Saturday 9: American Soldier

Saturday 9: American Soldier (2003)

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors men and women who served and died in the United States Armed Forces. We want to make sure that message is not lost this weekend.

1) Are you a veteran? Are there veterans in your family? Do you know anyone who is active military? We are grateful and want to hear about it.

A. I have veterans in my family, but I do not know of any relatives who are actively in the military now.

2) In this song, Toby Keith reminds us soldiers "work straight through holidays," even this one, and we are grateful for that, too. Have you ever had to work on a federal holiday? If yes, did it make you sad to be on the job when everyone else was celebrating?

A. I have worked on federal holidays, and my husband, who was a firefighter, worked on many federal holidays.

3) The video for this song was filmed at Edwards Air Force Base. This site was chosen to make it easier for off-duty soldiers, reservists and their families to appear. Have you ever visited a military base?

A. I visited a military base called Fort Story in Virginia Beach in 2017. We went on the base to see an historic lighthouse on Cape Henry. You can read about our visit here. I did not like being searched when we entered the base.

4) Toby Keith never served in the military but often performed for the USO. While the USO is best known for providing entertainment to our troops, they also have a "Canine Comfort Crew." Local USO centers make dogs available to troops who long to see a wagging tail. Are you a dog lover?

A. I love dogs, but I am allergic to them to the point where I can't be around them without having a reaction.

 

5) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food? 

A. I like watermelon.

6) Let's welcome summer with ice cream. What's your favorite flavor? Cone or cup?

A. I don't eat ice cream anymore, but I hope to partake of a hot fudge sundae one of those days just because. I would prefer a cup, if I could eat ice cream.

7) This marks the weekend when Americans step up their outdoor activity and do things they may not have been able to do during the winter months. For example, when is the last time you applied mosquito repellent?

A. I don't use mosquito repellent. I use little things you wear on your wrist that are supposed to keep the bugs away. I'm sure they have a name, but it escapes me at the moment. I also tend to wear long sleeves and long pants to keep from being eaten by bugs.

8) Or swam?

A. It's been a very long time since I went swimming. 

9) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on?

A. At the moment, there is nothing running except the air purifier. We are having a pleasant day that doesn't require the air conditioner.

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I encourage you to visit the posts of other participants in Saturday 9 and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.