Thanks (UPDATED)

On this Veterans Day, I give thanks for the service of those in my family (my Dad, my youngest brother Mike, my brother-in-law Tim, my Uncle Ed, Uncle Les and to those who've passed, my Uncle Clarence and cousin Rick) and to all who've served or continue to do so.

With deepest appreciation and gratitude.  We are all in your debt.

UPDATE: The Anchoress is on hand to chronicle an honorary dinner dedicated to a well lived life:

This past weekend, my family and I attended a dinner honoring a firefighter and former scoutmaster who has spent his entire life serving his community. A little bio background:

For 40 years, FDNY Firefighter Richard Gimbl served as a volunteer fireman in every community in which he has livedh he is currently serving his second term as Fire Chief in his Long Island community. In 2007 he was named Firefighter of the year from his county, Southern New York, New York State and the International Chief’s Eastern Division. With the NYFD he earned numerous commendations. For his actions in the rescue and recovery effort for Flight 800, he earned the Mayor Giuliani Medal. He served for 10 years on the FEMA NY Urban Search and Rescue Team, which responded to the Oklahoma City bombing, hurricanes in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands…his bio goes on and on, and as a Scoutmaster and BSA Commissioner, the bio continues. He’s retired from FDNY, but he is still involved with Emergency Management. All of his focus is on helping people cope and survive, and on helping boys grow into the sorts of men who care about others.

This is a life well-lived, a life of service. My understanding is that the people honoring Gimbl pestered him for two years before he allowed them to do so; he kept saying, “no, not necessary, please don’t.”

If you read anything in its entirety today, read the rest of this piece.

Comments

[tim aka The Godless Heathen]

Thanks Rick, much appreciated.

I too would like to thank all of my family members who served – Uncles; Larry & Eric, USN; Paul, USArmy; Carl USAF and my dad USMC.

To my friends, Dan & Andy, USMC, Semper Fi.

To all I’ve known, meet, had the privilege of serving with and to all Veterans who may read this – Happy Veterans Day!!!

[Mommynator]

Thank you - all of you - from the bottom of my heart.

[Mike R.]

Thanks big bro!

[chuck aka xtnyoda]

A grateful nation.

chuck

[Chief Joseph Berkery]

Hey Rick: long time no hear call me 518 858 5672 retired out of the airport at Albany LOD from an accident Joe Berkery, retired and bored . lost an eye and went through 6 back surgeries come up for a vacation upstate