Happy Veteran's Day to ALL members and guests who served our Country

[iota]

here is a moving story by a woman veteran now turned 100

WWII Code Breaker Shares Her Secret to Turning 100

Centenarian Julia Parsons, who spent war deciphering German messages, refuses to accept limitations

"A parade in Pittsburgh on March 2 celebrated the 100th birthday of native Julia Parsons, a World War II veteran who for decades maintained that she worked a quiet, ordinary desk job during the war. In reality, her job was anything but ordinary.

Parsons was one of thousands of women whose little-known story of deciphering encrypted messages sent by the Japanese and German forces played a pivotal role in helping the Allies win the war.

From college to code breaking
Fresh out of Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1942, Parsons read in the newspaper that the Navy was accepting women for a unit called Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES. After joining and completing three months of general training, Parsons was sent to a communications annex in Washington, D.C.

When her group was asked if anyone spoke German, Parsons responded that she took two years of German in high school.

"That hardly qualified me for much of anything in the translations line,” Parsons told AARP, “but they sent me right off to the section where I worked decoding the German submarine traffic, which is what I did until the end of the war.

"Because the premise of WAVES, established in 1942, was to fill certain military roles to free up more men to fight overseas, almost all of the service members who worked decoding enemy messages were women.

"Although we did have four or five men in the office, most of them were mathematics professors,” said Parsons. “They were very nice, but they were not regular Navy people."

Using one of the first computers, called the “Bombe,” Parsons assisted in uncovering messages that the German High Command sent to its submarines. Decoding would reveal where submarines planned to meet, their mission destinations and the weather conditions. More mundane personal messages that would have typically been sent by mail related to family deaths, new babies and upcoming weddings were also decoded.

Parsons, in her early 20s at the time, got an apartment in Washington with another woman who worked in the Japanese section of the WAVES. However, despite their curiosities, the two would never talk about their respective work with one another.

"Everybody was united against Hitler,” Parsons said, so no one pried each other for information.

When the WAVES weren't decoding messages for the Navy, Parsons recalls going to Hains Point, a park in southwest Washington, where people would ride horses, rent boats, fish and enjoy picnics. On other occasions she remembers going to the theater, parties and dances.

"I loved Washington. It was so nice. And there wasn't much traffic then either,” she said. “Our lives were so simple compared to now."

Decades of secrecy
Parsons credits the war with bringing women into the workforce. But after serving in such a fascinating job, she found it difficult to return to normal life.

"I couldn't believe I was back in a kitchen,” she said.

read the rest of the story and more here


i'm sure many here have stories of service that can never be forgotten

perhaps, if moved? stories of service i might be shared here ...

[Bill Ryan]

And here's an excellent thread started by Mashika a year ago — who of course knows what veterans endure from her direct personal experience.

• We should pay real respect for our war veterans

She wrote:

~~~

Do this, you don't know what they went through

Go visit the Korean and Vietnam veterans, go visit the ones from Iraq, go tell them how much you appreciate, because only someone who has gone through that life, keeps their secrets in silence while suffering terrible nightmares day by day. And you don't know how much they gave up for you. Go tell them 'thank you so much'. That's all they need, it's very very simple see?

Just do something like this, you don't know how much it means, and how much it changes live for them. Please don't say "thanks for your service". That's crap, honestly, do something like this instead

https://youtube.com/watch?v=61Aivpkcohk
https://youtube.com/watch?v=KvzrASk8NcQ

[iota]

many across the United States celebrate this day to honor our veterans

the Military website published this resource for Discounts and other Special offers:

2022 Veterans Day Restaurant Discounts:
Veterans Day Free Meals

To honor members of the military, these restaurants are offering veterans free meals on or around Veterans Day, November 11.

110 Grill -- Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary lunch from 11:30am to 4:00pm on November 11.

151 Coffee -- Veterans and their families get free drinks on November 11.

7-Eleven -- Veterans get a free Quarter-Pound Big Bite 100% all-beef hot dog on November 11. Available in-store and via delivery through the 7NOW app.

Ample Hills Creamery -- On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members get a free small scoop.

Another Broken Egg Cafe -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free Patriot French Toast Combo & Coffee November 11. Available for dine-in only at participating cafes.

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza -- Veterans and active-duty military get five free coal fired wings on November 11. Dine-in offer only.

Applebee's -- Active-duty military, veterans, Reserves, and National Guard receive a free meal when dining in from a special menu on November 11. And when dining in on November 11, military guests will receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem for dine-in, To Go, or delivery within a three-week redemption window.

Aroma Joe's -- All veterans get a free 24oz. drink on November 11.

Au Bon Pain -- Active-duty military and veterans get a free breakfast sandwich and small drip coffee on November 11. Must present military ID and mention offer at time of purchase. Valid in café at participating locations.

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar -- Veterans and active-duty service members get a free Big Daddy’s All-American Burger and side from 11am to 4pm on November 11. Proof of service required.

Bagger Dave's -- Active, non-active, reservists and retired personnel get a free Great American Cheeseburger and fries on November 11. Dine-in only.

Bakers Square -- Veteran and active-duty military personnel receive a complimentary 2-2-2 Breakfast on November 11. When ordering online, use code ‘VETERANS22’ to receive the discount. Must present valid proof of service at pickup. Not valid for Call-In Orders or Delivery.

Bar Louie -- Active-duty military and veterans get a free Craft Burger on November 11 with a valid ID. Dine-in only.

Beef 'O' Brady's -- Veterans eat free on November 11 at participating locations with the purchase of equal or greater value up to $12.

Biggby Coffee -- Veterans and active-duty service members receive a free 16 oz beverage of choice on November 11.

Billy Sims Barbecue -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free pulled pork sandwich, one regular side and a regular drink on November 11. Offer good for dine-in and carry-out only.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse -- On November 11, current and former military members receive a free meal from a select menu. Dine-in only.

Black Angus Steakhouse -- Current and past members of the military get a free meal on November 11 at all locations from 12pm to 3pm. This deal is not available to-go.

Bob Evans -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Dine-in only.

Bombshells Restaurant and Bar -- All 12 locations in Texas will provide free entrees for veterans on November 11. Other items will be discounted 20%. In addition, families accompanying veterans as well as active service members and accompanying families will receive a 20% discount on entrees and other items on Veterans Day.

Bruegger's Bagels -- Veterans get a free medium fresh-brewed hot or iced coffee with your breakfast order on November 11.

Buffalo's Cafe -- Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary entrée from the regular Core Menu on November 11. Valid in-store at participating locations only.

Buffalo Wild Wings -- Veterans and active-duty service members get a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries on November 11. Must show valid proof of service. Dine in only.

Calhoun's -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free lunch from 10:45am to 4pm on November 11. Military ID required.

California Pizza Kitchen – On November 11, veterans and active-duty military receive a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and choice of one entrée from a special menu.

Caribou Coffee -- Veterans, active military members and their spouses receive a free hot brewed coffee on November 11.

Carolina Ale House -- Veterans and military members get a free rib platter with the purchase of a drink on November 11.

Carrabba's -- Veterans and active-duty military that dine in on November 11 receive an appetizer or dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage with show of military ID.

Casey's General Stores -- Service members past and present receive a free cup of coffee on November 11.

Cattlemens -- Active, non-active, and retired military personal get a complimentary sirloin steak dinner in honor of Veterans Day. Sign up on their website on or before November 11 to receive your steak certificate. The offer will be emailed on November 12 and is valid November 12 through 22 during regular business hours for outdoor dining or dine-in. The offer is not valid on takeout orders and is valid at California locations only.

Charleys Philly Steaks -- Veterans and active-duty military get free Gourmet Fries in-store with no purchase necessary on November 11. In addition, Charleys’ locations on military bases are offering free gourmet fries with the purchase of a cheesesteak and drink for all customers.

Chelo's Hometown Bar & Grille -- Veterans with a valid military ID get a free meal from a select menu on November 11.

Chicken Salad Chick -- On November 11, veterans and active-duty military will receive a free meal at all locations.

Chili's -- Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Available for in-restaurant only.

Chuck E. Cheese -- On November 11, active-duty military, National Guard and veterans get a free personal 1-topping pizza with valid military ID or proof of military service. Not available for delivery.

Cicis Pizza -- Active and retired military personnel get a free adult buffet on November 11. The offer is valid for dine-in only and it does not include a drink.

Circle K -- Veterans and active-duty service members get a free medium coffee all day November 11 at every location that serves coffee.

City Barbecue -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free sandwich (excluding brisket), one side, and a drink on November 11.

Claim Jumper -- Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a special menu at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.

Colton's Steak House & Grill -- Veterans and active-duty service members get a free entrée on November 11 until 4 pm from a select menu. Available for dine-in only. Offer not available in Kentucky locations.

Cotton Patch Cafe -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken Entrée with a valid military ID on November 11.

Country Kitchen -- Active and retired military get a free Country Scramble on November 11 at participating locations. Dine-in only.

Cracker Barrel -- Veterans get a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake in-store or online on November 11.

Crooked Pint Ale House -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal on November 11 at participating locations.

Davanni's Pizza and Hot Hoagies -- On November 11, active-duty military and veterans get a Free Solo 1-item Pizza and Regular Pop. Show proof of service and mention when you order for dine-in, takeout, or curbside.

Denny's -- On November 11, Denny's offers a complimentary Grand Slam to all active, non-active and retired military personnel. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations from 5am to noon with a valid military ID or DD 214.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit -- Veterans and active-duty military get a Free Pulled Pork Sandwich on November 11. Valid in-store, and online/app for carryout.

Duffy's Sports Grill -- Veterans get a free meal on November 11 from 11am to 4pm. Dine-in only.

Dunkin' Donuts -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free donut of their choice on November 11 at participating locations. Offer available in-store only. Not available for orders placed using On-the-Go Mobile Ordering through the Dunkin’ Mobile App.

Einstein Bros. Bagels -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on November 11.

El Chico -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée on November 11 at participating locations. Limit $20. Proof of service required.

Emmet's Social Table -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal up to $15 on November 11. Dine-in only.

Famous Dave's -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free Lunch Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and choice of side on November 11. When ordering online, use code ‘VETERAN’ to receive the discount. Must present valid proof of service at pickup. Not valid for Call-In Orders or Delivery.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill -- Dine with a veteran or active-duty service member on November 11 at participating locations and their meal is free. Dine-in only.

Food City -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from the Deli Hot Bar on November 11.

Fox & Hound -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal on November 11.

Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers -- Veterans and active military personnel who visit on November 11 will receive a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card that can be redeemed through November 30.

Fricker's -- Veterans get 10 free wings with proof of service on November 11. Dine-in only.

Friendly's -- Veterans get a free cheeseburger and fries on November 11.

Gold Star Chili -- Veterans and active-duty military receive a free regular 3-Way and regular drink on November 11. This offer is valid for dine-in, carry out or drive-thru.

Golden Corral -- Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 14 from 5pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.

Gordon Biersch -- Veterans get a free appetizer from a select menu with the purchase of a pint or non-alcoholic beverage on November 11.

Grady’s BBQ -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free one meat sandwich on November 11.

Granite City Food & Brewery -- Veterans get a free lunch on November 11.

Green Mill Restaurant and Bar -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free menu item at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.

Greene Turtle -- Veterans get a free meal up to $13 value on November 11 with valid ID. Dine-in only.

Grillsmith -- Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary entrée on November 11.

GuacAmigos -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a special menu on November 11.

Hamburger Stand -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free hamburger, regular fries and a small Pepsi on November 11 at participating locations.

Hard Rock Cafe -- Veterans receive a free Legendary Burger all day long on November 11. Dine-in only.

Hawaiian Bros -- Veterans and active-duty military, plus their friends and family, get a free plate lunch from 11am to 11pm on November 11.

Hickory Tavern -- Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free menu item of choice, up to $15 on November 11.

Hof's Hut -- Veterans and active-duty military get a Free Hofburger OR pancake combo on November 11 with a military ID. For dine in or take out only. Active-duty military and veterans also receive a $10 thank you card that is redeemable from November 25 to December 4, 2022.

Hooters -- Active-duty military and veterans get a free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu with purchase of a beverage on November 11. Dine-in only.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free classic burger on November 11. Available for dine-in only.

Huddle House -- Active-duty military members and veterans get a free MVP Breakfast Platter on November 11.

Huey Magoo's -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free 5-piece tender meal when you buy a 5-piece meal and 2 beverages on November 11. Must show military or Veteran ID, or DD-214 form to redeem. Offer valid for in-restaurant orders only. Offer not valid at the UCF Student Union location.

Hurricane Grill and Wings -- Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary entrée on November 11 from a select menu. Valid in-store at participating locations only.

Hy-Vee -- Veterans, military members and their families get a free fresh breakfast on November 11 between 6 and 10am. Plus, veterans and military members receive 15% off grocery purchases on November 11. Shop in-store or Hy-Vee Aisles Online and use promo code HOMEFRONT15 at checkout.

IHOP -- Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.

Insomnia Cookies -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free 6-pack of Classic cookies with any in-store purchase all day on November 11.

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant -- Veterans and active-duty service members receive a complimentary burger or sandwich along with a non-alcoholic beverage on November 11.

J. Christopher's -- On November 11, veterans get a free meal at participating locations with valid proof of service. Dine-in only.

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice -- All former and active military personnel receive a free small treat on November 11.

Joella's Hot Chicken -- Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free hot chicken on November 11. Show proof of service at order. Not available for delivery, dine-in only.

Juice It Up -- Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Medium Classic Smoothie on November 11. Offer valid in-store only.

Kings Family Restaurant -- Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11.

Kolache Factory -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free kolache and a cup of coffee on November 11 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Krispy Kreme -- Veterans get a free coffee and doughnut on November 11 at participating locations.

Kwik Fill -- Veterans receive a free coffee on November 11.

and many, many more!

source and podcast with links here

though times have changed

your service and sacrifice is not forgotten

this country deeply appreciates it and thanks you!

[bobme]

This is A very Thin ice topic, so to say.

The ones who served were lied to without question,in my understanding of the whole concept of protecting their country. they were told the united states was under attack, but we were attacked by our own Government.

Ask your self if you are really free. can you decide for yourself what is right, or what is wrong? And not get over ruled by your Government? I say no. Proof you want? Common sense, if it exist anymore, is just look at the Alex Jones lawsuit.

You can no longer say anything, that someone more self important disagrees with. With the backing of the other self important ones who insist they are the authority, or the intellectual ones in the imaginary, world, of the more money you make, the smarter you must be.

little off thread there, sorry.

Although I respect their courage , They are, as many are, They are being extremely lied to. I understand the confusion. Bless all hearts anyhow.

This topic could be debated for only a brief understanding in a simple moment of reality.

But thanks all the same.

[Satori]

Posted by bobme (here)
This is A very Thin ice topic, so to say.

The ones who served were lied to without question,in my understanding of the whole concept of protecting their country. they were told the united states was under attack, but we were attacked by our own Government.

Ask your self if you are really free. can you decide for yourself what is right, or what is wrong? And not get over ruled by your Government? I say no. Proof you want? Common sense, if it exist anymore, is just look at the Alex Jones lawsuit.

You can no longer say anything, that someone more self important disagrees with. With the backing of the other self important ones who insist they are the authority, or the intellectual ones in the imaginary, world, of the more money you make, the smarter you must be.

little off thread there, sorry.

Although I respect their courage , They are, as many are, They are being extremely lied to. I understand the confusion. Bless all hearts anyhow.

This topic could be debated for only a brief understanding in a simple moment of reality.

But thanks all the same.

I understand this point of view. I am an “Air Force brat”, having spent the first 16 years of my life as an Air Force “dependent”. I also served in the US Army as an infantry soldier with the 82nd Airborne, after being drafted in 1970.

Although it’s been 50 years or so, I have an understanding of the military and the military mindset.

Not every soldier is as naive or ignorant as one may think. Most of them are very patriotic and are willing to ignore the lies and BS hoping to make a difference in the service of their beloved country.

It’s a shame and a sin that their contributions and sacrifices get little more than lip service.

[bobme]

I know what you are saying in my heart Satori. And I thank you from my heart.

Yet you were lied to in real time. And I am sorry you were.

Bless you for trying.

[Satori]

Posted by bobme (here)
I know what you are saying in my heart Satori. And I thank you from my heart.

Yet you were lied to in real time. And I am sorry you were.

Bless you for trying.

Yes. And the lies continue. “The lie is different at every level.” (Attributed usually to Richard Hoagland.)

[iota]

this country owes a debt of gratitude to the veterans willing to place their lives at risk

for the promise of FREEDOM, Liberty and Justice for ALL

despite what their higher ups intended?

THESE are the principles that were/are near and dear to the hearts of many

that being the case?

i think such a valiant effort and courage and sacrifice deserves heartfelt appreciation

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=S-Xrlf3taEo

it mattered to THEM ...

for me?

this is what a hero looks like ....

Franklin Davis, a homeless Vietnam veteran,
sweeps the Vietnam Veterans Memorial during the government shutdown:
by MessageMeASLiLoveEach1ofYou

[Mashika]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)
And here's an excellent thread started by Mashika a year ago — who of course knows what veterans endure from her direct personal experience.

• We should pay real respect for our war veterans

She wrote:

~~~

Do this, you don't know what they went through

Go visit the Korean and Vietnam veterans, go visit the ones from Iraq, go tell them how much you appreciate, because only someone who has gone through that life, keeps their secrets in silence while suffering terrible nightmares day by day. And you don't know how much they gave up for you. Go tell them 'thank you so much'. That's all they need, it's very very simple see?

Just do something like this, you don't know how much it means, and how much it changes live for them. Please don't say "thanks for your service". That's crap, honestly, do something like this instead

https://youtube.com/watch?v=61Aivpkcohk
https://youtube.com/watch?v=KvzrASk8NcQ

Yes, thanks

And i remain thinking of that, i think that most American veteran soldiers never get true justice or get honored the way they should. It hurts to me, badly because i have seen the pain, it goes like this

They carry a tremendous pain every single minute of their lives, and when they smile, the smile is not the one they would have otherwise, and when they hug, they hug 'less' than before, and they want to have 'alone moments' for a bit because of this:

- Go home and enjoy a good icecream, then remember that your good friend from childhood was blown to pieces next to you somewhere on some random field, and he won't ever be able to test it again
- Go watch a movie, and then you think "he/she would have liked that scene" and then silently laugh at it only to a second later feel a tear or two roll down because of course your friend will never get to share that moment or see the movie at all
- Anything you do, is something they will never be able to do ever

And then you sit there and some people say "don't get friendly with that odd guy, he was at war so he may be crazy or be violent for any reason at any time"

And that's how Vietnam veterans were treated, right?

So i feel very hurt and angry about it all, because they did not deserve it!

Let me explain something here, because i already saw it being talked about

There's a difference between what the government tells you to do, and what you had to suffer and how you are treated after it all ends

1. Whatever reasoning the government had, or their hidden purposes, affect the soldiers directly, but the soldiers can't do much about it
2. No one should care about why this or that war happened, as far as the soldier goes. Doing that is re-victimizing, the soldier is a victim as much as the population of the land that was affected by the war. Don't put the weight on the soldier because they fought over any place, they did not had much choice. And they did not know better.

So saying "This war happened because the government blah blah blah" makes no sense to me. We are not discussing the root of war, we are discussing war veterans

War veterans deserve to be threated well and have a good life just like everyone else, at least, regardless of what the government did behind the scenes, because war veterans are people just like you, and they don't deserve to be punished for the stupidity and rotten souls of the top level politicians

They sit out there, and they don't belong anymore, and that feels lonely, and terrible, and even if you join other people into parties or whatever, is not the same anymore

But no one cares because why get dragged into some downfall of some person who probably has mental issues because "they were at war", right? So this kind of thinking actually is what makes the entire thing turn from bad to worse

It is bad, it is hard to express, and here's one thing, there are 'specialists' who are supposed to take care of the health issues after war, but they have never been to war, so they know nothing about it, there's a disconnection that ends up in the veteran even retracting more from society, causing them to reject everyone even more. And no one notices that

[norman]

Hundred-Year-Old Veteran Breaks Down In Tears: Today's America "Is Not What Those Boys Died For"
Published November 12, 2022



Source: https://www.rumble.com/video/v1rcm6y/?pub=4

[Johnnycomelately]

In Canada, 11.11 is marked as Rememberance Day, same origin and meaning as Veterans’s Day.

I have thought of family members who fought or served in the two world wars, one of whom died in battle. The only one that wasn’t ‘damaged goods’, to my reflective perception, was the uncle I never met.

Mashika, I know enough to agree with you on feeling for shunned and abandoned ex-warriors. The worse truth is that that war-process really does mess them up. 10-odd years ago I had a co-worker at my warehouse job, a veteran of Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan. Bob, other people there referred to him as “soldier Bob” behind his back. He was a damaged fellow. Unable or unwilling to find things to be happy about, at least in that work environment.

Reading your (Mashika) above post, I thought of what reincarnation means. To me, it means that our personal losses are less profound, but our personal responsibilities are more. About ‘responsibilities’, I do differentiate what is owed to God, from what is owed to earthly rulers.

For much of my life, I have felt that I have a warring nature, have had a warring past. I feel that I have been blessed, in this life, with not having to take up arms, and with not wishing to do so. I feel for the people who are cast into deadly frey, but I don’t mourn their predicament. We’ll all be OK in the end, IMO.