Happy New Year
2008 New Year Resolution #1©
With great resolve, it is resolved, resolvent action, to be taken.
No more resolutions made, when known, we're going to break 'em.
Richard G. Shuster, RandomlyRamblingRick, New Year Resolution #1©
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Merry Christmas to All
Merry Christmas to All
We would like to wish all of you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and New Year ahead filled with the Blessings of the Christmas season.
We would ask each of us not to focus on the trappings and tinsel, but to remember the Spiritual reason for this celebration of birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Carry the Christmas Message and Spirit with you throughout the year.
Love...Hugs...Hope...Blessings
Rick & Jeannine Shuster
rgsjesshuster@charter.net
We would like to wish all of you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and New Year ahead filled with the Blessings of the Christmas season.
We would ask each of us not to focus on the trappings and tinsel, but to remember the Spiritual reason for this celebration of birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Carry the Christmas Message and Spirit with you throughout the year.
Love...Hugs...Hope...Blessings
Rick & Jeannine Shuster
rgsjesshuster@charter.net
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Winter
Winter
Winter is fun with the family.
Winter is drinking hot chocolate.
Winter is Lake Tahoe.
Winter is skiing up in the mountains.
Winter is mornings.
Winter is home made coffee cake on Christmas morning.
Winter is sledding down your driveway.
Winter is white snow.
And most importantly,
Winter is Christmas.
Baylie K. Krutsinger
Winter is fun with the family.
Winter is drinking hot chocolate.
Winter is Lake Tahoe.
Winter is skiing up in the mountains.
Winter is mornings.
Winter is home made coffee cake on Christmas morning.
Winter is sledding down your driveway.
Winter is white snow.
And most importantly,
Winter is Christmas.
Baylie K. Krutsinger
Friday, November 30, 2007
December and Thoughts for the Holidays©
December and Thoughts for the Holidays©
Busy streets with twinkling lights glistening on the snow
can not match a child's anticipation, with eyes all aglow.
As Christmas nears, time moves slow, with slumber hard to find.
Hoping for good deeds remembered, all others left behind.
Houses cheery, with decorations on display.
People looking forward, to the coming Christmas day.
The cards and letters mailed and shopping nearly done.
The Holiday, upon us soon, a time for family fun.
People all-over begin holiday travel,
and last minute shoppers begin to unravel.
Miles to be covered and gifts to be wrapped,
resolved last year, never again would be trapped.
If this sounds all too familiar, to many it might,
know you're in good company, come Christmas night.
Merry Christmas, With love, joy, peace and goodwill to man,
sounds very much like a worthwhile plan.
Richard G. Shuster, RandomlyRamblinRick December and Thoughts for the Holidays©
Happy New Year 2008
New Year Resolution #1©
With great resolve, it is resolved, resolvent action, to be taken.
No more resolutions made, when known, we're going to break 'em.
Richard G. Shuster, RandomlyRamblingRick, New Year Resolution #
Busy streets with twinkling lights glistening on the snow
can not match a child's anticipation, with eyes all aglow.
As Christmas nears, time moves slow, with slumber hard to find.
Hoping for good deeds remembered, all others left behind.
Houses cheery, with decorations on display.
People looking forward, to the coming Christmas day.
The cards and letters mailed and shopping nearly done.
The Holiday, upon us soon, a time for family fun.
People all-over begin holiday travel,
and last minute shoppers begin to unravel.
Miles to be covered and gifts to be wrapped,
resolved last year, never again would be trapped.
If this sounds all too familiar, to many it might,
know you're in good company, come Christmas night.
Merry Christmas, With love, joy, peace and goodwill to man,
sounds very much like a worthwhile plan.
Richard G. Shuster, RandomlyRamblinRick December and Thoughts for the Holidays©
Happy New Year 2008
New Year Resolution #1©
With great resolve, it is resolved, resolvent action, to be taken.
No more resolutions made, when known, we're going to break 'em.
Richard G. Shuster, RandomlyRamblingRick, New Year Resolution #
December and Thoughts for the Holidays©
December and Thoughts for the Holidays©
Busy streets with twinkling lights glistening on the snow
can not match a child's anticipation, with eyes all aglow.
As Christmas nears, time moves slow, with slumber hard to find.
Hoping for good deeds remembered, all others left behind.
Houses cheery, with decorations on display.
People looking forward, to the coming Christmas day.
The cards and letters mailed and shopping nearly done.
The Holiday, upon us soon, a time for family fun.
People all-over begin holiday travel,
and last minute shoppers begin to unravel.
Miles to be covered and gifts to be wrapped,
resolved last year, never again would be trapped.
If this sounds all too familiar, to many it might,
know you're in good company, come Christmas night.
Merry Christmas, With love, joy, peace and goodwill to man,
sounds very much like a worthwhile plan.
Richard G. Shuster, RandomlyRamblinRick December and Thoughts for the Holidays©
Happy New Year 2008
New Year Resolution #1©
With great resolve, it is resolved, resolvent action, to be taken.
No more resolutions made, when known, we're going to break 'em.
Richard G. Shuster, RandomlyRamblingRick, New Year Resolution #
Busy streets with twinkling lights glistening on the snow
can not match a child's anticipation, with eyes all aglow.
As Christmas nears, time moves slow, with slumber hard to find.
Hoping for good deeds remembered, all others left behind.
Houses cheery, with decorations on display.
People looking forward, to the coming Christmas day.
The cards and letters mailed and shopping nearly done.
The Holiday, upon us soon, a time for family fun.
People all-over begin holiday travel,
and last minute shoppers begin to unravel.
Miles to be covered and gifts to be wrapped,
resolved last year, never again would be trapped.
If this sounds all too familiar, to many it might,
know you're in good company, come Christmas night.
Merry Christmas, With love, joy, peace and goodwill to man,
sounds very much like a worthwhile plan.
Richard G. Shuster, RandomlyRamblinRick December and Thoughts for the Holidays©
Happy New Year 2008
New Year Resolution #1©
With great resolve, it is resolved, resolvent action, to be taken.
No more resolutions made, when known, we're going to break 'em.
Richard G. Shuster, RandomlyRamblingRick, New Year Resolution #
Special Seasonal Thoughts: At Hanukkah
Special Seasonal Thoughts: At Hanukkah
"Inner Engravings"
Upon every person's soul there are words written and words engraved.
The words that are written are not of the essence of the person--they come to the soul from the outside. Therefore, they may fade and fall away, perhaps to be replaced by other words.
The words engraved are of the soul itself--just as engravings are no more than the form of the stone. When the soul finds quietude, those words are there. And when the soul is in turmoil, or soiled by experience, those engravings need only be cleaned and uncovered. But they can never be torn away.
Those words engraved upon your soul, they are also engraved in a holy fire within the depths of the Soul of All Things. They are the same words that Moses heard and inscribed on stone and on parchment. And at times, when you immerse in the Torah and the words of its sages, and you allow it entry to touch your soul, you may hear those words resonating inside.
A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Rebbe-words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
God's Temples©
If God's Temples are not first built in the hearts of man,then it is of little use to build them of stone and mortar...
Richard G. Shuster RandomlyRamblingRick, God's Temples©
-----------------------------------------------------
A Brief History of Hanukkah
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem
Hanukkah (Hebrew for “dedication”), annual festival of the Jewish people celebrated on eight successive days. It begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the third month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding, approximately, to December in the Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights, Feast of Dedication, and Feast of the Maccabees.
Special Seasonal Thoughts: At Hanukkah
"Inner Engravings"
Upon every person's soul there are words written and words engraved.
The words that are written are not of the essence of the person--they come to the soul from the outside. Therefore, they may fade and fall away, perhaps to be replaced by other words.
The words engraved are of the soul itself--just as engravings are no more than the form of the stone. When the soul finds quietude, those words are there. And when the soul is in turmoil, or soiled by experience, those engravings need only be cleaned and uncovered. But they can never be torn away.
Those words engraved upon your soul, they are also engraved in a holy fire within the depths of the Soul of All Things. They are the same words that Moses heard and inscribed on stone and on parchment. And at times, when you immerse in the Torah and the words of its sages, and you allow it entry to touch your soul, you may hear those words resonating inside.
A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Rebbe-words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
God's Temples©
If God's Temples are not first built in the hearts of man,then it is of little use to build them of stone and mortar...
Richard G. Shuster RandomlyRamblingRick, God's Temples©
-----------------------------------------------------
A Brief History of Hanukkah
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem
Hanukkah (Hebrew for “dedication”), annual festival of the Jewish people celebrated on eight successive days. It begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the third month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding, approximately, to December in the Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights, Feast of Dedication, and Feast of the Maccabees.
Special Seasonal Thoughts: At Hanukkah
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thank You and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones...
Thank You and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones...
We haven’t caught up to the fact it is another Thanksgiving already,
but, I can include a few ramblings for your Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.
Thanksgiving©
Being thankful for our abundance,
while giving to those less fortunate.
Richard G. Shuster, RandomlyRamblingRick, Thanksgiving©
Giving Thanks is not only for November©
Having, feeling, and expressing gratitude, through the giving of thanks
is not intended, to be exclusively reserved, for the month of November.
Thanksgiving is a holiday, to remind us annually, of an event when we give thanks,
but things for which we are grateful today, likewise tomorrow, we should always remember.
Richard G. Shuster, RandolyRamblingRick, Giving Thanks is not only for November©
We haven’t caught up to the fact it is another Thanksgiving already,
but, I can include a few ramblings for your Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.
Thanksgiving©
Being thankful for our abundance,
while giving to those less fortunate.
Richard G. Shuster, RandomlyRamblingRick, Thanksgiving©
Giving Thanks is not only for November©
Having, feeling, and expressing gratitude, through the giving of thanks
is not intended, to be exclusively reserved, for the month of November.
Thanksgiving is a holiday, to remind us annually, of an event when we give thanks,
but things for which we are grateful today, likewise tomorrow, we should always remember.
Richard G. Shuster, RandolyRamblingRick, Giving Thanks is not only for November©
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Veterans Day Should Be Everyday
Veterans Day November 11th
One Veteran’s Pledge©
When it was my time, I served. My sons served, because I shared with them the value and meaning of serving. I wear the badge of doing the right thing, but also the pain of sending my sons into harms way. Today I can justify that it still is right, but am troubled over the pain my son has and the pain of so many other sons and daughters and the pain of their loved ones, who, like myself, sent them off to war.
So, today, I proudly serve our Veterans in the best ways I can. I am an activist for Veterans issues, I honor our standing military and I help with health and well being issues of our Veterans of all Era’s and for the active duty military of today. This is the focus, this is our purpose, this is what we owe to our Veterans.
Richard G. Shuster
RandomlyRamblingRick
One Veteran’s Pledge©
Our Protectors, Our Veterans©
The lives of some known and many not, have touched us. There's little difference than found in any other war, with caskets holding their bodies, now come home they to rest. They were our protectors, it is their duty they have done, and they did their best, and again, lives of some known and many not, have touched us.
How many times has the “story of stories” been repeated, by millions of families throughout the ages since first spoken? “He gave His only Begotten Son”, rings on and on. May that sacrifice never be forgotten. Likewise, millions of other sons and daughters have been given, as our Protectors, in their service; to God, to country, to family, to community. They, too, gave up their begotten children, their loved ones, for us, for all of us, to never be forgotten. As was His sacrifice, is theirs, our protectors, for the ever living hope of futures bright, we join in humble gratitude, to honor and to comfort all who need. May our protectors, our veterans, never be forgotten.
In addition to the horrors and ravages of war itself, during each era of our protectors, our veterans, have had to face such issues as we have seen; issues such as radiation, psychedelics, agent orange, chemicals, biological agents and unproven experimental vaccines. It is my belief that it is our ultimate responsibility to do what we can to minimize these types of issues that were unnecessary to have occurred in the first place. We owe our protectors this, too, for all current and future generations. If we do not protect our protectors, our veterans, who indeed, will protect them?
The health and well being issues of our protectors, our veterans of all eras and of the reserves, guards, and active duty military of today are real. This should be our focus, this should be our purpose, this should be our commitment, and this is what we owe to our protectors, our veterans.
If we do not protect our protectors, our veterans, who indeed will protect us?
Richard G. Shuster
RandomlyRamblingRick
Our Protectors, Our Veterans©
For Our Forgotten Veterans©
For those who served,but were not served in return we thank you we salute you we pray for you we offer our hand to you…we pledge you will never be forgotten again.
Richard G. Shuster
RandomlyRamblingRick
For Our Forgotten Veterans©
Inalienable Rights©
Our rights; of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, are guaranteed by our republic's honored constitution and enforced by our men and women in the military.
Today’s military will soon be tomorrow’s Veterans, Be there for them today, as they are there for us. Be there for them tomorrow, as they were for us, always.
Richard G. Shuster
RandomlyRamblingRick
Inalienable Rights©
Together We Are Americans©
My eyes are filled and overflow for my brother.
Though from different clans, we are together in spirit and in pride
and have shared the sacred banner and uniform of freedom,
for those of past we did and do today,
for all those who will follow in the future.
Richard G. Shuster
RandomlyRamblingRick
Together we are Americans©
One Veteran’s Pledge©
When it was my time, I served. My sons served, because I shared with them the value and meaning of serving. I wear the badge of doing the right thing, but also the pain of sending my sons into harms way. Today I can justify that it still is right, but am troubled over the pain my son has and the pain of so many other sons and daughters and the pain of their loved ones, who, like myself, sent them off to war.
So, today, I proudly serve our Veterans in the best ways I can. I am an activist for Veterans issues, I honor our standing military and I help with health and well being issues of our Veterans of all Era’s and for the active duty military of today. This is the focus, this is our purpose, this is what we owe to our Veterans.
Richard G. Shuster
RandomlyRamblingRick
One Veteran’s Pledge©
Our Protectors, Our Veterans©
The lives of some known and many not, have touched us. There's little difference than found in any other war, with caskets holding their bodies, now come home they to rest. They were our protectors, it is their duty they have done, and they did their best, and again, lives of some known and many not, have touched us.
How many times has the “story of stories” been repeated, by millions of families throughout the ages since first spoken? “He gave His only Begotten Son”, rings on and on. May that sacrifice never be forgotten. Likewise, millions of other sons and daughters have been given, as our Protectors, in their service; to God, to country, to family, to community. They, too, gave up their begotten children, their loved ones, for us, for all of us, to never be forgotten. As was His sacrifice, is theirs, our protectors, for the ever living hope of futures bright, we join in humble gratitude, to honor and to comfort all who need. May our protectors, our veterans, never be forgotten.
In addition to the horrors and ravages of war itself, during each era of our protectors, our veterans, have had to face such issues as we have seen; issues such as radiation, psychedelics, agent orange, chemicals, biological agents and unproven experimental vaccines. It is my belief that it is our ultimate responsibility to do what we can to minimize these types of issues that were unnecessary to have occurred in the first place. We owe our protectors this, too, for all current and future generations. If we do not protect our protectors, our veterans, who indeed, will protect them?
The health and well being issues of our protectors, our veterans of all eras and of the reserves, guards, and active duty military of today are real. This should be our focus, this should be our purpose, this should be our commitment, and this is what we owe to our protectors, our veterans.
If we do not protect our protectors, our veterans, who indeed will protect us?
Richard G. Shuster
RandomlyRamblingRick
Our Protectors, Our Veterans©
For Our Forgotten Veterans©
For those who served,but were not served in return we thank you we salute you we pray for you we offer our hand to you…we pledge you will never be forgotten again.
Richard G. Shuster
RandomlyRamblingRick
For Our Forgotten Veterans©
Inalienable Rights©
Our rights; of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, are guaranteed by our republic's honored constitution and enforced by our men and women in the military.
Today’s military will soon be tomorrow’s Veterans, Be there for them today, as they are there for us. Be there for them tomorrow, as they were for us, always.
Richard G. Shuster
RandomlyRamblingRick
Inalienable Rights©
Together We Are Americans©
My eyes are filled and overflow for my brother.
Though from different clans, we are together in spirit and in pride
and have shared the sacred banner and uniform of freedom,
for those of past we did and do today,
for all those who will follow in the future.
Richard G. Shuster
RandomlyRamblingRick
Together we are Americans©
Definition Of a Veteran
Definition Of a Veteran
A Veteran- whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve- is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to the ‘United States of America’, for an amount of’ up to and including my life.’
That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.
---Author Unknown, but Deeply Appreciated---
A Veteran- whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve- is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to the ‘United States of America’, for an amount of’ up to and including my life.’
That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.
---Author Unknown, but Deeply Appreciated---
Monday, September 24, 2007
You Are Invited to a Very Special Place
You Are Invited to a Very Special Place
I'd like to invite you to a Very Special Place, a place we call the Veterans Guest House, a place for Veterans and their loved ones or other care-givers, to be safe, secure, comfortable, and cared about, while the Veteran undergoes needed medical procedures at the nearby Reno, NV VA Medical Center.
Proudly, I have been involved in this worthwhile project for the past decade. Come and visit for awhile, see and read and listen about what we do at the Veterans Guest House for Veterans of all eras; how in our way we give back but a little of what our Veterans have given for us.
Come to the Veterans Guest House, visit our website at www.veteransguesthouse.org view the photos, read and listen to the history of this unique home away from home, listen by going to the podcasts found at our blog www.veteransguesthouse.blogspot.com and clicking on the play button to listen.
It is a humbling honor for me to invite you to this Very Special Place, the Veterans Guest House.
Richard G. Shuster
RandomlyRamblingRick
"Our Vision…. To provide U.S. Military service Veterans and their families with caring support during times of medical need."
I'd like to invite you to a Very Special Place, a place we call the Veterans Guest House, a place for Veterans and their loved ones or other care-givers, to be safe, secure, comfortable, and cared about, while the Veteran undergoes needed medical procedures at the nearby Reno, NV VA Medical Center.
Proudly, I have been involved in this worthwhile project for the past decade. Come and visit for awhile, see and read and listen about what we do at the Veterans Guest House for Veterans of all eras; how in our way we give back but a little of what our Veterans have given for us.
Come to the Veterans Guest House, visit our website at www.veteransguesthouse.org view the photos, read and listen to the history of this unique home away from home, listen by going to the podcasts found at our blog www.veteransguesthouse.blogspot.com and clicking on the play button to listen.
It is a humbling honor for me to invite you to this Very Special Place, the Veterans Guest House.
Richard G. Shuster
RandomlyRamblingRick
"Our Vision…. To provide U.S. Military service Veterans and their families with caring support during times of medical need."
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
09/11/01 Hues of Red
09/11/01 Hues of Red
Written in memory and honor of those who lost their lives 9/11/01, but perhaps more to comfort those of us who survived.
Hues of Red©
Hues of red,
visions of crackling flame.
Oh yes, they can burn,
but comfort too,
the aches of a weary traveler.
Warning certainly is a noted thought,
with caution, halt, beware,
but yet
enticing,
inviting be.
Aches of the traveler call out,
heat my body, my heart, my mind, my soul.
Alas, to feel the warmth,
out of flames reach.
Close enough, be warmed
but be not scorched.
Close enough to bask in warming rays,
to borrow glimpses of dreams,
not of memories.
Hues of red,
visions of crackling flame
oh yes, they can burn,
but comfort too,
the aches of a weary traveler.
The weary traveler rests quietly,
warmed
and comforted.
Richard G. Shuster (from RandomlyRamblingRick, Hues of Red©)
Written in memory and honor of those who lost their lives 9/11/01, but perhaps more to comfort those of us who survived.
Hues of Red©
Hues of red,
visions of crackling flame.
Oh yes, they can burn,
but comfort too,
the aches of a weary traveler.
Warning certainly is a noted thought,
with caution, halt, beware,
but yet
enticing,
inviting be.
Aches of the traveler call out,
heat my body, my heart, my mind, my soul.
Alas, to feel the warmth,
out of flames reach.
Close enough, be warmed
but be not scorched.
Close enough to bask in warming rays,
to borrow glimpses of dreams,
not of memories.
Hues of red,
visions of crackling flame
oh yes, they can burn,
but comfort too,
the aches of a weary traveler.
The weary traveler rests quietly,
warmed
and comforted.
Richard G. Shuster (from RandomlyRamblingRick, Hues of Red©)
September
September©
For most, September means, alas, it’s back-to-school time.
And a word ending in ember, is indeed hard to rhyme.
September, is the first of the three ember months, do you know all three?
Yes the Sept month is number seven, but the ninth month, in reality, it happens to be.
A beginning of the harvest months, we all know as the fall.
Summer sees its end beginning; soon autumn then winter will call.
Time is now to care, for all end-of-summer chores.
Service the furnace, make ready the storm windows and doors.
Pruning and trimming, of the shrubs and the trees,
best to be done, by the first autumn freeze.
September, for some, may mean, the beginning of fall,
but yet for others, it means, time for Football.
Warm days remain, some even hot,
as some nights grow chilly, yet some nights do not.
A time of change, a time for us to prepare,
for a certain to come winter, and all that it shares.
The three ember months, soon come, of the next four,
At the end of which, another year ends and a new one opens a door.
So, just in case can you believe, with a rhyme, you forgot to remember,
as hard as it is to believe, it’s time, for another September.
Richard G. Shuster (from RandomlyRamblingRick, September©)
For most, September means, alas, it’s back-to-school time.
And a word ending in ember, is indeed hard to rhyme.
September, is the first of the three ember months, do you know all three?
Yes the Sept month is number seven, but the ninth month, in reality, it happens to be.
A beginning of the harvest months, we all know as the fall.
Summer sees its end beginning; soon autumn then winter will call.
Time is now to care, for all end-of-summer chores.
Service the furnace, make ready the storm windows and doors.
Pruning and trimming, of the shrubs and the trees,
best to be done, by the first autumn freeze.
September, for some, may mean, the beginning of fall,
but yet for others, it means, time for Football.
Warm days remain, some even hot,
as some nights grow chilly, yet some nights do not.
A time of change, a time for us to prepare,
for a certain to come winter, and all that it shares.
The three ember months, soon come, of the next four,
At the end of which, another year ends and a new one opens a door.
So, just in case can you believe, with a rhyme, you forgot to remember,
as hard as it is to believe, it’s time, for another September.
Richard G. Shuster (from RandomlyRamblingRick, September©)
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
August in Northern Nevada
August in Northern Nevada
August 2007 Reno/Sparks, NV©
This is the month, for sounds and sights,
that we fondly call, Hot August Nights®.
Nostalgic tunes, of Rock and Bop,
The prom, the concerts, and the hop.
6,000 Classic Cars roll down our streets,
with a now familiar roar, Old time Rockers appear,
eight hundred thousand, or even more.
August 3rd, the party starts,
it'll be, completely outta' sight,
Its time to enjoy, Hot August Nights®
Soon the music is over, crowds are gone,
with few remaining classics,
but memories linger-on,
for novices, enthusiasts and all of us fanatics.
We did it all, we did not stop,
a week in August, the weather hot!
The cruising, the concerts, the parties, prom and hop.
Looking back, as through the rear view mirror,
at the music, cars and nostalgic cheer.
Time now to reminisce, recover and savor memories dear,
yes, Hot August Nights® is over now, until another year.
Family vacations, now in high gear,
before we know it, another school year.
The Summer sun, now begins to slide,
not as high in the sky, does it now ride.
Summer now is on the run, almost over,
it's almost done.
Oh how did that happen, oh how could it be?
If only a few more months, Summer could stay,
but alas, Labor Day is only, another week away.
Hot August Nights® http://www.hotaugustnights.net/ "Reno and Sparks' Hot August Nights® for a celebration of America's love affair with cars and rock & roll August 3-12, 2007."
RandomlyRamblingRick, Rick's Random Ramblings August 2007 Reno/Sparks, NV©)rgsjesshuster@charter.net
August 2007 Reno/Sparks, NV©
This is the month, for sounds and sights,
that we fondly call, Hot August Nights®.
Nostalgic tunes, of Rock and Bop,
The prom, the concerts, and the hop.
6,000 Classic Cars roll down our streets,
with a now familiar roar, Old time Rockers appear,
eight hundred thousand, or even more.
August 3rd, the party starts,
it'll be, completely outta' sight,
Its time to enjoy, Hot August Nights®
Soon the music is over, crowds are gone,
with few remaining classics,
but memories linger-on,
for novices, enthusiasts and all of us fanatics.
We did it all, we did not stop,
a week in August, the weather hot!
The cruising, the concerts, the parties, prom and hop.
Looking back, as through the rear view mirror,
at the music, cars and nostalgic cheer.
Time now to reminisce, recover and savor memories dear,
yes, Hot August Nights® is over now, until another year.
Family vacations, now in high gear,
before we know it, another school year.
The Summer sun, now begins to slide,
not as high in the sky, does it now ride.
Summer now is on the run, almost over,
it's almost done.
Oh how did that happen, oh how could it be?
If only a few more months, Summer could stay,
but alas, Labor Day is only, another week away.
Hot August Nights® http://www.hotaugustnights.net/ "Reno and Sparks' Hot August Nights® for a celebration of America's love affair with cars and rock & roll August 3-12, 2007."
RandomlyRamblingRick, Rick's Random Ramblings August 2007 Reno/Sparks, NV©)rgsjesshuster@charter.net
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Freedom and Liberty
Freedom and Liberty©
Many now are gone, and few of us remain…
We can’t let all forget, we sing the old refrain…
Freedom and liberty, come at quite a cost,
to keep what we have, requires some be lost.
Many now are gone, and few of us remain…
We can’t let all forget, we sing the old refrain…
RandomlyRamblingRick, Freedom and Liberty©
http://www.pmimchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=868
http://randomlyrandomrick.blogspot.com/
Many now are gone, and few of us remain…
We can’t let all forget, we sing the old refrain…
Freedom and liberty, come at quite a cost,
to keep what we have, requires some be lost.
Many now are gone, and few of us remain…
We can’t let all forget, we sing the old refrain…
RandomlyRamblingRick, Freedom and Liberty©
http://www.pmimchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=868
http://randomlyrandomrick.blogspot.com/
Monday, July 9, 2007
Time to trade-in all the millstones for milestones...
Time to trade-in all the millstones for milestones...
Noting that we can accumulate millstones of our own making, we need not accept those of others who wish to add them to our necks.
Some, it seems, are not happy unless making others miserable. Good intentions or plain character assassination, often not discernable to the untrained spirit center, are clearly obvious to those with the Spirit as a companion.
Prayer and accepting the Spirit to guide and direct us, lifts the guise of those wishing to burden others with their own millstones. We need not take on those burdens.
We all have been called to create Godly milestones in our lives; "many have been called, but few are chosen", tells the rest of the story. Some make their choices to create millstones for self and for others. Today we choose to follow God and create milestones instead.
Keep fighting the good fight.
RandomlyRamblingRick, Time to trade-in all the millstones for milestones...
Noting that we can accumulate millstones of our own making, we need not accept those of others who wish to add them to our necks.
Some, it seems, are not happy unless making others miserable. Good intentions or plain character assassination, often not discernable to the untrained spirit center, are clearly obvious to those with the Spirit as a companion.
Prayer and accepting the Spirit to guide and direct us, lifts the guise of those wishing to burden others with their own millstones. We need not take on those burdens.
We all have been called to create Godly milestones in our lives; "many have been called, but few are chosen", tells the rest of the story. Some make their choices to create millstones for self and for others. Today we choose to follow God and create milestones instead.
Keep fighting the good fight.
RandomlyRamblingRick, Time to trade-in all the millstones for milestones...
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Daily Improvement
Daily Improvement©
Improvement of each day begins with but a moment spent with the ONE who made it all possible….
RandomlyRamblingRick, Daily Improvement©
Improvement of each day begins with but a moment spent with the ONE who made it all possible….
RandomlyRamblingRick, Daily Improvement©
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Recovery of Our Republic 101
Recovery of Our Republic 101
I am reminded that we cannot cure the ills of the past by replacing them with the ills of today…
Also, we cannot discard the dysfunctional parties of the past only to form dysfunctional parties of the future…
I am a conservative constitutionalist who believes in the great experiment; a participatory-republic, of by and for those governed; and seeped in recognition and reverence for God Almighty and of profound respect for one another.
To those erstwhile principles and ends, I remain committed.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Recovery of Our Republic 101)
rgsjesshuster@charter.net
http://www.pmimchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=868
I am reminded that we cannot cure the ills of the past by replacing them with the ills of today…
Also, we cannot discard the dysfunctional parties of the past only to form dysfunctional parties of the future…
I am a conservative constitutionalist who believes in the great experiment; a participatory-republic, of by and for those governed; and seeped in recognition and reverence for God Almighty and of profound respect for one another.
To those erstwhile principles and ends, I remain committed.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Recovery of Our Republic 101)
rgsjesshuster@charter.net
http://www.pmimchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=868
Thursday, June 28, 2007
OUR SOLDIERS
OUR SOLDIERS
This is outstanding....makes me so proud of our young people in uniform.
As I have said many times over.....NONE BRAVER....NONE BETTER
From a Chaplain in Iraq.
"I recently attended a showing of "Superman 3" here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through the National Anthem the music stopped.
Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.
Here, the 1,000 soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped.
What would you expect to happen? Even here I would imagine laughter as everyone sat down and expected the movie to start.
Here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every soldier stood at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers 'And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?'
It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here.
===================
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins on 5/14/07. LSA Anaconda is at the Balad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad"
From a dear friend
http://www.pmimchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=868
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...ck&btnG=Search
This is outstanding....makes me so proud of our young people in uniform.
As I have said many times over.....NONE BRAVER....NONE BETTER
From a Chaplain in Iraq.
"I recently attended a showing of "Superman 3" here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through the National Anthem the music stopped.
Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.
Here, the 1,000 soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped.
What would you expect to happen? Even here I would imagine laughter as everyone sat down and expected the movie to start.
Here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every soldier stood at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers 'And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?'
It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here.
===================
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins on 5/14/07. LSA Anaconda is at the Balad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad"
From a dear friend
http://www.pmimchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=868
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...ck&btnG=Search
Sunday, June 17, 2007
July and Thoughts of Independence
July and Thoughts of Independence
JULY©
Summer here and now in full swing
folks are busy, doing Summer things.
Camping, boating, fishing...more,
as long as it can be done, outdoors.
Commitment to Independence, on July 4th is made,
gratefully, with picnics, and fireworks, after the parade.
Great sacrifices remembered, for liberty and freedom,
continued this day, protecting country, family and home.
The month of July, from end to end, each and every part,
Here in the Reno, NV area, we proudly celebrate the Arts.
http://www.renoisartown.com/
The heat is on, the sun begins to bake,
everyone's mind’s, on going to the lake.
Be sure to use plenty of sun screen,
or your sunburn, will surely ache.
Everywhere now, as we look around,
hillsides, parks and lawns turn brown!
The heat is intense, the air, it is dry,
water twice a week, or it'll surely die!
July rapidly closing, time now is in flight.
A new month beginning, with old sounds and sights,
The Concord Hymn
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
--Ronald Reagan--
JULY©
Summer here and now in full swing
folks are busy, doing Summer things.
Camping, boating, fishing...more,
as long as it can be done, outdoors.
Commitment to Independence, on July 4th is made,
gratefully, with picnics, and fireworks, after the parade.
Great sacrifices remembered, for liberty and freedom,
continued this day, protecting country, family and home.
The month of July, from end to end, each and every part,
Here in the Reno, NV area, we proudly celebrate the Arts.
http://www.renoisartown.com/
The heat is on, the sun begins to bake,
everyone's mind’s, on going to the lake.
Be sure to use plenty of sun screen,
or your sunburn, will surely ache.
Everywhere now, as we look around,
hillsides, parks and lawns turn brown!
The heat is intense, the air, it is dry,
water twice a week, or it'll surely die!
July rapidly closing, time now is in flight.
A new month beginning, with old sounds and sights,
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, July©)
The Concord Hymn
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled;
Here once the embattled farmers stood;
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps,
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream that seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We place with joy a votive stone,
That memory may their deeds redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
O Thou who made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
--Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raised to them and Thee.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
(In memory of the initial battle for Independence in April 1775)
Happy Birthday America©
Ralph Waldo Emerson
(In memory of the initial battle for Independence in April 1775)
Happy Birthday America©
Happy Birthday America, somehow it is, you continue to live,
even after all of the times, you gave all you possibly could give.
Of your youngest and best, the promising rest, so many bodies and souls,
standing their guard and in battles reward, in the air, at sea and in foxholes.
Your sacrifices great, spread across the seas, and continents all around this Earth,
under circumstances seemingly impossible, you did what you must, and suffered the dearth.
You have fought bravely against our enemies, both the domestic and the foreign,
and continued proudly, with Old Glory out front, and refused all disdain and scorn.
A call for rights & liberties: and freedom & justice, sprung from New England’s countryside; conceived, protected, birthed and nurtured; a gift from God Almighty, and reason for our pride. America, as we celebrate your birthday again, in troubled and tragic times, with a new year squarely in our sights,
we also celebrate your God given birthday gifts, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
we also celebrate your God given birthday gifts, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Happy Birthday America©)
Freedom
"No arsenal, no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so
formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women”.
Freedom
"No arsenal, no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so
formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women”.
--Ronald Reagan--
Friday, June 15, 2007
About My Dad
About My Dad
I wish to write to you, about my Dad,
he was the one and only, that I had.
Besides all that, he was special to me,
he was the best darn Dad, he could be.
Was he perfect? I'd have to say, not quite,
but for me, my Dad was quite alright.
Long gone from this world, he remains in me,
as an imperfect Dad, who wished he could be.
I don't judge his shortcomings, nor things left undone,
and hope my children don't either, daughters or sons.
You see, Dads are not perfect, though try like they might,
but miss them you do, once gone forever, out of your sight.
Remember the best times, remember one and all you have had,
for the best times remembered, keeps you ever, close to your Dad.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, About My Dad©,
Edward R. Shuster, Sr. May 28, 1902- January 6, 1971)
I wish to write to you, about my Dad,
he was the one and only, that I had.
Besides all that, he was special to me,
he was the best darn Dad, he could be.
Was he perfect? I'd have to say, not quite,
but for me, my Dad was quite alright.
Long gone from this world, he remains in me,
as an imperfect Dad, who wished he could be.
I don't judge his shortcomings, nor things left undone,
and hope my children don't either, daughters or sons.
You see, Dads are not perfect, though try like they might,
but miss them you do, once gone forever, out of your sight.
Remember the best times, remember one and all you have had,
for the best times remembered, keeps you ever, close to your Dad.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, About My Dad©,
Edward R. Shuster, Sr. May 28, 1902- January 6, 1971)
Monday, June 4, 2007
It's Father's Day Once Again
It's Father's Day Once Again©
What I'd Like for Father's Day©
What do you think Dad would like for Father’s Day? What do you want for Father’s Day, Dad? Not uncommon questions, but they prompted this Dad to think what he’d like most if he could have the gift of his choice from his children. The gift he would like to receive the most would be to have a letter from his children; not a group letter, but individual letters, written or typed, it matters not, but an individualized letter to your Dad telling him what you think you’d like him to know.
My Dad left this world without ever knowing the many things, thoughts as an adult, I would have liked to have shared with him, had he still been alive, when I was 30 years old, and 35, 40, 50, and now at 62. So, if you are thinking about a present for your Dad for Fathers’ Day, write him a letter. Neckties and tee-shirts and barbeque mitts all disappear, but your thoughts and words will forever stay with your Dad.
Love Always, Dad
Richard G. Shuster, (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, What I'd Like for Father's Day©)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Father's Day is Only a Week Away©
We all know Father's Day, is usually not a real big deal
and from Mom and her day, none of it we'd ever steal.
But I think for Dad, its time he got his just due
so for the next few days, that's exactly what I'll do.
Unlike Mom, Dad's thoughts are not so sticky sweet,
so if anything seems offensive, hit the button named delete.
Some Dad originals, and some Dad thoughts from some others,
will arrive to share, with all Dads who are our brothers.
Remember too, husbands, brothers, nephews and all granddads,
include all sons-in-law, cousins, and other kinds of Dads.
Through the years, Dad's Day, has brought me joy and pride,
whether with my own Dad, or with my children by my side.
So here we go, the week ahead, thoughts both happy and sad,
but most of all, they are sent along to honor dear old Dad.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Father's Day is Only a Week Away©)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Happy Dad's Day to the Fathers of All Our Grandchildren©
The weekend soon gone, dedicated to Father,
never quite like for Mom, less fuss and less bother,
but memories we have, some happy, some sad,
for that someone so special, we call our Dad.
Once said, any man can be a Father, but takes a special man, to be a Dad.
To the Dads, of our grandchildren, you are the best Dads, they could have had.
Perfect Dads, well, that might be stretching it a lot,
but no other Dads could love and care for them,
as you do, since you give it all you've got.
We want you to know how proud we are of you,
and know that your children, also feel, the way we do.
We understand why your children proudly consider you,as their hero and their star.
And with pride and much gratitude,to know, what kind of men, their Dad's really are.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Happy Dad's Day to the Fathers of All Our Grandchildren)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fathers Day, Now is Gone©
Fathers Day, now is gone, for another year,
with some memories glad and some memories sad, some laughs and joy, and a couple of tears.
Time to reflect now upon, only those memories good,
and remember, what Fathers Day, is really all about,to be the best darn Father, that any Father ever could.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Fathers Day, Now is Gone©)
What I'd Like for Father's Day©
What do you think Dad would like for Father’s Day? What do you want for Father’s Day, Dad? Not uncommon questions, but they prompted this Dad to think what he’d like most if he could have the gift of his choice from his children. The gift he would like to receive the most would be to have a letter from his children; not a group letter, but individual letters, written or typed, it matters not, but an individualized letter to your Dad telling him what you think you’d like him to know.
My Dad left this world without ever knowing the many things, thoughts as an adult, I would have liked to have shared with him, had he still been alive, when I was 30 years old, and 35, 40, 50, and now at 62. So, if you are thinking about a present for your Dad for Fathers’ Day, write him a letter. Neckties and tee-shirts and barbeque mitts all disappear, but your thoughts and words will forever stay with your Dad.
Love Always, Dad
Richard G. Shuster, (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, What I'd Like for Father's Day©)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Father's Day is Only a Week Away©
We all know Father's Day, is usually not a real big deal
and from Mom and her day, none of it we'd ever steal.
But I think for Dad, its time he got his just due
so for the next few days, that's exactly what I'll do.
Unlike Mom, Dad's thoughts are not so sticky sweet,
so if anything seems offensive, hit the button named delete.
Some Dad originals, and some Dad thoughts from some others,
will arrive to share, with all Dads who are our brothers.
Remember too, husbands, brothers, nephews and all granddads,
include all sons-in-law, cousins, and other kinds of Dads.
Through the years, Dad's Day, has brought me joy and pride,
whether with my own Dad, or with my children by my side.
So here we go, the week ahead, thoughts both happy and sad,
but most of all, they are sent along to honor dear old Dad.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Father's Day is Only a Week Away©)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Happy Dad's Day to the Fathers of All Our Grandchildren©
The weekend soon gone, dedicated to Father,
never quite like for Mom, less fuss and less bother,
but memories we have, some happy, some sad,
for that someone so special, we call our Dad.
Once said, any man can be a Father, but takes a special man, to be a Dad.
To the Dads, of our grandchildren, you are the best Dads, they could have had.
Perfect Dads, well, that might be stretching it a lot,
but no other Dads could love and care for them,
as you do, since you give it all you've got.
We want you to know how proud we are of you,
and know that your children, also feel, the way we do.
We understand why your children proudly consider you,as their hero and their star.
And with pride and much gratitude,to know, what kind of men, their Dad's really are.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Happy Dad's Day to the Fathers of All Our Grandchildren)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fathers Day, Now is Gone©
Fathers Day, now is gone, for another year,
with some memories glad and some memories sad, some laughs and joy, and a couple of tears.
Time to reflect now upon, only those memories good,
and remember, what Fathers Day, is really all about,to be the best darn Father, that any Father ever could.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Fathers Day, Now is Gone©)
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Our National Anthem
Our National Anthem
Note-
Near the end of his life the great science fiction author Isaac Asimov wrote a short story about the four stanzas of our national anthem. However brief, this well-circulated piece is an eye opener from the dearly departed doctor......
""I have a weakness -- I am crazy? absolutely nuts, about our national anthem. The words are difficult and the tune is almost impossible, but frequently when I'm taking a shower I sing it with as much power and emotion as I can. It shakes me up every time.I was once asked to speak at a luncheon. Taking my life in my hands, I announced I was going to sing our national anthem -- all four stanzas. This was greeted with loud groans. One man closed the door to the kitchen, where the noise of dishes and cutlery was loud and distracting. "Thanks, Herb," I said."That's all right," he said. "It was at the request of the kitchen staff."
I explained the background of the anthem and then sang all four stanzas. Let me tell you, those people had never heard it before -- or had never really listened. I got a standing ovation. But it was not me; it was the anthem.More recently, while conducting a seminar, I told my students the story of the anthem and sang all four stanzas. Again there was a wild ovation and prolonged applause. And again, it was the anthem and not me.
So now let me tell you how it came to be written.In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain, primarily over freedom of the seas. We were in the right. For two years, we held off the British, even though we were still a rather weak country. Great Britain was in a life and death struggle with Napoleon. In fact, just as the United States declared war, Napoleon marched off to invade Russia. If he won, as everyone expected, he would control Europe, and Great Britain would be isolated. It was no time for her to be involved in an American war.At first, our seamen proved better than the British. After we won a battle on Lake Erie in 1813, the American commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, sent the message, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." However, the weight of the British navy beat down our ships eventually. New England, hard-hit by a tightening blockade, threatened secession.
Meanwhile, Napoleon was beaten in Russia and in 1814 was forced to abdicate. Great Britain now turned its attention to the United States, launching a three-pronged attack.The northern prong was to come down Lake Champlain toward New York and seize parts of New England. The southern prong was to go up the Mississippi, take New Orleans and paralyze the west. The central prong was to head for the mid-Atlantic states and then attack Baltimore, the greatest port south of New York. If Baltimore was taken, the nation, which still hugged the Atlantic coast, could be split in two. The fate of the United States, then, rested to a large extent on the success or failure of the central prong.
The British reached the American coast, and on August 24, 1814, took Washington, D.C. Then they moved up the Chesapeake Bay toward Baltimore. On September 12, they arrived and found 1,000 men in Fort McHenry, whose guns controlled the harbor. If the British wished to take Baltimore, they would have to take the fort.
On one of the British ships was an aged physician, William Beanes, who had been arrested in Maryland and brought along as a prisoner Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and friend of the physician, had come to the ship to negotiate his release.The British captain was willing, but the two Americans would have to wait.
It was now the night of September 13, and the bombardment of Fort McHenry was about to start. As twilight deepened, Key and Beanes saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry. Through the night, they heard bombs bursting and saw the red glare of rockets. They knew the fort was resisting and the American flag was still flying. But toward morning the bombardment ceased, and a dread silence fell. Either Fort McHenry had surrendered and the British flag flew above it, or the bombardment had failed and the American flag still flew.
As dawn began to brighten the eastern sky, Key and Beanes stared out at the fort, trying to see which flag flew over it. He and the physician must have asked each other over and over, "Can you see the flag?"After it was all finished, Key wrote a four stanza poem telling the events of the night. Called "The Defense of Fort McHenry," it was published in newspapers and swept the nation. Someone noted that the words fit an old English tune called, "To Anacreon in Heaven" -- a difficult melody with an uncomfortably large vocal range. For obvious reasons, Key's work became known as "The Star Spangled Banner," and in 1931 Congress declared it the official anthem of the United States.
Now that you know the story, here are the words. Presumably, the old doctor is speaking. This is what he asks Key:
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, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' 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?"
Ramparts," in case you don't know, are the protective walls or other elevations that surround a fort. The first stanza asks a question. The second gives an answer:
On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist 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!
"The towering steep" is again, the ramparts. The bombardment has failed, and the British can do nothing more but sail away, their mission a failure. In the third stanza, I feel Key allows himself to gloat over the American triumph. In the aftermath of the bombardment, Key probably was in no mood to act otherwise.
During World War II, when the British were our staunchest allies, this third stanza was not sung. However, I know it, so here it is:
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 washed 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.
The fourth stanza, a pious hope for the future, should be sung more slowly than the other three and with even deeper feeling:
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation,
Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven - rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause is just,
And this be our motto --"In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I hope you will look at the national anthem with new eyes. Listen to it, the next time you have a chance, with new ears. Pay attention to the words. And don't let them ever take it away .... not even one word of it. ""
---Unknown---
Note-
Near the end of his life the great science fiction author Isaac Asimov wrote a short story about the four stanzas of our national anthem. However brief, this well-circulated piece is an eye opener from the dearly departed doctor......
""I have a weakness -- I am crazy? absolutely nuts, about our national anthem. The words are difficult and the tune is almost impossible, but frequently when I'm taking a shower I sing it with as much power and emotion as I can. It shakes me up every time.I was once asked to speak at a luncheon. Taking my life in my hands, I announced I was going to sing our national anthem -- all four stanzas. This was greeted with loud groans. One man closed the door to the kitchen, where the noise of dishes and cutlery was loud and distracting. "Thanks, Herb," I said."That's all right," he said. "It was at the request of the kitchen staff."
I explained the background of the anthem and then sang all four stanzas. Let me tell you, those people had never heard it before -- or had never really listened. I got a standing ovation. But it was not me; it was the anthem.More recently, while conducting a seminar, I told my students the story of the anthem and sang all four stanzas. Again there was a wild ovation and prolonged applause. And again, it was the anthem and not me.
So now let me tell you how it came to be written.In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain, primarily over freedom of the seas. We were in the right. For two years, we held off the British, even though we were still a rather weak country. Great Britain was in a life and death struggle with Napoleon. In fact, just as the United States declared war, Napoleon marched off to invade Russia. If he won, as everyone expected, he would control Europe, and Great Britain would be isolated. It was no time for her to be involved in an American war.At first, our seamen proved better than the British. After we won a battle on Lake Erie in 1813, the American commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, sent the message, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." However, the weight of the British navy beat down our ships eventually. New England, hard-hit by a tightening blockade, threatened secession.
Meanwhile, Napoleon was beaten in Russia and in 1814 was forced to abdicate. Great Britain now turned its attention to the United States, launching a three-pronged attack.The northern prong was to come down Lake Champlain toward New York and seize parts of New England. The southern prong was to go up the Mississippi, take New Orleans and paralyze the west. The central prong was to head for the mid-Atlantic states and then attack Baltimore, the greatest port south of New York. If Baltimore was taken, the nation, which still hugged the Atlantic coast, could be split in two. The fate of the United States, then, rested to a large extent on the success or failure of the central prong.
The British reached the American coast, and on August 24, 1814, took Washington, D.C. Then they moved up the Chesapeake Bay toward Baltimore. On September 12, they arrived and found 1,000 men in Fort McHenry, whose guns controlled the harbor. If the British wished to take Baltimore, they would have to take the fort.
On one of the British ships was an aged physician, William Beanes, who had been arrested in Maryland and brought along as a prisoner Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and friend of the physician, had come to the ship to negotiate his release.The British captain was willing, but the two Americans would have to wait.
It was now the night of September 13, and the bombardment of Fort McHenry was about to start. As twilight deepened, Key and Beanes saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry. Through the night, they heard bombs bursting and saw the red glare of rockets. They knew the fort was resisting and the American flag was still flying. But toward morning the bombardment ceased, and a dread silence fell. Either Fort McHenry had surrendered and the British flag flew above it, or the bombardment had failed and the American flag still flew.
As dawn began to brighten the eastern sky, Key and Beanes stared out at the fort, trying to see which flag flew over it. He and the physician must have asked each other over and over, "Can you see the flag?"After it was all finished, Key wrote a four stanza poem telling the events of the night. Called "The Defense of Fort McHenry," it was published in newspapers and swept the nation. Someone noted that the words fit an old English tune called, "To Anacreon in Heaven" -- a difficult melody with an uncomfortably large vocal range. For obvious reasons, Key's work became known as "The Star Spangled Banner," and in 1931 Congress declared it the official anthem of the United States.
Now that you know the story, here are the words. Presumably, the old doctor is speaking. This is what he asks Key:
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, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' 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?"
Ramparts," in case you don't know, are the protective walls or other elevations that surround a fort. The first stanza asks a question. The second gives an answer:
On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist 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!
"The towering steep" is again, the ramparts. The bombardment has failed, and the British can do nothing more but sail away, their mission a failure. In the third stanza, I feel Key allows himself to gloat over the American triumph. In the aftermath of the bombardment, Key probably was in no mood to act otherwise.
During World War II, when the British were our staunchest allies, this third stanza was not sung. However, I know it, so here it is:
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 washed 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.
The fourth stanza, a pious hope for the future, should be sung more slowly than the other three and with even deeper feeling:
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation,
Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven - rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause is just,
And this be our motto --"In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I hope you will look at the national anthem with new eyes. Listen to it, the next time you have a chance, with new ears. Pay attention to the words. And don't let them ever take it away .... not even one word of it. ""
---Unknown---
The History of Flag Day
The History of Flag Day
http://www.usflag.org/history/flagday.html
The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'.
On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day.
Following the suggestion of Colonel J Granville Leach (at the time historian of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution), the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America on April 25, 1893 adopted a resolution requesting the mayor of Philadelphia and all others in authority and all private citizens to display the Flag on June 14th. Leach went on to recommend that thereafter the day be known as 'Flag Day', and on that day, school children be assembled for appropriate exercises, with each child being given a small Flag. Two weeks later on May 8th, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution unanimously endorsed the action of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames. As a result of the resolution, Dr. Edward Brooks, then Superintendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia, directed that Flag Day exercises be held on June 14, 1893 in Independence Square. School children were assembled, each carrying a small Flag, and patriotic songs were sung and addresses delivered. In 1894, the governor of New York directed that on June 14 the Flag be displayed on all public buildings.
With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the Illinois organization, known as the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, under the auspices of this association, the first general public school children's celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating. Adults, too, participated in patriotic programs.
Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, delivered a 1914 Flag Day address in which he repeated words he said the flag had spoken to him that morning: "I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself."
Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916.
While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
http://www.usflag.org/history/flagday.html
This page is maintained by Duane Streufert, Contact Us.Questions or comments welcome!This Site Established on 20 November 1994.
Last Updated 10 February 2005.
Web Design and Development by Visionary Enterprises
http://www.usflag.org/history/flagday.html
The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'.
On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day.
Following the suggestion of Colonel J Granville Leach (at the time historian of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution), the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America on April 25, 1893 adopted a resolution requesting the mayor of Philadelphia and all others in authority and all private citizens to display the Flag on June 14th. Leach went on to recommend that thereafter the day be known as 'Flag Day', and on that day, school children be assembled for appropriate exercises, with each child being given a small Flag. Two weeks later on May 8th, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution unanimously endorsed the action of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames. As a result of the resolution, Dr. Edward Brooks, then Superintendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia, directed that Flag Day exercises be held on June 14, 1893 in Independence Square. School children were assembled, each carrying a small Flag, and patriotic songs were sung and addresses delivered. In 1894, the governor of New York directed that on June 14 the Flag be displayed on all public buildings.
With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the Illinois organization, known as the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, under the auspices of this association, the first general public school children's celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating. Adults, too, participated in patriotic programs.
Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, delivered a 1914 Flag Day address in which he repeated words he said the flag had spoken to him that morning: "I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself."
Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916.
While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
http://www.usflag.org/history/flagday.html
This page is maintained by Duane Streufert, Contact Us.Questions or comments welcome!This Site Established on 20 November 1994.
Last Updated 10 February 2005.
Web Design and Development by Visionary Enterprises
Thursday, May 31, 2007
June
June©
June, the month we look forward to, the beginning of summer.
Outdoor activities, travel, entertainment and fun,
from June through August, we're all on the run.
The downside of June, the year's now half over, oh what a bummer.
Warm sunshine, bright blue skies and soft breezes,
as pollen counts bring for some, uncontrollable sneezes.
Seems so long since the snow, the great winter of skiing,
this month we call June, brings to us all, a great sense of being.
The weekend soon gone, dedicated to Father,
never quite like for Mom, less fuss and less bother,
but memories we have, some happy, some sad,
for that someone so special, we call our Dad.
This month, as we enter the solstice, the meridian of our year,
summertime activities, now move into high gear.
Boating, swimming, fishing, camping, golfing, biking, we go,
only four months or five and we'll be wading through snow.
As we now greet June head-on, and soon welcome July,
the heat starts to increase and the lawns start to dry
We now start looking for shade and a cool spot to rest,
but remember last winter, when we said it's summer, that is best.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, June©)
June, the month we look forward to, the beginning of summer.
Outdoor activities, travel, entertainment and fun,
from June through August, we're all on the run.
The downside of June, the year's now half over, oh what a bummer.
Warm sunshine, bright blue skies and soft breezes,
as pollen counts bring for some, uncontrollable sneezes.
Seems so long since the snow, the great winter of skiing,
this month we call June, brings to us all, a great sense of being.
The weekend soon gone, dedicated to Father,
never quite like for Mom, less fuss and less bother,
but memories we have, some happy, some sad,
for that someone so special, we call our Dad.
This month, as we enter the solstice, the meridian of our year,
summertime activities, now move into high gear.
Boating, swimming, fishing, camping, golfing, biking, we go,
only four months or five and we'll be wading through snow.
As we now greet June head-on, and soon welcome July,
the heat starts to increase and the lawns start to dry
We now start looking for shade and a cool spot to rest,
but remember last winter, when we said it's summer, that is best.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, June©)
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Balance
Balance
We all need realize that in our lives we need balance just like all finely made precision instruments.
We learn to maintain our balance by avoiding excesses in any part of our existence.
We attempt to include in ourselves the right amounts of those of life’s balancing ingredients.
We include in our balance; spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, and environmental weights.
We also realize that this balancing requirement we embrace is somewhat unsteady at times.
We think somehow that the balance should be tight, precise and never wavering, firm footed and solid.
We soon find it is more like a small flat river raft, sometimes smoothly gliding, at other times hanging-on.
We often find that the balance most needed in our lives is the others, who like ourselves, need the balanceof us in theirs.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Balance©)
We all need realize that in our lives we need balance just like all finely made precision instruments.
We learn to maintain our balance by avoiding excesses in any part of our existence.
We attempt to include in ourselves the right amounts of those of life’s balancing ingredients.
We include in our balance; spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, and environmental weights.
We also realize that this balancing requirement we embrace is somewhat unsteady at times.
We think somehow that the balance should be tight, precise and never wavering, firm footed and solid.
We soon find it is more like a small flat river raft, sometimes smoothly gliding, at other times hanging-on.
We often find that the balance most needed in our lives is the others, who like ourselves, need the balanceof us in theirs.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Balance©)
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Reflections on Memorial Day
Reflections on Memorial Day
Let each and every one of us reflect this Memorial Day about the real meanings and what it has meant to us throughout our lives.
To me, it is all about those who have given all, for me.I shall never forget those who have paid that ultimate price.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Reflections on Memorial Day)
http://randomlyrandomrick.blogspot.com/
http://www.pmimchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=868
Let each and every one of us reflect this Memorial Day about the real meanings and what it has meant to us throughout our lives.
To me, it is all about those who have given all, for me.I shall never forget those who have paid that ultimate price.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Reflections on Memorial Day)
http://randomlyrandomrick.blogspot.com/
http://www.pmimchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=868
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Is nothing worth living, fighting and dying for?
Is nothing worth living, fighting and dying for?
"You and I know and do not believe that life is so dear and peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery.
If nothing is worth dying for, when did this begin?
Should Moses have told the children of Israel to live in slavery under the pharaohs?
Should Christ have refused the cross?
Should the patriots of Concord Bridge have thrown down their guns and refused to fire the shot heard round the world?"
-Ronald Reagan-
"You and I know and do not believe that life is so dear and peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery.
If nothing is worth dying for, when did this begin?
Should Moses have told the children of Israel to live in slavery under the pharaohs?
Should Christ have refused the cross?
Should the patriots of Concord Bridge have thrown down their guns and refused to fire the shot heard round the world?"
-Ronald Reagan-
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Armed Forces Day, this Saturday 19 May
Armed Forces Day
This Saturday, 19 May, is Armed Forces Day, first set aside in 1949 by President Harry Truman to recognize the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense and to acknowledge the extraordinary dedication of America's uniformed Patriots standing ready in harm's way at home and around the world.
In the words of President Dwight Eisenhower, "It is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year to paying special tribute to those whose constancy and courage constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation and the peace of the free world."
Since the opening shots of the American Revolution on 19 April 1775, American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen have plowed the ground for freedom. We remain the proud and the free because they remain on post today. For this, we, the American People, offer our heartfelt thanks.
Take the time and make the effort to honor today’s men & women in uniform, and remember always our Veterans, those who yesterday proudly wore their uniforms.
A Sailor's Uniform©
It seems a long time since this once young sailor wore that uniform,but my pride in what it stands for is as new as today?
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, A Sailor's Uniform©) rgsjesshuster@charter.net
This Saturday, 19 May, is Armed Forces Day, first set aside in 1949 by President Harry Truman to recognize the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense and to acknowledge the extraordinary dedication of America's uniformed Patriots standing ready in harm's way at home and around the world.
In the words of President Dwight Eisenhower, "It is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year to paying special tribute to those whose constancy and courage constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation and the peace of the free world."
Since the opening shots of the American Revolution on 19 April 1775, American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen have plowed the ground for freedom. We remain the proud and the free because they remain on post today. For this, we, the American People, offer our heartfelt thanks.
Take the time and make the effort to honor today’s men & women in uniform, and remember always our Veterans, those who yesterday proudly wore their uniforms.
A Sailor's Uniform©
It seems a long time since this once young sailor wore that uniform,but my pride in what it stands for is as new as today?
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, A Sailor's Uniform©) rgsjesshuster@charter.net
Let us make a vow to our Veterans who have died.
Let us make a vow to our Veterans who have died.
“Let us make a vow to our dead. Let us show them by our actions that we understand what they died for. Let our actions say to them... ‘I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.’ Strengthened by their courage, heartened by their valor, and borne by their memory, let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived and died.”
-Ronald Reagan-
“Let us make a vow to our dead. Let us show them by our actions that we understand what they died for. Let our actions say to them... ‘I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.’ Strengthened by their courage, heartened by their valor, and borne by their memory, let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived and died.”
-Ronald Reagan-
Monday, May 7, 2007
Moms
Moms
Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street. She's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore. She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning.
Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion .......... happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow..... and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life. She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space.......not even death!
(Richard G. Shuster, from a friend, author unknown )
PASS THIS ON TO ALL THE MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS AND SONS YOU KNOW.... MAY WE NEVER TAKE OUR MOTHERS FOR GRANTED.
"The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched - they must be felt with the heart."
~Helen Keller~
Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street. She's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore. She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning.
Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion .......... happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow..... and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life. She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space.......not even death!
(Richard G. Shuster, from a friend, author unknown )
PASS THIS ON TO ALL THE MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS AND SONS YOU KNOW.... MAY WE NEVER TAKE OUR MOTHERS FOR GRANTED.
"The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched - they must be felt with the heart."
~Helen Keller~
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Memorial Day Memories
Memorial Day Memories©
A serious time, yet one that always brings hope….
It seems like yesterday, when but a lad of eleven, twelve and thirteen, back in Union City, PA. I was a junior member of the VFW Post Drum and Bugle Corps, an adventure I shall never forget and always cherish. A time that I learned of wars and of those who fought them and those who remained at home to await the return of their loved ones.
I learned the deepest respect for the old timers and their stories of valor and fear and faith and courage, often in eulogies at graveside.
The drums beat cadence, the glockenspiels called the order, and the bugles recalled taps in honor of all who passed in the line of duty, as they have done for time beyond my memory and will, I hope, long after I am gone.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day Memories©)
Vietnam Era Veteran
Father of 3 Gulf War Era Veterans
A serious time, yet one that always brings hope….
It seems like yesterday, when but a lad of eleven, twelve and thirteen, back in Union City, PA. I was a junior member of the VFW Post Drum and Bugle Corps, an adventure I shall never forget and always cherish. A time that I learned of wars and of those who fought them and those who remained at home to await the return of their loved ones.
I learned the deepest respect for the old timers and their stories of valor and fear and faith and courage, often in eulogies at graveside.
The drums beat cadence, the glockenspiels called the order, and the bugles recalled taps in honor of all who passed in the line of duty, as they have done for time beyond my memory and will, I hope, long after I am gone.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day Memories©)
Vietnam Era Veteran
Father of 3 Gulf War Era Veterans
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Memorial Day Ramblings
Memorial Day Ramblings
Memorial Day Weekend-
Please Remember Our Veterans' On Memorial Day, and every day, please pause for a moment or two to consider the sacrifices of all Veterans' who have given freely, so that we all may and may always enjoy our freedom. As it was their job to defend our freedom, so it becomes our job to honor their memories.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day 2007)
Memorial Day©
Memorial Day, once a time, to commemorate,
those who have fought & died in wars, to keep us great.
Those feelings, now I fear, have greatly weakened,
instead replaced, by America’s love, of the 3 day weekend.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day 2007Memorial Day Ramblings:
My heart is heavy©
My heart is heavy, but its a better one, because I've known my comrades, and shared their pain....
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, My heart is heavy©)
A Sailor's Uniform©
It seems a long time since this once young sailor wore that uniform,
but my pride in what it stands for is as new as today?
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, A Sailor's Uniform©)
One Veterans Pledge©
When it was my time, I served. My sons served, because I shared with them the value and meaning of serving. I wear the badge of doing the right thing, but also the pain of sending my sons into harms way. Today I can justify that it still is right, but am troubled over the pain my son has and the pain of so many other sons and daughters and the pain of their loved ones, who, like myself, sent them off to war. So, today, I proudly serve our Veterans in the best ways I can. I am an activist for Veterans issues, I honor our standing military and I help with health and well being issues of our Veterans of all Era’s and for the active duty military of today. This is the focus, this is our purpose, this is what we owe to our Veterans.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day 2007)
Have a safe, enjoyable and reflective Memorial Day weekend....rgs rgsjesshuster@charter.net
Memorial Day Weekend-
Please Remember Our Veterans' On Memorial Day, and every day, please pause for a moment or two to consider the sacrifices of all Veterans' who have given freely, so that we all may and may always enjoy our freedom. As it was their job to defend our freedom, so it becomes our job to honor their memories.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day 2007)
Memorial Day©
Memorial Day, once a time, to commemorate,
those who have fought & died in wars, to keep us great.
Those feelings, now I fear, have greatly weakened,
instead replaced, by America’s love, of the 3 day weekend.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day 2007Memorial Day Ramblings:
For Our Forgotten Veterans©
For those who served, but were not served in return
we thank you we salute you we pray for you we offer our hand to you…
we pledge you will never be forgotten again.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, For Our Forgotten Veterans©)
A Sailor's Uniform©
It seems a long time since this once young sailor wore that uniform,
but my pride in what it stands for is as new as today?
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, A Sailor's Uniform©)
One Veterans Pledge©
When it was my time, I served. My sons served, because I shared with them the value and meaning of serving. I wear the badge of doing the right thing, but also the pain of sending my sons into harms way.
Today I can justify that it still is right, but am troubled over the pain my son has and the pain of so many other sons and daughters and the pain of their loved ones, who, like myself, sent them off to war.
So, today, I proudly serve our Veterans in the best ways I can. I am an activist for Veterans issues, I honor our standing military and I help with health and well being issues of our Veterans of all Era’s and for the active duty military of today. This is the focus, this is our purpose, this is what we owe to our Veterans.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day 2007)
Have a safe, enjoyable and refective Memorial Day weekend. rgsjesshuster@charter.net)
My heart is heavy©
My heart is heavy, but its a better one, because I've known my comrades, and shared their pain....
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, My heart is heavy©)
A Sailor's Uniform©
It seems a long time since this once young sailor wore that uniform,
but my pride in what it stands for is as new as today?
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, A Sailor's Uniform©)
One Veterans Pledge©
When it was my time, I served. My sons served, because I shared with them the value and meaning of serving. I wear the badge of doing the right thing, but also the pain of sending my sons into harms way. Today I can justify that it still is right, but am troubled over the pain my son has and the pain of so many other sons and daughters and the pain of their loved ones, who, like myself, sent them off to war. So, today, I proudly serve our Veterans in the best ways I can. I am an activist for Veterans issues, I honor our standing military and I help with health and well being issues of our Veterans of all Era’s and for the active duty military of today. This is the focus, this is our purpose, this is what we owe to our Veterans.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day 2007)
Have a safe, enjoyable and reflective Memorial Day weekend....rgs rgsjesshuster@charter.net
Mother’s Day Ramblings
Mother’s Day Ramblings©
Mother’s Day, is soon upon us,
from whence we came, it does remind us.
From time to time, we contemplate,
her loving sacrifices and care so great.
Richard G. Shuster, (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Ramblings for May©)
Happy Mother's Day©
A special wish for you all, who are today, or may, be in the future, Mothers.
To Wives, to Mom's and to all Grandmas,to Daughters and the Wives of Sons and to all Sisters, of their Brothers.
A special day, indeed it is,to commemorate, the art of Motherhood.
A lifetime of dedication, born of love, nurtured, truly only, as a Mother could.
Devotion, care and worry,with many tiring days and many sleepless nights.
Loving struggles, to maintain hearth and home,and to make all things alright.
While growing up, she made well again, all bruises, cuts and scrapes and broken hearts as well.
Mother cured them all, with hugs and smiles and cookies, and other special secret things, we promised not to tell.
Our special thanks to you,and to Mothers everywhere.
For on our Mom's knee we learned, of love and hope and what it means to care.
Happy Mother's DayRichard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Happy Mother's Day©)
Happy Mother's Day to the Mothers of All Our Grandchildren©
Just wishing each of you a great Mother's Day and thanking you, for all the beautiful and special Grandchildren you have brought into our lives....Each of the Grandchildren is a blessing and of special value to us. We love them all and know they are in good hands. Motherhood is not an easy task, nor one to be taken lightly. God has entrusted their well being and care to you. We know each of you is the best Mother you can be and the lives of your children reflect the wonderful job you are doing. Thank you for bringing these special spirits into our lives.
This is written for the Mothers of our currently numbered 19 Grandchildren. Thank you to the Mothers of all our Grandchildren.Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Happy Mother's Day to the Mothers of All Our Grandchildren©)
Treasure Boxes©
Treasure Boxes are fun and sad and often filled with marvelous items, the kind mostly of which memories are made. A photo of that most special person in your life, a lock of hair from a child or was it a long ago sweetheart, a broach that was Great Grandmas’, the one with the pin missing; one baby shoe, the other got lost in a move long ago, a pocket/purse bible, with now hard to read, almost scribbling, a fervent prayer written inside the back cover, when a child was ill and hope was stretched beyond it’s limits. A poem from a friend that always brought a smile, an old coin, from some far away land, a child written note that had I love you scrawled across it, an obituary yellowed with age, someone you don’t know, wonder who that was? An embroidered handkerchief only used to dry up tears. And what’s this in the bottom?, another photo, I wonder who it is, I’m sure it’s someone special, oh look, it is my picture, excuse me please, I need to cry, I wish I didn’t cry like this, but I miss her so much, especially today, you see, I’ve been going through the Treasure Box.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Treasure Boxes©) Dedicated to all Mothers and Grandmothers who left us their Treasure Boxes and to all of those of us who have gone through their Treasure Boxes after our Moms and Grammas have gone. It seems the Treasure Boxes live long after their owners have gone on to their great reward.
Mother’s Day, is soon upon us,
from whence we came, it does remind us.
From time to time, we contemplate,
her loving sacrifices and care so great.
Richard G. Shuster, (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Ramblings for May©)
Happy Mother's Day©
A special wish for you all, who are today, or may, be in the future, Mothers.
To Wives, to Mom's and to all Grandmas,to Daughters and the Wives of Sons and to all Sisters, of their Brothers.
A special day, indeed it is,to commemorate, the art of Motherhood.
A lifetime of dedication, born of love, nurtured, truly only, as a Mother could.
Devotion, care and worry,with many tiring days and many sleepless nights.
Loving struggles, to maintain hearth and home,and to make all things alright.
While growing up, she made well again, all bruises, cuts and scrapes and broken hearts as well.
Mother cured them all, with hugs and smiles and cookies, and other special secret things, we promised not to tell.
Our special thanks to you,and to Mothers everywhere.
For on our Mom's knee we learned, of love and hope and what it means to care.
Happy Mother's DayRichard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Happy Mother's Day©)
Happy Mother's Day to the Mothers of All Our Grandchildren©
Just wishing each of you a great Mother's Day and thanking you, for all the beautiful and special Grandchildren you have brought into our lives....Each of the Grandchildren is a blessing and of special value to us. We love them all and know they are in good hands. Motherhood is not an easy task, nor one to be taken lightly. God has entrusted their well being and care to you. We know each of you is the best Mother you can be and the lives of your children reflect the wonderful job you are doing. Thank you for bringing these special spirits into our lives.
This is written for the Mothers of our currently numbered 19 Grandchildren. Thank you to the Mothers of all our Grandchildren.Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Happy Mother's Day to the Mothers of All Our Grandchildren©)
Treasure Boxes©
Treasure Boxes are fun and sad and often filled with marvelous items, the kind mostly of which memories are made. A photo of that most special person in your life, a lock of hair from a child or was it a long ago sweetheart, a broach that was Great Grandmas’, the one with the pin missing; one baby shoe, the other got lost in a move long ago, a pocket/purse bible, with now hard to read, almost scribbling, a fervent prayer written inside the back cover, when a child was ill and hope was stretched beyond it’s limits. A poem from a friend that always brought a smile, an old coin, from some far away land, a child written note that had I love you scrawled across it, an obituary yellowed with age, someone you don’t know, wonder who that was? An embroidered handkerchief only used to dry up tears. And what’s this in the bottom?, another photo, I wonder who it is, I’m sure it’s someone special, oh look, it is my picture, excuse me please, I need to cry, I wish I didn’t cry like this, but I miss her so much, especially today, you see, I’ve been going through the Treasure Box.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Treasure Boxes©) Dedicated to all Mothers and Grandmothers who left us their Treasure Boxes and to all of those of us who have gone through their Treasure Boxes after our Moms and Grammas have gone. It seems the Treasure Boxes live long after their owners have gone on to their great reward.
A Nurse Is More
A Nurse Is More©
A Nurse is more, Why?
Though nobody, can say why, for sure,
Nurse's desire, for service, is pure.
Not for themselves, it has to be for others.
A life dedicated, to their sisters and their brothers.
A Nurse is more, How?
Through reserves, of strength, care and love,
Nurses take their lead, from the power above.
Above and beyond, their duty comes first.
Their patient's needs paramount, before even hunger and thirst.
A Nurse is more, When?
When we need them the most, at our times of ill,
Nurses come through, with their care and goodwill.
When we feel we can't go on, and wish, to give up the ghost.
That's when our Nurses, give it their most.
A Nurse is more, Where?
In the hospital, the battlefield, the clinic, school, home or hospice,
Nurses are there, in the ER, the OR, the workplace, and medical office.
Where we are, to go for our care, thankfully, we find Nurses there.
Aging, sick, fearful, weary, we turn to Nurses, and know they care.
A Nurse is more,
A Nurse is more, much more than all we've said, or all we can say,
other than, to acknowledge the Nurses, who so brighten our day.
In gratitude, we thank Nurses, their willingness to serve, we find so appealing,
bringing to us, their comfort, wisdom, compassion and healing.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, A Nurse Is More©)
A Nurse is More© was written to honor all Nurses and Dedicated to Jeannine E. Shuster, R.N.
May is Nurses Month, Honor a Nurse. Permission is granted to reproduce this poem for any Nurses forum.
Nurse's Week and Nurse's Day are during May. If you know a Nurse, are related to a Nurse, or just would
like to thank a Nurse, please send or give a copy of this poem.
rgsjesshuster@charter.net
A Nurse is more, Why?
Though nobody, can say why, for sure,
Nurse's desire, for service, is pure.
Not for themselves, it has to be for others.
A life dedicated, to their sisters and their brothers.
A Nurse is more, How?
Through reserves, of strength, care and love,
Nurses take their lead, from the power above.
Above and beyond, their duty comes first.
Their patient's needs paramount, before even hunger and thirst.
A Nurse is more, When?
When we need them the most, at our times of ill,
Nurses come through, with their care and goodwill.
When we feel we can't go on, and wish, to give up the ghost.
That's when our Nurses, give it their most.
A Nurse is more, Where?
In the hospital, the battlefield, the clinic, school, home or hospice,
Nurses are there, in the ER, the OR, the workplace, and medical office.
Where we are, to go for our care, thankfully, we find Nurses there.
Aging, sick, fearful, weary, we turn to Nurses, and know they care.
A Nurse is more,
A Nurse is more, much more than all we've said, or all we can say,
other than, to acknowledge the Nurses, who so brighten our day.
In gratitude, we thank Nurses, their willingness to serve, we find so appealing,
bringing to us, their comfort, wisdom, compassion and healing.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, A Nurse Is More©)
A Nurse is More© was written to honor all Nurses and Dedicated to Jeannine E. Shuster, R.N.
May is Nurses Month, Honor a Nurse. Permission is granted to reproduce this poem for any Nurses forum.
Nurse's Week and Nurse's Day are during May. If you know a Nurse, are related to a Nurse, or just would
like to thank a Nurse, please send or give a copy of this poem.
rgsjesshuster@charter.net
Ramblings for May
Ramblings for May©
May begins, the month of flowers,
as Mother Earth, unfolds her powers.
Garden planting, get out the tools.
Summer’s coming, clean out the pools.
Mother’s Day, is soon upon us,
from whence we came, it does remind us.
From time to time, we contemplate,
her loving sacrifices and care so great.
Fertilized it, so it would look nice.
Think I used it, only twice.
Out of breath, can hardly speak,
the lawn, now needs mowing, twice a week.
Memorial Day, once a time, to commemorate,
those who have died in wars, to keep us great.
Those feelings, now I fear, have greatly weakened,
instead replaced, by America’s love, of the 3 day weekend.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Ramblings for May©)
May begins, the month of flowers,
as Mother Earth, unfolds her powers.
Garden planting, get out the tools.
Summer’s coming, clean out the pools.
Mother’s Day, is soon upon us,
from whence we came, it does remind us.
From time to time, we contemplate,
her loving sacrifices and care so great.
Fertilized it, so it would look nice.
Think I used it, only twice.
Out of breath, can hardly speak,
the lawn, now needs mowing, twice a week.
Memorial Day, once a time, to commemorate,
those who have died in wars, to keep us great.
Those feelings, now I fear, have greatly weakened,
instead replaced, by America’s love, of the 3 day weekend.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Ramblings for May©)
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
25 Apr 2007 In Observance of Anzac Day
25 Apr 2007 In Observance of Anzac Day
To our friends and allies from Australia and New Zealand, for your Veterans of the past 92 years of protecting the freedoms of the world, to your valiant who served and serve yet today, to all Veterans from “down-under”, we thank you and honor you today and everyday.
Thank you for your honored service.
Richard G. Shuster(from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Anzac Day)
To our friends and allies from Australia and New Zealand, for your Veterans of the past 92 years of protecting the freedoms of the world, to your valiant who served and serve yet today, to all Veterans from “down-under”, we thank you and honor you today and everyday.
Thank you for your honored service.
Richard G. Shuster(from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Anzac Day)
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Treasure Boxes
Treasure Boxes©
Treasure Boxes are fun and sad and often filled with marvelous items, the kind mostly of which memories are made. A photo of that most special woman in your life, a lock of hair from a child or was it a long ago sweetheart, a broach that was Great Grandmas’, the one with the pin missing; one baby shoe, the other got lost in a move long ago, a purse bible, with now hard to read, almost scribbling, a fervent prayer written inside the back cover, when a child was ill and hope was stretched beyond it’s limits. A poem from a friend that always brought a smile, an old coin, from some far away land, a child written note that had I love you scrawled across it, an obituary yellowed with age, someone you don’t know, wonder who he was? An embroidered handkerchief only used to dry up tears. And what’s this in the bottom?, another photo, I wonder who it is, I’m sure it’s someone special, oh look, it is my picture, excuse me please, I need to cry, I wish I didn’t cry like this, but I miss her so much, especially today, you see, I’ve been going through the Treasure Box.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Treasure Boxes©) Written in memory and love for all the Grandmas and Moms who ever were. The keepers of Treasure Boxes, that live long after they are gone to meet with God.
Treasure Boxes are fun and sad and often filled with marvelous items, the kind mostly of which memories are made. A photo of that most special woman in your life, a lock of hair from a child or was it a long ago sweetheart, a broach that was Great Grandmas’, the one with the pin missing; one baby shoe, the other got lost in a move long ago, a purse bible, with now hard to read, almost scribbling, a fervent prayer written inside the back cover, when a child was ill and hope was stretched beyond it’s limits. A poem from a friend that always brought a smile, an old coin, from some far away land, a child written note that had I love you scrawled across it, an obituary yellowed with age, someone you don’t know, wonder who he was? An embroidered handkerchief only used to dry up tears. And what’s this in the bottom?, another photo, I wonder who it is, I’m sure it’s someone special, oh look, it is my picture, excuse me please, I need to cry, I wish I didn’t cry like this, but I miss her so much, especially today, you see, I’ve been going through the Treasure Box.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Treasure Boxes©) Written in memory and love for all the Grandmas and Moms who ever were. The keepers of Treasure Boxes, that live long after they are gone to meet with God.
Trust and Respect
Trust and Respect©
It is important, I have learned in the most painful of ways, to never do anything or treat anyone, in such a manner that it destroys the trust and respect of the relationship and of each other. As devastating it is to one another, it destroys even worse the trust and respect for self. When that occurs, all that one has believed and held in value is eroded into meaninglessness and empty occupying of space. Forgiveness by others is possible but difficult to obtain. Forgiveness of self may never come, leaving only misery, doubt, and lonely emptiness.
Richard G. Shuster, (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Trust and Respect©)
It is important, I have learned in the most painful of ways, to never do anything or treat anyone, in such a manner that it destroys the trust and respect of the relationship and of each other. As devastating it is to one another, it destroys even worse the trust and respect for self. When that occurs, all that one has believed and held in value is eroded into meaninglessness and empty occupying of space. Forgiveness by others is possible but difficult to obtain. Forgiveness of self may never come, leaving only misery, doubt, and lonely emptiness.
Richard G. Shuster, (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Trust and Respect©)
Life is a Patchwork Quilt
Life is a Patchwork Quilt©
Each unique and special quality of the individual is best enhanced when joined in common cause with others as unique and special in their own right. Consider each as a patch in the quilt of humanity.
In order to make the quilt, it requires those extra special individuals who can join the patches together and produce the finished product, showing us all how much better we really can be when joined together in a common cause.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Life is a Patchwork Quilt©)
Each unique and special quality of the individual is best enhanced when joined in common cause with others as unique and special in their own right. Consider each as a patch in the quilt of humanity.
In order to make the quilt, it requires those extra special individuals who can join the patches together and produce the finished product, showing us all how much better we really can be when joined together in a common cause.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Life is a Patchwork Quilt©)
It is not my job to prove you wrong
It is not my job to prove you wrong©
It is not my job to prove you wrong, only to open your thoughts and the thoughts of others.
My point was about how poorly Republicans and Democrats, Conservatives and Liberals alike care for our military personnel and veterans and their families.
Those who give and have given it all for us are now too often left without adequate medical care and others left to beg in the streets. Administration after administration has provided flowery praise about their troops and vets, but it has been lip service at best.
We have 30 Million Veterans living who have served their country and another half a million standing military deployed, non-deployed active and active reserve/guard.
Our long history and current policies regarding the care of our veterans and their loved ones is pitiful. We have an obligation to our military and veterans that has not and is not being fulfilled.
If only, any would have paid heed to the wise words of our first President, George Washington: "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation."-George Washington–
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, It is not my job to prove you wrong©)
It is not my job to prove you wrong, only to open your thoughts and the thoughts of others.
My point was about how poorly Republicans and Democrats, Conservatives and Liberals alike care for our military personnel and veterans and their families.
Those who give and have given it all for us are now too often left without adequate medical care and others left to beg in the streets. Administration after administration has provided flowery praise about their troops and vets, but it has been lip service at best.
We have 30 Million Veterans living who have served their country and another half a million standing military deployed, non-deployed active and active reserve/guard.
Our long history and current policies regarding the care of our veterans and their loved ones is pitiful. We have an obligation to our military and veterans that has not and is not being fulfilled.
If only, any would have paid heed to the wise words of our first President, George Washington: "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation."-George Washington–
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, It is not my job to prove you wrong©)
Friday, April 13, 2007
Who Were Our Immigrant Ancestors?
Who Were Our Immigrant Ancestors? ©
Beginning with 1638 and since, from public records, all our family ancestors came in the legal way, from Germany, Normandy, and all over the British Isles; England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales.
They came, they worked, they built, they protected and cared for their families and became Americans. Some spoke German, others Gaelic, some English and other dialects, too, but all adopted English as their language for it was the language of America.
They paid their taxes and contributed to their communities, their churches and those in need.
They shared their children as soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen and fiercely supported and defended their country, America.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Who Were Our Immigrant Ancestors? ©)
Beginning with 1638 and since, from public records, all our family ancestors came in the legal way, from Germany, Normandy, and all over the British Isles; England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales.
They came, they worked, they built, they protected and cared for their families and became Americans. Some spoke German, others Gaelic, some English and other dialects, too, but all adopted English as their language for it was the language of America.
They paid their taxes and contributed to their communities, their churches and those in need.
They shared their children as soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen and fiercely supported and defended their country, America.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Who Were Our Immigrant Ancestors? ©)
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned©
Because the teacher has departed on a new journey,
does not mean the student has forgotten the lessons learned....
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Lessons Learned©)
Because the teacher has departed on a new journey,
does not mean the student has forgotten the lessons learned....
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Lessons Learned©)
Keeping History Alive
Keeping History Alive©
I was blessed to grow-up in Pennsylvania. I need not tell you of the wealth of this nation’s history that occurred in the Commonwealth colony of Penn’s Woods.
I was exposed, from my earliest remembrances, by family, community and schools to the richness of our history. I was blessed with teachers who took the time to point out our local history, our state’s role in the beginnings of what became the United States and mostly of the people who were part of it all. We learned about not only the well-known’s, but our un-known’s, as well; all the peoples of so many ethnic and religious backgrounds and their origins. We became proud of our diversity through our being united in cause and home and hope for a better future. We did not place our differences ahead of our commonalities. We built our lives on both.
My family, paternal and maternal, has representative histories of most of the early settlers of this continent. Starting in the 1600s, continuing through the 1700’s and 1800’s, they came. They came hopeful, they came brave, they came humble and they came grateful. They adopted and were adopted by the new land they now called home. They built the farms, villages, towns and great cities, they established trade and commerce, they raised and loved their families, they tilled the land, they built their houses of worship, they donned the uniforms of freedom, they depended upon their faith in an Almighty God to see them through and they were part of the development of the greatest experiment in the history of humanity, the experiment of a representative democratic-republic, a land of freedom, a land of expression, a land of liberty, and a land of justice, for all.
To have lived in the once colonial frontiers where Washington walked as a young man in the King’s service during the French and Indian Wars; To have ancestors mentioned in Washington’s early communications with his commanding officer; To have retraced the lawful immigration of ancestors from multiple places in what was then called Europa, to their new homes in the Middle-Atlantic and New England colonies; To follow those brave soul’s paths to and through the known frontiers and beyond; To be familiar and comfortable with the lands and homesteads of those principled adventurers; To visit the hallowed burial spots of so many kin who fought in every war era from the French and Indian Wars, the Revolutionary War , the War of 1812, the Civil War, Spanish American War, WW1, WW2, & Korea. To have experienced these things has kept their history alive in my mind and heart.
I am grateful for the teachers who helped me to learn and understand so much. I am grateful I learned to read the histories of my ancestry, I am grateful I can count my blessings for all the gifts of freedom I have, I am grateful for the sense of history that gives me perspective for today and tomorrow.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Keeping History Alive©)
I was blessed to grow-up in Pennsylvania. I need not tell you of the wealth of this nation’s history that occurred in the Commonwealth colony of Penn’s Woods.
I was exposed, from my earliest remembrances, by family, community and schools to the richness of our history. I was blessed with teachers who took the time to point out our local history, our state’s role in the beginnings of what became the United States and mostly of the people who were part of it all. We learned about not only the well-known’s, but our un-known’s, as well; all the peoples of so many ethnic and religious backgrounds and their origins. We became proud of our diversity through our being united in cause and home and hope for a better future. We did not place our differences ahead of our commonalities. We built our lives on both.
My family, paternal and maternal, has representative histories of most of the early settlers of this continent. Starting in the 1600s, continuing through the 1700’s and 1800’s, they came. They came hopeful, they came brave, they came humble and they came grateful. They adopted and were adopted by the new land they now called home. They built the farms, villages, towns and great cities, they established trade and commerce, they raised and loved their families, they tilled the land, they built their houses of worship, they donned the uniforms of freedom, they depended upon their faith in an Almighty God to see them through and they were part of the development of the greatest experiment in the history of humanity, the experiment of a representative democratic-republic, a land of freedom, a land of expression, a land of liberty, and a land of justice, for all.
To have lived in the once colonial frontiers where Washington walked as a young man in the King’s service during the French and Indian Wars; To have ancestors mentioned in Washington’s early communications with his commanding officer; To have retraced the lawful immigration of ancestors from multiple places in what was then called Europa, to their new homes in the Middle-Atlantic and New England colonies; To follow those brave soul’s paths to and through the known frontiers and beyond; To be familiar and comfortable with the lands and homesteads of those principled adventurers; To visit the hallowed burial spots of so many kin who fought in every war era from the French and Indian Wars, the Revolutionary War , the War of 1812, the Civil War, Spanish American War, WW1, WW2, & Korea. To have experienced these things has kept their history alive in my mind and heart.
I am grateful for the teachers who helped me to learn and understand so much. I am grateful I learned to read the histories of my ancestry, I am grateful I can count my blessings for all the gifts of freedom I have, I am grateful for the sense of history that gives me perspective for today and tomorrow.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Keeping History Alive©)
Senses
Senses©
The need for a sense of history is only exceeded by the need for common sense.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Senses©)
The need for a sense of history is only exceeded by the need for common sense.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Senses©)
Happy Birthday America
Happy Birthday America©
Happy Birthday America, somehow it is, you continue to live,
even after all of the times, you gave all you possibly could give.
Of your youngest and best, the promising rest, so many bodies and souls,
standing their guard and in battles reward, in the air, at sea and in foxholes.
Your sacrifices great, spread across the seas, and continents all around this Earth,
under circumstances seemingly impossible, you did what you must, and suffered the dearth.
You have fought bravely against our enemies, both the domestic and the foreign,
and continued proudly, with Old Glory out front, and refused all disdain and scorn.
A call for rights & liberties: and freedom & justice, sprung from New England’s countryside; conceived, protected, birthed and nurtured; a gift from God Almighty, and reason for our pride.
America, as we celebrate your birthday again, in troubled and tragic times, with a new year squarely in our sights, we also celebrate your God given birthday gifts, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Happy Birthday America©)
Happy Birthday America, somehow it is, you continue to live,
even after all of the times, you gave all you possibly could give.
Of your youngest and best, the promising rest, so many bodies and souls,
standing their guard and in battles reward, in the air, at sea and in foxholes.
Your sacrifices great, spread across the seas, and continents all around this Earth,
under circumstances seemingly impossible, you did what you must, and suffered the dearth.
You have fought bravely against our enemies, both the domestic and the foreign,
and continued proudly, with Old Glory out front, and refused all disdain and scorn.
A call for rights & liberties: and freedom & justice, sprung from New England’s countryside; conceived, protected, birthed and nurtured; a gift from God Almighty, and reason for our pride.
America, as we celebrate your birthday again, in troubled and tragic times, with a new year squarely in our sights, we also celebrate your God given birthday gifts, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Happy Birthday America©)
Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend©
Please Remember Our Veterans' On Memorial Day, and every day,
please pause for a moment or two to consider the sacrifices of all Veterans' who have given freely, so that we all may and may always enjoy our freedom.
As it was their job to defend our freedom, so it becomes our job to honor their memories.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day Weekend©)
Please Remember Our Veterans' On Memorial Day, and every day,
please pause for a moment or two to consider the sacrifices of all Veterans' who have given freely, so that we all may and may always enjoy our freedom.
As it was their job to defend our freedom, so it becomes our job to honor their memories.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day Weekend©)
Memorial Day Memories
Memorial Day Memories©
A serious time, yet one that always brings hope….
It seems like yesterday, when but a lad of eleven, twelve and thirteen, back in Union City, PA. I was a junior member of the VFW Post Drum and Bugle Corps, an adventure I shall never forget and always cherish. A time that I learned of wars and of those who fought them and those who remained at home to await the return of their loved ones. I learned the deepest respect for the old timers and their stories of valor and fear and faith and courage, often in eulogies at graveside. The drums beat cadence, the glockenspiels called the order, and the bugles recalled taps in honor of all who passed in the line of duty, as they have done for time beyond my memory and will, I hope, long after I am gone.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day Memories©)
A serious time, yet one that always brings hope….
It seems like yesterday, when but a lad of eleven, twelve and thirteen, back in Union City, PA. I was a junior member of the VFW Post Drum and Bugle Corps, an adventure I shall never forget and always cherish. A time that I learned of wars and of those who fought them and those who remained at home to await the return of their loved ones. I learned the deepest respect for the old timers and their stories of valor and fear and faith and courage, often in eulogies at graveside. The drums beat cadence, the glockenspiels called the order, and the bugles recalled taps in honor of all who passed in the line of duty, as they have done for time beyond my memory and will, I hope, long after I am gone.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day Memories©)
Memorial Day
Memorial Day©
Memorial Day, once a time, to commemorate,
those who have fought & died in wars, to keep us great.
Those feelings, now I fear, have greatly weakened,
instead replaced, by America’s love, of the 3 day weekend.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day©)
Memorial Day, once a time, to commemorate,
those who have fought & died in wars, to keep us great.
Those feelings, now I fear, have greatly weakened,
instead replaced, by America’s love, of the 3 day weekend.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Memorial Day©)
To Be Informed
To Be Informed©
To be informed is to be armed,
against the war of misinformation....
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, To be Informed©)
To be informed is to be armed,
against the war of misinformation....
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, To be Informed©)
Not Knowing
Not Knowing©
Not knowing one's adversary is understandable,
not knowing one's ally is unforgivable.....
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Not Knowing©)
Not knowing one's adversary is understandable,
not knowing one's ally is unforgivable.....
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Not Knowing©)
Commitment to Independence©
Commitment to Independence©
Commitment to Independence, on July 4th is made,
gratefully, with picnics, and fireworks, after the parade.
Great sacrifices remembered, for liberty and freedom,
continued this day, protecting county, family and home.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Ramblings, Independence Day©, July 4th )
Commitment to Independence, on July 4th is made,
gratefully, with picnics, and fireworks, after the parade.
Great sacrifices remembered, for liberty and freedom,
continued this day, protecting county, family and home.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Ramblings, Independence Day©, July 4th )
Freedom
Freedom©
Only our individual faith in freedom can keep us free....
rgs Rick’s Random Ramblings 2000©
Freedom©
Freedom is perhaps best described, as the absence of fear....
rgs Rick’s Random Ramblings 2001©
The Price of Freedom©
Freedom is never free...
The cost is great, the reward is greater...
rgs Rick’s Random Ramblings 2002©
Freedom©
Without privacy,
there is no freedom.
rgs Rick’s Random Ramblings 2002©
Freedom from Self©
Freedom from self is best attained,
through service to others.
rgs Rick’s Random Ramblings 2003©
Freedom in the Spirit©
Freedom lives eternally in the spirit of man,
for man receives his spirit from God and
God is the Creator of all freedom.
rgs Rick’s Random Ramblings 2004©
Freedom Is Not Ours, to Take©
Freedom is not ours, to take from another.
Freedom is ours, to freely give to another.
rgs Rick’s Random Ramblings 2005©
Freedom 2006©
To be free and stand strong for freedom
is much different from being enslaved and
begging for any freedom we can get.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Freedom©)
Only our individual faith in freedom can keep us free....
rgs Rick’s Random Ramblings 2000©
Freedom©
Freedom is perhaps best described, as the absence of fear....
rgs Rick’s Random Ramblings 2001©
The Price of Freedom©
Freedom is never free...
The cost is great, the reward is greater...
rgs Rick’s Random Ramblings 2002©
Freedom©
Without privacy,
there is no freedom.
rgs Rick’s Random Ramblings 2002©
Freedom from Self©
Freedom from self is best attained,
through service to others.
rgs Rick’s Random Ramblings 2003©
Freedom in the Spirit©
Freedom lives eternally in the spirit of man,
for man receives his spirit from God and
God is the Creator of all freedom.
rgs Rick’s Random Ramblings 2004©
Freedom Is Not Ours, to Take©
Freedom is not ours, to take from another.
Freedom is ours, to freely give to another.
rgs Rick’s Random Ramblings 2005©
Freedom 2006©
To be free and stand strong for freedom
is much different from being enslaved and
begging for any freedom we can get.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Freedom©)
My heart is heavy
My heart is heavy©
My heart is heavy,
but it’s a better one,
because I've known my comrades,
and shared their pain....
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, My heart is heavy©)
My heart is heavy,
but it’s a better one,
because I've known my comrades,
and shared their pain....
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, My heart is heavy©)
Serving Others
Serving Others©
Indeed, a task of proportions many do not know, to serve others with only the knowledge that you do your best, thankless more often than not, but for the times of seeing a process improved, a better way found, or a family helped to the point they now help themselves and others, all is worth the while….. it is always right to work each today, always with understanding of the past, always to help create for the better future…..for all.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Serving Others ©)
Indeed, a task of proportions many do not know, to serve others with only the knowledge that you do your best, thankless more often than not, but for the times of seeing a process improved, a better way found, or a family helped to the point they now help themselves and others, all is worth the while….. it is always right to work each today, always with understanding of the past, always to help create for the better future…..for all.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Serving Others ©)
Take the Time
Take the Time©
Take the time and make the effort,
to honor today’s men & women in uniform,
and remember always our nation’s Veterans,
those who yesterday proudly wore their uniforms.
Richard G. Shuster, (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Take the Time©)
Take the time and make the effort,
to honor today’s men & women in uniform,
and remember always our nation’s Veterans,
those who yesterday proudly wore their uniforms.
Richard G. Shuster, (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Take the Time©)
11/11 at 11 AM
11/11 at 11 AM©
11/11 at 11 AM; Remembering all our Veterans, bygone and with us yet today.
Each year, we stop to express our thanks, for all their many sacrifices.
Never forgetting our Veterans and always remaining supportive to all of them.
Our being grateful for them is, after-all, a very small price for us to pay.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, 11/11 at 11 AM ©)
You Asked: Were you in Vietnam?
You Asked: Were you in Vietnam? ©
Dear Friend;
Lots of stories swarm around the topic of Vietnam, but not all are real positive….suffice it to say, controversy is not new to us.
Yes, thank you for your thanks, you are welcome, we who enlisted and many others that were drafted, did what we could do. And it is heart wrenching, even yet, perhaps even more today, for personal reconciliation with the many souls listed on “The Wall”.
Now to address your question, “Were you in Vietnam?”I served in the Vietnam Era, but never was in-country, instead doing my service in US Navy Hospitals mostly in San Diego & Guam…………
Back home in Pennsylvania, I got my Draft card November of 1962, when things were ramping up and enlisted in late 1963, with a deferment to 1964, after completing my freshman year at college. I thought it would be a good thing to "do my duty", as my friends were either being drafted or enlisting. I chose Navy and Hospital Corps as specialty.
I finished boot camp and completed my Hospital Corps training, and then was stationed for a short time at San Diego Naval Hospital before getting orders for Guam. By the time I got to the Naval Hospital in Guam, daily plane loads of battle injured casualties were arriving at military hospitals in Japan, Philippines, Guam and Hawaii.
I saw the results of war up-close and personal. Recipients of napalm, mortar shells, land mines, strafing, sniper fire and lots more. Since we rotated within the hospital services, not only did I get to work in all aspects of physical medicine, but also pulled about 6 months working in neuro-psychiatric services, where I got to see the results of war not seen in prosthetic limbs nor colostomy bags.
Following a motorcycle accident on Guam, I spent 6 months hospitalized, 3 months each in Guam and Philadelphia Navy Hospitals, upon which determined my discharge from military service.
I served 2 years and went home, to marry, to raise a family and to follow fame and fortune. Fame and fortune did not make an appearance, but I managed to acquire a wife and 5 children and to have survivor's guilt for years. During the years between ‘66 and ‘82, I pretended to know nothing about military service or Vietnam.
I met an old Navy Corpsman buddy in ’82; we met again and went to the Viet Nam Wall the following year and counted at least a hundred of dead friend’s names on the pouring down rain and tear soaked wall.
By the late ‘80s, my 3 sons had donned uniforms, 2 Air Force and 1 Navy, and served honorably in a new time and new kinds of wars. My Navy son, also a Corpsman, served proudly with the Marines in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, during the Gulf War. He returned with physical health difficulties and is now a 100% disabled Vet. My other 2 sons served in other deployments and returned home without any physical ailments or injuries.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, You Asked: Were you in Vietnam? ©)
Dear Friend;
Lots of stories swarm around the topic of Vietnam, but not all are real positive….suffice it to say, controversy is not new to us.
Yes, thank you for your thanks, you are welcome, we who enlisted and many others that were drafted, did what we could do. And it is heart wrenching, even yet, perhaps even more today, for personal reconciliation with the many souls listed on “The Wall”.
Now to address your question, “Were you in Vietnam?”I served in the Vietnam Era, but never was in-country, instead doing my service in US Navy Hospitals mostly in San Diego & Guam…………
Back home in Pennsylvania, I got my Draft card November of 1962, when things were ramping up and enlisted in late 1963, with a deferment to 1964, after completing my freshman year at college. I thought it would be a good thing to "do my duty", as my friends were either being drafted or enlisting. I chose Navy and Hospital Corps as specialty.
I finished boot camp and completed my Hospital Corps training, and then was stationed for a short time at San Diego Naval Hospital before getting orders for Guam. By the time I got to the Naval Hospital in Guam, daily plane loads of battle injured casualties were arriving at military hospitals in Japan, Philippines, Guam and Hawaii.
I saw the results of war up-close and personal. Recipients of napalm, mortar shells, land mines, strafing, sniper fire and lots more. Since we rotated within the hospital services, not only did I get to work in all aspects of physical medicine, but also pulled about 6 months working in neuro-psychiatric services, where I got to see the results of war not seen in prosthetic limbs nor colostomy bags.
Following a motorcycle accident on Guam, I spent 6 months hospitalized, 3 months each in Guam and Philadelphia Navy Hospitals, upon which determined my discharge from military service.
I served 2 years and went home, to marry, to raise a family and to follow fame and fortune. Fame and fortune did not make an appearance, but I managed to acquire a wife and 5 children and to have survivor's guilt for years. During the years between ‘66 and ‘82, I pretended to know nothing about military service or Vietnam.
I met an old Navy Corpsman buddy in ’82; we met again and went to the Viet Nam Wall the following year and counted at least a hundred of dead friend’s names on the pouring down rain and tear soaked wall.
By the late ‘80s, my 3 sons had donned uniforms, 2 Air Force and 1 Navy, and served honorably in a new time and new kinds of wars. My Navy son, also a Corpsman, served proudly with the Marines in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, during the Gulf War. He returned with physical health difficulties and is now a 100% disabled Vet. My other 2 sons served in other deployments and returned home without any physical ailments or injuries.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, You Asked: Were you in Vietnam? ©)
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Inalienable Rights
Inalienable Rights©
Our rights; of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, are guaranteed by our republic's honored constitution and enforced by our men and women in the military.
Today’s military will soon be tomorrow’s Veterans, Be there for them today, as they are there for us. Be there for them tomorrow, as they were for us, always.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Inalienable Rights©)
Our rights; of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, are guaranteed by our republic's honored constitution and enforced by our men and women in the military.
Today’s military will soon be tomorrow’s Veterans, Be there for them today, as they are there for us. Be there for them tomorrow, as they were for us, always.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Inalienable Rights©)
We need to stay upon our soapboxes
We need to stay upon our soapboxes
Our young and promising and bright and strong have their necks and butts on the line and are sacrificing all they have, for each and every one of us.
To allow the enemy, foreign or domestic, in any form, under any guise, to undermine and endanger those young men and women in service is to turn our backs on all that we hold proudly; our history, our flag, our country, our military, our veterans, and for all of what we stand.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, We need to stay upon our soapboxes)
Our young and promising and bright and strong have their necks and butts on the line and are sacrificing all they have, for each and every one of us.
To allow the enemy, foreign or domestic, in any form, under any guise, to undermine and endanger those young men and women in service is to turn our backs on all that we hold proudly; our history, our flag, our country, our military, our veterans, and for all of what we stand.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, We need to stay upon our soapboxes)
Our Protectors, Our Veterans
Our Protectors, Our Veterans©
The lives of some known and many not, have touched us. There's little difference than found in any other war, with caskets holding their bodies, now come home they to rest. They were our protectors, it is their duty they have done, and they did their best, and again, lives of some known and many not, have touched us.
In addition to the horrors and ravages of war itself, during each era of our protectors, our veterans, have had to face such issues as we have seen; issues such as radiation, psychedelics, agent orange, chemicals, biological agents and unproven experimental vaccines. It is my belief that it is our ultimate responsibility to do what we can to minimize these types of issues that were unnecessary to have occurred in the first place. We owe our protectors this, too, for all current and future generations.
If we do not protect our protectors, our veterans, who indeed, will protect them?
The health and well being issues of our protectors, our veterans of all eras and of the reserves, guards, and active duty military of today are real. This should be our focus, this should be our purpose, this should be our commitment, and this is what we owe to our protectors, our veterans.
If we do not protect our protectors, our veterans, who indeed will protect us?
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Our Protectors, Our Veterans©)
The lives of some known and many not, have touched us. There's little difference than found in any other war, with caskets holding their bodies, now come home they to rest. They were our protectors, it is their duty they have done, and they did their best, and again, lives of some known and many not, have touched us.
In addition to the horrors and ravages of war itself, during each era of our protectors, our veterans, have had to face such issues as we have seen; issues such as radiation, psychedelics, agent orange, chemicals, biological agents and unproven experimental vaccines. It is my belief that it is our ultimate responsibility to do what we can to minimize these types of issues that were unnecessary to have occurred in the first place. We owe our protectors this, too, for all current and future generations.
If we do not protect our protectors, our veterans, who indeed, will protect them?
The health and well being issues of our protectors, our veterans of all eras and of the reserves, guards, and active duty military of today are real. This should be our focus, this should be our purpose, this should be our commitment, and this is what we owe to our protectors, our veterans.
If we do not protect our protectors, our veterans, who indeed will protect us?
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Our Protectors, Our Veterans©)
VETERANS DAY
VETERANS DAY
Threatening skies, wind and cool, rain came and so did the snow, all restrained, all listened, all sang, all prayed, all gave God praise, all thanked our Veterans, past, current, and future...
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Veterans Day)
Threatening skies, wind and cool, rain came and so did the snow, all restrained, all listened, all sang, all prayed, all gave God praise, all thanked our Veterans, past, current, and future...
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Veterans Day)
A Sailor's Uniform
A Sailor's Uniform©
It seems a long time since this once young sailor wore that uniform, but my pride in what it stands for is as new as today?
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, A Sailor's Uniform©)
It seems a long time since this once young sailor wore that uniform, but my pride in what it stands for is as new as today?
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, A Sailor's Uniform©)
One Veteran’s Pledge
One Veteran’s Pledge©
When it was my time, I served. My sons served, because I shared with them the value and meaning of serving. I wear the badge of doing the right thing, but also the pain of sending my sons into harms way.
Today I can justify that it still is right, but am troubled over the pain my son has and the pain of so many other sons and daughters and the pain of their loved ones, who, like myself, sent them off to war.
So, today, I proudly serve our Veterans in the best ways I can. I am an activist for Veterans issues, I honor our standing military and I help with health and well being issues of our Veterans of all Era’s and for the active duty military of today.
This is the focus, this is our purpose, this is what we owe to our Veterans.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, One Veteran’s Pledge©)
When it was my time, I served. My sons served, because I shared with them the value and meaning of serving. I wear the badge of doing the right thing, but also the pain of sending my sons into harms way.
Today I can justify that it still is right, but am troubled over the pain my son has and the pain of so many other sons and daughters and the pain of their loved ones, who, like myself, sent them off to war.
So, today, I proudly serve our Veterans in the best ways I can. I am an activist for Veterans issues, I honor our standing military and I help with health and well being issues of our Veterans of all Era’s and for the active duty military of today.
This is the focus, this is our purpose, this is what we owe to our Veterans.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, One Veteran’s Pledge©)
For Our Forgotten Veterans
For Our Forgotten Veterans©
For those who served,but were not served in return,
we thank you, we salute you, we pray for you, we offer our hand to you, we pledge you will never be forgotten again.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, For Our Forgotten Veterans©)
For those who served,but were not served in return,
we thank you, we salute you, we pray for you, we offer our hand to you, we pledge you will never be forgotten again.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, For Our Forgotten Veterans©)
Remembering our Military and Veterans of all eras
Remembering our Military and Veterans of all eras
Together we are Americans
My eyes are filled and overflow for my brother. Though from different clans, we are together in spirit and in pride and have shared the sacred banner and uniform of freedom, for those of past, we did and do today for all those who will follow in the future.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Together we are Americans)
Together we are Americans
My eyes are filled and overflow for my brother. Though from different clans, we are together in spirit and in pride and have shared the sacred banner and uniform of freedom, for those of past, we did and do today for all those who will follow in the future.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Together we are Americans)
Remembering our Veterans and Troops
Remembering Our Veterans and Troops
To Never be Forgotten©
How many times has the “story of stories” been repeated, by millions of families throughout the ages since? “He gave His only Begotten Son”, rings on and on. May that sacrifice never be forgotten.
Likewise, millions of other sons and daughters have been given, in their service; to God, to Country, to Family, to Community.
They, too, gave up their begotten children, their loved ones, for us, for all of us, to never be forgotten.
As was His sacrifice, is theirs, for the ever living hope of futures bright, we join in humble gratitude, to honor and to comfort all who need, and to never be forgotten.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, To Never be Forgotten©)
http://www.pmimchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=868
To Never be Forgotten©
How many times has the “story of stories” been repeated, by millions of families throughout the ages since? “He gave His only Begotten Son”, rings on and on. May that sacrifice never be forgotten.
Likewise, millions of other sons and daughters have been given, in their service; to God, to Country, to Family, to Community.
They, too, gave up their begotten children, their loved ones, for us, for all of us, to never be forgotten.
As was His sacrifice, is theirs, for the ever living hope of futures bright, we join in humble gratitude, to honor and to comfort all who need, and to never be forgotten.
Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, To Never be Forgotten©)
http://www.pmimchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=868
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