|
|
|
|
What is a Vet? He is the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia sweating two gallons a day making sure the armored personnel carriers didn't run out of fuel. He is the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks, whose overgrown frat-boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times in the cosmic scales by four hours of exquisite bravery near the 38th parallel. She - or he - is the nurse who fought against futility and went to sleep sobbing every night for two solid years in Da Nang. He is the POW who went away one person and came back another - or didn't come back AT ALL. He is the Quantico drill instructor who has never seen combat - but has saved countless lives by turning slouchy, no-account rednecks and gang members into Marines, and teaching them to watch each other's backs. He is the parade - riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and medals with a prosthetic hand. He is the career quartermaster who watches the ribbons and medals pass him by. He is the three anonymous heroes in The Tomb Of The Unknowns, whose presence at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever preserve the memory of all the anonymous heroes whose valor died unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean's sunless deep. He is the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket - palsied now and aggravatingly slow - who helped liberate a Nazi death camp and who wishes all day long that his wife were still alive to hold him when the nightmares come. He is an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being - a person who offered some of his life's most vital years in the service of his country, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs. He is a soldier and a savior and a sword against the darkness, and he is nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever known. So remember, each time you see someone who has served our country, just lean over and say Thank You. That's all most people need, and in most cases it will mean more than any medals they could have been awarded or were awarded. ©Father Denis Edward O'Brien
WE SALUTE THE MEN AND WOMEN SERVING IN THE ARMED SERVICES OF OUR NATION
Lawrenceville, Georgia
Canteen
Gwinnett’s own Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5255
has
proudly entered its 62nd year. Mustered in 1946, our Post's mission
continues to be to do the best we can to assist America's Warriors, past and
present, and their families. Post Members have proudly served our
Country and Community
with distinction. Our roster includes community and business leaders;
active military personnel currently
serving America throughout the world; civil service employees; and
many other dedicated Veterans.
Not only does the Post provide Veterans a place for social activities, it also is a Service Organization actively supporting many Veteran and Civic programs. Recognizing and awarding outstanding civil servants, educators and students; maintaining ongoing Veterans projects including the VA Hospital in Decatur; and special support projects for our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are a few of the ways that our Post keeps assisting Americans. An essential component of the VFW is The Ladies Auxiliary, composed of spouses and daughters of Veterans. Their presence and involvement is welcomed throughout Gwinnett. In addition to assisting in Veterans projects, they sponsor annual Children's Parties at Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, where all the kids enjoy games, gifts and refreshments. The VFW is a Congressionally chartered Organization where you can bring your American Flags for proper retirement when they get old , faded, or damaged. The Post holds Flag retirements several times each year. Our own Post-chartered Boy Scout Troop 595 assists in this solemn and educational ceremony. We perform this honored duty with pride, and encourage you to bring us your worn Flags. VFW Post 5255 also offers to the general public Bingo four (4) nights each week, with nightly prizes totaling $1500.00, and a top game of $1000.00. The concession stand sells food and drinks. The Post also rents their Hall out for parties and special events. Contact us if you are a Veteran and would like to join our Post or one who needs assistance. It is easy and rewarding to become involved! I hope you find our Web site informative and useful. |
|
|
