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10/26/09 8:15 P

That was absolutely beautiful!

Thanks so much for sharing. Hugs, Sunny

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10/26/09 7:34 P

This is lengthy, wanted to do it as a blog but my copy/paste bar disappears but feel free to share this. Any of you teckno gals out there if you know how to turn this into a blog without retyping, also feel free to blog, I will take the heat for it.

The Military
The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's; but he has never collected unemployment either.

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now
than when he was at home
because he is working or fighting
from before dawn to well after dusk.

He has trouble spelling,
thus letter writing is a pain for him,
but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds
and reassemble it in less time in the dark.
He can recite to you the nomenclature
and use either one effectively if he must.

He digs foxholes and latrines
and can apply first aid like a professional.
He can march until he is told to stop
or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation,
but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient

He has two sets of fatigues:
he washes one and wears the other.
He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.
he sometimes forgets to brush his teeth,
but never to clean his rifle.
He can cook his own meals,
mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.
If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food.
He'll even split his ammunition with you
in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons
and weapons like they were his hands.
He can save your life - or take it,
because that is his job.

He will often do twice the work of a civilian ,
draw half the pay
and still find ironic humor in it all.

He has seen more suffering
and death then he should have
in his short lifetime.
He has stood atop mountains of dead bodies,
and helped to create them.
He has wept in public and in private,
for friends who have fallen in combat
and is unashamed.

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body
while at rigid attention,
while tempering the burning desire to
'square-away' those around him
who haven't bothered to stand,
remove their hat, or even stop talking.
In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home,
he defends their right to be disrespectful.
Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather,
he is paying the price for our freedom Beardless or not, he is not a boy.

He is the American Fighting Man
that has kept this country free
for over 200 years

He has asked nothing in return,
except our friendship and understanding.
Remember him, always,
for he has earned our respect
and admiration with his blood.

And now we even have women over there in danger,
doing their part in this tradition of going to War
when our nation calls us to do so.

As you go to bed tonight,
remember this shot..
A short lull, a little shade
and a picture of loved ones in their helmets

Prayer wheel for our military... please don't break it. Please send this on after a short prayer.

Prayer Wheel

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families
for the selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. Amen."

Prayer :

When you read this,
please stop for a moment and say a prayer
for our ground troops in Afghanistan, sailors on ships, and airmen in the air,
and for those in Iraq .

Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor,Coastguardsman, Marine, Airman or Merchant Mariner, prayer is the very best one.

This is a ribbon for soldiers everywhere. Pass it on to everyone and pray.

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10/21/09 5:03 P

Doubly Blessed, you are, Air Force Momma!

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10/21/09 7:01 A

I have a blue star flag in my window. I wear shirts with blue stars, too.

My son & his wife are both in the Air Force. His wife is deployed.

Proud Air Force Mom...2 serving

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10/18/09 9:51 A

Bless your heart. I know your Momma Heart is sad to see him leave. Know that we will all be here for you and support you through this deployment.

You and your soldier boy will be in our prayers.
Hugs, Sunny

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10/18/09 9:42 A

My flag went up on Tuesday.

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6/22/09 6:42 A

That is wonderful. Wedding Bells are gonna ring.

That is very exciting.

Sunny

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6/22/09 6:30 A

She will be marrying next year. Probably in the beginning of the year.

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6/21/09 5:07 P

Oh my goodness... bless all your girls' big loving military mom hearts!

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6/21/09 2:04 P

I need to order a new flag to add my DIL. She and my son had their first year anniversary this week.

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6/21/09 1:58 P

It's very appropriate. Congratulations!

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6/21/09 8:13 A

Very appropriate. When Army marries your daughter, Army becomes your Son (in law).

When is the wedding? How exciting.

Sunny

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6/21/09 7:42 A

How appropriate is it to display a star for a child's spouse? My daughter is going to be marrying Army.

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6/14/09 3:02 P

Awesome! Thanks so much ALOHAEV1.

Sunny

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6/14/09 2:29 P

A Cut Above

I am your Flag.

I have been kicked, trampled, burned and shot full of holes.

I have fought battles, but I prefer the untroubled air of a world at peace.

I am your Flag.

I represent the freedom of humanity, and I shall fly high, thundering in silence for the whole world to hear.

My gentle rustling in the breeze sounds out the warning to all who would bury me forever that below stands a population dedicated to liberty.

For those who have perished for my right to freedom of flight, for those who will die, and indeed, for those who will live, I stand as a symbol of freedom-loving people.

I have been carried into battle in faraway lands, always for the cause of freedom.

I am bloodstained, torn and many times wearied and saddened by the thousands who have paid the supreme sacrifice.

Do not let it all be for nothing.

Tell me the brave have all died for a worthwhile cause.

Be proud of what I represent, and display me for all to see.

Whether you call me “Old Glory”, “Stars and Stripes” or “Star Spangled Banner”, I shall fly forever as a symbol of your freedom, as I did for your ancestors, and as I shall for your heirs.

I am YOUR Flag.

Author Unknown

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6/14/09 8:25 A

Hi Nancy - Good to see you here. Any word from your soldier boy? Take care and have a Blessed Day.

Sunny

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6/14/09 7:19 A

yes, i display a banner with a blue star. My son is in Iraq.

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5/28/09 11:10 A

Hi there - good to see you here. How wonderful that he is able to do the Hone Town Recruiting. Joshua did that too. I do hope and will be praying that things do stay calm in Korea. It would be great if he could travel. Josh did lots of traveling when he was in Germany and when he reenlists, he hopes to go to Japan. We have missed you but certainly do understand about the emotions.

to you too.
Sunny

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5/28/09 10:31 A

HI Sunny!
Thanks for your reply here and on my blog! All of his training was at Ft Benning, after the 9 weeks BCT the guys all went right into Infantry training- 14 weeks training total. Now he is home doing home town recruiting. Best part is that they won't take this time he is home and deduct it as leave time!

He is going to Korea next. For a whole year. After 6 months he is supposed to get 2 weeks leave but instead of coming home he wants to travel the orient. Hopefully Korea stays quiet and he'll be safe and able to travel some. I would rather he come home but traveling while there would be once in a lifetime opportunity! As long as he stays safe I'm good.
I guess July and August is monsoon season there! ICK!

Anyway. I have really missed being here. My emotions have really gotten the best of me the last few months.

Thanks to you all for such awesome support!

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5/28/09 8:36 A

Our son went to basic at Ft. Benning also. Graduation is definitely a very proud moment - isn't it? Where is he going for his AIT?

Glad you got your flag. Sunny

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5/28/09 8:19 A

My son Graduated May 22 from Ft Benning and while we were there for that I bought a Blue Star Flag at the PX on the main post. It proudly hangs in our front window!

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5/24/09 3:57 P

Hi Nancy - How are you doing? I was hoping to see you on today to let you know I have been thinking about you. Praying for your soldier.

Hugs, Sunny

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5/24/09 3:21 P

I have mine flag on my door- proudly diplayed.

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5/23/09 7:19 A

Welcome, Angela to the Blue Star Moms. We are so glad you have found us and so happy to have you. Love your name for your daughter - Army Barbie. You must be extremely proud of your soliders. I am Sunny and a Proud Army Mom of Joshua who is currently stationed at Walter Reed Army Hospital(radiology) in DC. This is a new assignement for Josh as he just recently returned from Germany.

This is a great Team and again, it is good to have another Blue Star Mom.

Sunny
Proud to be an Army Mom

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5/22/09 1:11 P

Hi everyone! I've just followed some of my Spark Buddies from other teams over here to join you because... yes, I too have my Blue Star hanging in my front window. I display one star though I have a son (GDubs, Army Infantry - deployed to Iraq) and a daughter (Army Barbie, Reservist - currently stateside).

Thanks for the link for ordering more window clings and lapel pins. I've held off since shipping costs more than the couple things I planned to order as replacements for drooping window clings and a lost pin. However, my brother (Air Force Bobo, Special Security Services Air Guard) just deployed so I may see it practical to combine both my and my mother's orders. Wish I could find somewhere near home to just purchase rather than deal with shipping. Oh well.

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5/22/09 6:17 A

Yes, you can display three stars. Our BSMA chapter president is a three star mom- two sons in the military and one daughter-in-law. Wow, you must be very proud of them. Please give them our heartfelt thanks for serving our country!

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5/21/09 9:41 P

I have a flag in the window at the front of our house with two stars. I have two sons and one is in the Army, currently deployed, and one is in the Marines, Stateside. I also have a daughter-in-law who is in the Army--she's married to my Marine. I've been wondering if I can add a star for her. The descriptions I've read don't seem to include in-laws, but in my heart I have a star for her, too. (When I was at the Presidio in Monterey, I bought two car decals, one with two stars and one with one. I cut the star from the single star decal and added it to the other decal so I have 3 stars on the window sticker on my car.)

Do any of you have stars for your children's spouses?

Edited by: RBHTENNIS at: 5/21/2009 (21:46)

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5/3/09 6:34 P

I have one in my living room window. I've it since the first time my son went to Iraq.

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5/3/09 8:35 A

Oh Sunny how special is that!

Hope everyone is doing well, inspite of the weather throughout.

Kelly

Oh wanted to share that this site has the BlueStar heart shaped pendants and lapel pins and someother really neat stuff:

www.serviceflags.com

Edited by: ALOHAEV1 at: 5/3/2009 (12:00)

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5/3/09 8:07 A

Kelly - Cute Joke!

Sunny

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5/3/09 8:06 A

I display a Blue Star Flag that was made for me after Joshua left for the Army.

Sunny

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5/1/09 7:03 P

i just ordered a Blue Star flag for my home.

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5/1/09 3:32 P

www.flagsandemblems.com is one site. You can google blue star flags and get other sites.

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5/1/09 12:20 P

I would display one if I knew where to get one. I am not near a post. Can you get them online?

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5/1/09 12:06 P

That was cute! I'm off today- gotta love KY and their race days. Today is Oaks Day- the "lillies for the fillies" races.

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5/1/09 11:21 A

For all my BlueStar Moms, families and friends:

The only known cure for Swine Flu has been found to be the liberal application of oinkment.

Kelly

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4/18/09 10:58 A

Hawaii is hubby's fav place to vacation! All of the islands are so unique and you can't see everything in one day.

Okay everyone, go to youtube or where else they have videos and pull up some Hawaiian music and

Hope it is a bright sunshiney day where you are!
Kelly

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4/17/09 6:43 A

My hubby and I were stationed in Hawaii. We loved it there. Went snorkling in Hanauma Bay, up to the North Shore, the Pineapple fields, all over Oahu. Even went to Maui for a weekend. Lots of good memories. Tell him to do everything while there! You never know if you will ever make it back.

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4/16/09 2:42 P

We've had a Blue Star Flag in our window ever since our oldest enlisted and we knew (by his MOS - Combat Medic) that eventually he'd be involved in the Sand Box...he's been there and home safe (in Hawaii!) until 2010, where he will head 'elsewhere' for another round...so the flag stays until he's home safe...for good...

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4/15/09 7:24 A

Aloha, Thank you!
I love that song! I used it in a DVD slide show for my son's high school graduation. I love it when I can find a song that speaks what I feel.

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4/14/09 10:45 P

School...LOVE the flag.

Oh, can't get this to link but here are the words to this song...it was forwarded to me by a Navy Mom
Find your Wings - by Mark Harris

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow


I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings


It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

Catch up later,
Kelly

Edited by: ALOHAEV1 at: 4/14/2009 (23:49)

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4/10/09 5:28 P

Wow, your flag looks fantastic! You really did a great job on it- thanks for posting it so we could see.

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4/10/09 9:30 A

Kelly,
I finally uploaded a pic of my flag onto my main page.
What a wonderful idea to leave the flag up! I think that is great.
:D

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4/8/09 12:56 P

School...you have got to show us your flag!

Although our son is back on Reserve (Navy) we still keep ours up just to remind our neighbors that there are family, friends and neighbors still deployed all over.

Funny thing, the other day someone stopped and asked what nationality we were, couldn't figure out the flag in the window. My response, United States Navy. Now they know the rest of the story.

Well ladies, Easter and Passover is upon us, may it be a safe holiday for all. My heart goes to those who are not at home or waiting orders. Certainly is a whole different emotion when it is your own child isn't it?

Kelly

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4/6/09 2:20 P

Hi everybody!


I have decided to by my Blue Star flag at Ft Benning when we go to pick up our soldier boy!

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3/29/09 5:57 P

I think that's really neat. It sure means a lot more because you made it yourself.

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3/29/09 4:09 P

I finally made mine yesterday. I do not consider myself a quilter, but I am proud of how it turned out. Alot of love was put into it.

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3/25/09 4:37 P

The Blue Star flag was originally flown during WWII to indicate that a family had a son or daughter serving in the war. These days it is flown by parents who have a child who is actively serving in the military. I flew mine while my son was deployed, and am going to replace it with an American flag, although I still wear my blue star mom pin and plan to stay a member of Blue Star Mothers of America as long as we have a need to support our military.

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3/25/09 3:55 P

Be bought one when we were on the Marine base and got two magnets and we have pins. We figured we would display them while he was deployed. When we asked about the flag we got mixed messages. some said it was to show you have a child or someone close in the service. Others seem to feel it is to be displayed when you have a loved one deployed. So we are waiting till Nov to display ours unless hubby gets his tush cracking and puts something up to hang it on.

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3/22/09 4:23 P

Thanks for that link Karen, I'll be checking it out soon. Always nice to find a place to buy flags and other patriotic items.

We've been wanting to put up a flag pole in our front yard so our flag doesn't keep brushing up against the house - - maybe that site will have some reasonably-priced flag poles (that are of decent quality).

Margrit

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3/22/09 10:08 A

Thanks so much for the link! Its funny, when I clicked on your post, one of the google ads had a link for www.flagsandemblems.com They have a nice, outdoor blue star flag for $39, and you can have additional stars put on. I'm not sure how that compares price wise, but it's another site to check into. How is everyone doing this fine, spring weekend?

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3/22/09 9:48 A

Hello everyone. I'm still new to this team and I'm real happy to be on it!

Yup, we display a Blue Star flag and often wear the pin too. Got ours at: www.serviceflags.com/decals.htm

This is a wonderful company and has many nice things for military families! When I ordered and called, the lady was so sweet & nice & you could tell it was more than 'just a business deal' for her. I don't know how their prices compare but I do know that they offer things that are not easily available anywhere else. CHECK 'EM OUT, I think you'll like it.

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3/10/09 7:03 P

Thanks Karen!

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3/10/09 6:33 P

I've looked for them at walmart and places before. I think you can buy them on base if you are near a military base and have PX priviledges. Other than that, online is your best bet.

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3/10/09 4:33 P

I have been planning to get a blue star flag. Do any of the major stores sell them or can we get them only on line?

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3/3/09 8:56 P

The website is www.serviceflags.com. I felt their prices were reasonable.

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3/3/09 6:09 P

I bought one at a flea market, but there was only one and the shop isn't there any more. Mine hung from a flag pole (it was like the kind you get to hang up for holidays, or in your garden), but it got torn during the big windstorm. I can't think off hand of other sites that have them, but I'll look and see what I can find. Our local red cross makes them for us- I have a small one from them.

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3/3/09 4:31 P

I did a search for military flags and found one that way.

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3/3/09 10:50 A

thank you
I do have yellow ribbions on all my cars that have I support my son

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3/3/09 10:14 A

I have two hanging in my window and about 30 more in my trunk... I wish you were all close to me..

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3/3/09 7:25 A

The pattern I found is here:
www.quilterscache.com/H/howtomakeanarmedservicesflag.html

It was the best I could find unless someone found a better pattern?

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3/3/09 7:18 A

I would like to display a flag but I have a hard time finding one and the only I found was very expensive. They usually are sold out with in a day of stocking on the shelf's here. If you have a pattern to make one I would love a copy please
thank you
Patty

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3/3/09 7:03 A

My son is swearing in today! After a rather extensive search, I found a rough pattern for a Blue Star flag to place in the window. I was wondering, how many display a flag? If you do, did you make it or buy it?

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