Memorial Day Post --

Mark Hawkins was/is a Man I served with on board the U.S.S. Sierra AD-18.
He was/is a Mentor and Friend that instructed me and taught me different things and how to maintain proper various watches down in the forward engine room.  I found him years later on Facebook and this one one of his posts.  I asked permission to post this and one other for Memorial Day -- Both are Great!

- Untitled -

I am the flag of the United States of America.

My name is Old Glory.

I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.

I stand watch in America's halls of justice.

I fly majestically over institutions of learning.

I stand guard with power in the world.

Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.

I stand for freedom.

I am confident.

I am arrogant.

I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,

My head is a little higher,

My colors a little truer.

I bow to no one!

I am recognized all over the world.

I am worshipped.

I am saluted.

I am loved.

I am revered.

I am respected.

And I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years.

I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appamatox.

I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France,

in the Argonne Forest,Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy.

Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me.

I was there.

I led my troops,

I was dirty, battleworn and tired,

But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled on in the streets of countries I have helped set free.

It does not hurt for I am invincible.

I have been soiled upon, burned,

torn and trampled in the streets of my country.

And when it's done by those whom I've served in battle - it hurts.

But I shall overcome - for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth

and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space

from my vantage point on the moon.

I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours.

But my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,

When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,

Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,

I am proud.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FACTS ABOUT OUR FLAG

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nations motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Share this with the children you love and all others who love the symbol of "Liberty and Freedom"

Memorial Day Dedication II and Music Mondaze

Anything at Anytime is combining two things today.

Memorial Day Dedication and Music Mondaze.

In the Late 80's and Early 90's I was in the U.S. Navy on board the U.S.S. Sierra AD-18 stationed in Charleston S.C. (Beautiful area if you ever get a chance to visit, Do.) and it was a common practice for those of us not from the area and without families near, to visit the Sports Bar on Base just to get away from the Ships and relax a bit.

I remember when this Song came out and the reaction that was had by all, ALL of us in the Bar every single time this was Played.  It didn't matter if this Song was played 10 times a night (and to my memory I never recall it being played THAT many times in a night) but every time it was played, EVERYTHING STOPPED!
Not a Sound in the Bar, Every Person (male, female, Civilian, Sailor, Soldier, Airmen, or Marine) all Stood and listened.
There were many occasions that there were tears in eyes and I am proud to say on a few of those occasions I was one.

So, Today's Music Mondaze is Dedicated to:

Those that Were,
Those that Are,
and
Those that Will Be,

Create a playlist at MixPod.com

The Video is Different from what it was back then, but it doesn't change the song.

Please, if you know of one or many that Served, or are Serving, Leave their Name and Service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and any I missed) So that We All may THANK THEM.

And Pass this Along so that others my stop in and leave Names of THOSE to be Remembered.

Hope you ALL have a GREAT week!
Danny

Double Whammy

Sorry the Elf that Took this one
always gets teary eyed
so it is out of focus

Making final Preps
before the Journey

Anything at Anytime is going to hit you with a Double Whammy of the "12 Blogs by Christmas" today.  

Next year I will start it a Day earlier so that #1 and #2 have their own Days.

It is sort of fitting today that They share a Day because both of them are Fantastic Blogs and This way I don't have to choose which is 1 and which is 2.

Before I get to them, I would ask that you listen to what is on the Play list today (at least the first one).
Being a Veteran, Born into a Family that has been a part of the Military for a very Long time, Family and Friends that are Serving Now and Living in a city surrounded with Army and Air Force facilities, the first one just felt "fitting" on this day before Christmas.

Create a playlist at MixPod.com

#1 and #2

(you pick)

Dancing on the Other Side of the Rainbow

by the Quiet Riot

&

Dribble....

by Mynx

Both of these sites have their own Unique "Charm"!

The Quiet Riot has created a combination of Visual Art (Pictures made by her) and Ever Awesome Poetry and Prose (of her own).  Something about the Simple presentation of both together just really is Nice.
When I see a New Post up on Dancing on the Other Side of the Rainbow I have to go there and SEE and READ what has been written.  Well WORTH Your Time!

Mynx has another of those sites that when I see something New, I have to go Running.  Dribble.... talks about everyday life - at work, play, with Family and Friends from a DownUnda perspective.  She is Lucky as she gets Christmas in Summer and Just Celebrated a Birthday Yesterday.
So a Birthday Shout out to Her for the Holiday would be nice.

Stop by and Visit both of these wonderful sites and look around.  Peek, Poke and Scurry through all the nooks and crannies and then Comment and let them know you were there.



#3   Red means Go
#4   Caffeine-A-Holic
#5   Plentiful Sufficiency and Benchmark 60
#6   The Blogger's Cafe
#7   Real Bloggers United
#8   Daydream Believer
#9   Tribal Writer
#10 10 Minutes 2 Breathe
#11 Fizzee Food
#12 Canadian Blogger Girl




I hope you have all Enjoyed the "12 Blogs by Christmas" and have stopped in and viewed them and commented on their blogs - maybe even "Followed" them if you thought they were interesting to you.


I hope you all have a Safe Evening and Wish YOU ALL find what your Looking for Under your Tree tomorrow Morning.


Tonight I will Raise a Toast of Eggnog to you all - and Yes, it will be a BIG GIANT Glass with a sprinkle of Cinnamon and Nutmeg.


Tomorrow, Anything at Anytime will not have a Post up as Tomorrow will be dedicated to the Friends and Family here, but I will have Something Up on Sunday.

Wishing ALL of You,

Danny

A Prayer - or - My "REAL" Letter to Santa

Anything at Anytime Update: Once you have read this one, you should also read:

An Answer & #7 

(You will See the connection)

Anything at Anytime posted one Letter to Santa not knowing what I "REALLY" wanted.

I hope I get this one out before the deadline.  (Does Santa have a Deadline?)

I Love This Song,  No matter how much it Tears my Heart out!

This has to be one of the Most Meaningful Songs!  

The bad part is it "Hits Home" in so many ways.

Create a playlist at MixPod.com

 Santa,
(Lord, hear my Prayer)




First and foremost - 
I would ask that you do your best for my Nephews David and James as this will be Their first Christmas without their Mother, and my Brother Donald as this is His first without his wife, my niece Zoey and Sister-in-law Lacy who will be dealing with their second Christmas without my Brother Mickey.
(let Them All know that They are being Loved from Above!)  

For all those Away from home and Family,

I wish that all military members (No Matter the Nation) have a Peaceful, Safe Holiday Season and that they all find themselves Home with their families soon!

Now, on a more personal note.


I have been thinking so long and hard to find Exactly what I want to say, what I "want", but I can't find the words or the "wants".  


There are others out there in need so much more than Me and Mine.  We aren't rich and things are tight again, but We (I) have our (My) family.


God,
I want to be so selfish right now but damned if I can't.
I have friends and Family that Need more than I.  
Family away in War Zones, Keep them safe.  
Family and friends living without Loved Ones anymore, bring them Peace and Comfort.
The World Needs Tranquility for One full day.


I've Got IT!!!


There is One thing I will ask for -


My Parents had it.  My In-Laws had it and so did My Grandparents.


Could you please, Please give me the Secret to providing My Family with that "Unforgettable" Christmas, that "Perfect" Christmas?  


I won't always be here and I would like to see that moment.  That "Look" that says it all.  
I'm not talking about a Ton of gifts, I am talking about a few "Perfect Gifts" all magically put together with Everything.   


I know that the Secret to that falls somewhere in the putting it all together and mixing it with just the right amounts of this and that.  


That is what I want more than Anything for myself is to make that "Perfect Unforgettable Christmas" for my Wife and Girls.


I know, None of these are easy requests, but if you can find it in your Heart to do Just One - Please make it the Peace and Comfort to My Nephews, Niece, Brother and Sister-in-Law.


Thanks for Listening
Danny

Veterans Day - Thank You ALL!

Awesome Picture!
A Then and Now of the Birth of
the US Army Air Corp
and the now US Air Force

As most of you know or have Guessed -  Anything at Anytime has a Thing for Veterans.  Since I am a Vet, my brother, my Father, my Father-in-Law, my Grandfather...... Well, I am sure you get the idea.  Serving Our Great Nation has been an Honor and priveledge for generations.


If you were to listen to what my Mother says after all of her genealogy research - we have had someone in the family in the militaries (some not American) back to the 1600s.

Hmmmm, Where did
He say this went?

Preparing for Today's Post - I did a little research and found a few things out.
Damn, "Learn something New Everyday" is a true statement.

I was and am going to get a little into the Colors of Our Nations Flag.  A little education first as this is where I learned something.

My research first to me to US Flag.org - that is where I learned that when the US Flag was first adopted in 1777 that the colors at the time had No meaning -  Not that those Colors did not Mean something to those designing the Flag, but the colors had No recognized meaning.

The recognized meaning of the Colors was assigned to the Great American Seal.

For more information on the Seal click here.

Today is not the day for a Class on American History and Symbology so I will not attempt to go into all of it.  Needless to say if you like history - it is interesting to read up on some of these things and how they came about.

If you read the small print 30,000 soldiers took part in this.
Taken at Fort Custar 1918

The Colors were assigned to the Shield the Eagle holds.

The Stars  - Represent the Original 13 Colonies
               They signify the Heavens and the Devine Goal Man Aspires to

The Red    - signifies Hardiness and Valor

The White  - signifies Purity and Innocence

The Blue     - signifies Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice






All things as We should aspire to - Not just as a Nation but as PEOPLE!

A few Pictures of Various Services then a bit more reading at the end.

USS Sierra AD-18
I served on board
88-92

An Avenger
What I was trained for and did
when in the Army.

My Brother does other things
for the Coast Guard now
However, He was a Rescue Pilot for awhile.

Part of a Fleet at Sea in Formation
Notice bottom center - Aircraft from the Carrier Flying before the Fleet.

Only one of the Most Famous Moments
in US Marine Corps History.

My Great Uncle Served on Her and trained
many New Hands to the Coast Guard Fleet

Check out her Friends Below

I'm not going to apologize for the Angels.  I just thought they fit, in so many ways.  I found them on a Church Website and Felt they were a Fantastic Statement and Contrast to an Idiot that Pickets Military Funerals.

From then to Now ----- My Thanks and Deepest Respect to all Veterans, Active Duty and Those just now Volunteering for the Services.


If you know of Any Veterans you would like to Mention and or Thank -  Please - Leave a comment with their name, Service and years in (if known) or ERA they served so others might be able to say "Thanks" as well.

My List is Long so I will keep it to just a few on this page.  If you would like to see more of my list (and I know I am missing a Ton of Names) please visit my earlier post for the Memorial Day Dedication.

The Short List -

My Father - Dan Winfield - US Army -1966 -197? Vietnam Era

My Grandfather - Neal Winfield (Deceased) - US Army - World War II / POW

My Father-in-Law - H. Franklin Mains - US Army - Korea

My Brother - Donald L. Winfield - US Coast Guard - 1992 - Present

Again, This is the "SHORT" list -- check out the Memorial Day Dedication and if your name is not here or there - I may not Remember the Names but You ALL are Not Forgotten on this Day of THANKS!

Fourth of July - Fireworks

For the holiday:  4th of July 2010 and 4th of July 1776


Fireworks:

A Nation Celebrates,

Reality is Forgotten,

Hotdogs, Hamburgers, icecream, candie consumed,

 Image via kcbs.com

Arguing, Yelling, Debating,

Image via larae.net

Shorts, Swimming,

Concern, Pacing, Writing for Liberty,

Cookouts, Family, Friends,

Decisions, Agreements, Seperations,

Screams of Joy Loud with Laughter,

Independece Declared!

Screams of Death Proud and Loud,

FireWorks of Wonder and Awe,

 Image via byu.edu newspaper

FireWorks of Awe and Wonder,

FireWorks at a Cost to set US FREE!

Image on FLICKR

Remember THAT Day today!

by me today.





For those of you expecting the "Topic Word" today I am re-schedueling it due to the holiday and will have it up and posted tomorrow.

Memorial Day Dedication (Early)

To those that know me and are beginning to learn a little about me here on this blog,  I am a Veteran of the United States Military.  1988-2002 I served in the United States Navy, 1994-1996  I served in the United States Army. 

We are not going to go into the why of that combination now. 
This is not for that.  I served, did my job.  Somethings I did my best and others I know I could have done much differently and Much Better.  I am still proud of my service. 

Now this is not about me, it is about the Veterans of the United States Military that I have known and know in the Service of this Country, for those whose names I have forgotten, and all Veterans Past and Present.  I will list a few but this is truly for all:

Neal Winfield (deceased)

Danny Winfield (Sr)

Frank Mains

Bobby Munoz

Donald Winfield

Ron Guziec

Don Landes (deceased)

Jeff Newman

Nathan Munoz

Moses Munoz
Harold Lipka
Gardner Pemberton
Teri Zehnacker
Chris Myers
Bernie Munoz (deceased)
Pete Martinez (deceased)
Randy Smith

And ALL other Veterans of the United States Military. 

For All of them I Proudly Post this most beautiful Standard!!!!

Thank You ALL!!!!!!!!!!


Please View Comments for more Names as people submit.  I will update frequently thru the weekend.