everyone had at the parade, whether watching or participating, and to see the tears in people's eyes.
If it were not for somebody doing a whole lot of politicizing in the past we wouldn't have most of the veterans that are alive today.
For the most part wars are fought because a bunch of old men disagreeing over politics and sending the young men off to kill each other to settle their differences of opinion.
We haven't had a war since WWII that was against a country that actually attacked us. Afganistan being an exception, and even there it was that country's "guests" that did the attacking not that country directly.
We certainly should not castigate our vets, they were pawns in a big political game and the overwhelming majority of them were not, and are not political.
Most are just good people who wanted to serve their countries. That includes the ones we fought against.
I think if one country wants to fight another it ought to be the politicians that meet on the field of battle, not the innocent youth. In the old days the kings actually rode to battle at the head of their troops. They didn't sit back safe and sound and send their best young people to the slaughter.
Honor our vets, and our active military, condemn the politicians that send them into harms way in the first place.
A friend sent this special poem to me on Veterans' Day. Another friend encouraged me to share it and my feelings of the first Veterans' Parade and celebration since 1927 in Ogden.
I had a wonderful morning yesterday! It is rivaled only with this past Father's Day, when government officials were invited to attend a "Welcome Home" ceremony for our troops returning from Iraq and my husband and I attended. The depth of gratitude I feel is difficult to express, and I echo what Dawn said, "You (VETS) ARE MY HEROES!!" You are
"The Wind Beneath My Wings!" I was deeply honored to ride in the Veterans' Parade, and attend their special program at Lindquist Field. It was wonderful that those paying tribute to the Vets were not restrained by ropes and we could clearly see their faces and expressions. There were more than a few who had tears in their eyes, and you could almost feel their pain for a son, brother, or father who didn't return. It made me realize more than ever, how blessed I am to live in this great and wonderful country, where I have the freedom of speech, worship, and to do whatever brings me happiness as long as I don't break any laws or infringe upon someone else's rights. And it is only because of the great love that our soldiers and Vets have for our Country, it's principles of freedom granted by it's God-inspired Constitution, and their willingness to pay the price of freedom for all of us! It was an awesome sight to see many of them carry the most beautiful flag in the world with love, pride and respect. The program was inspiritational as the various military leaders and Veteran Frank Maughan spoke. We were seated by the distinguished Vets of World War II, and I saw the tears in their eyes as they perhaps remembered and honored a fallen buddy. I took the opportunity to hug and kiss each one of them and to personally thank them from the bottom of my heart for their sacrifices. We are able to enjoy the best life styles in this world because of them. I thank the Lord for them and all the others who have made the ultimate sacrifice -- "No greater love hath a man, than to lie down his life for another." May God bless them and their families.
There was a special feeling there. We definitely need to continue and enlarge the activities that pay tribute to our Veterans and need to make them an annual event.
Here is that special poem:
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the
snow. My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept t o the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my
child. "What are you doing?" I asked without
fear, "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your
sleeve, You should be at home on a cold
Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in
drifts. To the window that danced with a
warm fire's light, Then he sighed and he said
"Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm
here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm
proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram
always remembers." My dad stood his watch
in the jungles of 'Nam', And now it is my turn
and so, here I am. I've not seen my own son in
more than a while, But my wife sends me
pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from
his bag, The red, white, and blue...
an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home. I
can stand at my post through the rain and the
sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a
feast? It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
* * * * *
LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistitics Cell one
Al Taqqadum, Iraq
"Never forget to fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long." -- Thank you for electing me to serve as your representative and voice on the Ogden City Council so that I may fulfill my responsibilities as a citizen of this great and wonderful Country and Ogden City, and pay our Vets back in a small way for all that they do. I am honored, but humbled by this immense and crucial task.
Thank you, Dorrene, Dawn and Turdust for your remarks and for YOUR service Turdust and Ozboy!
No, the mayor didn't ride in the parade. And no, Anon, he didn't talk about his degrees, that was the bio he gave to be introduced. Which was unnecesary and self-serving to me.
His remarks should only have been to welcome and honor all our servicemen and women and pledge that this wonderful event continue as an annual tribute!
All the military speakers were eloquent and touching. I had many tears. Listening to TAPS always reduces me to tears, as it does many. It was bitterly cold, and our dear soldiers stood "Rigidly" (as Turdust said) the entire time without moving a muscle it appeared!
Rain and snow were predicted, but never came.
Ozboy, we all know that wars are because of men...but, just for this ONE day, let's just pay our respect, honor and gratitude to you and all of our vets.
For all her faults, there is no other country as great as America and no other people on the earth who are as free and blessed as we are. We don't have people FLEEING our country...just the opposite.
In thanking the bloggers and commenters who served, don't forget ted and rudi (and of course all the other millions of vets who aren't part of WC forum). As for standing rigidly in the field, it was only about one hour. For the hour before the ceremony started we could move around and talk, so it wasn't so bad.
The following was published in the Tribune and D News in their "Tribute
to Veterans". I believe it was written by the same Tom Owens that is
the subject of the Farmington piece in your thread of today - Monday 13
Nov.
This is an early chapter in the life of Courtney Kruger of Salt Lake
City. Courtney had a harrowing 3 year journey through hell when he was
18 to 20 years old. He narrowly escaped death on numerous occasions
simply because the finger of fate pointed slightly to the left or right
of where he was at any particular moment.
Courtney had always loved airplanes. He made and flew models when he
was a boy growing up in San Bernadino California in the 1930’s. When
he graduated from high school he followed his good buddy Lowell, from
the model airplane shop, into the US Army Air Corp. He joined on l May
1941 with the hopes of going to flight school and becoming a pilot.
As often happens, world events overcome personal agenda’s. Such was
the case with young Courtney. As he waited for his slot in flight
school he was assigned to the 19th Bomb Group which was soon sent to
the Philippine Islands as pre war tensions mounted.
Courtney’s unit was assigned to the Del Monte airfield in the jungles
of Mindanao in the Southern Philippines. He was there on that day of
infamy, 7 December 1941. In the following weeks he participated in
many momentous events including the evacuation of General Macarthur,
his family and staff on 12 March, and Philippine's President Quezon on
16 March 1941. General Macarthur had uttered his immortal words “I
shall return” a few days earlier as he was secreted out of Luzon on a
PT boat. He was brought to Del Monte Field on Mindanao and was then
flown to safety in Australia where he planned and executed the strategy
that ultimately prevailed in the Pacific war.
Courtney escaped capture for a few months on the island of Mindanao.
He and his comrades were very lightly armed and hid in the jungle.
After some time the commanding general of his area gave the command to
surrender. Courtney was taken captive by the Japanese soldiers and
interned in the Philippines for a couple of years in various hell
holes. The American and Philippine prisoners were despised by their
Japanese captors and brutalized routinely. Fellow prisoners were
murdered regularly and randomly.
Courtney survived this only to be sent to Japan in an incredible and
harrowing journey. Several weeks through steaming jungles and onto
several different old ships to the port of Manila. And from Manila Bay
on 2 July 1941 Courtney and several hundred of his fellow POW’s were
loaded into the stinking, steaming hold of an old decrepit Japanese
freighter with the strange name of “Canadian Inventor”. They spent
months on end in that hellish ship through the steaming tropical summer
as it worked its way up the China Sea from the Philippines to Japan.
The prisoners were confined in the most unimaginable conditions and it
was a daily occurrence to pass their dead brothers of the night up
through the hatches and in so doing catch their only glimpse of the sky
and breath of fresh air. The guards brutalized them, and they were fed
the worst gruel one could possibly imagine.
The ship was an old and battered crate that broke down often and was
not able to keep up with the convoys. As a consequence they did not
have any protection from the roving packs of US submarines and bomber
aircraft. These American forces did not know that these ships
contained American Prisoners as they were not marked in any way. As
far as the American forces knew they were normal Japanese freighters
and were thus subject to attack and sinking. Many thousands of
American men perished in these hellish conditions by friendly fire.
Courtney's ship wallowed through this extremely dangerous combat
theater with absolutely no defenses and on several occasions was dead
in the water for days on end as American Submarines patrolled all about
them. A sitting duck that somehow survived against all odds.
Upon arriving in Japan Courtney was paraded through the streets like an
animal. He was taken to a Sulfuric Acid plant in Toyama and put to
work as a slave laborer. Again the conditions were beyond belief but
some how he endured. Along the way he was debilitated with an exotic
tropical disease and was kept alive only by the heroic actions of his
selfless brothers in bondage and an American doctor named Captain
Belinky. His weight fell to 60 pounds, and still he endured. While in
Toyama he not only survived the brutality of his captors but also waves
of American aircraft who were carpet bombing the city as he and his
fellow prisoners cheered them on amongst the falling bombs and
demoralized Japanese guards.
Finally one day one of those American War birds landed and at last he
was free. Hunched over, feeble, emaciated, brutalized and diseased, but
by God he was a free and proud American Soldier. He had prevailed
against all odds; he had done his duty with honor and valor. He was
going home.
Courtney is one of America's true hero's as are all of those legions of
young men and women who stood up at freedom's darkest moment and said
no to tyranny.
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