Those DailyKos members who write IGTNT tributes for our fallen troops became a part of this solemn effort for varied reasons. In many cases, we had a father, grandfather, uncle, husband, boyfriend and/or other loved one serve our country. Some saw the horrors of combat. Some never came back. Of the ones who returned, many were forever changed.
Before getting into this Veterans Day diary I’d like to pay tribute to those who faithfully maintain this vigil with us who themselves have suffered a tremendous loss in the wars of Afghanistan and Iraq. Sons, nephews, wives, friends...monumental losses all. We will always be grateful for their willingness to defend our freedom. We will always remember their and your incomparable sacrifice.Update: I realized I didn't specifically mention our many DKos veterans. In my mind it went without saying that this diary is dedicated to you, your service and your tireless efforts on behalf of all veterans. Bless each and every one of you - we love you.
Today is the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day, the symbolic end of World War I, which took effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. After World War II the name of the holiday was changed to Veterans Day, but many around the world know the day as Remembrance Day or Poppy Day.
This IGTNT diary is devoted to honoring those who serve this great nation. Our veterans need us as much now as ever in our lifetimes. That will be the case for the rest of their lives and ours.
Here are a number of ways you can honor these intrepid soldiers, Marines, airmen, sailors and Guardsmen. I’m sure there are many others – please feel free to add to this list in the comments.
Please also visit NavyBlueWife's powerful Veterans Day diary.
And most of all, if you are able, please reach out to a veteran – be it a member of the family, a neighbor or someone you see in your daily travels.
HONOR THEM WELL – there are so many ways...:
The Fisher House™ program supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the DoD and the VA. Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury. 94.8% of contributions go directly to veterans programs.
The Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs, meets the special needs of veterans with specific disabilities – such as amputation and blindness – and aids and shelters homeless veterans. The Trust accepts gifts through workplace giving campaigns, including the Combined Federal Campaign and United Way, employee matching gift programs, and similar special giving arrangements, and provides a variety of direct services for America’s disabled veterans. An amazing 95.8% of contributions go directly to veterans programs.
Operation Homefront provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind and to wounded warriors when they return home. Operation Homefront has processed more than 45,000 cases, including more than 2,100 involving wounded warriors. Operation Homefront serves all branches of the armed forces, including active duty, Guard and Reserve. Nearly 88% of contributions go directly to veterans programs.
Homes for our Troops is an organization established to assist the severely injured veteran in building a home or remodeling an existing home in order to accommodate the special needs of the veteran.
The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund supports the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. Begun in 2000 under the auspices of the Intrepid Museum Foundation, and established as an independent not-for-profit organization in 2003, the Fund has provided close to $60 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans. 100% of contributions go directly to veterans programs (the Fund’s trustees underwrite administrative expenses).
Thanks to operculum for calling attention to the Missing in America Project. The purpose of the MIA Project is to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans through the joint efforts of private, state and federal organizations. To provide honor and respect to those who have served this country by securing a final resting place for these forgotten heroes.
Others ways to help: VoteVets Their mission is to ensure that today’s soldiers have the necessary resources to successfully complete their missions abroad and the support they deserve when they come home. They are committed to winning the war on terror and preserving the strength of our military. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans. Welcome Back Veterans This List of Veterans organizations.
We Shall Keep the Faith Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields, Sleep sweet - to rise anew! We caught the torch you threw And holding high, we keep the Faith With All who died. We cherish, too, the poppy red That grows on fields where valor led; It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies, But lends a lustre to the red Of the flower that blooms above the dead In Flanders Fields. And now the Torch and Poppy Red We wear in honor of our dead. Fear not that ye have died for naught; We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought In Flanders Fields. ~ by Moina Michael, November 1918
"We Shall Keep the Faith" was inspired by John McCrae’s "In Flanders Fields."
Moina Michael made a personal pledge to 'keep the faith' and vowed always to wear a red poppy of Flanders Fields as a sign of remembrance and as an emblem for "keeping the faith with all who died." ~ Source
In that spirit, please join me in keeping the faith for all who died giving their all in our nation's wars and in honoring and taking care of our veterans.
They deserve all we can give them...and so much more.
I love you Dad.
Dan - may you be resting in eternal peace.
*IGTNT stands for "I Got the News Today." The phrase is meant to symbolize that terrible knock on the door that any number of families got today, bringing with it the news that a loved one has died. IGTNT is a diary series intended to honor, respect and remind. These diaries are heartbreaking to write, but an important service to those Americans who have died and to our community’s respect for and remembrance of them. Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members chronicled here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.