Full Version: Thoughts and Prayers for the Troops
I thought it would be nice, in this time of impending war, to create a thread where people can express their thoughts in support of our troops. Regardless of our opinions about the war, I would like to think that 100% of us pray and/or hope for the safe return of our sons and daughters in the armed forces.
For our troops, may every mission be flawless, and may this war end swiftly.
Stefan
For our troops, may every mission be flawless, and may this war end swiftly.
Stefan
I was handed this yesterday at a Rally for America in Valley Forge. I offer it, in addition to my prayers, for the men and women in our armed forces.
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 right to demonstrate.
It is the solier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the soldier who salutes the flag
Who serves under the flag
And whose coffin is draped by the flag
Who allows the protestor to burn the flag.
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 right to demonstrate.
It is the solier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the soldier who salutes the flag
Who serves under the flag
And whose coffin is draped by the flag
Who allows the protestor to burn the flag.
I thought I would add my observations. Most of you know I am in the Army, yet I'm currently on assignment teaching ROTC at a university, so I'm not heading to the middle east this time around, at least not yet.
I have been approached on several occasions recently while on lunch, or running errands, and in my uniform.
People, strangers, have come up to me and introduced themselves and shook my hand, thanking me for serving, defending our nation, etc..
I could tell their appreciation was deeply emotional and from the heart. It made me feel really good and proud to wear the uniform and serve.
But I was also humbled and embarrassed, because of the fact that I am safe, warm and secure here in the states, while my comrades and former units are now in harms way, preparing to do their job as they and I have been trained for. It's kind of like being on a football team that is going to the super bowl, but you're not. I don't wish for war, and the conditions my buds are enduring, and soon will endure are lonely, scared and hopeful all at the same time.
But at the same time, I feel undeserving of these fine peoples praise and honor.
I would ask everyone to pray or at least think of our troops right now. Whatever your political leanings, level of support for the war, or religious convictions, these men and women are simply trying to do their duty, serve their country, and make their family and nation proud.
I too, pray for a swift and bloodless end to this crisis.
I have been approached on several occasions recently while on lunch, or running errands, and in my uniform.
People, strangers, have come up to me and introduced themselves and shook my hand, thanking me for serving, defending our nation, etc..
I could tell their appreciation was deeply emotional and from the heart. It made me feel really good and proud to wear the uniform and serve.
But I was also humbled and embarrassed, because of the fact that I am safe, warm and secure here in the states, while my comrades and former units are now in harms way, preparing to do their job as they and I have been trained for. It's kind of like being on a football team that is going to the super bowl, but you're not. I don't wish for war, and the conditions my buds are enduring, and soon will endure are lonely, scared and hopeful all at the same time.
But at the same time, I feel undeserving of these fine peoples praise and honor.
I would ask everyone to pray or at least think of our troops right now. Whatever your political leanings, level of support for the war, or religious convictions, these men and women are simply trying to do their duty, serve their country, and make their family and nation proud.
I too, pray for a swift and bloodless end to this crisis.
Thanks for starting this thread, Stefan.
Last night, I attended one of the 6800 worldwide candlelight vigils for peace. While the vigils, organized by Win Without War and endorsed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rev. Robert Edgar, and numerous faith-based organizations, were originally intended as a wave of global prayers and meditations for peace and hope, there was a general air of sadness among the people in attendance - at least here. Speaking to several of them afterwards, we discussed how our thoughts were not only on a last desperate hope for peace but also on the British and American men and women who, it now seemed inevitable, would soon be sent to their deaths - as well as the people of Iraq on whom terror and destruction would soon be rained. We vowed that all of them would be in our thoughts and prayers as constantly as possible until this nightmare has ended. I'm sure all of us feel the same.
On a personal note, I'd like to add my own appreciation of Dontreadonme and all of the men and women of our armed forces, whether they're on the front lines or are providing valuable support and training here at home. Regardless of how just the coming war is - or is not - or how much we suspect or mistrust the motives of our leadership, these men and women deserve nothing but our respect, support, and best thoughts. Godspeed.
Last night, I attended one of the 6800 worldwide candlelight vigils for peace. While the vigils, organized by Win Without War and endorsed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rev. Robert Edgar, and numerous faith-based organizations, were originally intended as a wave of global prayers and meditations for peace and hope, there was a general air of sadness among the people in attendance - at least here. Speaking to several of them afterwards, we discussed how our thoughts were not only on a last desperate hope for peace but also on the British and American men and women who, it now seemed inevitable, would soon be sent to their deaths - as well as the people of Iraq on whom terror and destruction would soon be rained. We vowed that all of them would be in our thoughts and prayers as constantly as possible until this nightmare has ended. I'm sure all of us feel the same.
On a personal note, I'd like to add my own appreciation of Dontreadonme and all of the men and women of our armed forces, whether they're on the front lines or are providing valuable support and training here at home. Regardless of how just the coming war is - or is not - or how much we suspect or mistrust the motives of our leadership, these men and women deserve nothing but our respect, support, and best thoughts. Godspeed.
I'd like to add my sincerest best wishes for the men and women of the US and British armed forces. I've had friends who saw combat in Panama and in the first Gulf War, I know at least second-hand how harrowing it is.
I'd also like for someone else to be in our thoughts as well. I just found out that an old school-mate of mine, Shabazz Kapadia, is currently living in Baghdad (she married an Iraqi gentleman). Our hearts should go out to those carrying out the orders of President Bush, as well as to the millions of Iraqi citizens who, just like us, fall in love, get married, have children, worry about money and health.
Peace unto all, and I hope dearly this nightmare will end soon.
I'd also like for someone else to be in our thoughts as well. I just found out that an old school-mate of mine, Shabazz Kapadia, is currently living in Baghdad (she married an Iraqi gentleman). Our hearts should go out to those carrying out the orders of President Bush, as well as to the millions of Iraqi citizens who, just like us, fall in love, get married, have children, worry about money and health.
Peace unto all, and I hope dearly this nightmare will end soon.
QUOTE(Wertz @ Mar 17 2003, 02:13 PM)
Thanks for starting this thread, Stefan.
Last night, I attended one of the 6800 worldwide candlelight vigils for peace. While the vigils, organized by Win Without War and endorsed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rev. Robert Edgar, and numerous faith-based organizations, were originally intended as a wave of global prayers and meditations for peace and hope, there was a general air of sadness among the people in attendance - at least here. Speaking to several of them afterwards, we discussed how our thoughts were not only on a last desperate hope for peace but also on the British and American men and women who, it now seemed inevitable, would soon be sent to their deaths - as well as the people of Iraq on whom terror and destruction would soon be rained. We vowed that all of them would be in our thoughts and prayers as constantly as possible until this nightmare has ended. I'm sure all of us feel the same.
On a personal note, I'd like to add my own appreciation of Dontreadonme and all of the men and women of our armed forces, whether they're on the front lines or are providing valuable support and training here at home. Regardless of how just the coming war is - or is not - or how much we suspect or mistrust the motives of our leadership, these men and women deserve nothing but our respect, support, and best thoughts. Godspeed.
Last night, I attended one of the 6800 worldwide candlelight vigils for peace. While the vigils, organized by Win Without War and endorsed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rev. Robert Edgar, and numerous faith-based organizations, were originally intended as a wave of global prayers and meditations for peace and hope, there was a general air of sadness among the people in attendance - at least here. Speaking to several of them afterwards, we discussed how our thoughts were not only on a last desperate hope for peace but also on the British and American men and women who, it now seemed inevitable, would soon be sent to their deaths - as well as the people of Iraq on whom terror and destruction would soon be rained. We vowed that all of them would be in our thoughts and prayers as constantly as possible until this nightmare has ended. I'm sure all of us feel the same.
On a personal note, I'd like to add my own appreciation of Dontreadonme and all of the men and women of our armed forces, whether they're on the front lines or are providing valuable support and training here at home. Regardless of how just the coming war is - or is not - or how much we suspect or mistrust the motives of our leadership, these men and women deserve nothing but our respect, support, and best thoughts. Godspeed.
It was a bit hard to find your 'thoughts and prayers for the troops' in the midst of your political posturing. I'm sure you don't see it that way, maybe didn't even mean it that way. But when better than 80% of your words have nothing to do with supporting the troops, it comes off that way to others.
May our troops stay safe & end this war as quickly as possible
I don't pray...but I do hope and I do worry. And I hope my nephew and my brother in law and all of their brothers in arms do not suffer the physical and psychological trauma that I dread is coming. I hope they are not there for the next 5-10 years and I hope the administration is not allowed to carry this on to Iran and beyond. Mostly, I hope our soldiers and the civilians in Iraq live through this.
QUOTE(Musing from the Middle @ Mar 17 2003, 03:00 PM)
It was a bit hard to find your 'thoughts and prayers for the troops' in the midst of your political posturing. I'm sure you don't see it that way, maybe didn't even mean it that way. But when better than 80% of your words have nothing to do with supporting the troops, it comes off that way to others.
Yeah, no political posturing in your response either, huh?
We are NOT here to debate each other's thoughts and prayers. We each do it in our own way.
This is the Casual Conversation forum and nothing in this thread is up for debate. I'm Stefan will correct me if I am wrong, but I think this thread is for each of us to express our compassion for our troops in our own way without fear of reprisal from any other member. We have a so many other places on this forum to debate.
Okay, here goes:
Dear Great Spirit who encompasses all our notions of you,
Grant us the wisdom to avoid wars in the first place.
Protect our warriors and the innocent citizens of Iraq.
Grant those warriors of ours who fall a special place in Your heart.
Comfort the families who suffer during this time with the absence of loved ones,
especially the children who do not understand why daddy or mommy is gone.
Forgive those who go to war without choice,
and influence their leader to stand down, retire, curl up, and die.
Um, I was only half serious on that last one.
But if You find a few extra lightening bolts,
please have at it.
May this be a short one.
Peace.
Dear Great Spirit who encompasses all our notions of you,
Grant us the wisdom to avoid wars in the first place.
Protect our warriors and the innocent citizens of Iraq.
Grant those warriors of ours who fall a special place in Your heart.
Comfort the families who suffer during this time with the absence of loved ones,
especially the children who do not understand why daddy or mommy is gone.
Forgive those who go to war without choice,
and influence their leader to stand down, retire, curl up, and die.
Um, I was only half serious on that last one.
But if You find a few extra lightening bolts,
please have at it.
May this be a short one.
Peace.
QUOTE(Musing from the Middle @ Mar 17 2003, 01:00 PM)
It was a bit hard to find your 'thoughts and prayers for the troops' in the midst of your political posturing. I'm sure you don't see it that way, maybe didn't even mean it that way. But when better than 80% of your words have nothing to do with supporting the troops, it comes off that way to others.
It didn't come off that way to me.
In fact, I think it was quite nice that Wertz attended a candlelight vigil for peace. Everyone has their own way of showing support.Anyhow, I'm very saddened that it has had to come to this, and I hope that this operation is carried out as swiftly and carefully as possible. My thoughts are with all of the people involved, including the soldiers and the civilians on both sides of the conflict. After all, we are all people, and we all have the same inherent needs and desires.
Tonight I want to give my full support to all the armed forces. May God be with you and your families. May this end as quickly as possible. 
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