Patriotism

Green Light for Transitioning Veterans

Green LightWe changed the light bulb in the sconce behind the flagpole where it is visible from the road below to this nice shade of green, rather than bug light yellow. Why would we do that? Well, it seems there is a movement sponsored by Walmart and other veterans support organizations to “GREEN LIGHT” veterans returning to civilian life by encouraging employment of vets and other programs intended to give these American heroes the opportunities they need in order to transition back to the lifestyles they left prior to service.

Damsel put the green party light in the supermarket shopping cart last week because she had seen a TV spot that encouraged the green light to show support for returning vets. I seldom question what she puts in the cart because – well just because – so it went home with the groceries. It was not until we were at home a couple of days later when I asked her about it. Eventually, I saw the TV spot that she had seen before and did the research to see what I could find on-line.

Here are some excerpts from the Walmart Community pages on Americans Encouraged to Greenlight Opportunity for Transitioning Veterans:

Today, empowering organizations including the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Team Red, White and Blue, Team Rubicon, Hire Heroes USA and Blue Star Families joined Walmart to launch Greenlight A Vet. This is a campaign to help create visible and actionable national support for America’s veterans and their families. You interact with them every day at work, at school and in the neighborhood. However, it’s hard to show them support or recognize their contributions when, back home and out of uniform, they’re more camouflaged than ever.

A green light means go and that’s what veterans are known for – their ability to take action quickly no matter the challenge. They demonstrate great leadership skills in any situation and represent the best of America. Their involvement in communities is central to our nation’s success.

Anyone can Greenlight A Vet:

  • Hire one today. Or help a veteran find a job.
  • Volunteer and serve with veterans groups in your local community.
  • Start a mentor/mentee relationship with a returning veteran.
  • Raise awareness on social media.
  • Or simply signal support by changing your porch light to green.

We are supporting those last two bullets with the green porch light, our blog and a link to our other social media places.

Navy Pride – 240 Years

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My maternal grandfather, my Dad, both of my brothers and I served in the United States Navy. My Grandpa served while Kaiser Bill wreaked havoc in Europe, Dad served in the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters during WW2 and my brothers and I served during the Vietnam conflict. They are all gone now and I, alone, survive today to be proud of my heritage being rich in the Naval tradition.

I take this opportunity to thank all the members of the United States Navy today, who serve our country under the Navy Blue banner. Happy 240th anniversary to the US Navy!

From The Patriot Post:

On Oct. 13, 1775, the U.S. Navy was born when the Continental Congress authorized the arming of two sailing vessels with 80 men and 10 carriage guns in order to intercept British supply and munitions transports. The Declaration of Independence came nine months later, followed by the creation of the Department of the Navy in 1798.

Today, our Navy is the most powerful in the world. We at The Patriot Post offer our thanks to all our sailors for a job well done and wish you a Happy 240th Birthday! God bless you and your families.

A Patriotic Bouquet for Flag Day

Patriotic Bouquet

The fourth and final verse of the Star Spangled Banner By Francis Scott Key 1814:

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Banners and the Arizona Sky

Banners and the Arizona Sky

This is the way our flagpole and the two flags look as seen from the courtyard. The sky is nicely accented by wispy clouds with the flags in the foreground as watched over by the eagle on top of the pole.

Art and Patriotism all in one photo, in my opinion. Click on the image to enlarge.

Never Forget Our Freedom Enablers

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Memorial Day is the time for us to stop and remember those brave men and women of the armed services who gave their lives in the ultimate sacrifice for America. Sure, we’ll be grilling up some holiday treats and celebrating the beginning of the patriotic summer season, but we’ll also have our American flag flying at half-staff until noon in accordance with the Memorial Day protocol.

I liked the sentiment in the Ramirez cartoon above with the symbolic spirit of a disabled veteran giving a hand to the next generation of free Americans. Just as we Never Forget the Islamic Terrorism events of 9-11 and other times, we also will Never Forget the honored dead in all the wars from the American Revolution to the War on Terror still raging today. God Bless ’em All!

Veterans Day 2014

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There are many veterans who deserve credit for keeping our nation safe and free by putting themselves in harm’s way. Not all such “harm’s way” scenarios require combat or the battlefield. Sailors who work on the dangerous decks of aircraft carriers, Soldiers who prepare ordinance and test weaponry, Marines who carry out firefighting missions, Airmen who crew patrol and transport aircraft and Guardsmen who patrol our coasts in aircraft and on the sea.

Special thanks go out to combat veterans as well as those who have risked their lives in training and support roles. God bless them all.

(This is a reprise of our Veterans Day 2009 post – still applicable today.)