Showing posts with label patriotism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label patriotism. Show all posts

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Ace Cafe got Cycle Fever Thursday night

Thursday night I was out at Ace Cafe in Orlando for a rare behind the scene recording of Cycle Fever TV because our buddy Sgt. Dave Matthews of Never Forgotten Memorials was their guest. Dave is also on KLRN Radio on, you guessed it, Thursday nights. 
Cycle Fever TV
To Keep Up To Date With Our Special Events, Check Out Our Podcast Every Thursday At 7:30pm EST sharp! We Are Live streaming on YouTube! Check Out Our Social As Well To Check Out What We Are Up To! See Us At Ace Cafe, Where We Regularly Stream!
And yes, bikers! Naturally, between bikers and veterans I felt right at home! 

(On a personal note, to the staff of Ace Cafe, you guys are awesome! Once I explained that basically I have a broken back and climbing stairs up to the tower was not good for me, you guys got me into the elevator! I didn't even know there was one there after being out there several times.)




In these videos it is clear to see that these guys are absolutely passionate about veterans and bikers!

These guys are awesome! I had to make sure I did not bust out laughing since I was standing right in front of them.

John of Cycle Fever and Rick of United States Motorcycle Corps Charities Inc and Hank do one of the funniest shows I've heard and on every other Thursday night.
This is Dave's show that was on when Dave was doing this show.

Remember the Fallen



Shadow Warrior Riders Fundraiser Krystal Parker
October 11, 2018•59 min
As we lose another Patriot "Krystal Parker" to the silent epidemic of 22 every day dying of suicide, we honor, remember and celebrate her life with a Fundraiser Memorial at the Ace Cafe with the assistance of Shadow Warrior Riders Motorcycle Club, LLC, Today's Veteran Organization, Never Forgotten Memorials, Inc. and Adam Martin from black Bird Anthem

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Mission BBQ Oviedo 9-11 Remembrance






Our Story
MISSION BBQ opened its doors for business on September 11, 2011.

Ten years after our world changed forever, in some small way we wanted to change it back.

As the founders of MISSION BBQ, we strive every day to remind everyone what makes Our Country great—its heroes.

Who are we? Two friends passionate about BBQ, patriotic for Our Country, and who believe in running a business with meaning and purpose.

We believe there is nothing more American than BBQ. And nobody more American than the brave men and women who have sworn to protect and serve Our Communities and Our Country. We do what we do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders—all our loved ones in service.

We set across this great land from Texas to Kansas City, the Carolinas to St. Louis...to discover the secrets of great BBQ.

Every day we strive to serve you authentic BBQ made from the freshest, most delectable ingredients, and serve it to you in a patriotic dining room filled with tributes to those who’ve made Our Country great, given to us by the people who earned them. Stop by at lunchtime, and you might catch us during our daily salute to the Stars and Stripes.

We don't do any of this because we have to. It's because we want to.

At MISSION BBQ, we are Proudly Serving Those Who Serve. Come help us complete Our Mission.

Vietnam Veterans honored in Longwood

Today at the VFW Post 8207 in Longwood, Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy presented Vietnam veterans and their families with pins and challenge coins.

It was a day to remember them and all they did for this country so that no generation would ever be betrayed like they were.

On a personal note, it is why I am heartsick that they are once again, forgotten by the generations who came after them.

Veterans over the age of 50 are the majority of the known veterans committing suicide, but none of the new groups want to help them.

They waited longer for compensation and to have their caregivers helped out along the way, and are still waiting for someone to even notice we are here.

So yes, the Vietnam Veterans deserve much more than this day but it was nice to hear the kind words.






UPDATE
Sgt. Dave interviewed people for his radio show Remember The Fallen
Listen to the compelling story of the First Vietnamese Congresswoman Murphy's families survival of fleeing Communist Vietnam and being saved while drifting in the China Sea without any gas by the US Navy Vietnam Veterans. Most of all, how she and her staff with the assistance of VFW Post 8207, raised the bar, by honoring our Vietnam Veterans with passion and dignity with the pinning of The VNW50th Lapel Pin. God Bless Our Vietnam Veterans
Listen to "1ST Vietnamese Congress Woman Murphy Honors VNW 50th Veterans" on Speaker.

Sunday, September 2, 2018

More than 10,000 visit "Wall That Heals" in Wisconsin

More than 10,000 visit 'The Wall That Heals' in Crivitz
WBAY 2 News
By Cearron Bagenda
Sep 01, 2018

CRIVITZ, Wis. (WBAY) - More than 10,000 visitors have come to 'The Wall That Heals' in Crivitz since Thursday. Visitors are getting closure and paying their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

'The Wall That Heals' display at the Crivitz Community Veterans Park

'The Wall That Heals' is a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. The wall displays more than 58,000 names of those who gave their lives during the Vietnam War, and 1,500 names of unaccounted service members.

"I mean we've had people from all over the United States, it's a moment of healing, just to be able to touch that name of a friend or a relative. My classmate is on that wall and I’m able to walk up and say goodbye," said John Deschane, Crivitz Village President.
read more here

Saturday, August 18, 2018

National Anthem, oh so much more than a song

Freedom, war and the flag
Combat PTSD Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
August 18, 2018

Bad way to wake up this morning, was reading this headline.

ESPN won't air anthem before Monday Night Football games, returning to prior practice

"New ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro said on Friday that the network will not show the national anthem during Monday Night Football broadcasts, which is a return to standard operating procedure and a recognition of fans’ desires."
Oh, no, not that the decision to not cover it was bad, but it was what else was in the article.
“ESPN is not a political organization,” he said. “It’s not our job to cover politics, purely, but we’ll cover the intersection of sports and politics. When something happens, when the Eagles are disinvited from the White House, when someone takes a knee, when we think it’s newsworthy we’re going to cover it.”


Reporters still fail to understand that patriotism has nothing to do with politics because no matter who is in charge, the National Anthem means more than just words. I guess it is just not news to us how we feel about this stunt, so ESPN must avoid mentioning how offended we are with all of this.

The basis of the anthem was the War of 1812. The words are about the flag still flying after Americans fought back.

In the War of 1812, the United States took on the greatest naval power in the world, Great Britain, in a conflict that would have an immense impact on the young country’s future. Causes of the war included British attempts to restrict U.S. trade, the Royal Navy’s impressment of American seamen and America’s desire to expand its territory.

The United States suffered many costly defeats at the hands of British, Canadian and Native American troops over the course of the War of 1812, including
the capture and burning of the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., in August 1814. Nonetheless, American troops were able to repulse British invasions in New York, Baltimore and New Orleans, boosting national confidence and fostering a new spirit of patriotism.

The ratification of the Treaty of Ghent on February 17, 1815, ended the war but left many of the most contentious questions unresolved. Nonetheless, many in the United States celebrated the War of 1812 as a “second war of independence,” beginning an era of partisan agreement and national pride.
For anyone suggesting the National Anthem protest is not insulting the troops or the flag, that is exactly what it is.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” is the national anthem of the United States. By the time the song officially became the country’s anthem in 1931, it had been one of America’s most popular patriotic tunes for more than a century. The anthem’s history began the morning of September 14, 1814, when an attorney and amateur poet named Francis Scott Key watched U.S. soldiers—who were under bombardment from British naval forces during the War of 1812—raise a large American flag over Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland.
In the almost 6 decades I have lived, there has been a lot of changes in this country because people stood up and refused to kneel to anything other than prayer.


I was raised by veterans willing to fight to keep this country free, but also, by 1st generations Americans. Yes, immigrants who came here from Greece, Italy and Canada. Members of my family and my husband's fought in three wars. WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

This country achieved the changes on rights because people also stood up, on their own time, and forced the politicians to do the right thing.

The football players are not doing either one. They are not taking a stand for civil rights and they are not doing it on their own time.

They use their fans paying money to enjoy the game, and stations like ESPN making money off covering this game. Using? Yes. They put on a uniform and then expect to be able to use the uniform to pull a stunt, as if that uniform entitles them to their personal views being displayed for the world to see.

Fans dropping support of these teams has nothing to do with Trump's tweets but has everything do to with disrespecting what we hold sacred.

If ESPN is really interested in what is "newsworthy" then they should give fans the same worth and attention they are giving the players. Let them cover how these stunts are pushing them away from the game they loved because they love the country, this imperfect country, and those who stood up to fight for it risking their lives, oh so much more!

  

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Happy Birthday to US Army...and the Flag

The U.S. Army: celebrating 243 years of awesomeness 
Happy birthday, Army! 
By: Charlsy Panzino 
June 14, 2018

Go here for a great video!




And it is also Flag Day

Couple stops to respectfully fold American flag after 2 people ripped it down
CBS News
Last Updated Jun 14, 2018

A home security camera caught two people in downtown Mobile, Alabama, ripping down an American flag. But what happened next was heartwarming. A couple walking by stopped to do the respectful thing: fold the flag like true patriots.
It happened at the home of a woman named Margaret Dopson. "We've had our flag ripped down four times in three years. It's one of the reasons for the cameras," Dopson told CBS News. "It's gut-wrenching to me to see it on video. It's a quick flash of what's wrong with society -- anger, hatred and disrespect."

Fortunately, the story doesn't end with that "gut-wrenching" moment. The couple that came along afterwards turned things around. They took care to fold the flag using proper form, making small triangles until it was neatly bundled.
read more here

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Widow keeps mission and love going on and on

After his death, combat veteran's family keeps his mission going
News4Jax
By Mary Baer
Jodi Mohrmann Anchor Managing Editor of special projects
April 23, 2018
"Most people dream of the kind of love that I had and I feel blessed that even though it was cut short I had that much time with him." Kristle Helmuth
MIDDLEBURG, Fla. - Nate Helmuth came home from war with a traumatic brain injury and PTSD, but instead of giving up, the combat veteran chose to help others like him. With his wife, Kristle, and their two children by their side, they worked tirelessly helping one military veteran at a time.

The couple, both U.S. Army veterans, also instilled patriotism and country into their children.

Photos of their 12-year-old son Nate Jr., assisting in lowering the Stars and Stripes at Coppergate Elementary went viral last fall as Hurricane Irma approached.

Now, the father that taught his son Nate Jr. and his daughter, Kinley, to respect the flag, is gone.

"I think we always knew that there was that chance that things would be more serious than they were and maybe we would lose him," Kristle said.

They lost Nate just four months ago. On Jan. 6, the 36-year-old unexpectedly collapsed in their home; he lost his life to the wounds he suffered years earlier in Iraq.

Besides Nate's PTSD and his traumatic brain injury caused by an explosion in Iraq, he inhaled chlorine.

"Basically it just shredded his lungs," said Kristle. "He couldn't breathe."

They were injuries that dashed his dream to be a Blackhawk helicopter mechanic.
read more here

Thursday, April 5, 2018

17 Medal of Honor Escorted in Texas

Medal of Honor recipients welcomed with motorcade, hundreds of spectators in Texas
FOX News
By Travis Fedschun
April 5, 2018
A motorcade along a Texas interstate to escort 17 Medal of Honor recipients on Wednesday drew hundreds of participants and spectators to honor the special guests.
The city of Gainesville, located 70 miles north of Dallas, has hosted the Medal of Honor Host City Program since 2001 to "provide residents with a more interactive connection with America’s history, the military and the veteran community."

In the years since founding the program, almost half of the nation’s Medal of Honor Recipients have attended the special weekend to honor their service.

This year's group arrived Wednesday at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and were escorted by Patriot Guard riders and law enforcement up to Gainesville ahead of this weekend’s ceremonies. Crowds of onlookers stood atop overpasses and alongside the highway to watch them pass.
read more here

Saturday, February 3, 2018

NFL needs to stop holding fans as captive audience!

Time for NFL to respect fans!
Combat PTSD Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
February 3, 2018

Why is it that so many think you have to be a Trump supporter to find kneeling during the National Anthem reprehensible?

This has nothing to do with one political party but it has everything to do with the fact that Americans watch, or watched, football games. 

That is what they paid for. A football game! Not to be held captive so some millionaire can use his 'free speech" to expose his own political views on their dime!

No one wants to take that right away from anyone but no one gave them the right to disrespect their fans. Let them protest on their own time, just like every other American WITHOUT THE PUBLIC ATTENTION THEY ARE GETTING FOR A FOOTBALL GAME PEOPLE PAID A LOT OF MONEY TO SEE!


Too bad Mark Lazarus doesn't seem to get it! 
Super Bowl ratings jeopardized by anthem protests, fan outrage
“I do believe the protest narrative turned some people off,” Mark Lazarus, NBC Broadcasting and Sports chairman, told Yahoo Sports. “And I think it’s unfortunate the players did not articulate what exactly they are doing very well at the beginning, and they let other people define the narrative.”
No, Lazrus it isn't too bad. What is too bad is that too many are using something that means too much to too many willing to die for this country. You know, unlike the football team, real patriots.

Let's talk about immigrants. My Grandparents came to this country because it offered a better way of life. Not a perfect one, but more opportunities than Greece and Canada offered them.

My husbands Grandparents left Canada and Italy for the same reasons.

The thing is, their children were willing to lay down their lives for this nation they loved so much.

My Dad and Uncles, husband's Dad and Uncles along with my husband and his nephew, all served in the military during wars. WWII, Korea and Vietnam. By the way, all Democrats and I am an Independent, just like most of the members of the military and veterans. 



Let's talk about the fact the National Anthem was written after the War of 1812, because people were willing to lay down their lives to defend this nation.

If someone wants to call it "racists" that doesn't mean it is true. It means they have no clue what it actually means.

Protests are necessary to make changes in this country. I do not dispute that at all. Considering that veterans had to come back to protest the way they were treated by the government going all the way back to the Revolutionary War, people have to take stand against something that is clearly wrong.

That is exactly what I, and a lot of Americans have been doing. We've been taking a stand against the NFL deciding it was ok to show disrespect for what others were willing to die for.

By the way, any idea how much the flyover is going to cost the taxpayers since it comes out of the military training budget? Any thoughts on who is flying those jets?

If you respect them then #StopTheKnees and protest on your own time.






Saturday, November 11, 2017

Vietnam Veteran "Santa" Took the Hill, Then Float

TIME-LAPSE: Ride along on our Veterans Day float
Channel 13 News
Sarah Panko
November 13, 2017


Frank Schmidgall was going to stop playing Santa Claus.
Dressed in familiar red and white, the Vietnam War veteran has sat in the same spot for the Orlando Veterans Day Parade every year for the past 15 years.

"I am what you call a charity Santa Claus," Schmidgall said.
But before his mother died, he promised her he would continue the tradition.
“I enjoy it. To watch their faces and to see the people in the parade passing out the candy, it’s fun. I hope they enjoy it," Schmidgall said.
But he doesn't just watch the parade, he buys candy to hand out to spectators. He said he spends hundreds of dollars and several hours getting the bags ready.
read more here


Friday, November 10, 2017

Floridians Show Up For Veterans



From Cathy Haynes
VETERANS DAY EVENTS – alphabetical by County
 
BREVARD COUNTY
 
Veterans Day Ceremony – Sat. Nov 11 – The Veterans Memorial Center (VMC) in north Brevard County is where keynote speaker Army Col. Danny McKnight (ret.) will share a Veterans Day message. 9am-10am at the VMC, 400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, 32952. Info: www. veteransmemorialcenter .org 321-453-1776. 
 
Veterans Day Parade in South Brevard County – Sat. Nov 11 - This annual Parade begins at 10am, from E. New Haven Ave. west to 1601 Oak St, Melbourne, FL, 32901 to the Liberty Bell Memorial Museum
 
Veterans Memorial Service in North Brevard County – Sat. Nov 11 - The Military Order of World Wars Space Coast-Indian River Chapter will hold the 35th Annual Veterans Memorial Service and Massing of the Colors on the Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) Cocoa Campus. The 3 pm ceremony at 1519 Clearlake Rd, Cocoa, 32922, in the George F. Schlatter Veterans Memorial Amphitheater. Free and open to the public. The moving, patriotic ceremony honors those who have given their lives in service to their country and pays tribute to those currently serving. This year’s featured service is the U.S. Air Force. The keynote speaker will be Col. Steven M. Gorski, Commander of the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) at Patrick Air Force Base. Info: Suzanne at EFSC at 321-433-7022.
 
Veterans Day Weekend Open House, Sat & Sun Nov 11 and 12 - The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum will provide free admission to the museum for all military, active or retired. Also, ALL Florida residents will be admitted free – but please bring a non-perishable food item. Events include flybys, collection of vintage aircraft, plastic modelers and radio controlled modelers, and the opportunity to speak to former combat pilots. Car Club exhibits. (If you have a classic car that you would like to show on Saturday and/or Sunday, please contact the museum.) 9AM-5PM, Saturday and Sunday. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Space Coast Regional Airport, 6600 Tico Road, Titusville, 32780. Info: www. valiantaircommand .com Warbirds@ valiantaircommand .com 321-268-1941.
 
FLAGLER COUNTY
 
Freedom Fest 2017 – Fri to Sun. Nov. 11 – 12 - A Veterans weekend celebration with ShockWave jet truck (375mph!), live music, military aircraft, military displays, vendor village, patriotic presentations and fireworks finale on Saturday night. $10 advance tickets, $15 at gate. Free Sunday re-entry with paid Saturday admission, free parking at school, $5 at airport. Sat: 11am – 9pm, Sun: 11am – 2pm. Flagler Executive Airport, 201 Airport Rd, Palm Coast, 32164 (off S.R.100, across from the high school.) Vendor space still open. Contact: Kirk Keller 386-437-1992 #218, Kirk@ beach927 .com
 
LAKE COUNTY
 
Veterans Day Observance  - Sat. Nov. 11 – 11am at the waterfront pavilion on Lake Minneola. (330 Third St., Clermont, FL.)  Sponsored by the Tomoka Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR); Sgt. I. W. Hatcher, Jr. South Lake Marine Corps Detachment, VFW Post #5277 and Korean War Veterans group. Also participating will be the South Lake High School ROTC, Blessed Sacrament Knights of Columbus, South Lake Scouts. Info: cdarling6@juno.com
 
Astatula’s 1st Veterans Day – Sat. Nov 11 - Country music artist Rodney Atkins will be the headline entertainer at this event. He has had six number one songs on the country music charts. Also present will be Rob O'Neill, a highly decorated SEAL and retired special forces operator with over 400 missions. 11am – 11:30pm at Central Florida Motorsports Park, 24200 County Road 561, Astatula, (Lake County) 34705. $10 advanced gen. admission before Nov 1, then $15; $100 VIP tickets; Vendors available. Tickets at Eventbrite.
 
ORANGE COUNTY
 
6th Annual Orlando Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K Races/Walk – Sat. Nov 11- Orlando Marathon race 26.2, Orlando Half Marathon 13.1 and Orlando 5K race or walk event hosted by American Legion Post 112 and Help the Vets, Inc. 4490 N. Goldenrod Rd. Winter Pk, FL 32792. A local quartet, Noteables, will sing before the event, the Anthem at 7:20 and races starting at 7:30 am. Discounts if registered by Oct 30. www. omarathon .com Info: Jim at racenut478@ aol .com 407-739-4949.
 
Orlando Veterans Day Parade – Sat. Nov 11 – One of the largest Veteran’s Day Parades, Hosted by Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council in Downtown Orlando.  11am – 1pm. Free! This year’s parade recognizes the invisible wounds of war. The parade includes about 100 Central Florida veterans groups, floats, pipe bands, marching bands, ROTC and JROTC units, first responders, community groups and military vehicles. Begins at Robinson St., south on Orange Ave., east on Central, the north on Rosalind Ave. The parade will be televised live on News 13, starting with the opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Info: cityoforlando.net/ veteransparade 407-246-3104.
 
Red, White & Blue Rally – Sat. Nov 11 – After the parade go to Ace Cafe Orlando, 100 W Livingston St, Orlando.  Free to the public – Classic Cars, Classic Motorcycles, Military Vehicles, Live Music, Poker Crawl, and Vendor Tents. Sponsored by FAVOB (Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses) and honoring those who have served! Info: Jim at jrice@ supportingstrategies .com 407.930.9420
 
Windermere Veterans Monument Dedication – Sat. Nov.11 –Join members from all of the branches of the armed forces at 11am as Windermere unveils its Veterans Monument at 520 Main Street. Patriotic music and a family friendly day long event. Sponsored by the Town of Windermere and Windermere Rotary. Info: Gary Bruhn at windermeremayor@ yahoo .com 407-876-1732.
 
Veterans’ Day Ceremony – Sat. Nov 11 – A wreath ceremony at Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St, Orlando, 32803. It will take place by the monument to the Red Tail Pilots just outside the Science Center in Loch Haven Park. It will be a brief and simple ceremony at 2pm, including a bugler playing “Taps” to honor those we have lost in service to our country. The ceremony is free to the public, but admission to the Science Center is $20.95 for adults, $18.95 for seniors, and $14.95 for youth. However, we are currently offering veterans and active military free admission with their military ID and 50% off family members in their party. Info: Jeff at JStanford@ osc .org 407-514-2145
 
Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) meeting – Sat. Nov 11 – Are you a descendant of America’s first veterans? Tracing your family tree and finding a lineal ancestor who fought for or supported the efforts for our freedoms in the American Revolution allows you to honor their sacrifices by becoming a member. And if you are active military or a veteran (but not required) it makes the connection even more important because you swore to uphold the US Constitution that was put into place at the start of our country – a true tribute! A monthly luncheon meeting for the Central Florida chapter is being held at the Mayflower Retirement Complex because it has great food! Info for membership and/or the meeting: Don at donaldg100@ aol .com
 
Marine Corps Birthday Ball – Sat. Nov. 11 – Sponsorships available for this 242st celebration will be at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, 9840 International Drive, 32819. Cocktails begin at 6pm and the ballroom doors open at 6:45. At 7:30 the ceremony begins with dinner and dancing following that. Dress is formal. Special guests.  Interested persons can get more information at the Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation website: centralfloridamarines.org or thru Jan Baka 407.745.3029 during business hours or jan.baka@ecs-federal.com Semper Fi!
 
OSCEOLA COUNTY
 
Osceola County Veteran’s Day Parade – Sat. Nov 11 – 10am start time. Floats, bands, color guards and more. Forms in the Osceola Courthouse parking lot (Rose Ave. and Patrick St.) and travels down Main Street in Kissimmee. Children’s Parade will form in front of the Kissimmee Police Dept. Prizes for Best band, Best unit, Best float. Sponsored by the Osceola County Veterans Council. Info: Wilfredo “Fred” at 407-520-7646.  
 
13th Annual USO Benefit Ride – Sat. Nov 11 - Orlando Harley Davidson South, 7786 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy (aka US 192), Kissimmee, 34747 (abt 3 miles west of I-4) Central Florida's largest motorcycle fundraising event in support of our military personnel and the USO Care Package Program in association with the Greater Jacksonville Area USO. Police escorted ride. Registration 8:30 am to 10am/ Ride departs 1030am. Motorcycles NOT required. After party 12 - 3 pm. Silent auction, raffles, lives music, continental breakfast, delicious lunch, vendors. $20 per rider, $10 per passenger - each registration covers the cost of a USO Care Package to be sent to a deployed member of the US Military. 
For more information on these events and early registrations see www. usobenefitride.com
 
SEMINOLE COUNTY
 
Veterans Day Expo – Sat. Nov 11 – Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy will be available to hear your concerns at the Seminole County Public Library, Central Branch, from 9am – 11am. 215 N. Oxford Rd, Casselberry, 32707. Info: Constituent Advocate Kyle at 888-205-5421
 
Seminole County Celebrates Veterans Day – Sat. Nov 11 - Presented by the Seminole County Area Veterans Advisory Council (SCAVAC), this ceremony at Sanford Veterans Memorial Park begins at 11am, 110 W Seminole Blvd, 32771. Coast Guard Lt. Jim Krzenski, (ret.) will provide the keynote address and many veterans organizations will be participating. Following the Ceremony, the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) invite you to a luncheon at their post, 3512 S. Orlando Drive, Sanford. Info: Jennifer Brooks at 407.688.5120 option 6 or jennifer.brooks@sanfordfl.gov
 
VOLUSIA COUNTY
 
1047 Steps for the Vets - Veterans Day Bridge Walk - Sat. Nov 11 – 3rd annual event hosted by The Rock of Daytona (WROD 104.7FM) and Veterans Support Fund at Granada Bridge, Ormond Beach, 32174 in Volusia County. 6am – 6pm at Cassen Park, 1 South Beach St. Come walk, sponsor a team, make a donation or just cheer the walkers on. Stay for a few minutes or a few hours... The first 100 walkers who donate at least $20 will get a FREE Bridge Walk T-shirt! The Rock of Daytona Crew will be walking 1047 steps for every $104.7 donated, with all the proceeds going to the Veteran's at the Emory L Bennett Veterans Nursing Home. Freedom Mortgage and Caton Hosey Insurance are sponsors for this year’s walk. Info: www. therockofdaytona .com 386-253-0000. 
 
Volusia County Veterans Day Parade – Sat. Nov 11 –Honoring the sacrifices of all veterans and their families in a daylong celebration in historic downtown DeLand. Opening ceremony at 9:30am on Indiana Ave, Parade beginning at 10am-12noon with military vehicles, marching bands and patriotic floats on Woodland Blvd. Info: MainStreet DeLand Association, 386-738-0649.

Friday, November 3, 2017

Commander John Wells Stood Up to NFL, Turned Down Award

Retired Naval officer and military veteran's advocate turns down award at Saints game
USA Today
Paul Murphy
November 2, 2017
Wells, a disabled veteran claims protestors are dishonoring the military and the flag.

"They can do it," Wells said. "They have that right, no question. I've got the right to turn it off. I got the right to not go into an NFL stadium and I have the right to decline the award."


A retired Naval officer and military veteran's advocate has declined to be honored at the New Orleans Saints-Tampa Bay Buccaneers game in the Mercedes Benz Superdome on Sunday.

Commander John Wells was to receive the Peoples Health Champion award for exceptional achievements after age 65.

"I admire them for what they're doing," Wells said. "I admire the award. I'm just sorry that the circumstances are such that I could not ethically accept it."

Wells added he won't walk into an NFL stadium while players continue to protest during the national anthem.

Some players around the league are taking a knee during the anthem to shine a light on social injustice.
read more here

And exactly how did they respond?
New York Daily News
"Unfortunately, he has chosen very publicly not to accept this honor and refused the opportunity to promote the very cause for which he was being honored and distract from awareness we hoped to build throughout our community."
Guess they didn't notice the Veterans Community has been very aware of how the NFL actually feels about veterans. When a 'PUBLIC STUNT' allowing players to take a knee during the National Anthem has been more acceptable THAN A VETERAN TELLING THEM NO THANKS! The damage done between fans and the owners may never be repaired. 


UPDATE

I tried to get back to work on something I'm working on for Veterans Day, but I could not get my mind to focus on it. Before this story makes my head explode, I need to go on a rant, so if you want to stop reading now, it is ok. I don't blame you.

I've read too many times on social media that some people do not see it as disrespecting the men and women serving this country. They can't understand how it is disrespecting the flag. 

Unlike when their Moms told them they are special, the protestors seem to think they simply deserve respect for being born. Anything they want to do should be acceptable to the rest of us without ever earning any of it other than getting thousands of people to follow their postings.

I wonder if they ever listened to the words of the National Anthem?

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight'
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming.
And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen, thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream;
'Tis the star-spangled banner: oh, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Oh, thus be it ever when free men shall stand,
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued landv Praise the Power that has made and preserved us as a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause 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.

Written by Francis Scott Key on 
September 14th, 1814.
Are there some police officers who should not have joined the force? Sure, but the protestors seem to want to blame all police officers. The thing is, the good ones are the majority and they still show up to put their lives on the line for people who hate them.

Now the NFL is being grouped because a minority of the players seem to think it is ok to disrespect the Anthem that was written in tribute to the men and women who put their lives on the line in defense of this country. 

If they cannot understand what those words mean, or why they have the right to protest, then how would they know what respect is when they see it? If they cannot see what disrespect is to others, perhaps they never will.

Should people fight for justice? Absolutely! That is the foundation of this nation when it began in Massachusetts and has not stopped because brave people stand up and risk everything for the sake of others.

Taking a knee during a football game informs the public of how little they matter when players seem to believe their opinion matters more than what the fans may personally think about a subject. 

It is like going to a deli and hearing someone behind the counter defending the livestock. Really bad for that business! 

The right to protest is theirs but it also the right of those who disagree with them to also protest in a way the NFL will understand. They are taking their money, and their limited free time, to do something other than support the NFL.