P A T R I O T I S M

[tommie gorman]

Yep, exactly what I did it with too. And I cropped it, it was a screen shot at first. 

[pixiepistlz]

Somehow I knew that . That you would have it on your puter.

[tommie gorman]

Pretty cool shot of the flag.

[sparky]

Of British decent I have only been in America for the past 8 years, for the past 3 years I have been an American by Citizenship and by heart, I love this country and love what it stands for, I hated the way Bush sent the country and made it look to the rest of the world.

In a nutshell this country will be stronger from its mistakes (Bush) and will continue to be loved by all that reside within her, that love will grow and grow and make it stronger from within.

For me, this is my home and will always be my home....

[pixiepistlz]

Glad your here. How do you like the American weather in West Virginia?? If I am right.

[sparky]

Took a little getting used to, with the high highs and the low lows.... it is a little different then what I was used to I can tell yah.

All in all I like it, give me lots to complain about.... its too hot, its too humid... its too cold, DAMN its cold....lol

[tommie gorman]

Of British decent I have only been in America for the past 8 years, for the past 3 years I have been an American by Citizenship and by heart, I love this country and love what it stands for, I hated the way Bush sent the country and made it look to the rest of the world.

In a nutshell this country will be stronger from its mistakes (Bush) and will continue to be loved by all that reside within her, that love will grow and grow and make it stronger from within.

For me, this is my home and will always be my home....

So honestly would you do me a favor Sparky? Being UK decent and all and now saying you feel what here. Could you explain what patriotism is for foreigners? I have tried, but its so hard since I have felt it all my life to some that have never known it. Mostly in here with UK members. To me its love for my country and all that it stands for, not the government. But I thought you might have a better way to put it.    And thanks in advance. 

[TheArtworkGuy]

eh, i think the government shapes the country.  we have plenty of laws around now that weren't around in 1776 that create our lifestyle, which was created through the legislation of our government.

but don't get me wrong, i am very happy to live here, we have many privileges that a lot of other people don't.  i don't agree with the whole 'god given rights' thing, since there are no such thing as rights.  there's no rule that says anyone deserves anything when they're born, some people are just lucky and are born in the good ole USA

[sparky]

So honestly would you do me a favor Sparky? Being UK decent and all and now saying you feel what here. Could you explain what patriotism is for foreigners? I have tried, but its so hard since I have felt it all my life to some that have never known it. Mostly in here with UK members. To me its love for my country and all that it stands for, not the government. But I thought you might have a better way to put it.    And thanks in advance.

That is exactly it, you said it already, the love for the country and for what the country stands for.

I have seen how people that adore this country and over the years I have become to do the same, its about life and the way of life, principles, freedom and choices.

I know I was not born here, but I really do not think that I could feel any different if I was, I have family over here that feel the same way, they have been here over 40 years now, they and I would do anything to help this country in a time of need.

This is now my home, the best place in the world as far as I am concerned.

[mudmanc4]

That is exactly it, you said it already, the love for the country and for what the country stands for.

I have seen how people that adore this country and over the years I have become to do the same, its about life and the way of life, principles, freedom and choices.

I know I was not born here, but I really do not think that I could feel any different if I was, I have family over here that feel the same way, they have been here over 40 years now, they and I would do anything to help this country in a time of need.

This is now my home, the best place in the world as far as I am concerned.

So many people here in the US fail to see the kinds of things your talking about.  They take this place for granted, like it has always been there right to do as they please, like there has never been voluntary death to preserve the way millions see the sunrise , like the way the ocean smells, and the winter feels, and when we need something in a local aspect, that so many people jump in and do whatever they need, . Even though were divided by our government, when it comes right down to the tack, were one, we'll never have another civil war, we won't allow ourselves to be manipulated like that again.

It's a great place on the earth. And good people live here, but honestly, this patriotism thing must be watched close, it invokes strong feeling in us that blind us from the truths the government set forth.

[sparky]

In reference to your statement "were one".... did you notice below my signature and where that statement came from? E Pluribus Unum - Out of many, One.

Found in 1776 on the Seal of the United States.

[tommie gorman]

Thanks sparky, its just that several times I have heard from non-americans that they do not understand this patriotism that I speak of. I tried to say what you said, but they felt like there must be more to it. And I could not find any more words for it. I guess the US is unusual in those idea's. Again thanks.

[tommie gorman]

By popular request .....  ..... our boys having a bit of humorous fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6K1_rdzndE&eurl=http://www.testmy.net/t-13437.1035

[tdawnaz]

[tommie gorman]

This is SAD, but Impressive..

In Tennessee we really do pull off the road and stop for funerals......nobody moves until the last car has gone by.

What follows is a message from Vicki Pierce about her nephew James' funeral (he was serving our country in Iraq ):

However, the most incredible thing was what happened following the service on the way to the cemetery. We went to our cars and drove to the cemetery escorted by at least 10 police cars with lights flashing and some other emergency vehicles, with Tennessee police handling traffic. Everyone on the road who was not in the procession, pulled over, got out of their cars, and stood silently and  respectfully, some put their hands over their hearts.

When we turned off the highway suddenly there were teenage boys along both sides of the street about every 20 feet or so, all holding large American flags on long flag poles, and again with their hands on their hearts. We thought at first it was the Boy Scouts or 4 H club or something, but it continued for two and a half miles. Hundreds of young people, standing silently on the side of the road with flags. At one point we passed an elementary school, and all the children were outside, shoulder to shoulder holding flags kindergartners, handicapped, teachers, staff, everyone. Some held signs of love and support. Then came teenage girls; and younger boys, all holding flags. Then adults. Then families. All standing silently on the side of the road. No one spoke, not even the very young children.

The military presence, at least   two generals, a fist full of colonels, and representatives fromevery branch of the service, plus the color guard who attended James, and some who served with him, was very impressive and respectful, but the love and pride from this community who had lost one of their own was the most amazing thing I've ever been privileged to witness

I've attached some pictures, some are blurry (we were moving), but you can get a small idea of what this was like.

These photos are awesome !!

[coknuck]

Thats really cool!!

[tommie gorman]

WE ALL NEED TO TAKE A COUPLE OF MINUTES TO LISTEN TO THIS.

RED SKELTON-HOW DID HE KNOW??????

Some of you may remember him but he passed away before many of you were born.  Red Skelton was a good & funny man.   He also ended every show by saying, "GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS".  Listen to the end of this.  It is something he said 38 years ago.

Very important that you listen to the very end!!   Eerie!

Take a moment and listen to it (from 1969). How would he have known. That this is what is happening?

 

Click on the link , and turn your sound on.

 

http://patriotfiles.org/Pledge.htm

 

FOR THE FEW WHO DON'T KNOW:

Red Skelton was a movie star and comedian on television back in the 1950s.

He created a number of characters, and his show was watched by millions. He did this on his show one evening--back when shows were live!

[pixiepistlz]

That was Beautiful. I Love Red Skelton. I loved his shows.

Here's the animated version as only he can.

Here's John Wayne's America the Beautiful

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YPkXI8F29g&feature=related

[tommie gorman]

A beautiful and moving song and

[pixiepistlz]

On Eagle's Wing's was played at my husband's funeral mass. It's a beautiful song. First time I have heard it since.    Weird moment for me now. I guess this song and the fact that I went through his stuff recently and rewashed some of his shirts and such making a box of keepsakes for the kid's got me that way. God am I glad that job is over.     Life is just too F#@&ing short.

[tdawnaz]

the challenger vid doesn't play for me says it's no longer available

edit...k...i found another...well worth reposting...awesome!!

[tommie gorman]

the challenger vid doesn't play for me says it's no longer available

edit...k...i found another...well worth reposting...awesome!!

Still opens for me.  But yours was a bit different too. Thanks for it momma. 

[tdawnaz]

Still opens for me.  But yours was a bit different too. Thanks for it momma. 

really?? that's weird...for me even the one on the site says it's no longer available...there is like 3 challenger vids on there like that

[tommie gorman]

Banjo Tour of Dixie

OK, all you red-blooded Southerners, see if you don't swell with pride over this! Banjo Tour of Beautiful Dixie.  Great music.  Fabulous photography.  Turn up your sound and click on the link below.

All you Southerners stand at attention.  The location is shown at the bottom right of the picture.  All the rest of you, close your eyes, bow your heads, and stand in silence, while we pay our respects.

              http://mybeautifulamerica.com/BeautifulDixie.htm

[tommie gorman]

Here is the best email in a while. And has a humorous and serious side likewise. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A LITTLE HARSH, BUT -- to the point.

Rules for the Non-Military. Make sure you read # 13.

*Dear Civilians, We know that the current state of affairs in our great nation has many civilians up in arms and excited to join the military For those of you who can't join, you can still lend a hand. Here are a few of the areas where we would like your assistance:*

1. The next time you see any adults talking (or wearing a hat) during the playing of the National Anthem - kick their ass.

2. When you witness, firsthand, someone burning the American Flag in protest - kick their ass.

3. Regardless of the rank they held while they served, pay the highest amount of respect to all veterans. If you see anyone doing otherwise, quietly pull them aside and explain how these veterans fought for the very freedom they bask in every second. Enlighten them on the many sacrifices these veterans made to make this Nation great. Then hold them down while a disabled veteran kicks their ass.

4.(GUYS) If you were never in the military, DO NOT pretend that you were. Wearing battle dress uniforms (BDUs) or Jungle Fatigues, telling others that you used to be 'Special Forces, Collecting GI Joe memorabilia, might have been okay when you were seven years old.  Now, it will only make you look stupid and get your ass kicked..

5. Next time you come across an *Air Force* member, do not ask them, 'Do you fly a jet?' Not everyone in the Air Force is a pilot. Such ignorance deserves an ass-kicking. (children are exempt).

6.If you witness someone calling the *US Coast Guard* 'non-military', inform them of their mistake - and kick their ass.

7. Next time Old Glory (the US flag) prances by during a parade, get on your damn feet and pay homage to her by placing your hand over your heart. Quietly thank the military member or veteran lucky enough to be carrying her - of course, failure to do either of those could earn you a severe ass-kicking.

8. Don't try to discuss politics with a military member or a veteran. We are Americans, and we all bleed the same, regardless of our party affiliation. Our Chain of Command is to include our Commander-In-Chief(CinC). The President (for those who didn't know) is

our CinC, regardless of political party. We have no inside track on what happens inside those big important buildings where all those

representatives meet. All we know is that when those civilian representatives screw up the situation, they call upon the military to

go straighten it out. If you keep asking us the same stupid questions repeatedly, you will get your ass kicked.

9. 'Your mama wears combat boots' never made sense to me - stop saying it! If she did, she would most likely be a vet and therefore could kick your ass!

10. Bin Laden and the Taliban are not Communists, so stop saying 'Let's go kill those Commies!' And stop asking us where he is! Crystal balls are not standard issue in the military. That reminds me- if you see anyone calling those damn psychic phone numbers, let me know, so I can go kick their ass!

11. 'Fly Boy' (*Air Force*), 'Jar Head' (*Marines),* 'Grunt' (*Army*), 'Squid' (*Navy*), 'Puddle Jumpers' (*Coast Guard*), etc., are terms of end earment we use describing each other. Unless you are a service member or vet, you have not earned the right to use them. Using them could get your ass kicked.

12. Last, but not least, whether or not you become a member of the military, support our troops and their families. Every Thanksgiving and religious holiday that you enjoy with family and friends, please remember that there are literally thousands of soldiers, sailors,

marines and airmen far from home wishing they could be with their families... Thank God for our military and the sacrifices they make

every day. Without them, our country would get it's ass kicked...'

'It's the Veteran, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.'

'It's the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.'

'It's the Veteran, not the community organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.'

'It's the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.'

*AND ONE MORE:

13. If you ever see anyone either standing for or singing the national anthem in Spanish or any other language- KICK THEIR ASS.

ONE LAST THING:

If you got this email and didn't pass it on -- guess what -- you deserve to get your ass kicked!!!!

I sent this to you, because I didn't want to get my ass kicked.

AMEN.........

edited to take out the weird numers...code??