A Surprisingly Decent Message to the Army Reserves

[Garrette]

I get these emails frequently, especially around the major holidays. LTG Stultz is not the only one who sends them out, and frequently they are riddled with religious references, explicitly Christian references.

This one was a pleasant exception. Not eloquent, perhaps, but simple, direct, and inclusive.

As we gather with Family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, my wife Laura and I join you in giving thanks for the multitude of blessings we enjoy.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate our bounty and take pleasure in the wonderful people we hold close in our heart. Today when we sit down together to enjoy good food and fellowship at home or at a military Dining Facility, let us say a prayer of thanks for the strength we gain from Family and friends, both near and far.

For those Army Reserve Soldiers who are deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq and other parts of the world, you are in our hearts and you will be missed by your loved ones this holiday. We give thanks to you for your sacrifices and efforts to make this world safer and stronger. We know that as you share your Thanksgiving meal with fellow service members, your presence in theater marks the day as one full of hope and promise.

Today, let us also remember and honor our wounded Veterans who are recovering from physical and emotional wounds. We pay tribute to our wounded Soldiers and to their Families for their service, sacrifice and strength. And to those Soldiers and their Families who have given their lives and loved ones in the fight for freedom, thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.

As American citizens we enjoy a host of freedoms, a safe and secure home, a democratic government, the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion, whatever our choice. We are eternally grateful to our Warrior Citizens who stand ready to guard our freedoms and our way of life. We are thankful for their selfless service both at home and abroad.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped to make the Army Reserve the strength of the Nation for nearly 100 years, and to those who will continue to stand strong with us into a new century. I am forever in debt to the men and women with whom I proudly serve. To the Families, communities and employers who stand shoulder to shoulder with us, I appreciate your support. Thank you for helping our Soldiers carry the burden of this persistent conflict. Together, this Thanksgiving we are truly Army Strong.


Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz
Chief, Army Reserve
Commander, U.S. Army Reserve Command

 

[Phrost]

Yeah, the religious thing in the military can often cross lines into discrimination territory. I almost didn't graduate PLDC (training course to become a noncommissioned officer) because I refused to bow my head for a group prayer that was a part of the graduation ceremony.

 

[Garrette]

Yeah, the religious thing in the military can often cross lines into discrimination territory. I almost didn't graduate PLDC (training course to become a noncommissioned officer) because I refused to bow my head for a group prayer that was a part of the graduation ceremony.

People like you are why we're losing in Iraq.

I hope I don't need to put a smiley on that...

 

[tsg]

Am I the only one who thinks it's a sad state of affairs when we're actually remarking on the lack of religious symbolism in a Thanksgiving Day (ie a secular holiday) greeting?

 

[BPSCG]

Am I the only one who thinks it's a sad state of affairs when we're actually remarking on the lack of religious symbolism in a Thanksgiving Day (ie a secular holiday) greeting?

National Thanksgiving Proclamations proclaim thanks for God’s providence in the events of the nation and, as President Washington explained in his Thanksgiving Proclamation, "for the many signal favors of Almighty God" in the lives of the people.

As congress recognized the importance of Thanksgiving observance, President George Washington issued a national Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1789. He wrote, "Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks—for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country...for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed...and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions—to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually...To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us—and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best."

President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a Federal holiday as a "prayerful day of Thanksgiving" on the last Thursday in November. Since then every U.S. President has always made an official Thanksgiving Proclamation on behalf of the nation. President Franklin D. Roosevelt set the date for Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November in 1939 (approved by Congress in 1941).

Link

 

[Darth Rotor]

I get these emails frequently, especially around the major holidays. LTG Stultz is not the only one who sends them out, and frequently they are riddled with religious references, explicitly Christian references.

This one was a pleasant exception. Not eloquent, perhaps, but simple, direct, and inclusive.

I think the General showed his quality with his emphasis on people. People make an Army. One vote for a "General with a clue."

(God doesn't need an Army, He's that powerful. )

DR

 

[bigred]

Am I the only one who thinks it's a sad state of affairs when we're actually remarking on the lack of religious symbolism in a Thanksgiving Day (ie a secular holiday) greeting?

Technically true but quite misleading. Do a little research into the history of Thanksgiving and get back to us.

ah hell, let me save you a little time: in its initial and early days it was very much "religious." Darn those evil theists/Christians, using a holiday that emphasizes giving thanks by giving thanks to the God they believe in......the horror......

Am I the only one who thinks it's a sad state of affairs that a simple and sincere wish from a military commander for the very best for our troops can't get posted simply for being exactly that w/o an immediate slight to religion?

Well wait...on JREF, it wouldn't surprise me. Never mind.

Actually what really gets me is dissing the other services. The bigoted bastage.

Honestly all that aside, salute to you guys who have or are walking the talk in the ultimate way. Get home safe and God bless ya (if the atheists will forgive such a terribly un-secular sentiment).

 

[tsg]

Technically true but quite misleading. Do a little research into the history of Thanksgiving and get back to us.

ah hell, let me save you a little time: in its initial and early days it was very much "religious."

As has been pointed out. The founding fathers used to wear powdered wigs and frilly shirts, too. We don't do that anymore either.

Well wait...on JREF, it wouldn't surprise me. Never mind.

Here, let me get you some more paint for that broad brush of yours.

(if the atheists will forgive such a terribly un-secular sentiment).

Ah, yes, the poor persecuted Christian act. Don't you have a cashier to yell at for saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas"?

 

[BPSCG]

Well, whether Thanksgiving is religiously-inspired or not, I want to thank everyone who has ever put on a uniform in the service of the U.S. so that the rest of us don't have to. And wherever in the world you may be, may you be safe this Thanksgiving, and home with your loved ones before the next one.

 

[bigred]

As has been pointed out. The founding fathers used to wear powdered wigs and frilly shirts, too. We don't do that anymore either.

You might note I didn't say that made it right or wrong.

Here, let me get you some more paint for that broad brush of yours.

Yes, you no doubt have plenty on hand, as your brilliant comments would indicate.

Well, whether Thanksgiving is religiously-inspired or not, I want to thank everyone who has ever put on a uniform in the service of the U.S. so that the rest of us don't have to. And wherever in the world you may be, may you be safe this Thanksgiving, and home with your loved ones before the next one.

Thanks bp.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy one regardless of beliefs, location, or situation.

Unless you're a freakin commie Cowboy fan.

 

[Puppycow]

When I was in Navy boot camp, if you didn't go to chapel on Sunday mornings, you got to stay at the barracks and strip & wax the deck.

 

[tsg]

You might note I didn't say that made it right or wrong.

I didn't say you did. That it used to be a religious holiday doesn't make it one now. Which makes your condescension and arrogance a little out of place, doesn't it?

Yes, you no doubt have plenty on hand, as your brilliant comments would indicate.

I give what I get. You seem to think that instigating the very behavior you despise makes some kind of point. When you act like an ass you lose the right to complain about people calling you one.

 

[bigred]

The pot/kettle thing, what a shock

I'd bother to respond further, but clearly you're not interested and/or capable of a cohesive discussion, evidenced by your BS above.

You want to see an ass, look in the mirror. There's its poster child.

 

[Yalius]

When I was in Navy boot camp, if you didn't go to chapel on Sunday mornings, you got to stay at the barracks and strip & wax the deck.

Makes perfect sense to me. The guys in chapel are suffering through a long, pointless ritual when they'd rather be somewhere else. What's the difference between that and waxing the deck?

 

[tsg]

The pot/kettle thing, what a shock

No doubt you've heard it before. You might want to consider why.

I'd bother to respond further, but clearly you're not interested and/or capable of a cohesive discussion, evidenced by your BS above.

You eliminated any chance of that with your very first post to this thread.

You want to see an ass, look in the mirror. There's its poster child.

"I know you are, but what am I"? What are you, ten years old?

 

[BPSCG]

Makes perfect sense to me. The guys in chapel are suffering through a long, pointless ritual when they'd rather be somewhere else. What's the difference between that and waxing the deck?

Waxing the deck serves an actual useful purpose?

 

[Zep]

Re OP: A class speech. Kudos to the general, and the reserves he commands.