NEW YORK - Thousands of service members and veterans of every conflict since World War II marched up Fifth Avenue as New York celebrated Veterans Day on Friday.
At a ceremony before the parade kicked off, CIA Director David Petraeus called the men and women currently serving overseas "the new greatest generation."
"In crushing heat and numbing cold, from the Iraqi desert to the peaks of the Hindu Kush, they have shown valor, creativity, initiative and resolve," said Petraeus, the retired four-star general who became CIA director in September.
John Casey, 64, who served in Vietnam and retired as an Army command sergeant major, said veterans need resources, jobs and counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder.
"War is terrible," he said.
But Casey was cheered by the large turnout for the ceremony and the parade.
"At least now people aren't spitting on the veterans," he said.
One of the themes of yesterday's Veterans Day parade in New York City related to the "Horse Soldiers" who were the first U.S. armed forces on the ground in Afghanistan after the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001.
Below is a vid clip of war reporter Alex Quade's documentary short about those soldiers, their bravery, and the monument created in their honor. The statue itself was a part of the New York City parade on Friday; it was escorted to Ground Zero where it was permanently installed.
Note: The Green Beret Foundation is helping subsidize the creation and transportation of this remarkable monument to America’s uniformed heroes. To make a tax-deductible contribution, click HERE.
The Green Beret Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c) 3 foundation that provides financial resources, immediate need supplies, caregiver assistance, and educational scholarships to wounded or ill Army Special Forces warriors and their families.
STORMBRINGER SENDS
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Last night my wife and I spent some time at a special dinner to commemorate Veteran's Day. It was put on by Stonecroft Ministries (www.stonecroft.org)
ReplyDeleteWe heard and saw a video about the Wisconsnin Honor Flights (www.badgerhonorflight.org). This group takes the aged WW2 vets to see their memorial in Washington. Not a dry eye in the house.
Then we heard from Colonel Grecko, Task Force 3-187 Desert Storm. He was a Bat commander that was positioned behind Iraqi lines in an effort to thwart the retreat of Iraqis from Kuwait back to Iraq. My God, the events that lined up for the success of his command can only be termed a "God Moment". Everything from fog to sheild his insertion to wind blowing sand across boggy ground to firm up the road for vehicle movement. What a story! He signed a Bible for me and I will forever cherish that moment when I shook the hand of a true hero.
God Bless all of you legs, grunts, fly boys, jockeys for the sacrifice's you've given, so that I can be safe in this great land of America.
Steve
Sorry I missed you at the parade brother, I was a liaison to Mr. Oresko. You might have seen me talking to a retired 5th SFG SGM near the WWI memorial. I was also in 5th Group, got out last year.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
-Jack Murphy