Saluting The Veterans
November 11th, 2014
Joe just wants to take a moment to thanks both those who served in uniform for our country, and those currently serving.
Joe knows that there are guys (girls?) out there serving overseas that read this site daily, and Joe is both thinking of you today is appreciative of your service. Thanks to all, past and present.
Both Joes who run this here site had fathers that served in the Pacific Theater in World War II, so we understand what your service means. It is because of folks like you, Joe is able to guzzle beer and watch football all weekend long (when not covering the Bucs). If not for honorable people like our veterans, Joe might be subjected to drinking some sports drink and watching soccer, if you can imagine such a dire existence.
Joe will perform his Veteran’s Day tradition and encourages others to join in. Joe goes to a local VFW or American Legion Hall each Nov. 11, drops cash on the bar, orders the bartender to buy everyone a round, and then Joe walks out. A small token of gratitude to those who served.
Thanks!
November 11th, 2014 at 9:09 am
My father, the late Capt. Harold Edrington, USN, MSC, loved going to Buccaneer games, his best moment came at the 1979 playoff game when the Bucs beat Philadelphia on their way to the NFC title game.
He served 38 years and was a Guadalcanal veteran. Served in both the North Atlantic and South Pacific on the USS Fuller.
Mom was a Navy nurse, was one of the first sent to Pearl Harbor following the attack by Japan. She is 98, going strong and always asks me: “What’s wrong with the Bucs?”
I tell her: “Just about everything.”
November 11th, 2014 at 9:20 am
This is a troubling day to me. I wish all fellow veterans good health and security. I do also severely criticize the ongoing glorification of war as if it is a somehow respected endeavor. These never ending wars are destroying America and it’s people’s constitutional freedoms. All of these fallen servicemen and women have died in vain, for lies that are easily proven. Stop the wars and the warmongers, for America and the world’s sake.
November 11th, 2014 at 9:32 am
Sorry 37, but no serviceman and woman has ever died in vain. To say so is a disservice to their heroism.
Thanks to all veterans, no matter the cause you served under.
November 11th, 2014 at 9:38 am
Out of line BF87….borish
November 11th, 2014 at 9:39 am
@lightningbuc…right on brother. Being a veteran myself I can say that I do not agree with a lot of the policies of our government however no service member dies in vain. Some gave all and all gave some. All knew the risk and willingly took that risk for the people and land they love. God bless the families of the fallen and may those who gave all rest in peace.
November 11th, 2014 at 9:51 am
I stand by my statement. If they did’nt die in vain, what did they die for?
November 11th, 2014 at 9:53 am
Thank you to all who served and are serving our country.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:01 am
As former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen once put it, “Regardless of the terms of the treaty, the surrender, the withdrawal, the defeat or the victory, no American who sheds blood to preserve that which his ancestors fought to establish can ever be said to have made that sacrifice without meaning.” He continued:
“We should remember that what qualifies a life well-lived and honorably lost is not merely victory on the battlefield but the nobility of the struggle itself – the courage to take up arms in pursuit of something large.”
November 11th, 2014 at 10:18 am
lightningbuc… you are quoting a warmonger. “to preserve that which his ancestors fought to establish”. Is that what these wars are about? That last paragraph is pure psyop BS. There is no truth there whatsoever. There is no nobility to be found in war. Empty lying words.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:28 am
@buccfan37…you may stand by your statement and express it since that right is one of the many things they died for. If you are a veteran, I would think you could understand that. I understand that a lot of our governments policies are bull spit, but the basic rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and the safety of the US citizens is at the forefront of most soldiers minds. Instead of placing a negative view on soldiers and especially fallen soldiers, I point the blame at those who deserve it, namely politicians and the morons who determine rules of engagements that hang so many out to dry during combat.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:37 am
I agree that war is not glorious. I much prefer peace however since ancient times there has been wars and as long as humans roam this planet, there will continue to be wars. Sure, I am suspicious of the federal government and the lies it feeds the American people e.g. who was really behind 911 as I personally believe the corrupt few who run things in secret had more to do with perpetrating that heinous event than most Americans want to believe. Someone made billions and continues to make billions as a result of that sorrowful day.
November 11th, 2014 at 10:41 am
I met an old man once at a gas station who had a bumper sticker on his car that said “I survived IwoJima”
I went up and asked if I could shake his hand and thank him for his effort for our country.
The man got a tear in his eye and thanked me.
It was one of the best moments of my life.
November 11th, 2014 at 11:11 am
Not sure your angle Buc37. You may or may not agree with war and warmakers.
But the WWII vets and others most certainly didnt die in vain. If it wasnt for that generation , we would all most likely be speaking german and watching soccer as Joe suggested.
You might need a sit down with your grandpa to see through the eyes of someone else. Give them their just due, especially on VDAY. Bring you complaints another day dude. Out of line. But, hey, another reason people died is so all those can have a voice, even though it is silly at times.
November 11th, 2014 at 11:18 am
Buc37,
It’s cool. I guess the world needs some granola eatin’, tree huggin’, kumbayah singin’, sandal wearin’, peace sign wavin’ pacifists such as yourself.
November 11th, 2014 at 11:22 am
Wrote this a few years ago about the late Pat Tillman….
I think a lot of you might enjoy reading this:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/515035-pat-tilman-and-his-last-full-measure-of-devotion
November 11th, 2014 at 11:52 am
buddhaboy… My angle is that all wars are based on lies. My father was a WW2 veteran, he died after that war as a result of service in that war. The overwhelming majority of American’s prior to entry in WW2 were against any involvement by the U.S., the proof is out that FDR allowed the attack on Pearl Harbor to draw America into WW2 against the people’s opinion. Everything we have been told about that war is complete lies. Lies still propagandized and defended to this day. Do you not see the ongoing warfare since the federal reserve took control of our money in 1913, in the middle of the night? All wars are banker’s wars, they are the only ones who profit from the deaths of our brothers and forefathers. This day is the best day to bring these matters to attention, contrary to your opinion. Some one mentioned 9-11, this has been proven to be a nuclear event, with inside job ramifications. The Patriot Act was prepared prior to the 9-11 event, that along with the NDAA, the National Defense Authorization Act have severly curtailed our domestic freedoms, or did you notice? To oppose war and counter those who support it is the highest form of patriotism, imo. James Madison, our 4th president said, “No nation could preserve it’s freedom in the midst of continual warfare” and also “If tyranny and oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy”.
November 11th, 2014 at 11:59 am
Everyone has their opinions and theories. I think a day to remember those who passed and faught, no matter, Is a time of reflection. So cheers to you Buc37. Still love you my man.
November 11th, 2014 at 12:08 pm
@Tom Edrington,
Nice article. Well done sir.
November 11th, 2014 at 12:14 pm
Thank You Men!!! God Bless you all.
November 11th, 2014 at 12:14 pm
I feel respect for all the fallen soldiers in the past and present wars. I am saddened that they died needlessly and that this insanity continues without increased opposition. God Bless them all that have given their future and their lives to misguided patriotism.
November 11th, 2014 at 12:26 pm
Stop. There is no “proof” that happened. Any president who allowed such an attack would have been jailed and possibly executed. If you want to argue Churchill knew it was coming, there is some thin, scant evidence of that. There is no “proof” FDR let this happen.
Joe usually lets people rant what they wish but throwing out that nonsense on this day is shameful.
Pearl Harbor was not a lie and the Nazi death camps were not some staged Hollywood production.
November 11th, 2014 at 12:30 pm
Bucfan37,
Your admittance to being a 9/11 “Truther” speaks volumes.
November 11th, 2014 at 12:46 pm
@37 – I noticed you’re enjoying your freedom to speak your mind about your ill-informed, anti-establishment views. I know you take for granted that you should just get to do that but there are a lot of people out there that would prefer you didn’t have the freedoms that you have. You’re welcome for that by the way.
November 11th, 2014 at 12:51 pm
What we have here is a conspiracy nut job. You can’t win with people like this.
There’s an american dude that owns the best mexican restaurant in my town. We used to get take out from there about once a week. That was until I went and picked up the food.
As I’m about to pay for the food. I noticed a stack of pamphlets on the counter. The top one read “Do you realize 911 was a conspiracy?” and it had a picture of the towers smoldering.
I immediately told the waitress to go get the owner. She got him and he heard an earful from me over the damn things. Then I proceeded to tell him that we eat here once a week, but not anymore. I then told him to take my food back to kitchen and cancel my order.
Yes that’s how I roll. I could debate endlessly with conspiracy geeks, blowing massive holes in every one of their theories. I’ve seen all the “truther” videos I can watch. I’ve seen all the youtube videos you can watch. So I know every angle they try to throw out there, to which no pun intended, I’d blow to smithereens.
November 11th, 2014 at 12:59 pm
[Not going to disgrace veterans with this nonsense today. Not on this day. Any other day, knock yourself out. — Joe]
November 11th, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Bucfan 37
My Father was a veteran of WWI and died during WWII, my step Father was small boat landing during WWII, my Uncle was in Korea, I came back from Vietnam twice to San Francisco to, shall we say, a less than thankful welcome, my son was in Desert Storm and my nephew was in Iraq and Afghanistan. You have the right to say what you want as long as it is not slanderous in this country because of all, and I mean all, of those that have and are serving. Try doing that in all of the peaceful countries you are talking about.
But to say they died in vain, all of those that I knew that died or were wounded did it for their fellow servicemen that were in harms way, not for the policies of the country. You sound to me like someone who is against any force including law enforment, yet you are first in line when someone doesn’t play by the rules that wants help from the terrible people that serve and protect.
Well those of us who disagree with you also have a right, the right to not pay attention to someone that we hope never learns what it means to live in a controlled society.
Just an old slightly disabled veteran’s thoughts
November 11th, 2014 at 1:03 pm
They ALWAYS think every major event or tragedy has to be a conspiracy. I have little brother that’s 34 years old and he lives in his parents house still tucked away like hermit in his bedroom.
The government just made up a reason to go into Iraq. Why would they need to kill 3,000 people in the towers as an excuse to go to war? They would have just made up a reason to attack Afghanistan, then crash planes into the towers.
Okay I’m done. It’s such a waste of time….
November 11th, 2014 at 1:16 pm
1987… insults right back at you. I’m not an expert on all things 9-11, but I have researched and read enough to know the official story is complete lies. You can remain in the thick fog in your denial of obvious fabrications and omissions of the official 9-11 report, demeaning the truth and those who expose it. You and those who believe the official story are the true conspiracy nut jobs. A conspiracy against the truth at all costs. Get your head out of Bush’s and Obama’s azzhole, wake up to the truth!
November 11th, 2014 at 1:18 pm
I have an uncle that’s a Vietnam Vet. With all the bad stuff that’s been said about that war and it being such a war that people have such a negative view of.
I had to ask him a tough question about that war one day. I needed to know the answer seeing how most people consider him pro-war.
The question I asked was. If the Vietnam war were to start back up again and you were younger would you willingly go back and fight?
He surprised me with his answer. He said “in a heartbeat”.
God Bless America and the people like my Uncle who served this country proud.
Many countries look to America in time of need for a reason. It’s because we have the BEST country on the face of the earth. Hate it or not, and believe me there are MANY shameful americans that hate our country.
Guess what? You won’t find them on the right… Look for them on the left.
“We are 2 days away from fundamentally transforming America”– Obama 2 days prior to the 2008 election. As if America has major problems and needs to be transformed into something else. A person that says something like that can’t be trusted as far as I’m concerned. I love America. I don’t want to transform it into something else.
Okay I’m done rambling. I have work to do.
November 11th, 2014 at 1:22 pm
Buccfan37….you’re in the minority in this country on your thinking for a reason.
10% of americans share your view and the rest of us live in realityville. People like Alex Jones are a bunch of kooks.
November 11th, 2014 at 1:26 pm
The truth does not disgrace veterans. It heightens the awareness of the stupidity of warfare and those sucked into all the destruction that it entails. War is not good for any living thing. To believe otherwise is lunacy.
November 11th, 2014 at 1:34 pm
[Not today. Stop trying to stir the s(p)it. Any other day but today. Joe is asking nicely. — Joe]
November 11th, 2014 at 1:59 pm
This is the day to speak. I’m a Vietnam vet, I believe in free speech, most certainly today. Free speech is just that, some may be unpopular but free none the less. Perhaps we need to bring back the draft, then the responses might change. OK Joe, I’m out on this subject.
November 11th, 2014 at 2:16 pm
BF37….I too am a VietNam vet….medic/Airborne/27th MASH ChuLai/95thEvacHosp DaNang…yes you are intitled to your opinion…just as anyone at a funernal is…or at a wedding….but one would hope “anyone” would look and round and realize what is appropriate to be said…when and where….
November 11th, 2014 at 2:27 pm
God bless our veterans! You are the finest among us, along with our current military personnel. You have my unending thanks for your service and sacrifice.
My God bless you and keep you safe, as you you continue to be the light for freedom and democracy!!
And while it goes against the “freedom of Speech” principle a bit,
I sure miss the days when the “bucsfan37” types stayed in the closet- or got their ass beat for being rediculiously ignorant!
Airports open pal- fly your as to some country you feel good about!
I promise- we won’t stop you.
Ah, the good ole days!
Unlike every conspiracy theory pansy I’ve ever met- I’ve actually been to many other countries.
I’ve never once had the urge to switch my citizenship. But I’ve met tons of people trying to come here.
Land of the Free- home of the Brave!
So, Bf37- why don’t you move out of your mothers house, quit spending 17 hours a day listening to Internet whack ados- and get a life.
Maybe even a woman!! Travel the world! See how full of sh^* you are.
again- bless our vets, and the USA.
November 11th, 2014 at 5:16 pm
Joe and Capt.Tim … I said I was out on this subject, but attacks must be responded to in kind. Capt.Tim, are you really as moronic as what you said above? That type of thinking is what plagues America, in your case ignorance is bliss.
November 11th, 2014 at 5:50 pm
You are a lil troll. Unhappy with “lifestyle” choice. You are trying to get attention, by being controversial on an important holiday.
This is done frequently by your “kind”. It is neither new or original.
It is pathetic and cowardly.
You are a pathetic loser. And will get no more attention from me
Go sing some showtunes, or try some new makeup.
Maybe it’ll cheer you up for a little while- and help you forget how sickening you really are.
And no one- NO ONE, believed you were ever a vet
November 11th, 2014 at 5:53 pm
Buccfan37,
Until now I have never felt compelled to post to this message board. I served 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. You are certainly within your rights to have your own personal opinions. But the fact that you can express them so freely is a direct result of veterans unselfishly fighting so that Americans like you can have those rights. We execute the orders issued to us and accomplish the mission. I hope your Veteran’s Day has gone well thus far.
Semper Fidelis
November 11th, 2014 at 6:01 pm
@Capt Tim – That’s a given. Even if this d-bag were drafted and there against his will, his experience with being in theater would give him enough respect and reverence for those that sacrificed what they did for our country to give them this day and not make it about the repulsive ax that he has to grind. Sadly enough, nearly every time a holiday like this comes up or when the team does something to honor the military and Joe covers it these people show up. Just like the racists that show up whenever there is a post that offers even the smallest opportunity for these people to insert their agenda
November 11th, 2014 at 6:21 pm
Dad is in Arlington, as is my grandfather. Love them for sacrificing so I did not have too. Thank you!
November 11th, 2014 at 6:22 pm
Patrick – I’m sometimes afraid that this country is cutting its own throat- inch by inch, with the blade of Political correctness.
Joe- here’s a toast, to your Fathers, my Father and Brither, and to all who have served so honorably.
My the the Wings of Freedom never lose a Feather
Salute!
November 11th, 2014 at 6:24 pm
@Jim – Thank you to you and your family for your sacrifice. Today is for honoring the sacrifices of both the service members and their families. May they rest peacefully
November 11th, 2014 at 7:29 pm
Here’s on for you and yours, Jim.
And Patrick too! For being a good American!
Salute gentlemen!!
As sad as this day sometimes makes me, still rather talk about our honored Vets, than our Poor Bucs right now!
Lol
November 11th, 2014 at 8:41 pm
Semper Fi
November 11th, 2014 at 9:44 pm
Not one of you answered my question. If they did’nt die in vain, what did they die for? Just mindless attacks. If a big lie is told over and over people believe it. They all died for lies. You can’t disprove that statement, no matter your reasoning. Keep worshipping the beast, that will be your downfall. Jesus Christ said “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Not the war makers or supporters. Believe what you wish. The veterans are taking their own lives by large amounts every day returning from war zones. Why? Because they can’t live with the evil they have witnessed and contributed in. Wake up people, there is no honor or glory in war. Thank you Joe for your website, I have thoroughly enjoyed the content and comments. Great job! Good luck Bucs and Bucs fans. Go Bucs! Adios Amigos
November 11th, 2014 at 11:14 pm
No one answered your question- because no one gives a damn about you or your question, troll. I thought I told you to go sing show tunes!!
Sad on a day of paying tribute to heroes- who died to make a difference in this world
We have some self centered, unimportant lil ^*+,
Trying to get undeserved attention for himself.
Dude- go f^*k yourself.
November 12th, 2014 at 5:49 am
@37 – I realize, after reading the disrespectful and sickening filth that you’ve been spewing, that there’s no chance of this being the case but I truly hope that you have the decency to realize that no one is interested any longer in what you have to say about anything. Be it Bucs related or otherwise, you’ve worn out your welcome here. Your world views are obviously distorted and we will all be that much better off for it if you would devote whatever time you spent peddling your nonsense here to whatever dark corner of the Internet where people like you congregate. You can pat each other on the back for seeing what no one else sees (because it’s not real and insane) and we can carry on happily with our lives without you.