On this Veteran’s Day so many come to mind… Family and friends, strangers who have touched my life… those who have served with honor.
My father, Jorma Sr. WWII U.S. Navy, Pacific
My uncle Pentti, WWII U.S. Army Pacific
My Uncle Tarmo WWII U.S. Army North Africa and Italy
Vanessa’s Uncle Bobby, WWII U.S. Army Battle Of The Bulge
Vanessa’s Uncle Milt, WWII U.S. Army Pacific
My Dear friend Chuck F. Vietnam U.S. Marines
My bestest pal Jerry S. Vietnam U.S. Army
John Hurlbut’s dad Ray, WWII U.S.Navy Pacific
Jerry, Chuck and Ray are still with us… the others have fought their last battle and moved on.
These I know, but of course there are countless others and in my own small way, I honor them all!
My friend Jim Bacon played this Paul Hyde song at our open mike today at the Fur Peace Ranch… here it is by Séan MCann. Give it a listen:
Nuff Said!
Rock Them All Home Tonight Jorma!
At all the Blackhawk hockey games, they honor three vets. Usually a current or recent vet, one more from the Vietnam era and most always one from WW2. The WW2 vet always gets the loudest ovation. Many are using walkers at this point in their lives.
Eisnehower’s son John, wrote a great book called The Bitter Woods, that chronicled the events of the Battle of the Bulge. Hitler came up with the idea of capturing the port of Antwerp, one of the only logical points to bring supplies to the GI’s in the front line. The plan almost succeeded, the Allies were totally caught off guard.
Eisenhower recalls how pockets of men, armed only with rifles and courage, held key bridges or towns, that impeded the Nazi advance. The smart thing to do wold have been to retreat. And the Germans did make several strong advances. But like a football team that bends, but doesn’t break, the common foot soldiers displayed courage that I don’t think even they knew they possessed.
My wife and i happened to drive the road on the Eastern side of Belgium where the advance of the German forces was first spotted. The road provides a wide vista, and I began to imagine seeing a huge force coming at me. Funny thing was, this road had more twists and turns in it than an intestine. My wife was trying to take a nap, and her head kept snapping this way and that way.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Anon
A huge tip of the hat to all our veterans!
A pickin’ and a grinnin’. R.I.P.
Roy Clark:
https://youtu.be/-xssnp7R51A
Dear Jorma,
Just finished your book, I loved it. Only issue I wish you had spent more time on the albums process and musicians, Steve Stills on Volunteers. Anyway you and Jack have been an Inspiration since I was 15, i have seen many of your shows. From 69 on. Hearing Hot Tuna the first time, the summer of 70 changed my life. I didn’t know about music like that. I have since researched all the masters. Thank you again for your work. I wish you and your family health and happiness, you guys are the best.
Alan
I am reading a book on General U S Grant. Mention is given to a General Stephen Hurlbut. Any relation to our Hurl? He served under Grant at the battle of Shiloh in Tennessee.
We rollin’, right now!
Thanks for the great weekend Jorma and for honoring those who fought for us –
Yes – salute to all Veterans this week and always. Grandfather on my Mother’s side Michael Basilone – US Army – WW I, my Father’s uncle Bernard Gallagher, WW II – Naval Aviator, shot down over the Pacific Ocean 6 days prior to war’s end. My Father CW Chapman – USMC – 1945-1951. Salute!
Dad – US ACE Pacific, mom- Army nurse Pacific; met in Japan during the occupation. Dad’s father was a WWI tank mechanic.
I’m preparing to donate a couple of dad’s photos to the American Legion Military Museum in Nelsonville. If you’re up that way some Saturday, stop in they have some really neat stuff. m
My father, Henry, Sr. WWII U.S. Army, Pacific
@Joe from VA
A very thoughtful quote. Sian (England)
Uncle Sam ain’t no woman, but he sure can take your man.
To all who served: Thank you.
God Bless America
Many of you may have heard the stat that on average 22 US vets committ suicide everyday…hard to imagine it is true. It is worth repeating, just in case someone is not aware.
May knowing this serve to inspire us individually to try to do something, not least of which is to protest entering into unjust wars. (Yes some wars are just, yet horrific nonetheless)
God bless the vets. May God’s holy angels and people intervene today, right now to save a life, many lives.
Can we feel the shadow from the pistol’s roar?
Thank you Jorma .God Bless all who have served and peace & love to all here .
God Bless America !
Saw this several years back and thought it’s a nice summation of what we owe our veterans:
“it is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, 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.” —Army Veteran Charles M. Province
Thank you one and all for your service..
🙂
Perfect for Veterans Day