Home
Search
........................................
Nichols Notes
Subscription
E-Mail Subscription Issues
Archives
........................................
Larry Nichols Live
........................................
About Larry
........................................
Contact Information
........................................
Internet TV
........................................

Unbelievable Automobile Prices!

Larry is traveling this week and he asked me to put together something that I thought would be fitting.

For Memorial Day this year we setup a special email address and invited your comments. I thought I would share a few with you. If we could only have shared them with everyone who ever wore the uniform, I’m sure they would have been as proud as Larry and I are of your kind and grateful comments. We owe them the freedom that we and most of the world live under, for America and her men and women in uniform have shed their blood on the four corners of this earth to bring freedom to the oppressed. We are not the Great Satan as those we are fighting today preach, but rather a great force for good and for the oppressed and enslaved of the world and the worst enemy of the world’s evil.

To all those who have ever worn the uniform of the United States of America, we are proud to salute you. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Webmaster

A MEMORIAL SALUTE TO OUR VETERANS… PAST AND PRESENT

I watched the tribute to the World War II vets today and shed tears for all those who died. My husband served with honor in that war and the Viet Nam war.

I now give my appreciation to the wonderful and dedicated men and women who are giving their lives, energy, time and all to keeping me safe and warm in America.  To all the Moms, Dads, wives husbands and children who give up sons and daughters to fight for our freedom, I pray for each of you each day.  May God bless you all in your sorrows, your joys and your knowledge of the good you are all doing. 

My love to all,

Thera H, Mesa AZ.

Dear Soldiers, Sailors and Marines,

There are not words to express the gratitude I feel for the sacrifices you make not only to preserve our freedom at home, but to offer oppressed people the hope of freedom in their own countries.

These are troubled and scary times. The rule of law is ever more difficult to maintain as terror is exported the world over. It is through your courage and dedication that we at home have peace, hope and joy. I wish each of you the peace of knowing how honorable is your service to your country, the hope of a safe return to those you love and who love you and the joy of success at our noble mission.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do!

Judith Love

Couldn't have said it better, Larry. Even though you no longer serve in the Military, you continue to "put it on the line" every week with your articles that I have no doubt are scrutinized by people all over the world. You may not be in the line of fire as far as real bullets go, but you place your honest to God feelings out there for everyone to take a shot at, and that takes guts. The only man I've ever personally known who was willing to put it all "out there" like you do was my Father. He was a World War II Veteran who often told me he went to war so his children didn't have to go, and was the finest man I've ever known. He lived his life through his DEEDS, not just words.

God, continue to bless our Military, and God bless you, Larry. Keep up your good work.

Jerry R
Hattiesburg, MS

Ever since the beginning of recorded history, there have been wars. That is sad, but true. Where people didn't fight or were not strong enough to fight, they lost their way of life. Sadly, there are evil people in the world who want to shape the world in their image. And so, young people go to war, and pay the price that others can't or won't. We live in a part of the world that has benefited from their sacrifice. Too bad that some don't appreciate that.

We do!

Regards,

Eve and Bob M
St. John's, Newfoundland

Larry,

I agree with everything you are saying in this issue. We shall appreciate our soldiers more and be always on guard about our politicians and "leaders".

Jack F

AMEN!

Jeff O

Good Morning,

Every day of my life I thank God for each and every one of our people in every branch of the service. I know it is because of them and all of our vets that I am sitting here typing this note today. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I remind people who complain about our country just why they have the freedom to do what they want and then complain about it. Thank you and God bless all.

Mary R

It's raining outside as I sit at my computer Sunday morning, May 30. I feel quite fortunate to be doing so as you, my brother and sister Americans, put your lives on the line in a distant land.

I have never, in my 54 years, written a letter like this one. I just want you all to know that I care. I watch the news at least twice a day to see how you all are doing. I feel great when the news about you is good. I grieve when it is bad.

We at home are greatly conflicted as to whether or not you should be there, or why you should be there. The important thing is that you not confuse this confusion with our support, caring, and love for you.

You are the real heroes.

Hurry home

Walt M

I would just like to say thank you to all the men and women who are risking their lives so we don't have to have war on our soil. We are so blessed to live in a free nation. God bless you and keep you. You are very much appreciated. The news media DOES NOT reflect the views of most of the American people.

Barbara T

I am so proud of our American soldiers, just as I am proud of my own Dad who gave his life for our freedom in WWII. You are answering the call of duty, giving up the luxuries that you would normally have at home, missing your families, fighting the enemy, risking your lives each and every day, to preserve our freedom. For this, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for there is no greater gift. May God be at your side through it all, may He keep you safe and give you renewed courage each and every day, and may He bring you home soon!

Ann B, Brunswick, Maine

Larry, I would like to address a larger word than freedom. Liberty. To me that word includes personal responsibility within the freedom. Most of us will never meet personally any of the men and women who stand and fight for our freedom. They may have even been our neighbors, or friends of friends. Even after meeting someone or knowing them briefly or well, we would never see that part that must show up on a battlefield, at a checkpoint, an orphanage, a field hospital, under fire, or in those last bright moments before death. As an example; I never met Pat Tillman. I wish I had. To meet him now, through other people's words, stories and photos is only knowing a part of him... the least of him. In person, I am certain he was even more than any of those can portray. My heartfelt tears are shed for all the loved ones of every one who has been lost to us. I can only hope that they have the faith to face what life will be like without that loved one's light, leadership, character, integrity, values, and laughter. Within their absence may all of those virtues grow stronger in all of us.

I add a quote from a speech Sir Winston Churchill gave at Westminster College here in America after WWII. It seems to fit these times.

"The United States stands at this time at the pinnacle of world power. It is a solemn moment for the American Democracy. For with primacy in power is also joined an awe-inspiring accountability to the future. If you look around you, you must feel not only the sense of duty done but also you must feel anxiety lest you fall below the level of achievement. Opportunity is here now, clear and shining for both our countries. To reject it or ignore it or fritter it away will bring upon us all the long reproaches of the after-time. It is necessary that constancy of mind, persistency of purpose, and the grand simplicity of decision shall guide and rule the conduct of people in peace as they did in war. We must, and I believe we shall, prove ourselves equal to this severe requirement."

May the life you lead and the tracks you leave behind you be Happy and Reverent,

Nanci H

All I can say is THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Dear Military Ones,

Thank you for the honor you give to me and all the people of this land. For your courage when you are so scared you can only do what you have been taught. I am so proud of every one of you, in what ever your job assignment might be. I have prayed for you and those with whom you serve.

My father served in the Army before I was born, my brother served in the Army during the Viet Nam war and my son is on his way home today, from Iraq. He is a Soldier with the 1011th Army Reserve Unit of Independence, Kansas. I praise the Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore I have an idea of the stress of the ones left behind to pray for you.

God bless you on your day, men and women. I am proud of you!

Praying for you,

Arnette O

OUR CHILDREN SINCE MANKIND’S WARS BEGAN ARE TRULY GOD’S WARRIORS WHO SERVE FREEDOM OUT OF LOVE.

I am a child of 'world war two', and now 73. It breaks my heart to see this generation of the 60's baby boomers, whining and carping about peace. So self possessed with having, that they take “Freedom For Granted,” and believe it is A RIGHT, Void of any soul caring for other life. I pray God may forgive them, and US for allowing them to be heard by using Free Speech so Disrespectfully, and out of lack of morality and gods love for humanity they scoff at. AND... May God Bless all life that holds Freedom dear by loving all life and honoring The Spirit of Life in ALL! AND PLEASE, let us who know decency, UNITE AGAINST HATE, beginning NOW!!

THANK YOU,

Ms. Philleese E

Dear Larry,

My family and I join you and the rest of the country to honor and pray for our military-soldiers, our war veteran dead and alive for offering their lives for us and our country. May God bless and protect them and may God give comfort to their families. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts with us and may God bless you always.

Sincerely,

Margarita C. M

SALUTE TO VETERANS

As eager youths we left our homes,
our Country to defend.
Proud to wear the uniform,
with enemy contend.

We sailed the sea, trod the land
and flew to cloudy height;
with death exploding in the air,
we knew our cause was right.

Tho’ fear lurked in the hidden place,
it’s presence we reject.
By strength of will from our forebears,
only courage we accept.

In Life and Death we, Soldiers all,
stood the greatest test.
As Symbols of our Nation’s pride,
we are among the best.

Those who returned to live in peace,
salute the Fallen Ones.
All earned their place in history,
our Daughters and our Sons.

Don Wilkins
Motley, MN © 2004

A special thanks & salute to all of our GUYS & Gals in our armed services. I wished the military would take the hand cuffs off you poor soul for just a short time so the world could see what our military can really do. THANKS FOR YOUR GREAT COMMITMENT TO US. GOD TAKE CARE &PROTECT EVERYONE. WE LOVE YOU ALL.

An old Marine from the 1950ies
Reuben from the Prinzing family.

I pray that our government will unite as one behind our soldiers in this war we are fighting. The battlefield is no place for politics. It infuriates me that we send these people to fight and then tie their hands. War is War!! The enemy is just that, The Enemy! Bullets cannot be selective in whom they hit. Our news media should hang their heads in shame for the most part!!! A lot of their reporting is borderline treason in my eyes. There is evil in the hearts of so many democrats! It is frightful. The notion that it is wrong for Mr. Bush to pray and rely on his God for guidance is the worst of the worst... I hope we all don't pay the price for their errant ways!! May God Bless Us All!!

Marilyn M

I am grateful to have a Commander in Chief I can be proud of, to know he really does, honestly, and sincerely cares for, and appreciates every single person serving under his command. He is really speaking to the one and only Almighty God when he closes his remarks with "God Bless"

Amen.

As a veteran of WWII I only wish the people of this country could have a flashback and see the difference in our country to-day and what it was then. No people of any nation in history have ever had the patriotism that existed here then. There was no division of the people.

It makes my blood boil when I see those thousands of American graves in France, knowing that we saved their butts twice last century. Now they have teamed up with the very people we freed them from.

Unless we return to God and prayer to recover our moral values we will self destruct.

Thank you for your notes,

Robert T

Today's AOL cover stories included one quite fitting for a Memorial Day weekend---a non-Veteran who was quite aware of NOT having served his country in the military found 100+ US dog tags while on vacation in Vietnam. He set about returning them to their rightful owners, feeling THIS was a contribution he COULD make. It is a very touching story and one which I know will touch YOUR heart, given your courageous and dedicated service to our country.

I want also to thank you from the bottom my heart for what YOU did in service of your country and its values.

Judith L

Greetings! I have had the privilege of living in and enjoying the blessings of this country for the past fifteen years, only because of the sacrifices - extreme hardship, suffering, shed blood and lost of life - made by you and your comrades in uniform. There is no way I or the rest of America can ever repay you. However the least I can do is to express my gratitude which I humbly extend to you today. May Almighty God's protection and peace be with you always.

Winston E PA

May God be with you.

Thank you for protecting our freedom.

Elizabeth M

Greatest Praise and honor goes to the military Soldiers who have scarified for our country. Their scarifies have touched my personal life.

There are too many conflicts to mention here, but the bravery of our Soldiers of all branches of Military will always bring tears to my eyes and reminds me of the Freedoms we enjoy in America.

God Bless You America! God Bless my long list of family Soldiers and Military Soldiers across America and those who are fighting on foreign soil. We hold you close in thoughts and prayers.

Katherin W

We wish to send our thanks to all the soldiers in all the branches of the military, especially those who are fighting over in Iraq. Bless every one of them.

Boosters from Eugene, Oregon

Today, in Church, our congregation sang "God Bless America." I got chills as I always do when I hear that song. I am sure everyone else was feeling similar feelings. It is such an honor to stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow Americans who feel, from the deepest part of their beings, what a blessing and privilege it is to be here and to enjoy our freedoms.

I just want to say thank you to all the soldiers who are serving, or who have served in our military; and to those who have given their lives to make sure that we are safe here at home. No matter what you may hear, to the contrary, through the media or other places, know that there are MANY TRUE BLUE AMERICANS out here who support you for the good you are doing and our hearts swell with pride knowing you are the best of the best. May God bless and keep you, my dear young people, and older ones too!

Vickie P

"TO ALL SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN"

I said a prayer for you today
And I know God must have heard
I felt the answer in my heart
Although He spoke no word.

I didn't ask for wealth or fame,
I knew you wouldn't mind,
I asked Him to send treasures
Of a far more lasting kind.

I asked that He be near you
At the start of each new day
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share your way.

I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small
But it was for his loving care
I prayed for most of all.

From Gene Self, WWll Vet

God bless all our fighting men and women. They are doing a good job even when they don't get credit for it.

My husband served 20 plus years and was proud to wear the uniform of the U S Air Force.

My prayers are with you all.

Betty

Larry,

I wore our country's uniform in the forgotten war, The Korean Conflict, and I wore it with pride...as do the kids who wear it today in the Mid East and in many other spots on this earth.

I am saddened by those who would denigrate the uniform and, consequently, those who wear it. I am intensely proud of our young people.

I thought your Memorial Day article was excellently written and your thoughts echo mine. The 'test' was thought provoking, indeed.

May God Bless America!

Bob C

God Bless the military and every soldier, we love you and appreciate you.

Greetings from Canada

Dear Larry:

I am a Canadian & I live in Toronto, Ontario. I am proud to be your next door neighbor. I am proud to know that the U.S.A. is made up of a majority of Christians. I am proud of the dedication & the sacrifice so many Americans are going through overseas in a strange, distant land to help bring peace to this world. I remember all of the military today & pray that their efforts will not be in vain & that God will shelter them under His wings.

Sincerely,

Linda R

Hi Larry,

I'm just a casual reader of your articles. I say casually because I seem to know exactly what you're going to say in each article... most times, they are exactly what I would say or think.

I'm a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer and know a thing or two about the military and how it operates... You can pack up your things at any moment go to places unknown and do things unheard of and yet, to civilians you're supposed to do these things without lament and no questions asked.

And we do. But, we still can't help but ask, where in the hell is the appreciation for doing these things. Not that we ever expect we'll receive any appreciation but we would still like to know that it exists. That's all we ask.

But then again, we are more "Duty, Honor and Country" than most civilians so if appreciation were the only reason we do these things, we might come to expect it and wouldn't be the "soldiers" we are expected to be.

At this time every year we receive accolades from some who truly know and appreciate what we do but usually it's "Johnny come Lately" patriotism from the Elite Media that triggers it and it all rings so untrue in my ears that I can't help but sneer.

I'm truly sorry about that but in my cynicism after 64 years of life, I guess it's just come down to too many years of listening to that kind of thing.

The last line of your message today says it all for me. God Bless all our Servicemen.

May not everyone become as cynical as I have.

Bill S
Falls City NE

I have no words to express my appreciation only my tears.

MG

What great pride we should all take in our service men.  They give all they have to protect us here at home.  Let's not forget their families who make the sacrifice as well.

To those who don't agree...go somewhere else to live!  Because at some time, you will need to call on US and maybe only then will you appreciate our brave men and women who will fight to set you free!

I am an American Fighting Man and I served in the forces that guarded our country and protected our way of life.  I was prepared to give my life in the defense of my country.  I served for twenty years from 1954 to 1974 in the United States Air Force.  I thank God that he saw fit for me to be here today and I Salute those have gone on before me.  It is my prayer that God will put an end to this war and that He will bring our troops home.  May God Bless America and all of those brave Men and Women who are serving in the forces that guard our country and protect our way of life who are giving their lives.  I also pray for their families, friends and love ones.

James W Sr.

I join in the thanks for all those men and women who first made freedom possible for we Americans and those who dedicated their lives in the past and present to preserving that peace.

As to the present war on terrorism; I thank the Lord for a leader of this nation that had the backbone to say "enough is enough". He did what was necessary and attacked the breeding grounds of the evil plotters of our destruction, in their own backyards.

Do I hope and pray that he is re-elected for another term. Yes, absolutely. The world owes George W. Bush a great debt of gratitude for his courage, conviction and leadership.

Peace comes at a price. It always has and it always will. We can no longer afford to encourage the terrorist enemies with a wink and a plea to "be good boys". The only thing they understand is a real show of strength such as we are doing at this time. History teaches us human nature lessons over and over again since the beginning of man kind. Only the strongest nations "that used their strength" in defending their birthright survived. History also shows us examples of some strong nations that became to lazy to defend themselves and perished. I pray that this never happens to this great nation.

Again, I salute those hearty individuals, previous and present, that made the sacrifice that you and I might enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today.

Phil A

I had the privilege of visiting with a pastor who had been privileged to visit some Iraqi Christian pastors and laymen in Iraq a little over a month ago. He was struck with how supportive of the war in Iraq they all were. They said it would be a disaster if we pull out now. They were all extremely pro-Bush. So am I.

Sincerely,

Chuck S
US Army helicopter pilot, retired

EULOGY FOR A VETERAN
The author is Unknown.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the Gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

You made me stop and think, how lucky I am, not full of riches, but rich in my own right, free to come and go as I please, and free to be me. Thank you for the thought, and God Bless our soldiers, may they come home in peace.

Larry,

I am a retired veteran of the Vietnam era. I didn't see combat. I was in the Air Force, and the nearest I saw to combat was guard duty while stationed on Okinawa in 1957-58. This was when the Chinese were shelling the small islands of Amoy and Quemoy, and things were pretty tense between us and the Chinese.

There are some duties that I still am not at liberty to discuss, during the Vietnam war. This is where my heart cried out for these boys who were giving their all for an ungrateful nation. Maybe things have changed now, but with people like Jane Fonda and John Kerry around, we will always be reminded of the treason they committed.

Yes, treason, (aid to the enemy), by their actions and their words. Accusing our men of wantonly killing women and children, of destroying villages for no reason. Of torturing prisoners in that period, and now in the present conflict, the same accusations.

I say this: May god bless the men who now serve and those alive and fallen who have served, for their devotion to duty and love of country, without whom we would not be the USA, today.

Thank you

George D, TSG USAF Retired
Wichita Ks

Admiration, adulation, appreciation, and the utmost respect and thanks for each of you serving in the face of tremendously difficult circumstances. May God bless you and we love you!

The Nguyen Family
Harrison, GA

I for one, appreciate our military and sacrifices they make so that I can live in freedom. And I thank you Mr. Nichols, for serving your country, and its citizens, during the Viet Nam war and thereafter. In my book, everyone who honorably serves their country in the military is a hero! Well done!!

Sincerely,

Greg S Ohio

I'd do it for NO money!

R. F. Kobel
Gysgt, USMC Ret

TO THOSE WHO MADE IT TO THE END, THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THEM.

Webmaster

To subscribe to Nichols Notes please send a blank email to subscribe@larrynichols.com with SUBSCRIBE in the subject.

To be removed from Nichols Notes, send a BLANK email to remove@larrynichols.com with REMOVE in the subject line.