Veterans Day 2009: I Remember

[Lonnell Johnson]

Today is Veterans Day, a day of special significance for me. November 11 is my sister Cheryl’s birthday, and I recently posted a blog which featured original poetry, commentary and music videos compiled in celebration of her birthday. In addition, the holiday also marks the 11th anniversary of the burial of my former brother-in-law, Cheryl’s first husband who passed away in 1999. My sister has remarried and her life continues to abound with the blessings of God that overflow from her soul. Aside from the significance of these two events, Veterans Day is especially meaningful to me in that the holiday always brings to mind the fact that I am a Viet Nam era veteran, who came to a knowledge of the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ during my two-year hitch in the US Army from January 1967 to December 1968. During this time I was introduced to the Word of God through the Way International, and I manifested the Spirit of the living God in a most dramatic and life-changing manner. I can’t begin to express just how grateful to God I for my military experience, whereby I was introduced to classroom teaching while at the same time discovering my poetic inclination which has since blossomed and has now become such a vital part of my life. As a writer for Examiner.com I just published a commentary on Veterans Day along with a very moving video, which I trust will blessing. Let me know what you think.Lonnell

Originally called Armistice Day, President Woodrow Wilson signed into law this holiday as November 11 when on the 11th of the 11th month at 11 a.m., the nation observed a moment of silence to remember all soldiers who died in all wars. The armistice signed in 1918 marked the end of World War I, said to be the war to end all wars. Since that time, the United States has been in three more wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Our armed forces are still involved in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The observance is now called Veterans Day.In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried I n Arlington National Cemetery. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where when an unknown soldier was buried in two other nations’ highest place of honor: in England at Westminster Abbey and in France at the Arc de Triomphe).The bodies of three more unknown soldiers were later brought to Arlington. Now on Veterans Day, special services take place at the Tomb of that the Tomb of the Unknown and throughout the nation in tribute to those who have served in the Armed Forces.In light of the recent tragic events at Fort Hood, Texas, this Veterans Day is particularly meaningful. The video posted below by Lizzie Palmer, a high school student, reminds us all to Remember Our Soldiers:

[dick michaud]

John, thank you, it's heart breaking to hear about your brother. So many of our Nam vets suffered without any help, it is tragic. Most of our wars are senseless in my opinion and a total waste. Oh for the day Christ will return.....how long Lord, how long??

[John Richeson]

Steve I share your thoughts strongly. I knew we would find common ground sooner or later.

This world is backwards so much of the time. Vietnam seems to have been such a waste as were other wars. And the youth are sacrificed.

Dick, thank you for serving. I am sorry to hear about your brother. Vietnam was hard on those boys. My brother has post traumatic stress but know one knew what it was back them til later on. I miss him. We were so close.

[dick michaud]

Thanks for sharing guys. I too am a vet. Thankfully I was spared going to Nam. My brother wasn't so lucky. He later took his life during my last year in resident. Too many forget that freedom is not free, a heavy, very heavy price must be paid. May God give the guidance and strength our military people need while they are serving in harming way.

[Steve Burch]

Lonnell, John, thanks for these posts, however I could not continue the video past the grave sites.

While not a vet, I feel very strongly about US soldiers and detest them being used for anything other than true national defense. I wish they were all home.

[David Bailey]

...and John! My heart is hurting this very minute as i type this, for you and all of your wonderful family. I thank your brother. I know that does not mean to much, but deep down in my heart he did protect this USA. I Thank him! I only wish I could have met him. Such a waste. Peace my wonderful friend...DB

[David Bailey]

OMG Lonnell! I did not know that you where a vet of the Viet Nam war. WOW! You kept that one on the slow burner. Please forgive me. I was in England at the time and we did not know to much about it. When I moved to the States, and i brought my son (Garry) over here, (years later) he joined the US Army and fought in Desert Storm. I thank my God that he made it home.
I thank YOU Lonnell, for your service to this wonderful country of ours, these wonderful United States of America and may God bless you more than you could ever even think of! ...DB

[John Richeson]

Thanks for posting this Lonnell. Having not been on the site in a few days, I just saw it. When I read that you were a Viet Nam veteran it reminded me of my brother. He fought in Viet Nam. We lived together when he returned and we spoke about his experience a lot. I told him I was considering going away to Canada in protest of the war, as I was destined soon to be drafted had the war not ended before I was called. Sadly Randy lost his life in a car accident shortly after he returned. I still miss him decades later.

Those men who fought over there were really boys who were suddenly forced to grow up fast. Too fast in some cases. Here is a link to a page I made for our family which tells a little bit about him and his Viet Nam experience. Click here..

God bless all our veterans.