I know what I said. I would never do this again at this place. But I was asked to do this by the Proprietors and Staff of The Broadway Lounge. It also helps that the owner is a Veteran of the United States Army. (No, I don’t hold it against him-not everyone was born to be Marine). When I was approached with this my eyes rolled and I shook my head, no.
But an old Army Master Sergeant who was there last year and despite how I thought things went, reminded me that a few Vets who did show up were quite moved by the observances. We toasted the President, The Armed Forces Veterans, Those Serving in Active Duty Around the World, The Marine Corps and a special observance For the Fallen and Prisoners of War.
We have Veterans who come into the Lounge regularly a Veteran Soldier with the 1st Air Cavalry (part of 7th Army – Custers Division), Airborne soldiers from the 82nd Airborne, 101st Airborne and the 173rd Airborne. We have Airmen who come in from time to time and a good number of Sailors. The Marines who come into the Lounge are so few, he can be counted on one hand.
Why do this? Because we take for granted that the Veterans from all conflicts from all branches all during the 20th Century have served and sacrificed on every level imaginable to make this country the greatest place in the world to live life as a free being. Some of them are our Dad’s, Uncle’s, Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Auntie, Sister or Brother. Have you ever asked them about their service? What they went through?
On the Marine Corps Birthday we will share, observe and celebrate American Veterans and the Marine Corps. Most of you have no idea that we wouldn’t have a nation without the Corps. Before there was an America, there was a Marine Corps. I will post a lot about American History later. But now I want to give you something to think about.
Casualties in Iraq The Human Cost of Occupation Edited by Margaret Griffis :: Contact
American Military Casualties in Iraq
Date Total In Combat American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03):
4177
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03) (the list)
4038
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03):
3716
Since Handover (6/29/04):
3311
Since Election (1/31/05):
2731
American Wounded
Official
Estimated
Total Wounded:
30680
Over 100000
Latest Fatality Oct. 1, 2008
Page last updated 10/3/08 11:55 am EDT
List of U.S. Servicemembers killed since 5/1/03
Put a Casualty Counter on Your Website
U.S. Wounded
Daily DoD Casualty Release
320,000 Vets Have Brain Injuries
War Veterans’ Concussions Are Often Overlooked
How Many Servicemembers Were Wounded?
18 Vet Suicides Per Day?
Iraqi Casualties
Others
Other Coalition Troops - Iraq
314
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan
609
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan
376
Contractor Deaths - Iraq
444
Sources: DoD, MNF, and iCasualties.org
The Faces
The List
Sources
American Casualties
Iraqi Casualties
Contact
U.S. lacks mechanism to accurately track troops wounded in Iraq
Also see The Missing Wounded.
American Count
Dates and sources of Americans killed in Iraq since 5/1/03 are documented in this file. Admittedly the file is incomplete, for the Department of Defense does not maintain old records. All data was compiled from http://www.defenselink.mil/If something is amiss in the data collection, please contact Margaret Griffis.
From I-Casualties.com
"The dangerous patriot...drifts into chauvinism and exhibits blind enthusiasm for military actions."
Colonel James A. Donovan, Marine Corps
Even if you were never served in the U.S. Armed Forces, please have the decency to come down and have a drink with someone who has. All Veterans are honored when a Citizen observes their service. Do come out and enjoy with this with those who have served.
"For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the protected will never know"
Written on a C-ration box by an Unknown Marine at the Battle of Khe Sahn, 1968
Comments welcome.
RJ
10.07.2008
Marine Corps Birthday Toast
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7 comments:
RJ,
I am glad to see you are organizing this night again with RRRRRR. I have much respect for those that have won our freedom (as well as freedom for others) and, in your words, "fought for democracy" while the rest of us were "sucking on our momma's teat".
I will toast the Marines, the rest of our armed forces, the country, but not the President. I think he has dishonored all of the armed services in his shameless servitude to big business, specifically the oil companies.
Who's freedom are we fighting for in Iraq? Are we fighting to save American lives, or to fill the pockets of wealthy oil executives. I noticed that you posted stats of deaths to Americans in Iraq since the war began back in '03.
Among those listed are "contractors". What are these American contractors doing there? Are they solely there to build an infrastructure for the Iraqi people, or are they there as agents of big business? We are seeing a new age of imperialism that is not one of governments usurping the power of other governments and their peoples, but we are seeing an imperialism where governments are the puppets of big business, where capitalists are kings looking to extend their territories. The blood of the servicemen spilled so that the kings can assure that their lineage will maintain their seats upon the throne.
The new age of Imperialism are large corporations "enslaving" the labor of other nations, labor that could be used to benefit the host country. Look to China, India where American corporations have turned for cheaper goods and services...This is the reason other nations have contempt for America. The America they hate is not the America we love. We love the "Fight for Freedom" America, they hate the "Bloated Capitalist" America.
Sorry for the rant...God Bless those who defend and have defended our country. They are a brave lot and should be commemorated. Thanks to all that allow us to enjoy the freedoms that we have.
I thank you very much for voicing your opinion. And on most of it I agree whole heartedly. It is a matter of tradition to toast the President of the United States. Since he was not impeached or accused of treason we must observe the tradition.
Beyond a new imperialism is a new socialism being imposed by that same big business class, reducing our citizenship to some token representation of what it used to be. Let me not fan the flames of sedition or succession, but if the "United States of America" will survive as a country we can't have leaders that sell our freedom to big business.
Nevertheless, we will observe those who have sacrificed so much and some who are still sacrificing for Americans living in America.
I'm waiting on some of that Marine Corps History to show up on this here debauchary sheet ya'll call a blog.
Somebody tell a brief history of how and where the Corps was founded. We'll see if the sons of bitches really putin on this thang are really Jarheads or wanna be's trying to suck up to Vets.
To eb:
You asked for some history about how the Marines were founded? Well, all I've got to say is GET EM' RJ.
Not everybody involved in "puttin' on this thang" are in the military. I have never been, but my father(RIP), served in Korea. Therefore, I owe it to him and every other Veteran that has served this country my respect and gratitude. If it wasn't for the Veterans, then and now, we wouldn't have the freedom that most of us take for granted.
"Jarhead" or whatever branch they served in to protect our country, this "thang" is for them. It's their day and will be carried out respectfully and with dignity. If you don't have any respect for them then please don't attend.
Civilians can have respect for those who risked their lives to fight for this country. I'm surprised you are so hostile towards anyone wanting to honor these servicemen. "Wannabe" what?
Respectful? Well, then call me a "wannabe".
Oh, and get ready for that history lesson. I hope you can read better than you can spell.
You all have a good heart, putting on this drinkin meeting of veterans and folks who like and respect us. I want you to know that even today we got kids to young to drink or vote fighting and dying like we had kids in uniform getting killed in Nam.
The youngest Marine to die in Nam was a kid named Dan Bullock.
He doctored his birth certificate and joined the Corps at 14 years old. He was killed at 15 years old. Have a drink for those who couldn't and for those who never will.
Due to the promotion of this event and the cooperation of other business owners by letting us put up our flyers regarding Veterans Day, we are getting very generous donations from a lot of them.
Thanking in advance:
Glen from "Mother Kelly's" in Cedarhurst who will be donating two trays of food.
The Hanlon Family who will also be donating a 6 foot hero complete with everything that goes with it.
RJ, who has purchased all the flags that will be needed, pins for the Veterans and the bell that is necessary for ceremonial reasons. He will also be displaying any uniforms he could find, setting up an area to pay respect to all the POW's, will be "Master of Ceremonies" and he has also put many hours of his time and monumental effort to perform a respectful and meaningful tribute.
Marianne, my personal friend, donated all the color flyers that were handed out.
Mr. E, who is letting us have this event at his establishment.
There our other people trying to help us, too many to list at the moment, but I'd like to thank them for their help in advance.
This is an important day for all Americans and they are coming through for us.
Thank you all for you patriotism.
Hey, sd:
You missed a wonderful tribute to our Veterans and to all branches of our military. All talk and no walk, that's you. Shake it, mama.
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