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A Commercial for Christmas
The average television commercial is one of the more dismal aspects of modern life, being designed for the brain-damaged and the permanently silly. This one, however, is a small masterpiece, and is particularly appropriate for this time of year. It was sent me by a former captain in the 101st Airborne, and was sent to him by a fellow Screaming Eagle captain who served two tours in Viet Nam and was wounded near the end of the second one. A hand salute to A-B and to the people who made this gem.
Very cool commercial. I try to thank anyone that ever served our great country every chance I get. Thanks to all of you guys and girls that make sure my family sleeps safely everynight!
Thank you Dave!
Posted by: Chris H. | December 14, 2007 at 11:30 AM
Dave Petzal:
I've saw that commercial when it first aired on the Super Bowl, I've seen it hundreds of times since, mostly in e-mails, and my eyes get wet every time I see it again.
My homecoming was a lot different, but that was 1972, and you can probably guess where we were coming from.
YooperJack
P.S. Thanks for running it!
Posted by: YooperJack | December 14, 2007 at 11:43 AM
The only people willing to die for you are in the American military and maybe your parents. I saw this on the tv and had to fight back the tears of gratitude. God Bless the troops.
Posted by: Robert W. Sprague | December 14, 2007 at 11:53 AM
The only people willing to die for you are in the American military and maybe your parents. I saw this on the tv and had to fight back the tears of gratitude. God Bless the troops.
Posted by: Robert W. Sprague | December 14, 2007 at 11:53 AM
I give 'em a HELL YEAH! every chance I get.
Posted by: Blue Ox | December 14, 2007 at 12:26 PM
Now if we could just get people to react to those who are laying their lives on the line for their country and our safety in real life like they do in this commercial...
Posted by: Dr. Ralph | December 14, 2007 at 01:56 PM
Brought me to proud ass tears!!
Posted by: GREG | December 14, 2007 at 02:16 PM
I am forever grateful to the men and women of our armed forces who serve our nation.
Helps me sleep at night. God bless every one of them, past present, and future.
Posted by: WAMtnhunter | December 14, 2007 at 02:23 PM
I have seen this commercial several times over the last year as I have received it in email, but I don't think I have seen it on TV since the Super Bowl last February. Wonder why that is?
Posted by: Clark | December 14, 2007 at 02:47 PM
If you don't stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them!
Posted by: cb | December 14, 2007 at 02:59 PM
I am as crusty an old curmudgeon as they come but I get tears in my eyes every time I see this. Thank God this country has young men & women who are willing to serve something other than themselves. God bless them all!
Posted by: R. Riggins | December 14, 2007 at 03:34 PM
I have seen this commercial before, as well; and it is always worth seeing again!
Actions always speak louder then words.
May God Bless our troops, and their familes, this Christmas season.
Posted by: Ralph the Rifleman | December 14, 2007 at 03:40 PM
This is the first time I have seen this commercial and Ive go to say... I got a big ol' lump in my thoat. IM PROUD OF THOSE GUYS!!!
Posted by: Nathan | December 14, 2007 at 03:42 PM
Call me a cynic, but wtf? Now we're commercializing sacrifice?
I need a beer.
Posted by: Backlash | December 14, 2007 at 04:23 PM
When I returned from Desert Storm, all we got was a beer party (I don’t drink), hot dogs, a certificate of thanks from some General we never met, a couple of bucks per day called per diem and taken advantage of by car dealerships.
I thank them every time I see them in uniform. For what they go thru and receive is a bloody hell, especially at home with their spouses.
The life they knew of is never the same.
These troops deserve much, much more than this!
I believe that those that are active duty should not be taxed. Several years ago, California wanted to retroact taxation of all military personnel that were stationed in California that was not a resident.
Posted by: Clay Cooper | December 14, 2007 at 04:56 PM
Backlash
It’s too bad sir you’re not one of the been there and done that!
You would have a better understanding of the commercial.
You need another beer? What ever!
Posted by: Clay Cooper | December 14, 2007 at 05:01 PM
One thing I do know that gives me peace that I truly believe is the following. Blessed is the peace keeper for they will be at the right hand of the Father!
Posted by: Clay Cooper | December 14, 2007 at 05:10 PM
Well said Clay Cooper!
I also don't believe active duty service people should pay income taxes(maybe Generals). They already pay a "Tax In Kind" with their service. Ford, Sears or Eveready could have made that commercial. They didn't. A-B did. I don't think that commercialism entered into this much. Also, keep in mind, they ran that commercial in the most expensive time slot in television history. It was worth that much for them to say thanks.
YooperJack
Posted by: YooperJack | December 14, 2007 at 05:49 PM
I just happened to be listening to the song Arlington by Trace Adkins when that video loaded. Even though I never served, those two things do bring a tear to my eye.
Posted by: Matt | December 14, 2007 at 06:24 PM
A very touching commercial and I love it every time I see it! A few years back I lost my left hand/forearm topping a tree and since then I seem to find my self in airports more than ever. I bring this up because it is common for me to be approached while waiting for planes by great people coming to thank me for serving in the armed forces. I feel horrible when I inform these folks that I did not get hurt serving(unfortunately I never served and I regret not doing so) but I appreciate the gesture! I think it takes a great individual to walk up to a complete stranger to say thankyou!
Posted by: SD Bob | December 14, 2007 at 08:03 PM
I know this has absolutely nothing to do with the topic, but anyway. Does anyone have any experience with the Ruger 10/22 with a bull barrel? I have some extra money saved up, and have always thought it would be fun to trick out a 10/22. What kind of groups can you squeeze out of a gun like this?
Posted by: alabamahunter | December 14, 2007 at 11:51 PM
The real problem is that the United States Military is considered by politicians as disposable property for gain for their personal advancement! We were within 3 months of winning Vietnam until big mouth Walter Cronkite got on national television that pumped up the North Vietnamese. So what’s the difference today? Remember Hanoi Jane and John Scary Kerry during the Vietnam era? Now compare the left today and you’ll find the same thing all over again! Funny thing, good Ol’ Rush Limbaugh made the same comparison ending the last 15 seconds of a program and doesn’t have the back bone to take the issue back up and this includes baby Jesus Sean Hannity! Now take MR. Michael Savage, now this is a true American with everyday that passes, proven himself as a true American that will say it loud, tell it proud, looks evil straight in the eye and without a flinch, makes a true stand for our Military and the United States!!!
Posted by: Clay Cooper | December 15, 2007 at 12:35 AM
alabamahunter
I wouldn't waste the money tricking out a 10/22. Save and get'ya a 22-250 or 25-06 and have some real fun!!!
Posted by: Clay Cooper | December 15, 2007 at 12:38 AM
If A-B really wants to support our troops, stand behind them and become the true voice of support that they do deserve! I do feel that Military personnel are being patronized!
Good Night Yall!
Muzzle Loader opens back up again 15-17!
Posted by: Clay Cooper | December 15, 2007 at 12:45 AM
well,
I'm sitting here in Iraq (second time) reading this. I too saw this on Super Bowl Sunday at a party w/ work buddies. We all thought it was very good. I do get thanked when in public, but never know what to say in return. "Your Welcome" seems a little out of place, but it's all I can come up with. I'm a pilot and I'll be out flying in my helicopter on Christmas day w/ a Santa hat glued to my flight helmet delivering mail to people stationed in the literal middle of nowhere. I try to do my part to support my fellow service personnel. I'll be out shooting quail in February for my R&R in Alabama. Can anyone suggest a youth sized 20ga automatic for my 5 foot tall wife. She wants to learn to shoot rifle/shotgun so it's off to the clay range w/ my 870 youth 20ga to see if she really likes it enough to get her own gun. Beretta/Remington are all i know of.
Posted by: Dennis Crabtrey II | December 15, 2007 at 04:17 AM