Memorial Day. Never forget.

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Leanwolf

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It ain't about hamburger, beer, and sales.

(Perhaps off topic, nevertheless, this has to do with firearms ... lots of them.)

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L.W.
 
Lives given in defense of our freedoms. May they rest in peace.
 
I have a tattoo of an eagle with a banner that says, "I will not forget"

I used to be part of the Honor Guard, cant walk or stand that long anymore, but the grand kids and nephews make sure I get to the ceremony.
 
That picture always tugs at my heart.

For all who came before us and served, for those serving as I type, and especially for all those who gave everything, thank you.
 
Thank you for your service BikerDoc, and all those who have served and all who paid the ultimate sacrifice. You are not forgotten. Semper Fi. RVN 69-70
 
For all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we are eternally grateful. May God bless you and your families.
 
Great reminder. I've seen the pic before but it knocks me back a bit each time I see it.
 
One of my young daughters asked 'what's the difference between memorial day and veterans day?'

I answered, 'taps.'

She didn't understand so I pulled up the audio recording online.

THEN she understood.

My children do not complain when we make our annual rounds to pay our respects.

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Trent wrote:"One of my young daughters asked 'what's the difference between memorial day and veterans day?'

I answered, 'taps.'"

Perfect answer.

About 1/2 mile from my house is a regional airport. Yesterday afternoon, I saw a B-17 circling it preparing to land. It's the replica of the Memphis Belle. I'm given to understand the actual Belle is in pieces at some museum, but this one goes around the country for tours and for rides. As I stood on my front porch listening to those four engines rumble overhead, it put me in mind to silently thank all of those who went out as fit young men, leaving their bodies scattered on foreign fields in the defense of this country.

Memorial Day is for those who didn't make it.

Veterans Day is for those who did.

Armed Forces Day is for those currently in uniform.
 
One of my young daughters asked 'what's the difference between memorial day and veterans day?'

I answered, 'taps.'
Click to expand...

Trent, it's been awhile since I came nearly to tears.

I corrected a manager at our local Wally World last night on an incorrect display of the flag. Not because I'm a chest-thumping uber-patriot, but because I've stood honor guard for men whose coffins have been draped with it.

The look on some people's faces - the "I can't believe you're actually serious about this" look- hurts me more than I can calmly explain in public. Ranks right up there with being wished a "happy" Memorial day.
 
Monday morning, at daybreak, I'll do my sunrise visit to Ft Logan and have some memories and thoughts. Do not like crowds!
Dan
 
As the saying goes...

All gave some and some gave all. Now is the time when we remember those who gave all and paid the ultimate price. Freedom isn't free.

Amen

Ron
 
Never forget and we have a sacred honor to make sure those who survive us never forget.

Army infantry, Nam 70-71
 
God bless everyone of them.
And, God bless those who survive them and live with thier sacrifices.

The only thing harder than being a Soldier....is loving one.

PRAYING FOR MY SONS' SAFE RETURN.
 
Our Day.

My love, as always. Is with my brothers and sisters.
Our familys, close circles. Vets.

To those, of a nation. 300+ million strong.
Only a few. 30 mil. or so. Carry this vast nation to it's greatness.

I feel a smile from on high. That i carry this honor.

To my family, All of you.!!!! even " Clan Jarhead "
THANK ALL OF YOU CRAZY BASTARDS.

Love clan "AIRHEAD" U.S.A.F.

Oron
 
Black Knight said:
On Memorial Day when many are having BBQs and cookouts lets set an extra place at the table in their honor.
Click to expand...
For those who may not be familiar with setting a table for the fallen:

Instructions:

1. Place a small table in the hall or dining room, where guests can see it but where it will not be in the way. You might place it in a corner to the side of the head table, for instance, or to the side of the entrance door.
2. Spread the white tablecloth on the table, making sure that it is straight and symmetrical.
3. Set one place, with a clean, white place mat, plate, bread plate, cloth napkin and utensils. This setting represents your wish that the fallen men and women of the armed forces could be present at the happy occasion with you.
4. Insert a white taper candle into a simple candle holder and place it to one side of the center of the table, beyond the place setting. The candle represents the light of hope.
5. Place a long-stemmed rose into a simple bud vase and place it to the other side of the center of the table from the candle. The rose represents the families who love and keep faith with the men and women who serve.
6. Tie a ribbon into a bow on the vase. A yellow ribbon traditionally represents loyally waiting for those who are serving away from home, while a red ribbon symbolizes the memory of and search for those missing in action.
7. Invert the wine glass or champagne flute, and place it upside-down to the right of the plate. This represents the fact that the fallen comrade will not be able to participate in the happy toasts at this event.
8. Place a lemon wedge on the bread plate. It represents the bitter loss of the life of the fallen soldier.
9. Sprinkle salt over the lemon and the bread plate. The salt represents tears.
10. Place an empty chair at the table in front of the place setting. This represents the missing comrade.
Click to expand...

Next week I will attend a 45 year Marine Corps reunion. We began these at 40 years. We will laugh and joke and remember days when we were so much younger. We will also as we have in years gone bye have a formal dinner. That dinner will have the place setting above. It will serve to remind us of our fallen comrades, those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We will offer a toast and a prayer in their honor before we enjoy our dinner. Reunions like this are bitter sweet.

Yes, Memorial Day is a time to honor those who gave all and yes, as we begin summer a time for parties and infamous BBQ. The BBQ is OK as long as we set a little time aside to remember. I hate the sight of that table as we all should but it serves as a reminder to us the living.

To all the fallen I wish them calm or fair winds and following seas. I thank them for their sacrifice that I may enjoy my life and watch my children and grandchildren grow.

To my fellow former Marines...

Semper Fi
Ron
 
Many folks look at this as a weekend to grill out and enjoy the sun. My family spends the day each year we are in town visiting the Veterans Memorial Museum here in town. Our families can trace service members to all major conflicts from the Revolutionary War to Iraq. Having family live through these events makes me appreciate those who gave all even more.
 
Thanks for this thread. Thanks Reloadron for the protocol. While I was never called to serve (in college 66 - 72) I have the utmost respect for those who have. God bless you for your service. Now semi-retired, I work part time at Sam's Club and my greatest pleasure while working at the service desk was to make sure all current and former military have the Military Membership which comes with a $15 gift card on every renewal. WM corp has this one right. If I see a hat from a ship or designating a veteran or VA card or any military ID I make sure they get the card.
I came to shooting because of 2 veterans. One has helped me immeasurably in improving my skills and changing the challenges during each session at the range (actually a farm).
Again, thank you for this thread and your service.
 
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