An outstanding write Susan
Peace & Love be with you

William

With all our brave soldiers have done and continue to do for us, The
least we can do is pray for them and honor them by living the best possible lives we can. It's up to all of us to make sure that they are not fighting and dying needlessly. Excellent Susan.

Love, Pierre

Soldiers have one word for just about everything you said here. I'm sure all the other branches use it too. We call things like this simply "SNAFU." SITUATION NORMAL, ALL F----D UP!" The brass doesn't have a handle as to what should be going on, let alone knowing what's right from wrong. I was a ten year combat trained veteran discharged in 1981 and called back in 2003. Tens of thousands of dollars were spent to re-train me in todays technological warfare known as AFATDS. It's basically a sit down position directing air, ground and sea fire missions. After qualifying and passing for this position, my unit was called to serve in Iraq in 2004. I was then denied a combat posting because of my age, 51, and rank, SFC. Nothing I could do about my age but I requested a reduction in rank so that I could take the place of one of these inexperienced kids that our "leaders" are sending over there. That too was denied. I was offered a stateside position. I didn't want it but took it anyway just to be able to do something. After loosing my knee in a "duty related accident" I was put out to pasture. Will honor stay on track? From a disabled veteran who knows, it derailed long ago. The stories that I could tell would probably get me thrown in Leavenworth. Freedom of speech doesn't apply to us veterans either. Least not those of us that held Secret Security Clearances. I pray that God bless and watch over all of our men and women in harms way. I would be with them if honor were still on track. This is quite the write Susan. May God bless you always.
Paul

It is sad that in this day of modern tech we can have all the fancy do dads that science will come up with but a foot soldier still has a hard time to get his most valuable weapon...his boots. Good message here on an important time of year.

Fee

The promise of war is death, either instantly or by slow increments, while the war mongers smile and preach their official lies.

Ron

We need to be kissing their asses and do all we can for our brave veterans, past and present! God bless America again, and God bless our veterans! Important message in this one; thanks for sharing--and remembering!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn (daughter/sister/niece/cousin to veterans--Army, Navy, AIR FORCE, Coast Guard, Marines)! :( >tears! <

Superb pondering Susan, and a wake up call for all! Too sad what we DON'T do for our soldiers!!!

ET

Susan,
Will nightmares come with valor
As honor stays on track

We used to call the Congressional Medal of Honor, by the annagram "CMH," Which we took to mean "Casket with Metal Handles."

Walt

A wonderful poignant write that says so very much and causes much somber thought

Richard is wrong. Unfortunately, no matter how much this love and peace and honor, the whole bit is wanted by some, myself included, it will never come, at least not for time everlasting. What's that saying in the Bible? . . . "war and rumors of war?" Yeah. I have it figured out. Not necessarily why we have war, but the fact that we do. Look around you. Neighbors can't get along, there is always something going on between neighbors. Families can't get along. There are always some member or more who like to cause trouble, same thing with the neighbors . . . Why should be expect nations who are completely different than us to get along? Oh, it would be nice if we could, but for me, the realist in me, I know wars will always be fought . . . I'm not happy about it, but it is a fact no matter what groovy sixties hogwash some people like to sputter . . . I am NOT speaking of anyone who has commented here, just some observations of mine lately . . . Great poem, Susan . . . Very much so . . .

America should buy their soldiers new boots other than the two pair they are issued a year.

Bless You, From All of Them. America should be buying our troops far more than new boots. Many family members of soldiers over there had to actually buy their loved ones quality armor to wear, and orders for a sufficient number of properly armored Humvees are also running way behind.

Many leaders clamor for war, yet the soldiers who so fearlessly and valiantly serve, are far too often disrespected by those in power.

Susan,

You and I on the same page: was their sacrifice made in vain? We owe them. Why are our military men and women having to pay for supplies? Why are they not getting the medical care/honor they earned by signing the dotted line, by taking the oath, by donning the uniform of the United States military? Why are promises continuing to be made, only to be broken and forgotten? Shame on us for allowing this to happen. Powerful, heartbreaking, heartfelt lines, Susan, well done.

Tell your friend thank you for his son's service. I will remember. I will not forget. God bless her, God bless him, God bless ALL our troops!!

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. *tears*

Honest sentiments in this poignant write dear Belle-o-the-Ball. Honor, in this world, has become quite the tarnished penny. In my spirit I am on alert constantly now. The signs of global insurrection are rife.

I am NOT a doom and gloom person. I truly believe that the impending cleansing of this planet will bring about, eventually, a lasting kingdom where Truth, honor, justice, and deep abiding love for ones fellow man never lessens in its intensity. The birth pangs are getting closer and closer together now - something extraordinary is soon to be birthed.

Your patriotism glows in this write.
Blessings and love ...
Richard