Veteran's Day 2006

Taken at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial 3/2005.

Lest we forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation, today is a day to thank those who have served this country. Whether by word or deed, they deserve our thanks and gratitude for all that they have done.

Also, take a moment to visit one of the milbloggers that I've got listed on my blogroll and links lists and thank them for their dedication and service for this grateful nation. Some folks may not appreciate all that they've done, but those that visit this little corner of the Internet should know that they've got my respect and gratitude.

Yet, I know that such respect and gratitude is not universal among Americans. There are those who dispise, disparage, and undermine the work done by the US Armed Forces around the world, including in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. These are the people who will routinely claim that our forces are engaging in war crimes, operating in a pointless war, and otherwise stupid for joining up in the first place. Not only do these people benefit from earlier generations of troops who gave their all, but they undermine the current and future generations of soldiers that willingly and unselfishly give of themselves to serve in our nation's defense.

More need to speak out about such behavior. We saw this before in the 1960s and 1970s where service in the military was frowned upon - troops spat upon and treated horribly upon their return from active duty.

Project Valour IT continues to gather donations to provide laptop computers with special equipment for those soldiers, sailors, and Marines who have suffered injuries to their hands and arms.

LaShawn Barber celebrates both Veteran's Day and the 231st birthday of the US Marine Corps.

John at Argghhh! and Cassandra at Villainous Company both write about Veteran's Day and Project Valour IT.

Don Surber remembers the 184 service members who were killed at the Pentagon on 9/11 on the 95th anniversary of the end of the war to end all wars.

Others blogging about Veteran's Day: Blue Crab Boulevard, Common Sense America, The World According to Carl, Liberally Conservative, Sister Toldjah, Iowa Voice, bRight and Early, Blue Star Chronicles, Cao's Blog, Michelle Malkin, and many others.

Posted to Stop the ACLU, Church and State, Amboy Times, Basil's Blog, and Jo's Cafe.

UPDATE:
Common Folk Using Common Sense provides a brief history of the day, and honors his son.

The Florida Masochist remembers the oldest living veteran, Ernest Charles Pusey, who is 111 years old and fought in World War I.

Others blogging on this Veteran's Day: JammieWearingFool, Instapundit, , Miserable Donuts, Kim Priestap, Hot Air, Mudville Gazette, and Jay Tea at Wizbang.

UPDATE:
Still others adding their voices to remember those who served on Veteran's Day: Flopping Aces, Bubbleheads (who served in the Silent Service), Thoughts by Seawitch, and Murdoc Online.