I knew today was Veteran’s Day. The kids are out of school on this beautiful Thursday… and well, I just knew it. I had to go to Athens this morning for an appointment and I thought I’d stop by one of my favorite neighborhood cemeteries high on the hill. I found myself leaving the house late and figured, ‘Well, I’ll just stop by later.’
veteran's day 1
This is what I saw as I headed down the driveway. Indeed we are fortunate here. Relatively speaking, we live in Heaven.

In town after my appointment, I was going to meet my buddy Jack for breakfast and uptown in Athens the streets were blocked off. It was time for the annual Athens, Ohio Veteran’s Day Parade and I fortuitously was there to see it!
plain folks 2

Small town America and the brave ones who served as well as those at home who appreciate that service. People might ask me, ‘What about you?’ In the Sixties when I came of age, unlike many of my friends, serving was not my path and that’s just the way it was. I do, however, have profound love and respect for those who have chosen to put their lives on the line to protect our way of life here at home. I do not find this open to discussion.

the kids and the flag

This is certainly an American moment and I must say that it put a lump in my throat and a tear on my cheek. A moment in time as sacred as rain. I really love this!
the old ones 3
These gentlemen would have been younger than my Father were he still alive, but they knew the same world, fought for the same ideals. Thank you gentlemen, for your service!

the ladies 4

Boy, I’ll tell you what, these ladies had the spirit. I wouldn’t have missed this for anything. What a moment! Now, when I was on Facebook, I would have been criticized for being patriotic. I consider that to be a compliment. There is nothing wrong with one loving one’s country whateverr country that might be.

young and old 6
This was a moment with generations riding together… sharing this time as it slides into history. I just marveled that I should have been here without planning for it.

the kids thanks 7

Well, this certainly says it all for me!

We’ve got our final weekend of the Ranch coming up and Jack and I need to do some rehearsing. You know, living in a country like ours that allows us to shoot our mouths off and play the music we like just can’t beat. Out in our little Cafe here at the Fur Peace Ranch there is a framed copy of the Stars And Stripes from 1945 noting the ending of WWII. My Father saved, and now Vanessa and I pass it on.

Thanks Brothers and Sister! Thanks!


Comments

  1. Comment made on November 22, 2010 by Jenn

    Enjoying your blog and your comments about the great things our Veterans have done for us (US). Its so important that we show respect and appreciation for those who have served – now and in the past. Glad to see your thoughts are the same. Went to a Christmas parade today. My husband and I were some of the only people who stood up when the honor guard passed with the flag. We all need to start showing more respect. God Bless America. Play that on one of your guitars some time!! 🙂 Love your talents.

  2. Comment made on November 18, 2010 by Sara

    who is more patriotic, it’s the ol divide and conquer mentality that gets the right
    words said approved , not the lack of ability to do so. It is a celebration too.
    It’s a celebration of people who fought from the beginning of this countrys beginning
    Not just the past few wars but way back when, their was a thing called revolution.
    My anscestors fought in that war and they were there when cornwallace surrendered.
    I love the way we get pushed around and shut down in ways we have to settle for, as people call themselves patriotic.Did you fight 200 years ago? why not 2nd me too.
    Im human and ignorant. Just like you.

  3. Comment made on November 14, 2010 by Joe Moore

    I too second Jorma’s thoughts . I teach Seniors in Westchester , New York . I spoke to the kids about how we ” celebrate” Veteran’s Day compared to the Europeans. They still see it as the commemoration of the end of The Great War . I used the opportunity to tell a few stories from the past . I am 61 and that made my class the first one to do the lottery when the mandatory service rule ended . I lost a friend who went to Nam and came back a different person . I tried to get the kids to think a bit about Veterans , old and new . I get so much spiritual food from Jorma’s Thoughts and Diary . Thank you !

  4. Comment made on November 13, 2010 by Sara

    Awesome! I was going to go to the parade here where I live and
    spent the day doctoring my computer which I had just installed
    a new moter/fan on.. As I pat myslelf on the back, Sucessfully.
    Then the virus i had, well, spent the day on the phone with
    assistance to get if off my computer,lol. I brought the darn
    thing back from the dead and myself as well. Just blowing it out
    watching some old stuff on u tube with my son like a ship that was
    was sinking.
    I was able to repair everything the next day. Ha. A Veterans Day
    I will definately remember! My son now knows all the lyrics to
    “come back baby” from Woodstock” so funny…. I love the old days 🙁
    But am beginning to like some of the new ones. Peace 🙂 Hot Tuna Rules!

  5. Comment made on November 12, 2010 by Howard Wade

    I’m right with you. It’s easy to confuse the policies of a government with the commitment of our women and men in the service. I think many of us made that mistake in the ’60s. The choice to serve is always honorable. Those you give there lives in that service and their families deserve an extra measure of respect and honor. I think it’s also important to point out that one can be patriotic and still disagree with the sometimes mistaken policies of our government.

    My dad also served in WWII. He didn’t talk about it much. I believe it changed him. No one can go through that without scars of one kind or another. On this Veterans Day I’m thinking about personal mental toll war takes on those who serve. We owe them everything we can do to heal their wounds, physical and mental.

    Last summer after Kay and I left the couples weekend at the ranch we went to DC. One of our firsts tourist stops was Arlington. It was a very moving experience. One every US citizen should have.

  6. Comment made on November 11, 2010 by Kate Sullivan

    Speaking of cemeteries………if you have not already done so, think about visiting Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. It claims to be the first rural cemetary in the country with over 300 Civil War veterans buried there. Because the historical monuments and landscaping are such popular attractions, every Wednesday afternoon and the last Sunday of the month you can take a two hour trolley tour. Annual events include commemoration of the Battle of Brooklyn (soon after the signing of the Declaration of Independence) as well an ongoing Civil War Project that restores weathered headstones. There’s lots of information on the website…click on outreach and education as well as walking tours. Check it out.

  7. Comment made on November 11, 2010 by Richard Kamin

    You tell em Jorma,the vets deserve all our thanks and respect…See you both nights at the Beacon,cant wait!

  8. Comment made on November 11, 2010 by Eagle Steve

    I second your emotions Jorma. HooRah!
    Steve

Write a Reply or Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *