Journal,

On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department. The day selected would be the third Saturday in May of each year. 

http://www.defenselink.mil/afd/

It just so happens that Armed Forces Day is tomorrow, which is the day of our Carver family reunion.

What made me want to write this ‘tribute to our warriors’ was a post sent to our Carver Family conference by a distant cousin, Brenda Soileau. She called attention to a web site where the US Army Band and Chorus welcomed Pope Benedict XVI at the White House.

The song they sang and played was the ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic.’ As I listened to the song you can be sure that shivers went up my spine. (Thank you Brenda.)

If you would like to view the presentation go to: http://www.greatdanepromilitary.com/Battle%20Hymn/index.htm

Yes, I well remember the ending of WWII…

…and the patriotism what swept our nation. And I’ve never forgotten that many of my kinfolk fought in that war and in the wars that followed, including my son Andre, who served in Desert Storm. (My Navy service was during the Vietnam era.)

I guess a deep sense of military honor will always reside in my heart. The fact is that many of my family, both the Carvers and the Martins, have taken their place in the conflicts of our nation. Wish I could share all the names of my kin who have served as warriors, but I’d be sure to miss someone. (On the Martin side, the very first Martin that came to Louisiana was a Revolutionary soldier.)

However, there are two names that I want to especially recognize. Two of my mom’s brothers served in the Navy in WWII, Uncle Holiday and Uncle Grover. Uncle Holiday retired as a Commander in the Navy and has since gone to be with the Lord of Glory.

Uncle Grover lives in California. He was aboard the USS Indianapolis and was only one of the 317 who survived out of a crew of 1,196. A number of movies and books have been provided for what was considered to be ‘the worst naval disaster in history.’ The story of the Indianapolis is found at this site:

http://www.ussindianapolis.org/

Every time I see a uniform I want to hug these guys and girls…

I just can’t help it. I am so proud of our service men and women. They will always be my heros. Here is a clip that tells the story of our warriors.

Tell them how very proud you are …

Don’t let the weekend go by without shaking the hand or hugging the neck of one of our service people. Let them know that they are your hero’s. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every church throughout our land would give a standing ovation this Sunday to our service people.

Nuff said.

Blessings,

Buddy

Posted: May 16th, 2008 under General.
Comments: none