From Denny: Today is Veterans Day, a time of remembrance for so many things. There are few families that have not been touched by war through the generations. 
From jimbrickett @ flickr
Memorial Day Free Download Poster, Graves at Arlington National Cemetery, American Flag, Veterans Day Holiday, originally uploaded by Beverlykahuna.
A Funeral Flag, American Veteran Soldier, The Red, White, and Blue, Stars and Stripes, Patriotic, Memorial Day 2009, Cemetery, originally uploaded by Beverlykahuna.
A Funeral Flag, American Veteran Soldier, The Red, White, and Blue, Stars and Stripes, Patriotic, Memorial Day 2009, Cemetery
The flag is folded and is presented to next of kin, "As a representative of the United States Army, it is my high privilege to present you this flag. Let it be a symbol of the grateful appreciation this nation feels for the distinguished service rendered to our country and our flag by your loved one." (Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin as a keepsake after its use during the funeral service. When there is no next-of-kin, the flag is presented to a friend making a request for it).
The flag for someone who dies during active duty is provided by that individual's branch of service. The U.S. Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) provides a U.S. flag at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces.
Uploaded by Beverlykahuna on 24 May 09, 7.37PM CST.
Veterans Day 2009 Poster, November 11, 2009, Honoring All Who Served, originally uploaded by Beverlykahuna.
Veterans Day 2009 Poster, November 11, 2009, Honoring All Who Served
Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is usually observed on November 11. However, if it occurs on a Sunday then the following Monday is designated for holiday leave, and if it occurs Saturday then either Saturday or Friday may be so designated. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)
Uploaded by Beverlykahuna on 9 Nov 09, 5.51PM CST.
veteran's day 2007
This gentleman was a combat infantryman in the 30th Division. He landed in Normandy a few days after D-Day and fought through the hedgerows, across France, at the Bulge, across the Rhine until Germany surrendered. He has a right to be proud.
Uploaded by Paul Keleher on 11 Nov 07, 5.15PM CST.
thank a veteran today
War Memorial
Chicago, Illinois.
Uploaded by debaird™ on 12 Nov 07, 11.56AM CST.
Tomb of the Unknowns ("Unknown Soldier") - U.S.
Remembering all our veterans - and all those who protect and defend throughout the world - on Memorial Day. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
In Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.
from wiki:
The Tomb of the Unknowns (also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, although it has never been officially named) is a monument dedicated to American servicemen who have died without their remains being identified. It is located in Arlington National Cemetery in the United States. The "Unknown Soldier" of World War I is a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the Victoria Cross, and several other foreign nations' highest service awards. The U.S. Unknown Soldiers who were interred afterwards are also recipients of the Medal of Honor, presented by the U.S. presidents who presided over their funerals.
It is considered one of the highest honors to serve as a sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Less than 20% of all volunteers are accepted for training and of those only a fraction pass training to become full-fledged Tomb Guards. The sentinels do not wear rank insignia on their uniforms so that they do not outrank the Unknowns, whatever their rank may have been.
There is a meticulous ritual the guard follows when watching over the graves:
1. The soldier walks 21 steps across the Tomb. This alludes to the 21-gun salute, which is the highest honor given to any military or foreign dignitary in America. His weapon is always on the shoulder opposite the Tomb (i.e., on the side of the gallery watching the ritual).
2. On the 21st step, the soldier turns and faces the Tomb for 21 seconds.
3. The soldier then turns to face the other way across the Tomb and changes his weapon to the outside shoulder.
4. After 21 seconds, the first step is repeated.
Uploaded by Tony the Misfit on 23 May 09, 12.46PM CST.
I've included a couple of links to articles written this year on the subjects of War, Remembrance and Peace.
Quote
“Mankind must not only seek Peace. We must pursue it with all the deeply felt sincerity of our hearts. We must pursue Peace with the diligent work of our hands every day in every relationship we know. Peace comes a little at a time, rippling outward until one day it touches and convinces all.”
– Denny Lyon, 3 March 2009
***** Today is Veterans Day in America. Please take a quiet pause today, remembering those who have fallen and those who have served this country and your country as well. People who give their lives in battle or service are a testament to the quality of a country’s character. Thank you…
*** Since it's Veterans Day here are two articles written on the related subjects of War, Remembrance and Peace:
Great Peace Quotes with Great Photos
Quest for Peace
“Mankind must not only seek Peace. We must pursue it with all the deeply felt sincerity of our hearts. We must pursue Peace with the diligent work of our hands every day in every relationship we know. Peace comes a little at a time, rippling outward until one day it touches and convinces all.”
– Denny Lyon, 3 March 2009
Memorial Day Poems
War Affects Us All
Let the old men who send the young men to war stop and think long, and work harder for Peace, before affecting generations yet to come. Poems written about the reality of war from family, children, citizens, soldiers and medical personnel.
*** Thanks for visiting and come back often!
