Lady Victoria Eclectic Pagan's blog: "Patriotic Musings"

This is a poem being sent from a Marine to his Dad. For those who take the time to read it, you'll see a letter from him to his Dad at the bottom. It makes you truly thankful for not only the Marines, but ALL of our troops. THE MARINE We all came together, Both young and old To fight for our freedom, To stand and be bold. In the midst of all evil, We stand our ground, And we protect our country From all terror around. Peace and not war, Is what some people say. But I'll give my life, So you can live the American way. I give you the right To talk of your peace. To stand in your groups, and protest in our streets. But still I fight on, I don't bitch, I don't whine. I'm just one of the people Who is doing your time. I'm harder than nails, Stronger than any machine. I'm the immortal soldier, I'm a U.S. MARINE! So stand in my shoes, And leave from your home. Fight for the people who hate you, With the protests they've shown. Fight for the stranger, Fight for the young. So they all may have, The greatest freedom you've won. Fight for the sick, Fight for the poor Fight for the cripple, Who lives next door. But when your time comes, Do what I've done. For if you stand up for freedom, You'll stand when the fight's done. By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, US Marine Corps USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF March 23, 2003 Hey Dad, Do me a favor and label this "The Marine" and send it to everybody on your email list. Even leave this letter in it. I want this rolling all over the US; I want every home reading it. Every eye seeing it. And every heart to feel it. So can you please send this for me? I would but my email time isn't that long and I don't have much time anyway. You know what Dad? I wondered what it would be like to truly understand what JFK said in His inaugural speech. "When the time comes to lay down my life for my country, I do not cower from this responsibility. I welcome it." Well, now I know. And I do. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do. Even though I have left behind a beautiful wife, and I will miss the birth of our first born child, I would do it 70 times over to fight for the place that God has made for my home. I love you all and I miss you very much. I wish I could be there when Sandi has our baby, but tell her that I love her, and Lord willing, I will be coming home soon. Give Mom a great big hug from me and give one to yourself too. Aaron Please let this marine (and all our military) know we care by passing his poem onto your friends even if you don't usually take time to forward please do it this time! Thanks. If this touched you as much as it touched me, please forward it on. Let's help Aaron's dad spread the word ... FREEDOM isn't FREE someone pays for you and me.

Dear MoveOn member, 160,000 of us signed the petition to stop escalation in Iraq since it launched 18 hours ago, and we're picking up allies. Today Senator Ted Kennedy will announce new legislation that would stop escalation.1 The senator's message is simple: "We cannot simply speak out against an escalation of troops in Iraq. We must act to prevent it." Our country is at a crossroads. Together we can send a strong message to Congress: you have a mandate on Iraq—figure it out. If you haven't signed the petition to Congress, please sign now. We're delivering comments every few hours. Can you add yours? http://pol.moveon.org/noescalation/one_click_sign.pl?0=1&id=9674-7748280-NZwn9X5RAnd5upTmCyhPFg&t=3 After you sign the petition please forward this email to your friends, family and colleagues—let's keep the ball rolling. Senator Kennedy goes farther than anybody else to date—we need to push senators to join him. His legislation is simple and would stop the escalation. It reads, Section 1. Prohibition on use of funds for escalation of United States forces in Iraq. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no Federal funds may be obligated or expended by the United States Government to increase the number of United States forces in Iraq above the number for such forces which existed as of January 9, 2007, without a specific authorization of Congress by law for such an increase. This means that unless the Congress votes to approve an escalation it would be illegal to move forward with it. Congress probably won't vote to authorize an escalation. But it is an open question as to whether or not they will stop one. Some Republicans are already opposing escalation. Senators Gordon Smith (OR), Susan Collins (ME), Chuck Hagel (NE) and Richard Lugar (IN) among others have all expressed reservations. But we need to force them to put their votes where their mouth is. Please sign our petition urging Congress to stop Bush's escalation in Iraq. http://pol.moveon.org/noescalation/?id=9674-7748280-NZwn9X5RAnd5upTmCyhPFg&t=4 This Kennedy resolution would not take a dime away from the troops for equipment or other needs. We all love and support our men and women in uniform. What this is about is tying Bush's hands so he can't take us deeper into the quagmire. Stopping escalation is an important part of a strategy to getting out of Iraq. "Stay the Course" was rejected by the voters. If escalation is repudiated that leaves only one option: a responsible exit. The next phase of this campaign will take our efforts to the doorsteps of congressional offices across the country. Stay tuned for more. Thanks for all you do. –Tom, Nita, Tanya, Matt and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team Tuesday, January 9th, 2007 Sources 1. "Democrats Split Over Iraq Approach." The New York Times, Jan. 9, 2007. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=2302&id=9674-7748280-NZwn9X5RAnd5upTmCyhPFg&t=5 Support our member-driven organization: MoveOn.org Political Action is entirely funded by our 3.2 million members. We have no corporate contributors, no foundation grants, no money from unions. Our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. If you'd like to support our work, you can give now at: http://political.moveon.org/donate/email.html?id=9674-7748280-NZwn9X5RAnd5upTmCyhPFg&t=6 PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/ Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world's tallest buildings. I stand watch in America's halls of justice. I fly majestically over institutions of learning. I stand guard with power in the world. Look up ... and see me. I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident. I am arrogant. I am proud. When I am flown with my fellow banners, my head is a little higher, my colors a little bit truer. I bow to no one! I am recognized all over the world. I am worshiped - I am saluted. I am loved - I am revered. I am respected -- and I am feared. I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox. I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy, Guam. Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me, I was there. I led my troops, I was dirty, battle worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me And I was proud. I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt, for I am invincible. I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my country. And when it's by those! whom I've served in battle - it hurts. But I shall overcome - for I am strong. I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon. I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours. But my finest hours are yet to come. When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield, When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier, Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter, I am proud. MY NAME IS OLD GLORY LONG MAY I WAVE. I claim no credit but was a bulletin that is worthy of holding on to and sharing.

We The People..... Of The United States "We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines.... We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are so confused by the Bill of Rights that they require a Bill of NON-Rights." ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything. ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be. ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful, do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy. ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes. ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care. ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair. ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure. ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights. ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (lastly....) NOW.. ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!!!! (Hey, I'm Pagan, and I can agree to this. Get over it people!) If you agree, share this with a friend. No, you don't have to, and nothing tragic will befall you if you don't. I just think it's about time common sense is allowed to flourish. Sensible people of the United States speak out because if you do not, who will?

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow. My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near. Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child. "What are you doing?" I asked without fear, "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!" For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.. To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night." "It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times. No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me. My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December," Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas that 'Gram always remembers." My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam And now it is my turn and so, here I am. I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile. Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue... an American flag. I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home. I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.. Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall." "So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right." "But isn't there something I can do, at the least, "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast? It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son." Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, "Just tell us you love us, and never forget. To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long. For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled. Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us." PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. Service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN 30th Naval Construction Regiment OIC, Logistics Cell One Al Taqqadum, Iraq

He was getting old and paunchy And his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, Telling stories of the past. Of a war that he had fought in And the deeds that he had done. In his exploits with his buddies; They were heroes, everyone. And 'tho sometimes, to his neighbors, His tales became a joke, All his buddies listened, For they knew whereof he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, For ol' Bob has passed away, And the world's a little poorer, For a soldier died today. He won't be mourned by many, Just his children and his wife. For he lived an ordinary, Very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, Quietly going on his way, And the world won't note his passing; 'tho a Soldier died today. When politicians leave this earth, Their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing, And proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life stories, From the time that they were young, But the passing of a soldier, Goes unnoticed and unsung. Is the greatest contribution, To the welfare of our land, Some jerk who breaks his promise, And cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow, Who in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his Country And offers up his life? The politician's stipend And the style in which he lives, Are sometimes disproportionate, To the service that he gives. While the ordinary soldier, Who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal And perhaps a pension, small. It's so easy to forget them, For it is so long ago, That our Bob's and Jim's and Johnny's, Went to battle, but we know. It was not the politicians, With their compromise and ploys, Who won for us the freedom, That our Country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger, With your enemies at hand, Would you really want some cop-out, With his ever waffling stand? Or would you want a Soldier, Who has sworn to defend, His home, his kin, and Country, And would fight until the end? He was just a common Soldier And his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us, We may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, Then we find the Soldier's part, Is to clean up all the troubles, That the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor, While he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage, At the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline, In the paper that might say: "OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, FOR A SOLDIER DIED TODAY"

A young soldier was in his bunkhouse all alone one Sunday morning over in Afghanistan. It was quiet that day, the guns and the mortars, and land mines for some reason hadn't made a noise. The young soldier knew it was Sunday, the holiest day of the week. As he was sitting there, he got out an old deck of cards and laid them out across his bunk. Just then an army sergeant came in and said, "Why aren't you with the rest of the platoon?" The soldier replied, "I thought I would stay behind and spend some time with the Lord." The sergeant said, "Looks like you're going to play cards." The soldier said, "No sir, you see, since we are not allowed to have Bibles or other spiritual books in this country, I've decided to talk to the Lord by studying this deck of cards." The sergeant asked in disbelief, "How will you do that?" "You see the Ace, Sergeant, it reminds that there is only one God. The Two represents the two parts of the Bible, Old and New Testaments. The Three represents the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The Four stands for the Four Apostles: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Five is for the five virgins that were ten but only five of them were glorified. The Six is for the six days it took God to create the Heavens and Earth. The Seven is for the day God rested after working the six days. The Eight is for the family of Noah and his wife, their three sons and their wives. God saved the eight people from the flood that destroyed the earth for the first time. The Nine is for the lepers that Jesus cleansed of leprosy. He cleansed ten but nine never thanked Him. The Ten represents the Ten Commandments that God handed down to Moses on tablets made of stone. The Jack is a reminder of Satan. One of God's first angels, but he got kicked out of heaven for his sly and wicked ways and is now the joker of eternal hell. The Queen stands for the Virgin Mary. The King stands for Jesus, for He is the King of all Kings. When I count the dots on all the cards, I come up with 365 total, one for every day of the year. There are a total of 52 cards in a deck, each is a week, 52 weeks in a year. The four suits represent the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each suit has thirteen cards and there are exactly thirteen weeks in a quarter. So when I want to talk to God and thank Him, I just pull out this old deck of cards and they remind me of all that I have to be thankful for." The sergeant just stood there and after a minute, with tears in his eyes and pain in his heart, he said, "Soldier, can I borrow that deck of cards?" Please let this be a reminder and take time to pray for all of our soldiers who are being sent away, putting their lives on the line fighting for us. Send this on so that we can have a multitude praying for our people and our country. God Bless America!

I am a small and precious child; my dad's been sent to fight. The only place I'll see his face is in my dreams at night. He will be gone too many days for my young mind to track. I may be sad, but I am so proud. My daddy's got your back. I am a caring mother. My son has gone to war. My mind is filled with worries that I've never known before. And daily I attempt to keep my thoughts from turning black. I may be scared, but I'm so proud. My son has got your back. I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband soon to go. At times I am so terrified in a way most never know. I bite my lip and force a smile as I watch my husband pack. My heart may break, but I am so proud. My husband's got your back. I am a soldier, serving proudly, standing ever tall. I fight for freedom, yours and mine by answering this call. I do my job while knowing the thanks it sometimes lacks. Say a prayer that I'll come home again. It's I who has your back.

God/dess knows I am peaceful when I am left alone; I've always been an eagle, been a while since I have flown. My claws are sharp as ever, so is my eagle eye. Something's gonna go to ground, when the eagle flies. Lately I've heard rumors that the eagle may be lame Just because I've been idle don't mean that I'm tame. You've jeopardized my freedom, my natural place to roost; I can fly when I have to, they've turn the eagle loose. So lay all your doubts aside, when you go to bed tonight. My feathers are all ruffled and I'm ready for a fight. Just because I took a while to fly don't mean I don't care. When you feel the shadow crossing, the eagle's in the air. So lay all your doubts aside, when you go to bed tonight. My feathers are all ruffled and I'm ready for a fight. Just because I took a while to fly don't mean I don't care When you feel the shadow crossing, the eagle's in the air. When you feel the shadow crossing, the eagle's in the air.

You ask me Why I Love Her? Well, give me time and I'll explain. Have you seen a Kansas sunset Or an Arizona rain? Have you drifted on a bayou Down Louisiana way? Have you watched a cold fog drifting Over San Francisco Bay? Have you heard a bobwhite calling In the Carolina pines, Or heard the bellow of a diesel At the Appalachia mines? Does the call of Niagara thrill you When you hear her waters roar? Do you look with awe and wonder At her Massachusetts shore, Where men who braved a hard new world First stepped on Plymouth's rock? And do you think of them when you stroll Along a New York City dock? Have you seen a snowflake drifting In the Rockies, way up high? Have you seen the sun come blazing down From a bright Nevada sky? Do you hail to the Columbia As she rushes to the sea, Or bow your head at Gettysburg At our struggle to be free? Have you seen the mighty Tetons? Have you watched an eagle soar? Have you seen the Mississippi Roll along Missouri's shore? Have you felt a chill at Michigan When on a winter's day Her waters rage along the shore In thunderous display? Does the word "Aloha" make you warm? Do you stare in disbelief When you see the surf Come roaring in at Waimea Reef? From Alaska's cold to the Everglades, From the Rio Grande to Maine, My heart cries out, my pulse runs fast At the might of her domain. You ask me Why I Love Her? I've a million reasons why: My Beautiful America, Beneath God's wide, wide sky.