TRADITIONS — 11/12/07
HAPPY VETERAN’S DAY! - Observed. November 12, 2007
Today is the day our country sets aside to honor all those who’ve worn the uniform of one of our armed forces.
I have a tradition of going to the national cemetery on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. I borrow a Japanese tradition of taking stones or coins to the graves of their loved ones. Today I took seven smooth stones and found the graves of seven different service members. I kneel and place a stone on top of the headstone, and say a short prayer of thanksgiving for that person and their service to our country. And then I ask God’s mercy and blessings on that person’s family, most of whom must still grieve over their lost loved one. Then I stand and salute the name on the headstone.
Today Channel 3 filmed me doing this. It was just one of those coincidental things. They’ll show it on their 6 o’clock news tonight.
I’d like to share the names of the seven I prayed for this morning.
Captain Brent L. Morel, US Marine Corps, winner of the Navy Cross and Purple Heart, died in Iraq on April 7, 2004. You can read about Captain Morel by going to this website.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/
ac95bc775efc34c685256ab50049d458/
201dda0ebd96098e852570120070ee03?OpenDocument
First Lieutenant Wayne P. Tichenor, US Marine Corps, service in Vietnam.
Petty Officer Second Class Clarence Webb, US Navy, service in WWII.
Corporal Jack A. Ruleman, US Army, service in Korea.
Staff Sergeant Morgan D. Kennon, US Army, died in Iraq on November 7, 2003.
Corporal Charles B. Riddick, US Marine Corps, service in WWII, Pearl Harbor Survivor.
Private Alexander Dickerson, US Army, service in WWII.
Today I hope you’ll find some way to remember our men and women in uniform, past and present. Even if it’s just to pause for a moment and pray. And as you do, would you remember our troops in harm’s way around the world.
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HEADS UP FOR FRIDAY EVENING
No class on Friday evening. Instead let’s do this:
THE INAUGURAL TRUE BLUE 5K AT THE U of M
The first annual True Blue 5K will be at the U of M campus on Friday November 16 at 7 PM. This is a 5K for U of M alumni, students, friends, and all runners! The course will be through the campus with a post-race celebration for all! http://www.trueblue5k.racesonline.com/
Happy Veteran’s Day everyone!
Tony
Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
4888 Southern Cove
Memphis, TN 38117
901-644-0145
www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com
www.shaklee.net/tonyludlow/main
