This is a thank you thread, not a debate thread or a thread to criticise soldiers or the regimes they fight for. If you do not heed this warning retribution will be swift and without mercy!
I salute you, brave warriors of the peace. Rest easy, knowing that your actions have changed the course of history. Let us never forget the sacrifices our world's soldiers have made to protect their homelands.
altho im not american, i have deep respect for the US army, or NATO army or anyone in general who risk their lives to make the world a better place. It doesnt matter if there are ulterior motives by the higher powers, what matters is that these people put their lives on the line with the intention to do so.
Thank you soldiers, for plundering, raping, torturing and especially your key function, killing people! Thank you a lot for that and I may say thanks to you aswell by all the people who can't thank you anymore because M4A1 owned them.
On May 31 2011 02:11 sYz-Adrenaline wrote: You're welcome.
These men are heroes.
You're not a hero just because you've been or are currently in the military. In many nations service is mandatory. Most people in the military do very little, and quite a few commit actions which overall have a negative impact world peace.
I don't mean this in disrespect to these people, however. Just to point out that it's a bit extreme to call someone a hero because they are in the military.
On May 31 2011 02:17 CPTslut wrote: Thank you soldiers, for plundering, raping, torturing and especially your key function, killing people! Thank you a lot for that and I may say thanks to you aswell by all the people who can't thank you anymore because M4A1 owned them.
User was banned for this post.
I don't mean to suggest anything, but he is from Germany.
On May 31 2011 02:10 NIJ wrote: and thank you for thanking me.
all i really did in the sandbox was SERVE MY COUNTRY TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY
On May 31 2011 02:11 sYz-Adrenaline wrote: You're welcome.
These men are heroes.
You're not a hero just because you've been or are currently in the military. In many nations service is mandatory. Most people in the military do very little, and quite a few commit actions which overall return a negative balance on world peace.
I don't mean this in disrespect to these people, however. Just to point out that it's a bit extreme to call someone a hero because they are in the military.
I know that, and I don't mean to say that military service alone makes one heroic. However, they ARE TL members, so they get to be heroes. :D
Thank you, soldiers of the world. Even if the wars themselves are sometimes questionable, the courage and resolution you all exemplify in the face of danger is second to none.
This thread has the potential to get many people banned. This said I don't know if i can generally thank all of them, because in wars many bad things happen.
Edit: The guy below me sums it up quite well.
Edit2: What I really hate about the military structure (mandatory service in austria) is, that the individual is trained to follow orders without questioning.
The Germans learned from history. Losing a war is really beneficial to the ethical fiber of a country. Especially when it comes to wars. People who have lost wars know what war really means and why not to start one.
Certain countries (US, Israel)need to stop starting wars by themselves, or lose one lose a war soon so they learn the same lesson.
Japan is another good example. Japan tried to copy western style imperialism. They made an empire and in the end lost in a war against the US. Now there is a deep sense of pacifism in Japan as well as Germany.
One million innocent people died because of the Iraq war. That was an illegal war started by the US. The war was justified by what we knew were lies before the war even started.
But soldiers who fight on the wrong side can be just as brave as those who fight on the right side. So if you are going to call some soldiers heroes, then they are all heroes.
And don't forget that in every war every army will commit atrocities. This is the nature of war. Good people will do terrible things when politicians decide soldiers need to go to war.
On May 31 2011 02:32 Jokithedruid wrote: I dont really get the fuzz about honouring soldiers, someone care to explain how you can make a better world with violence?
That's politics. The honor we're giving them is one of remembering what they did for us, what they chose to do and die for.
Consider World War II where they saved many generations of Jews and other ethnic groups.
Thankfully this thread was started. I hope that a lot of people realize memorial day and July 4th independence day is not about big sales but more than that. God bless.
On May 31 2011 02:32 Jokithedruid wrote: I dont really get the fuzz about honouring soldiers, someone care to explain how you can make a better world with violence?
Don't derail a topic meant to honor those who potentially may have went through hell. Of course there is death and destruction, and countless atrocities, but it is the fact that they are people. For whatever reason, some serve out of honor, some economic reasons, family tradition etc. For those who never experienced war, how easily your words flow.
On May 31 2011 02:32 Jokithedruid wrote: I dont really get the fuzz about honouring soldiers, someone care to explain how you can make a better world with violence?
The only good thing war has ever done is influence games. I'm with you on not understanding why to honour soldiers, people just follow tradition and can't think for themselves I guess.
Thank you to all the people who, without guns, stare down tanks and stand infront of fire. Thank you to all of those people who put their lives on the line without putting others lives at risk. Thank you to those people who have died in order to protect peace, the best cause to die for.
This is true bravery, and you are to be commended.
I am not necessarily trying to piss anyone off by stating this( thought it may.) I am not thankful for the soldiers, all you guys have done is follow (some retarded) leader and support their regimes. Kill and rape others because you believe that you opinion is better than others. Thank you for trying to keep the world the way it has been for thousands of years with so little change.
Thanks for being sheep and getting lead by retarded shepherds.
Personally I dont understand why so many people are praising/thanking these murders... If i were to praise Osama it would be basically the same thing...
Basically thank you for all the bad that you have brought to our planet.
Hitler would never have had an army if so many dumbfucks didnt follow him.
On May 31 2011 02:35 Reaper9 wrote: On May 31 2011 02:32 Jokithedruid wrote: I dont really get the fuzz about honouring soldiers, someone care to explain how you can make a better world with violence?
Don't derail a topic meant to honor those who potentially may have went through hell. Of course there is death and destruction, and countless atrocities, but it is the fact that they are people. For whatever reason, some serve out of honor, some economic reasons, family tradition etc. For those who never experienced war, how easily your words flow.
Thats the thing, what is so special about soldiers, there is people fighting and sometimes kill people AND feel they honor something, have economic reasons, family traditions etc. but these people we dont honor. We execute/put them in prisons instead
Im 100 % against Wars. Still, can't deny that there's a lot of brave soldiers out there who've done a lot for their country (Whether its for the better or not is discussable)
On May 31 2011 02:39 FearTheReaperMan wrote: I am not necessarily trying to piss anyone off by stating this( thought it may.) I am not thankful for the soldiers, all you guys have done is follow (some retarded) leader and support their regimes. Kill and rape other because you believe that you opinion is better than others. Thank you for trying to keep the world the way it has been for thousands of years with so little change.
Thanks for being sheep and getting lead by retarded shepherds.
Personally I dont understand why so many people are praising/thanking these murders... If i were to praise Osama it would be basically the same thing...
Basically thank you for all the bad that you have brought to our planet.
nice over-generalization, so if a country invades yours, and soldiers come to protect you, you still think they are "murders"?
I saw a sign in a barbershop that sums up what should be all people's opinions if you don't support the war: "I don't support the war, but I support our troops and their sacrifices."
To be honest, I've always gotten very embarrassed and uncomfortable when someone thanks me for my service. I don't even like calling it service. I'd prefer to just call it a job but then people look at me funny.
I don't really know what or who I am serving when I go to Iraq. I know at least that I am not fighting to protect America's freedom. I think serving in the military IS an honorable thing, but only when that honorable institution is not being disgraced and abused with an aggressive foreign policy.
We need to return the military to it's proper and honorable role of protecting and serving the American people. Until that happens, I would hope Americans wouldn't thank me for my service. I often feel I am doing a disservice by serving.
After some years in the service I've learned a few things.
-Not all soldiers are heros. In fact, many of my "brothers in arms" are fucking scum that sign up for the money and bragging rights. -All countries have armed services and these too have many assholes that don't deserve as much respect as given. -Warcrimes are committed, this is not a media fabrication. Soldiers have the same capacity of psychosis as civilians.
-One of the men in my company gained some notoriety for diving on a grenade that happened to not go off when he was deployed... Many others have stories of risking their lives in absolutely hopeless situations for their fellow soldiers or even for civilians in the area. -When we were deployed, some of the french soldiers were selflessly trying to help out civilians who were wounded by a roadside bomb despite receiving different orders to continue their patrol. -There are men and women out there right now who have demonstrated such selfless courage in the face of danger, that in my opinion they are worthy of all the thanks they recieve and more.
I am by nature a very cynical person. I have a very low opinion of humanity and by in large think most everyone has a large capacity to be assholes. I saw true humanity and redemption in the most unlikely of places; in war. On the battlefield, I saw men lifting each other up and fighting for what was right. Their lives were no longer of value, it was those around them that they fought for, it was the downtrodden citizens of afganistan, who harbor misgivings towards us, that they served.
It was an experience I'll never forget. Not all soldiers are heros, some never found empathy or brotherhood... But many find it in themselves. They strive to do whats right and defend their fellow man no matter the cost. For that I am forever grateful.
To all the soldiers who died defending their country, their ideals, and their friends may you rest in peace.
Edit: Apparently its all the rage to criticize and hate the soldiers though. Jesus this thread scares me, this is the generation that will one day run the world too. One of the reasons I hate this forum is its full of dumbfuck kids who think they know everything from the internet and have an inflated sense of worth and intelligence from their sheltered worlds. Fuck you, show some respect for those that deserve it. I'm not worthy but I'll never sit on my ass and make blanket criticisms because too many have given up too much for my simple freedoms
On May 31 2011 02:39 FearTheReaperMan wrote: I am not necessarily trying to piss anyone off by stating this( thought it may.) I am not thankful for the soldiers, all you guys have done is follow (some retarded) leader and support their regimes. Kill and rape other because you believe that you opinion is better than others. Thank you for trying to keep the world the way it has been for thousands of years with so little change.
Thanks for being sheep and getting lead by retarded shepherds.
Personally I dont understand why so many people are praising/thanking these murders... If i were to praise Osama it would be basically the same thing...
Basically thank you for all the bad that you have brought to our planet.
nice over-generalization, so if a country invades yours, and soldiers come to protect you, you still think they are "murders"?
I may not be a soldier, but I'll join in on everyone else in thanking all the other service members that are doing stuff that people do not see. As a single military member, I might not have a giant effect on the war itself, but we are legion. None of us are as strong as all of us.
Thanks for joining me in these struggles we go through.
Ok . . . not a lot of people are going to think that war is a good thing but it's a necessity, dammit . . . and some people have to sacrifice a lot to continue this inevitable truth so others can sleep safer at night.
There will always be conflict in this world. Some people are brave enough to stand at its forefront so the others can stand behind them.
i dont know what i should thank soldiers for. they certainly do not save my peace since they are fighting thousands of km away. furthermore, german soldiers are only allowed to fight when either Germany's or the World's freedom is at risk and I don't see either of those things comming from Iraq or Afghanistan. Yes, I have to agree that it is a very dangerous business, but you mustnt assume that being a soldier is anything like heroish. Many, many people come back home and are shocked by what they saw over there and have big trouble going back to a normal life with a family etc. Also I dislike to admire soldiers, because you love people for killing other people. Maybe people just do not (want to) realize that or have a different view on this topic, but any kind of admiration towards soldiers just seems weird to me.
Thank you soldiers for everything you do for all of us. Even in the midst of coward intellectual empty suits who treat you like dirt, you're still there for us, and for that I am so thankful. God bless America and the soldiers who defend her.
I feel a lot of pity for American soldiers and what they have to endure both in the field and at home. Canadian soldiers - all soldiers - experience the same thing here in the West. It is a shame how they are sometimes treated, regardless of their actions.
May all those in service find the peace that they fight for.
RIP nations and peoples terrorized, murdered, and devastated by self-righteous imperialist rogue states. Thank you brave resistance fighters for standing up to them, and liberating your countries from evil.
You make me sick, those of you who sit back and hate the bravest among us who risk their lives for the miserable likes of yours. Until you've been out their yourself and been shot at and seen your friends die around you, you assholes and cowards have no room to speak.
Some people don't seem to understand the difference between the military and politics. If you want to complaign about policy of the US government and others go do that in some other thread.
Furthermore this thread also does not claim that there aren't other things in the world that aren't bad or worth thinking about. Yes I'm talking to you toadyy.
Also isn't it the case that is a day to say thank you to all soldiers? i.e. also the ones fighting / having fought in other wars plus all the other things they do?
Either way soldiers are always needed and I think people are brave to join in the first place. So thank you : )
Respect. Or maybe I should talk trash about people who put their lives on the line everyday so I can sit on my but in my mom's basement and troll forums.
You dirty piece of shit.
edit: regardless of if you agree with the wars or not. There's going to be some crazy person who is out there and doesn't like you. When someone like that learns to pick up a gun you better be darn! happy that there's people who are willing to fight them for you, some punk they don't even know.
I'm a very anti-war person. But I do feel it's great to honor the soldiers.
It's pretty stupid to blame soldiers for wars. You should be blaming those who are telling them to do stupid shit for no good reason. Soldiers are just doing what they believe is the right thing to do. Someone needs to be doing the job they're doing. The guilty are the ones fooling them. Not the ones being fooled.
It's not up to the soldiers to decide which wars to go to. It's up to the people to vote for those who decide that. If you disagree with the war. Then stop voting for corrupt people instead of blaming on soldiers.
Any soldier of any side of a war deserves the respect for being brave to do what only a few would.
My father served, I have friends currently who serve. I thank them today because the least they deserve is a day. Try not to be a jerk in the thread and enjoy abit of nationalistic pride for the people who thought dieing and fighting for you would be a more solid idea then anything else.
On May 31 2011 02:32 Jokithedruid wrote: I dont really get the fuzz about honouring soldiers, someone care to explain how you can make a better world with violence?
Violence does not make the world a better place. However, there will always be a need for a military as long as the capacity for violence exists. If every country drew down their military, one country would keep theirs and take over the world. Its just the sad state of human existence. As many have said, you don't have to support the war but you can support the troops who keep war away from your doorsteps.
I don't endorse warfare, and i sure as hell don't endorse soldiers who kills innocent people. But for all the true honest and honorable soldiers actually died doing their job. Salute! R.I.P
If it wern't for your sacrifice, we would be living in dark times. Some wars are neccesary, some arn't. No matter how neccesary the war is, the ordinary men that fight it are all heroes in my book.
I must say, I am glad that I am able to live freely due to to all of your hard work. Serving our country to the best of your abilities to make the world a better place.
On May 31 2011 02:45 JamesJohansen wrote: Edit: Apparently its all the rage to criticize and hate the soldiers though. Jesus this thread scares me, this is the generation that will one day run the world too. One of the reasons I hate this forum is its full of dumbfuck kids who think they know everything from the internet and have an inflated sense of worth and intelligence from their sheltered worlds. Fuck you, show some respect for those that deserve it. I'm not worthy but I'll never sit on my ass and make blanket criticisms because too many have given up too much for my simple freedoms
Thanks OP for helping us to remember those who have selflessly given their lives; and please remember, too, the mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers, who will never again see their loved ones.
War is a crime unless it is necessary for self-defence. All I feel for those who died for the pursuits of their leaders is sadness, as their lives are wasted for ambitions of a group of man.
I love all of the hatred in this thread that was created simply to thank those who have served and are serving their respective countries whether that is the USA, Canada, or Korea.
Fuck everyone saying this holiday is "pointless" "stupid" or w/e
Kudos to all the honorable soldiers out of there, from any nation. Regardless of the politics involved, putting yourself in harm's way for the sake of others is always admirable.
Soldiers make a tremendous sacrifice for the nation. The constant moving, the time away from friends and families, and the long, often exhausting hours of duty are some of many prices paid for the safety of the country and it's people. Regardless of beliefs of policy, those serving honorably deserve respect and thanks for everything they've given. I'm proud of my friends in family in the service, and wish them a speedy return home.
On May 31 2011 03:03 Parnage wrote: Try not to be a jerk in the thread and enjoy abit of nationalistic pride for the people who thought dieing and fighting for you would be a more solid idea then anything else.
Making this a "nationalist" thing... that's one of the causes of war to start with. Let's remember these people and what happened without making it about pride or nationalism.
On May 31 2011 03:04 Samura1Jack wrote: I don't endorse warfare, and i sure as hell don't endorse soldiers who kills innocent people. But for all the true honest and honorable soldiers actually died doing their job. Salute! R.I.P
Judging people in this thread for their acts under such absurd and to us exceptional circumstances just sounds wrong to me. This is about the loss of life, nothing else.
On May 31 2011 03:19 CoR wrote: RIP all country men but especially the German soldiers
Yes. Especially the Germans, because they're worth at least 3 British or 7 Americans.
Apologies if this counts as "debating" but this annoyed me a lot.
On May 31 2011 03:28 EvilTeletubby wrote: Kudos to all the honorable soldiers out of there, from any nation. Regardless of the politics involved, putting yourself in harm's way for the sake of others is always admirable.
On May 31 2011 02:17 CPTslut wrote: Thank you soldiers, for plundering, raping, torturing and especially your key function, killing people! Thank you a lot for that and I may say thanks to you aswell by all the people who can't thank you anymore because M4A1 owned them.
User was banned for this post.
I don't mean to suggest anything, but he is from Germany.
You're thinking of the wrong era when referring to wars.
Pretty sure majority of raping took place during Vietnam.
Torturing is world-wide. Every country that has some sort of military or government and captures an opposing individual tortures. So on that one you're gg'ed on.
Plundering is interesting. So I take it we steal with means of force. Well, have you personally been deployed or in a warzone? Most likely not. Don't know why anyone would want to steal something anyways unless its just in their personality.
And not everyone deploys with a M4. I personally deploy with a M9 and M16 unless I am going somewhere north in Afghanistan then I deploy with a M4. And thats pretty standard for the most part.
Just stating the obvious in general from my own personal perspective and I am currently active duty.
But then again, I'm one who was mature enough to sign those papers to risk my life and yet you're chilling at home assuming jobless.
Thanks to everyone else who posted. But honestly we should thank you because you are the ones who give us the support to continue doing what we do for you, family and friends.
>Alderaan achieves World Peace. >Alderaan sends away all weapons. >Empire does not like Alderaan. >Death Star comes to Alderaan. >Alderaan has no defenses. >Death Star blows up Alderaan.
Normally I would stay away from a thread like this because of what it turns in to, but it hits a bit close to home. Both my parents were in the military. No matter what people say about soldiers, about what they do or if they are immoral or necessary, the military has been good to my family and every man or woman I have met who has served in the military has been an outstanding person. A soldier is a human being just like us, but they have made the decision to put themselves in harms way, often for people who aren't thankful or may even hate them. So thank you, soldiers. I may not always agree with what our country sends soldiers to do, but I respect the hell out of the soldiers who serve.
On May 31 2011 03:31 Alzadar wrote: Do Americans have both Memorial Day and Remembrance Day? Is there any difference in the way you celebrate them?
They are similar, but Memorial Day is more about remembering the dead/fallen, which is similar to Remembrance Day. We also have Veterans Day, which is more about celebrating still living veterans.
On May 31 2011 03:38 JAN0L wrote: Honestly i have more respect for people that died defending their country in Iraq or Afghanistan.
You would think a Pole would be more greatful of people who + Show Spoiler +
go into other peoples' countries and remove their oppressors.
If anyone can empathise with resistance against an overwhelming and unstoppable invasion the Poles can. They earned that right and they paid a heavy price for it.
On May 31 2011 03:50 KwarK wrote: If anyone can empathise with resistance against an overwhelming and unstoppable invasion the Poles can. They earned that right and they paid a heavy price for it.
I won't question his opinion, but is it fair for me to question his motive in posting that in a 'thank you' thread?
'If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all'. There are plenty of tools for him to get his opinion out on this website alone without trying to troll/derail a thread.
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. -Charles M. Province
On May 31 2011 03:50 KwarK wrote: If anyone can empathise with resistance against an overwhelming and unstoppable invasion the Poles can. They earned that right and they paid a heavy price for it.
I won't question his opinion, but is it fair for me to question his motive in posting that in a 'thank you' thread?
'If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all'. There are plenty of tools for him to get his opinion out on this website alone without trying to troll/derail a thread.
He was saying something nice, it's just the soldiers he was saying he respected weren't the ones you had in mind. Just because they're not fighting for your country doesn't mean they're not brave men and women defending their homes. If you're really defending the soldiers and not the politics then defend all of them, on both sides.
I really wish the OP wouldn't make this thread about his troops and their allies.
People who make a living killing people deserve no memorial day but I' thank the soldiers, of all sides, for doing what they do. Nations will always fight nations and I'm glad there are plenty of morons who can go to war and die in place of the teachers, scientists and in place of those who care for elderly and the sick.
On May 31 2011 03:58 KwarK wrote: He was saying something nice, it's just the soldiers he was saying he respected weren't the ones you had in mind. Just because they're not fighting for your country doesn't mean they're not brave men and women defending their homes. If you're really defending the soldiers and not the politics then defend all of them, on both sides.
I'd say that they are not soldiers, at least not by the common definition of the word. But I digress, as the mod message at the top says, this is not a thread for debating/criticizing, so I won't do it in here. I apologize. If you'd like to discuss it further please feel free to PM me.
On May 31 2011 03:50 KwarK wrote: If anyone can empathise with resistance against an overwhelming and unstoppable invasion the Poles can. They earned that right and they paid a heavy price for it.
I won't question his opinion, but is it fair for me to question his motive in posting that in a 'thank you' thread?
'If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all'. There are plenty of tools for him to get his opinion out on this website alone without trying to troll/derail a thread.
so you say their sacriface is somewhat worse than "our"/"good" soldiers? and I thought that thread is about soldiers of all nations
as for "removing oppresors" if France and UK would keep their alliance commitments in first months of the war maby there would be no oppresion and also 20 years of communism is not what i would call a succesfull removal sry for off top but he really annoyed me
On May 31 2011 03:59 Gigaudas wrote: I really wish the OP wouldn't make this thread about his troops and their allies.
People who make a living killing people deserve no memorial day but I' thank the soldiers, of all sides, for doing what they do. Nations will always fight nations and I'm glad there are plenty of morons who can go to war and die in place of the teachers, scientists and in place of those who care for elderly and the sick.
I advise you to look into the horrors commited by scientists and medics in, for example, world war 2. Soldiers follow orders, may it be for attacking or defending, and those worth remembering are those who gave their life defending countries, allies, elderlies, sick... everyone. Their life. Defending.
Both armies and scientists/medics or even teachers (propaganda etc) have a light and a dark side. Stop being so simplistic.
On May 31 2011 04:04 JAN0L wrote: so you say their sacriface is somewhat worse than "our"/"good" soldiers? and I thought that thread is about soldiers of all nations
as for "removing oppresors" if France and UK would keep their alliance commitments in first months of the war maby there would be no oppresion and also 20 years of communism is not what i would call a succesfull removal sry for off top but he really annoyed me
I'm not saying that any one side is better or good, nor have I ever. I think you are very clearly just trying to cause trouble, but if I'm wrong and that is your actual opinion, I apologize. If you want to discuss what I actually think about either side of that conflict, feel free to PM me, but I won't do it in this thread.
On May 31 2011 03:59 Gigaudas wrote: I really wish the OP wouldn't make this thread about his troops and their allies.
People who make a living killing people deserve no memorial day but I' thank the soldiers, of all sides, for doing what they do. Nations will always fight nations and I'm glad there are plenty of morons who can go to war and die in place of the teachers, scientists and in place of those who care for elderly and the sick.
You don't think there are teachers and scientists in the military? You don't think soldiers care about the sick and elderly? You think soldiers just make a living killing people? Most soldiers don't even fire a gun in active combat. But they do a dangerous job that most people would never want to do, far away from the comfort and safety of home.
Disrespect the dead on the day reserved for their memory.
On May 31 2011 04:04 JAN0L wrote: sry for off top but he really annoyed me
Use the PM for stuff off topic in the future.
Glad that most of the politics bashing in the thread is over with. Cousin is heading over to Kuwait in July and then heading to Afghanistan from there shortly afterward.
Thanks to all the soldiers. I don't support most wars but I'll support you. <3
I understand all the criticism of memorial day since almost every other profession makes the world a better place, whereas half of all soldiers do not. That still leaves another half which go through hell to make the world a better place.
On May 31 2011 03:38 JAN0L wrote: Honestly i have more respect for people that died defending their country in Iraq or Afghanistan. RIP
Defending their country from what? From Americans trying to setup a stable, peaceful government so they can leave? Saying American soldiers ideals are less than the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and Iraqi revolutionaries seems pretty dumb to me I don't know how anyone could read what they fight for and have more respect for them.
On May 31 2011 02:17 CPTslut wrote: Thank you soldiers, for plundering, raping, torturing and especially your key function, killing people! Thank you a lot for that and I may say thanks to you aswell by all the people who can't thank you anymore because M4A1 owned them.
User was banned for this post.
I don't mean to suggest anything, but he is from Germany.
Thank you to these individuals who risk their lives each and every day for what they believe in. It really can remind all of us how little we are going through comparatively, as well as how much we take for granted in our lives. It reminded me just of how lucky I am to be where I am. I can complain about studying and academics, and not even get started working on it all, but there are people out there who could get killed or changed beyond belief in the battlefield. It's the least we can do to take the time out to thank them and to take advantage of what we're lucky enough to have.
As a person that believes that not everything can be solved peacefully and that there are those who believe in might makes right that every society needs those who will protect us and our beliefs. So to those who severed/serving your country should be proud of your service.
Thank you all. You're the reason that we are subject to bombing raids, and the reason that our country isn't a warzone. I do not like the political motives for war, but putting your lives on the line for any cause to protect american citizens is arguably the most noble act one can do.
From someone in the Air Force, thanks for all of the support. <3
I was bought countless drinks over the weekend from complete strangers because I mentioned I was out celebrating one of my last weekends home before deployment.
USA is great about making the armed forces feel supported and appreciated.
Thanks to all the soldiers out there risking their lives for us to play Starcraft 2 and live a good life. I have a friend who is heading to Afghanistan in Janurary to start a tour of duty for the first time and i'll miss him dearly. I hope he is safe over there and everyone else on a tour of duty is safe as well.
The political arguing in this thread is bullshit. People cannot simply express gratitude for people who have given their lives. Whether you believe in it or not, soldiers now and in the past have sacrificed themselves for their beliefs.
On May 31 2011 02:58 Lucidx wrote: You make me sick, those of you who sit back and hate the bravest among us who risk their lives for the miserable likes of yours. Until you've been out their yourself and been shot at and seen your friends die around you, you assholes and cowards have no room to speak.
My life was never in danger. I lol @ fight for your liberties, the only thing that has happened to my liberties was that they were taken away. I don't support memorial day, don't support war. I hope no soldier/civilian has to die anymore, at all.
And all the bans in this thread are REALLY biased. It's like if you don't suck off the nuts of the military you're almost guaranteed a ban.
edit: just saw post on top.. everyone ignore this post.
Also thank you to all the soldiers resisting occupation all over the world but especially in Afghanistan and Iraq. And to the civilian soldiers working to provide democracy all over the world but especially in Bahrain, Syria, Palestine and Libya.
I went through recruit training with one of the brightest guys I've ever met. He had a degree in neuroscience, and worked as an analyst on Wall Street. After losing several friends on 9/11, he quit his job to enlist in the Marine Corps infantry. He was a natural leader, and always shared helpful wisdom and advice for us younger guys.
Much do my surprise and dismay, I discovered a few years later that he had been killed in action during the battle of Fallujah. This year for memorial day my wife and I set a place for him at our breakfast table, and I shared a few stories that I remembered of him. I know it's not much, but I want to help ensure that his sacrifice isn't forgotten.
On May 31 2011 03:59 Gigaudas wrote: I really wish the OP wouldn't make this thread about his troops and their allies.
People who make a living killing people deserve no memorial day but I' thank the soldiers, of all sides, for doing what they do. Nations will always fight nations and I'm glad there are plenty of morons who can go to war and die in place of the teachers, scientists and in place of those who care for elderly and the sick.
I advise you to look into the horrors commited by scientists and medics in, for example, world war 2. Soldiers follow orders, may it be for attacking or defending, and those worth remembering are those who gave their life defending countries, allies, elderlies, sick... everyone. Their life. Defending.
Both armies and scientists/medics or even teachers (propaganda etc) have a light and a dark side. Stop being so simplistic.
How are you defending when you're going into a cave and killing people who just want you out of their country?
I'm sorry for every one who has lost some one close.
I have to say though that I don't think american soldiers are upholding peace as much as they are making the world a dangerous and hateful place. Of course, this is not the individual soldiers fault. But I have to say that I find a thank you thread to soldiers in general a bit morbid and in quite bad taste.
On May 31 2011 02:58 Lucidx wrote: You make me sick, those of you who sit back and hate the bravest among us who risk their lives for the miserable likes of yours. Until you've been out their yourself and been shot at and seen your friends die around you, you assholes and cowards have no room to speak.
Is there anything honorable in what you just wrote? This is a thanking thread, but you only reinforce the position of those who post against you. Stop elevating yourself to a higher level, and putting down everyone that isn't a soldier. You aren't better than anyone else, where is the honor in insulting those you protect?
thank you everyone for your thanks, The majority of us do it or did it, because of the few people that still care and understand that we are not bad people. In fact we are just like you, we are teachers and doctors and plumbers, we are also gamers a church fanatics, and unfortunetly some of us are also criminals and drug addicts or mentally instable or disabled. Being a soldier isnt like a definition of well your just a soldier, because we are so much more. Most of us join and serve to protect the most valuable asset to our nations... our children so that hopfully they don't have to live in days were innocent and bad people alike die all the time in combat.
Thank you, soldiers. I guess most will never know what they had till it's gone. I just pray for the sake of everyone else, that you don't go anywhere. Keep it up.
The political arguing in this thread is bullshit. People cannot simply express gratitude for people who have given their lives. Whether you believe in it or not, soldiers now and in the past have sacrificed themselves for their beliefs.
On May 31 2011 05:20 bonifaceviii wrote: Being in the armed forces is a shitty job, but someone's got to do it. I'm thankful someone else is doing it so I have the freedom not to.
Yeah thats my perspective. Regardless of how I feel about war(s) I understand that when put into a situation where there is a war I am thankful for those who volunteer to be in the armed forces so I don't have to be.
Thank you to those who gave their lives in service of their countries, and those that still live today. History marks itself for the good and bad, but it just comes to you being the brave amongst us through every human hardship~
and thank you and thank you and thanks again. Life is priceless and giving yours so that others may live a life like the one my son and I enjoy is greater than anything I will ever do.
I wish the mongers of the world spent your lives with more care.
Thanks to all the service people who are working now or have worked to keep us safe. I hope everyone remembers the sacrifices that lead to the ability for us to enjoy our lives as we do now.
Thats why I love(d) my job. The BIG differences bewteen the reaction when people find out that u r a soldier. Most ppl say 'thats cool', but quite a bit are like 'omg u get paid for killing ppls, thats awfull...dont you have a bad conscience?' And well - there are even some guys who are like 'shoot dem f****ers and blow up their....' You get what I mean^^. Anyway - there arent much soldiers I would really 'thank' - the only soldiers I would like to thanks are the Allies in the WWII.
Thank you soldiers, for fighting against the British, the indigenous types, your countrymen, for fighting in splendid little wars, for fighting in the last great war, the next last great war, the wars that have never been declared but have been fought anyways, and all the wars to come.
On May 31 2011 04:32 Khaymus wrote: From someone in the Air Force, thanks for all of the support. <3
I was bought countless drinks over the weekend from complete strangers because I mentioned I was out celebrating one of my last weekends home before deployment.
USA is great about making the armed forces feel supported and appreciated.
On May 31 2011 02:10 NIJ wrote: and thank you for thanking me.
all i really did in the sandbox was sit on a box of MREs while I played my gameboy advance. But I sure did guard that box of MREs well.
thanks to those who went out and did stuff while i sat on a box of MREs.
Taken from General Patton's Speech to the Sixth Army
"All of the real heroes are not storybook combat fighters, either. Every single man in this Army plays a vital role. Don't ever let up. Don't ever think that your job is unimportant. Every man has a job to do and he must do it. Every man is a vital link in the great chain. What if every truck driver suddenly decided that he didn't like the whine of those shells overhead, turned yellow, and jumped headlong into a ditch? The cowardly bastard could say, "Hell, they won't miss me, just one man in thousands". But, what if every man thought that way? Where in the hell would we be now? What would our country, our loved ones, our homes, even the world, be like? No, Goddamnit, Americans don't think like that. Every man does his job. Every man serves the whole. Every department, every unit, is important in the vast scheme of this war. The ordnance men are needed to supply the guns and machinery of war to keep us rolling. The Quartermaster is needed to bring up food and clothes because where we are going there isn't a hell of a lot to steal. Every last man on K.P. has a job to do, even the one who heats our water to keep us from getting the 'G.I. Shits'."
" One of the bravest men that I ever saw was a fellow on top of a telegraph pole in the midst of a furious fire fight in Tunisia. I stopped and asked what the hell he was doing up there at a time like that. He answered, "Fixing the wire, Sir". I asked, "Isn't that a little unhealthy right about now?" He answered, "Yes Sir, but the Goddamned wire has to be fixed". I asked, "Don't those planes strafing the road bother you?" And he answered, "No, Sir, but you sure as hell do!" Now, there was a real man. A real soldier. There was a man who devoted all he had to his duty, no matter how seemingly insignificant his duty might appear at the time, no matter how great the odds. And you should have seen those trucks on the road to Tunisia. Those drivers were magnificent. All day and all night they rolled over those son-of-a-bitching roads, never stopping, never faltering from their course, with shells bursting all around them all of the time. We got through on good old American guts. Many of those men drove for over forty consecutive hours. These men weren't combat men, but they were soldiers with a job to do. They did it, and in one hell of a way they did it. They were part of a team. Without team effort, without them, the fight would have been lost. All of the links in the chain pulled together and the chain became unbreakable."
Guarding MRE's may not have been glorious but don't let it downplay that you served in wartime for this country
On May 31 2011 02:32 Jokithedruid wrote: I dont really get the fuzz about honouring soldiers, someone care to explain how you can make a better world with violence?
Sometimes violence must be responded to with violence, denying that is naive and immature. So thank you heroes for answering the call.
Regardless of anyone's opinion on corruption or thoughts about wars, we can all appreciate the bravery and respect these people deserve. Thank you, each and every one of you are truly better than I am.
I have to recommend that people who say things such as "thank you for fighting for us so that we can live a free life" actually do a bit of research instead of just repeating propagandistic catch-phrases. It's arguable whether or not that was true in some situations in the past, but in modern times, many countries have no military yet are quite free. Costa Rica abolished its standing army in 1949, and has constantly been ranked highly in terms of quality of life. Lichtenstein has one of the highest GDP per capita statistics of any country, and also has no military. And perhaps a country as large as the U.S. wouldn't need a military if it stopped doing things such as supporting the Saudi monarchy (edit-) and anti-democratic efforts in countries like Nicaragua and Iran.
Thank you soldiers for being so great. For those who says why should we thank our soldiers for serving our country, you guys are the scum of the Earth. These soldiers risk their lives to serve our country, and even though we may not agree with some of the politics, its not the soldiers fault. Put everything aside and be nice to those who has served us. Happy Memorial Day!
On May 31 2011 06:06 4iner wrote: I have to recommend that people who say things such as "thank you for fighting for us so that we can live a free life" actually do a bit of research instead of just repeating propagandistic catch-phrases. It's arguable whether or not that was true in some situations in the past, but in modern times, many countries have no military yet are quite free. Costa Rica abolished its standing army in 1949, and has constantly been ranked highly in terms of quality of life. Lichtenstein has one of the highest GDP per capita statistics of any country, and also has no military. And perhaps a country as large as the U.S. wouldn't need a military if it stopped doing things such as supporting the Saudi monarchy.
Those of you who thinks the world can live in peace are as stupid as those who repeat propagandistic catch-phrases.
On May 31 2011 06:06 4iner wrote: I have to recommend that people who say things such as "thank you for fighting for us so that we can live a free life" actually do a bit of research instead of just repeating propagandistic catch-phrases. It's arguable whether or not that was true in some situations in the past, but in modern times, many countries have no military yet are quite free. Costa Rica abolished its standing army in 1949, and has constantly been ranked highly in terms of quality of life. Lichtenstein has one of the highest GDP per capita statistics of any country, and also has no military. And perhaps a country as large as the U.S. wouldn't need a military if it stopped doing things such as supporting the Saudi monarchy.
Thats the problem. When US gives up military they get beaten up like a nerd in high school. There are only 2 options. 1. Every state has its own military or 2. NO state has military power - as long as 1 country has military power, the whole peace thing won't work at all. Thats how the mankind works.
And THATS why I say THANKS to all those who try to do their job in the army and dont let the war brutalize them.
On May 31 2011 06:02 -Archangel- wrote: But if this is a soldier day then it is for all, even the ones on the "other side"
Exactly. It's weird how everyone thinks it's just about their side - a soldiers' day is also the day of all the people that endanger your lives and safety as much as those that protect it.
I can understand people's sentiments, but just because there's a job that must be done, doesn't mean it's something that should be glorified or celebrated in any way. It might be a thankless thing to say, but if any job should remain thankless, I think this is the one.
This thread makes me so sad. I thought I had put everything out of my mind when it came to Memorial Day but this brought that all back. Marine SGT. Jason Calo, was one of my brothers best friends. RIP Jason. We all love you. To all the soldiers serving now, thank you.
War is a terrible thing. But being engaged in a war does not make you a bad person. Your actions from moment to moment determine that. Being a solider of war does make you one thing thou. A brave soul. Someone willing to put their own life on the line for the sake of others. And to me, that can be a very honourable action.
I may not like the wars, but a highly respect those willing to go to war.
As my father who is in the US Army and a two-time vet once told me when I was a lot younger, "Son, respect soldiers, but hate war. There is no honor in war."
Thanks, /salute, and HOOAH to all who have, are, and ever will serve. I'll be joining you in a couple of years.
"War is an ugly thing but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feelings which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." - John Stuart Mill
If we really wanted to honor the soldiers and do them a favor every single American would protest every single day until these wars are over and we bring all our troops home.
This is a sickening thread. I cant believe how low our world has stooped. You idiots criticizing those who have sacrificed so much should be ashamed. There are bad soldiers but there are so many out there who have given it all for what is right. Most of you have no idea. Your world is limited to a sheltered world of shit being given to you. You have not seen death and have not seen the world outside of your fucking fantasy.
There are predators out there who want to kill you all. They want to subjugate the world to their ideology. The west needs good men and women to stop them before they cause more damage. Its things that words are wasted on. Im afraid most of you will never understand
On May 31 2011 06:47 JamesJohansen wrote: This is a sickening thread. I cant believe how low our world has stooped. You idiots criticizing those who have sacrificed so much should be ashamed. There are bad soldiers but there are so many out there who have given it all for what is right. Most of you have no idea. Your world is limited to a sheltered world of shit being given to you. You have not seen death and have not seen the world outside of your fucking fantasy.
There are predators out there who want to kill you all. They want to subjugate the world to their ideology. The west needs good men and women to stop them before they cause more damage. Its things that words are wasted on. Im afraid most of you will never understand
The east probably thinks the same. Even if i disagree with the war and any kind of violence I can thank people that had great ideals and fought for them, also those who truly believe in protecting the innocent and the weaker from people that wants to take advantage of them.
I'll finish by quoting "Fighting for peace is like fucking for chastity", er.. sounds better in spanish, whatevs
Thank the soldiers in a more meaningful way than creating a thread on TL please. It just brings out the worst in people, and the argument sparked by the thread does not accomplish what (I hope) you wanted to do here.