Honoring Veterans

Over the years since I left the Marine Corps, I’ve often complained that most people in the US don’t really appreciate the sacrifices that the average person who serves has to make.  But since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan there seems to be a resurgence of those who want to show their appreciation.  Around Veterans day every year a lot of the restaurant chains provide free meals at their establishments for veterans.  But today I learned of an event that isn’t associated with a military holiday.  I felt the need to pass it on.   The event will be held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio from February 16 through Feb 19, 2010.   They are providing free admission on February 16, 17, 18 to all military members and their families.  And a  free valentines concert featuring the Chi-Lites is on February 19th. Some information is provided below.

Here is the listing from the Rock Hall website:

Feb 19, 2010
Valentines for Veterans Concert featuring the Chi-Lites

7 p.m. on the Main Stage

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Help Hospitalized Veterans will welcome legendary doo-wop group the Chi-Lites for a FREE Valentines for Veterans concert.

Please note that this event is open to veterans and their families only.

For complimentary ticket information to this concert, call 216 791-3800 ext. 5092.

If you don’t know who the Chi-Lites are, watch this video of them performing their #1 hit “Oh,Girl” .

Please pass this along to anyone who may be interested in visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or to see the Chi-Lites.

Semper Fi

Semper Fi

One day back in the spring of 2006 as I sat patiently in a car rental office to square away some business I had with them, in walked these two old timers.  As I sized them up I could only assume that they wore bars in their hay day of whatever branch they had served in.  Most of the time I am pretty well reserved when I am out.  But today the fellas attitudes and vibe was just to jovial to keep to myself.  We exchanged the usual pleasantries and I asked a question to see if I had guessed right about their stock.  Old timer number one is a full bird retired, he looked like a grandfather who had failed to reach old age, still super fit, hand shake of steel, and a commanding voice that was soft enough to put his grandchild to sleep.  I must admit, I liked the guy, funny thing is I had only met one other officer in my life that I liked.  This old chap was a marine’s marine even though he was a Army bird.  But I liked him nonetheless.  When I got around to saying I was in the Marines, he reached out with these gigantic hands and I reached back.  While shaking hands he told me about the marines who saved his life one day back in Vietnam while he was pinched in.  He said he is only alive today thanks to their heroism.  As I concluded my business the full bird snapped to attention and mustered up his finest salute and said “Semper Fi”! On that I was extremely proud to have served in the United States Marine Corp.  This encounter changed my view of how I felt about my time in service.  Up until that point very few had ever said thank you for your service to our country.  So to that full bird I would like to salute him and say thank you.

Video by LeatherneckRon

Video by pianoman3

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