Thank you for that wonderful story, Cameron, and the photo of such an amazing gardener at that age! Veterans Day is indeed a special day. Portugal participated in WWI, whose end is what was being commemorated yesterday - many Portuguese soldiers lost their lives in the La Lys (Ypres) battleground in Belgium. My maternal grandfather was one of the Portuguese soldiers who fought on that battle. He was made a prisoner by the Germans, went to a prisoner camp and managed to escape and survive the war. Even though he died in his late eighties when I was seven, I still recall him telling stories about the horrors he lived there and how proud he was to be a veteran. Even though Portugal didn't participate in the WWII due to its ill reputed under cover alliance with the nazis et all (courtesy of our fascist regime at the time), the heart of the people was definitely pro-allied - and many were imprisoned and tortured by the political police simply for listening to the BBC broadcastings in Portuguese! Many people also found refuge in Portugal while escaping from the nazis, with a special emphasis to the thousands who were saved by the Portuguese consul in Bordeaux, France, Aristides de Sousa Mendes, who paid with his ruin and ultimately his life, for the audacity of defying Salazar and saving thousands of lives. I'm glad these dark times are over and of course since many years now our Armed Forces are deployed worldwide under the NATO or UN peace initiatives. Even though we are but 10 millions and our military is short in accordance, we are involved in just about every conflict, from Afganistan to Bosnia, Lebanon and East Timor - always in peace missions, which makes me double proud of them. Eduarda Here is a link that might be useful: The story of Aristides de Sousa Mendes

I called a vet I know today, just to see how she was doing. She's a paratrooper, one of the bravest people I know. And for those of you who know much about military history, just the fact that she's a she means she's pretty young. The 82nd Airborne didn't have women until fairly recently. And she has a bronze star for her service in Afghanistan. She's struggling right now. A lot. With a lot of problems. The VA is helping her, but as far as I'm concerned, not enough. I'm not sure we as taxpayers can do enough to help people like her. She paid her bill forward, now the debt is ours. And I can't do much for her, just keep in touch and be available. But I hope we all remember, today of all days, that the GI bill isn't what it was when the Great Generation was able to go to college on it, that VA care isn't what it should be, and that so many vets in the current wars have been hurt, and many of them are struggling to recover. We owe them a lot. If I could dedicate this, I would, to JRC. Susannah

Thank you all so much for the post... It really means a lot to me and to those I care about and most of all many family and friends who have served.. I had the pleasure of meeting Bud that was arranged from A wonderful friend here on this forum. We had breakfast on April 29, 2011. It was the first time I was to meet some very special Plumeria friends in my life. My hubby and I were visiting Costa Mesa for a show at a local shopping center. We met many wonderful friends who I dearly treasure. I was lucky to be sitting next to Bud that morning as my hubby sat across the table so he could breath the air that wasn't littered with Plumeria talk!! Lol. Bud leaned over to me and said " this is the anniversary of the day I was shot down over Berlin". I was speechless when he said that... I was still in the ' numb' stage just because I was given this gift Just to meet this wonderful man. He went on to tell me the story and he ordered the same thing...eggs and bacon just like he did that morning 33 years that morning. Two eggs over easy , Bacon and toast. This was the only time they had this wonderful breakfast was when they went on a bombing raid. I was in awe and it seemed like I could only hear him talk..I could see my hubby smiling knowing I was enjoying my talk with Bud. The guy that you have to watch who will get up quick to ( go to the restroom) and pay the bill. Was on the other side.!!! My hubby wasn't quick enough to stop him, but we got him back later... Lol!! Wonderful memories. Bud invited my hubby and i back to his home and we have been friends ever since. He is remarkable man and when he was talking to me asking about my trees, I just blanked out at the names that I already had because I was so deep in what I had just learned about Bud and how this was the morning of the day he was shot down 33 years ago. I was so moved.. Today, he is a dear friend and I honor him, Bill and all of my friends who have served in the military. I am a very sentimental person.. ( shhhh) don't tell anyone.. But I did share a pic on another forum of Bud cutting a limb from his tree for me. He pulled out his little chain saw and made me hold the pole so that I could keep things steady. He said if I wanted it, I had to work for it.. His smile is as big as mine.. He climbed in that tree for me.. I will admit that when we drove off from his place first time, I cried. Not because of the cutting, but because of the whole day.. The people I met. Bill made this all possible. His generosity and planning out visit meant everything to me. The gracious Bud made us feel so welcomed and made us drive to John Tarvins house to check out his palms trees. But what hit me hard was the friendship that was formed in how Bud was so pleased because we were interested in his stories about the war. He knows I fly and that started the conversation. We will always have a great friendship because of that meeting. . I was touched when we drove away.. I honestly had tears because I was so touched by all of my Cali friends.. I was so moved... My hubby understood. But , he didn't.. Not if you aren't Into Plumerias.. So to me .. He is so much more than a hero.. Bill as well. Thank you kind, sir!! You always go out of your way for us and for me when I visit. You and Sherry are the best. Thank you for everything!! Stephen .. Thank you for that awesome post!! I will look for that book to read. It sounds like something I would love. I'll share one with you. It's called " A Higher Call". By Adam Makos. I called Bud to see if he had read it and he said.. " I just finished it.. Lol". I think you would like it... Thank you for your grandfathers service! I know you are proud... I feel the same as you about our Veterans.. So, thank you for saying all of those kind comments.. I do appreciate you... Roxane... ;-) Bryan.. Thank You Sir... For your service and sacrifices as well. I always greet my soldiers on my flights and say something to them as well as give them a hug to welcome them home.. I see a lot of them in PHL and BWI .. The smiles I receive from them makes my day... So, thank you for your service and you are more than welcome . It really is my pleasure!!! .:-) K.. Well said... Beautiful picture. Thank you!! Wendi.. It was my pleasure.. Thank you for posting!!! Chuy.. It did to me as well. Talking about my dad.. They started. Thank you!! Xoxoxoxo. Thank you. Peggy . You are one of the families who have given all to help our great nation... You and your family have given so.... Thank you and your hubby!!!! Take care everyone!! Laura

Picture of a vet? Yes, I carry one in my wallet. It's on my driver license. The cynical side of me has always had mixed emotions about venerating vets. Some or all of the following things apply: most (me included) served involuntarily, were not exposed to hostile fire or life-threatening circumstances, made little or no personal sacrifice other than the time and when viewed soberly, contributed little to the nation's security. Those who served in combat? It's a different story altogether, too many had life changing wounds, experiences and bad memories that will never leave. When you look at a group of vets, those are the ones to thank and they're a very small minority. Too many of the rest are wannabees looking for public acknowledgement they may not have earned.