21 Nov 10

I've been going to do this post for a week but just haven't found the time. I've got Sugarland blaring on my computer so now is as good a time as any.

A week ago Nancy and I got up early and headed for the Villages, stopped at TJ's for breakfast(second couple through the door), had a great meal, if you've never been there it is the place to go, that is if you are Florida. The reason we got up so early was to beat the crowd for the George Bush speech and book signing. We were there 3 hours before he was to speak and we still couldn't get a up close place to view the speech, but we found a park bench and moved it to an area where we had a good view and a place to sit. About 9:15 John Micheal Montgomery kicked the day off with a great performance and right on time the President started his speech, most of it was readings from his book, but really down to earth, really made you feel like he was just a friend who had come to visit. Of course some of this came across when he was in office but this was so much more. Nancy and I both really enjoyed listening to him, he only spoke about a half hour, I could have sat there all day. After the speech it was time for me to wait in line to get an autographed book and have opportunity to shake hands and have a short visit. I waited for about an hour before it was turn, waiting was fun, lots of people to visit with and before I knew it, it was turn. I had watched those in front of me and realized that he was actually taking time to talk with each of us, and then I wondered what I should say to him. I didn't say anything major, just how glad I was to meet him and wish well going forward. He thanked me and said a couple of nice things and then it was on to the next in line. The one thing I was surprised about was that he isn't much taller than I am .lol..On the way out of the building I saw a friend who is a VP at the Villages and was the one who introduced the President so I stopped to say hi, but it was short lived, the Secret Service boys told me to leave, I guess they don't like people hanging around the President. What a great day...Now I have to find time to read the book....

Veteran's Day 2010

Veterans Day, a day of remembrance, a day to thank all who serve, I wrote about my tour in Viet Nam in a post a long time ago, so will try not to repeat myself. One thing about Viet Nam that is new is that Nancy and I are planning a trip there next spring. Nancy is involved with a group ADK, a teacher's group and they have built a school in VN and have a group going to see it, and we will be part of that group. Even though it is in an area I have not been before, but we are planning a side trip to Nha Trang and a couple other places. I think I am looking forward to the trip. That should make for a few pages of pics and stories.

Ok, back to Veteran day and military service. Today should be one of the most honored holidays we as Americans celebrate. If not for the men and women who have served their country, we would not enjoy the lives we have today. I think today we all take freedom for granted but freedom has come with a huge price. Everyone I'm sure knows someone or has a relative who has served and most know someone who gave their life for us. I had several friends that went to VN with me but did not come home.

For many years after I came home from VN I would not acknowledge the fact that I had been there, it was very unpopular to be a VM Vet in this country, that always bothered me that we (VN Vets) were treated like second class citizens in the country we fought for and many died for. I remember the first time I publicly acknowledged I was a VN Vet, it was of all places at a Wildwood Middle School Guitar concert in which my son Andrew was playing guitar. They were playing a patriotic song and asked veterans by war to stand, when it got to the VN war I looked around to see if anyone stood up and slowly several of us stood to be recognized. This was in about 1984, 15 years after I came home. I am proud that today we do so much for our returning troops, we have come a long way since the post VN era and it is for the good of all.

So today when you hear on TV about Veterans Day, take a moment to really think about what it means and those who serve and have served.