This is THURSDAY, July 5th, 2007
the 186th day of the year, with 179 remaining in 2007
LESSONS IN LIFE
I feared being alone until I learned to like myself.
By the very nature of the created order we must give in order to receive.
I cannot , for instance, receive love if I do not give love.
Richard Foster
God's friendship to us and ours to others go hand in hard.
Andrew Murry
And let us always be kind to one another!
"Somehow, somewhere, with someone .... make a difference .... TODAY!"
And on Monday, June 18th in north Charleston, S. C.,
nine made a difference ...
nine made a difference ...
they gave ALL!
We Run Away and They Run Towards Us,
We Play While They Work,
We Worry And They Comfort,
Tears Of Sorry And Tears Of Sweat,
I Know My Hero -
Do You Know Yours?
Firefighter Melvin Champaign
Capt. Louis Mulkey
Engineer Mark Kelsey
Capt. Mike Benke
Firefighter James 'Earl' Drayton
Engineer Bradford 'Brad' Baity
Firefighter Brandon Thompson
Assistant Engineer Michael French
Capt. William 'Billy' Hutchinson
Nearby, a retired Marine stood with an American flag.
"I joined the Marine Corps when a couple of these kids were just being born. If that don't make you cry, you're not a human being," said Robert Turner, 47. "These guys do the same thing that we did in the Marine Corps. It's all duty. It's all honor. It's all for your country or for somebody else. You don't join the service to get rich. You don't become a firefighter to get rich."
I agree with this marine ..... he and these nine firefighters,
and many others serving, or who have served, in our military
and first responder organizations to defend and protect us,
are America's finest!
Let us remember to thank them,
and pray for them and their families,
AND NEVER FORGET!
There have been 3,930 coalition deaths in Iraq, 626 coalition deaths in Afghanistan, equaling 4,556 in both theaters.
3,637 Americans in Iraq, 409 Americans in Afghanistan, equaling 4,046 in both.
Two Australians in Iraq, one in Afghanistan, equaling three in both; 163 Britons in Iraq, 64 in Afghanistan, equaling 227 in both; 13 Bulgarians in Iraq; 66 Canadians in Afghanistan; one Czech in Iraq, one in Afghanistan, equaling two in both; seven Danes in Iraq, four in Afghanistan, equaling eleven in both; two Dutch in Iraq, nine in Afghanistan, equaling eleven in both; two Estonians in Iraq, two in Afghanistan, equaling four in both; one Fijian in Iraq; one Finnish in Afghanistan; nine French in Afghanistan; 21 Germans in Afghanistan; one Hungarian in Iraq; 33 Italians in Iraq, nine in Afghanistan. equaling 42 in both; one Kazakh in Iraq; one Korean in Iraq;, three Latvian in Iraq; one Norwegian in Afghanistan; 21 Poles in Iraq; one Portuguese in Afghanistan; two Romanians in Iraq, four in Afghanistan, totaling six in both; five Salvadoran in Iraq; four Slovaks in Iraq; one South Korean in Afghanistan; 11 Spaniards in Iraq, 21 in Afghanistan, totaling 32 in both; two Swedes in Afghanistan; two Thai in Iraq; and 18 Ukrainians in Iraq -- in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as of July 25, 2007, according to a CNN count, and as reported by their governments. The list also includes seven employees of the U.S. Defense Department. At least 26,953 U.S. troops have been wounded in Iraq and 1,428 in Afghanistan action, totaling 28,381 in both, according to the Pentagon. (This may perhaps be the most detailed, complete summary ---- which is devoted to The Wall Of Honor.com, and those who serve, and their families.)
In the opinion of this Army National Guardsmen veteran and volunteer firefighter - war is costly, dirty and like a living hell. Fellow Americans, people of all Nations, World-Wide terrorism is far worst - more costly, a greater risk and more deadly. While the above casualty numbers are certainly heartbreaking at 4,556 lost, and 28,301 injuries --- over four years and 4 months ---- America, and other Nations, suffered the lost of 2,997 (65%) in less than two hours on September 11, 2001, with as many injuries. 427 1st responders were among those lost on that horrible morning or about 83% of the total non-U.S. military losses in Iraq and Afghanistan. By comparison, American losses are about ten times greater than all other Nations combined. It's clear to me, we (Americans) are the central target of the world-wide terrorist movement and strategy. AS A NATION AND A PEOPLE, WE CAN NOT FAIL, BECOME WEAK-HEARTED AND WEARY, IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST THIS WORLD-WIDE TERRORISM AND LACK OF RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE AND DECENCY. WE MUST BE TRUE AND FAITHFUL TO OUR HISTORY AND OUR HERITAGE, THAT OF OUR FOREFATHERS WHO FOUNDED OUR COUNTRY AT GREAT PERSONAL RISK, AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE FOLLOWED, ALWAYS PERSEVERING, TO MAINTAIN, DEFEND AND PROTECT THE 'LAND OF THE FREE AND HOME OF THE BRAVE --- AMERICA'. I realize many will disagree and take exception with my views. But, at 71 years young, I must hold fast to and honor the up brining of my parents, continue always to be a strong and proud American, and always honor, remember and respect all who serve to defend and protect America. And to encourage as many others as possible to be like-minded. In short, it's my duty and my responsibility to my country ... for as long as I have a breath to give her.
For a quick review and reminder .... GO TO:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11,_2001_attacks3,637 Americans in Iraq, 409 Americans in Afghanistan, equaling 4,046 in both.
In the opinion of this Army National Guardsmen veteran and volunteer firefighter - war is costly, dirty and like a living hell. Fellow Americans, people of all Nations, World-Wide terrorism is far worst - more costly, a greater risk and more deadly. While the above casualty numbers are certainly heartbreaking at 4,556 lost, and 28,301 injuries --- over four years and 4 months ---- America, and other Nations, suffered the lost of 2,997 (65%) in less than two hours on September 11, 2001, with as many injuries. 427 1st responders were among those lost on that horrible morning or about 83% of the total non-U.S. military losses in Iraq and Afghanistan. By comparison, American losses are about ten times greater than all other Nations combined. It's clear to me, we (Americans) are the central target of the world-wide terrorist movement and strategy. AS A NATION AND A PEOPLE, WE CAN NOT FAIL, BECOME WEAK-HEARTED AND WEARY, IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST THIS WORLD-WIDE TERRORISM AND LACK OF RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE AND DECENCY. WE MUST BE TRUE AND FAITHFUL TO OUR HISTORY AND OUR HERITAGE, THAT OF OUR FOREFATHERS WHO FOUNDED OUR COUNTRY AT GREAT PERSONAL RISK, AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE FOLLOWED, ALWAYS PERSEVERING, TO MAINTAIN, DEFEND AND PROTECT THE 'LAND OF THE FREE AND HOME OF THE BRAVE --- AMERICA'. I realize many will disagree and take exception with my views. But, at 71 years young, I must hold fast to and honor the up brining of my parents, continue always to be a strong and proud American, and always honor, remember and respect all who serve to defend and protect America. And to encourage as many others as possible to be like-minded. In short, it's my duty and my responsibility to my country ... for as long as I have a breath to give her.
For a quick review and reminder .... GO TO:
The Memorial Services for the nine firefighters "who gave their ALL" last Monday in north Charleston, S.C. was very moving, emotional and inspiring -- "HEROES IN OUR MIST" in the mind of this former volunteer firefighter - an example to all of us, and a reminder of how much we have to be grateful for and to be PROUD Americans everyday, to be kind always, and 'make a difference' in every way we can to make us a stronger, better people and nation.
What's our heritage and how should America proceed to be vital and prosperous - to remain "the land of the free, and the home of the brave"? What about us -- in our lives, endeavors, today's economy, our work, our businesses? History can be a great teacher! What's our purpose? The choice is ours, it's up to us!
These nine firefighters were in touch with their heritage, they walked it and lived it .... right to the end ... in the same footsteps as the men in the following presentation!
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GOD BLESS AMERICA, GOD BLESS US ALL!
So, at 71 years young, I thank you for visiting The Wall Of Honor, The Wall Of Honor.com website and Bills' Country .... places I hope will be one of kindness and friendship, places to learn and share and grow, and that together we can go about life making it better for our selves and most importantly for others. Be kind to someone .... you never know how much of a difference it might make in their day, or their life. You might just discover a new "best friend"! Wishing you a wonderful day, week, month and year ahead. Until next time ..... your friend, Bill
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OBJECTIVE:
THE WALL OF HONOR.com - a dedicated Internet Community for friends and family members of the individuals that have served during and against the acts of World Wide terrorism.
It is also designed to serve as an eternal flame of gratitude, remembrance, reflection, history and most importantly for the many that have given ALL!
What does this mean? We, like every American and most of the world, were shocked and appalled by the events on that beautiful morning of September 11, 2001 -- known as 9-1-1. We collectively have over fifty five years of service and associations with the military branches, first responders and criminal justice system: (Jack - 25 years in the Air Force, including ten years as Air Police, ten years in a state Criminal Justice Dept.; Kevin - ten years+ as a volunteer firefighter, witnessed the collapse of the first tower as he led his units to the nightmarish scene to become known as Ground Zero, suffered the loss of over forty friends, and spent 2-1/2 weeks on location at what became a heartbreaking rescue and recovery effort; Bill - seven years Georgia Army National Guard - almost dispatched to Cuba in the 1960s, 2-1/2 years Elderton, Penna Volunteer Fire Dept., 1-1/2 years in prison ministry; PLUS our many years of public support to the organizations, individuals and their families who serve to defend and protect our nation and all of our communities everyday. We have had an eye ball, on the ground, up close experience at the scenes - the sights, sounds, smell, horror, torn and broken bodies, pain, destruction, people in desperate need .... and upon reflection, the dangers and risks our military and first responders face everyday, but always report for duty and carry it out devotedly. But TWOH is not about us, it's about those who have carried 'the banners' and continue to carry them daily for our country and communities. However, it is one of our great passions --- (1) we have seen first hand, (2) we understand the dangers and risks, (3) it is an important part of our history, (4) a part that should be told and recorded without bias or political influences, (5) a part that any citizen can freely contribute to, (6) accessible to anyone, anywhere, anytime, (7) a medium where any family member, friend or the general public can express their heartfelt gratitude to those who have chosen to serve, (8) that is permanent - an eternal flame! (9) that it's a Memorial on the World-Wide Internet, (10) one day, a 100-acres+ Memorial Park that you can visit and walk through --- remembering those who serve --- "the land of the free and the home of the brave!"'. NOTE: one programmer told me it couldn't be done --- Bill, it's too large, complex. I don't understand 'can't, it's not acceptable! I wasn't taught nor do I believe that way. We went to the moon ... in less than ten years, returning many times. Or maybe it's the firefighter in me. And I feel the same about a physical 100-acre site. Also, we must win and defeat terrorism world-wide--- even in Iraq. Isn't that a better choice for America -- than in our own neighborhoods and homes. NOW, THAT's TERROR! Bone chilling terror! Please visit the old firefighter again!
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PLEASE VISIT "THE WALL OF HONOR - CHARLESTON FIREFIGHTERS"
While a little similar, there is a more personal tribute to these men.
And consider 'posting' something in their memory and honor as instructed!
Together we can make a difference! Thank you!
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Today, July 26th, 2007, I (we) celebrate the life of Bobby Eugene Finch, age 72 years young. A wonderful son, an outstanding younger brother to Harold Finch, a good husband to his wife Judy, and good father to his three children (Wanda, Tracey, Richard), a good grandfather to his grandchildren, a wonderful friend to all who knew him, and a devoted Christian who walked and lived his life being kind, respectful and caring for others. He served his country, which he loved, in the U.S. Army as a Military Policemen, to help defend and protect her. Such was the life of Bobby Eugene Finch, an example to all. In honor and memory, that will never fade. And in hope that many will follow his example that our country, and the world, can be a better place.
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