Saturday 9: American Soldier

Saturday 9: American Soldier (2003)

On Saturdays I take a break from the heavy stuff and have some fun… 

I’m down in the dumps today… it has been raining all week and trouble at the cottage and other problems.

But there is one ray of good news… a bill that I have been following has passed and the governor will sign it. The bill bans discrimination in long term care facilities.

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors men and women who served and died in the United States Armed Forces. We want to make sure that message is not lost this weekend.

1) Are you a veteran? Are there veterans in your family? Do you know anyone who is active military? We are grateful and want to hear about it.

My father… WWII, Coastal Defense and New Guinea

2) In this song, Toby Keith reminds us soldiers "work straight through holidays," even this one, and we are grateful for that, too. Have you ever had to work on a federal holiday? If yes, did it make you sad to be on the job when everyone else was celebrating?

Well I wasn’t really happy about it, my techs were making double time and half, and I got a pat on the back.

3) The video for this song was filmed at Edwards Air Force Base. This site was chosen to make it easier for off-duty soldiers, reservists and their families to appear. Have you ever visited a military base?

Well when I was little we traveled all around the country and we stayed at military bases, my father was an officer. Then later when at work we got a government contract I had to be trained to teach soldering and fiber optics so I spent a week at Fort Mammoth New Jersey.

4) Toby Keith never served in the military but often performed for the USO. While the USO is best known for providing entertainment to our troops, they also have a "Canine Comfort Crew." Local USO centers make dogs available to troops who long to see a wagging tail. Are you a dog lover?

Yes, but other peoples dogs.

 

5) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food?

The classics… hamburger, beans, mac & cheese, and macaroni salad.

6) Let's welcome summer with ice cream. What's your favorite flavor? Cone or cup?

Well I’m more of a milk shake person (or in Massachusetts, a frappe.) 

7) This marks the weekend when Americans step up their outdoor activity and do things they may not have been able to do during the winter months. For example, when is the last time you applied mosquito repellent?

Actually a couple of years ago.

8) Or swam?

Well that was a long time ago, I have a hard time walking a half mile… swimming, no way!

9) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on?

No. The heat is on! The 24th of may and it is in the low 50s and yesterday it didn’t make it out of the 40s.

Thanks so much for joining us again at Saturday: 9. As always, feel free to come back, see who has participated and comment on their posts. In fact sometimes, if you want to read & comment on everyone's responses, you might want to check back again tomorrow. But it is not a rule. We haven’t any rules here. Join us on next Saturday for another version of Saturday: 9, "Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday!" Enjoy your weekend.