Memorial Day Thoughts

[Polishrifleman]

"Your silent tents of green
We deck with fragrant flowers;
Yours has the suffering been,
The memory shall be ours."

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow -

Just a quick note to send us out on this weekend remembering those who created us, loved us, and the Country we call the USA.

 

[foghornl]

I thank God every day for the young men & women that have taken up the gauntlet of defending America and freedom everyhwere.

And for all those in the past that have gone to other places in the world to defend freedom...Those that came home...Those that came home less than when they went...and those that never came home.

Freedom is not free, and the price of Liberty is high.

May our warriors be swift, their aim true, the purpose righteous and just. And also that Our Lord will guide and speed them on their way, seeing them safely home again.

Amen and Amen.

Be sure to thank a Veteran this weekend, for the oportunity and freedom for us to hold these conversations.

 

[Fred Fuller]

BTTT.

"Memorial Day used to be a sacred day that was reserved for the remembrance of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. Businesses closed for the day. Towns held parades honoring the fallen, the parade routes often times ending at a local cemetery, where Memorial Day speeches were then given. People took the time that day to clean and decorate with flowers and flags the graves of those the fell in service to their country. " - http://www.usmemorialday.org/act.html

You can do your bit to help make Memorial Day what it is supposed to be. If you pass someone selling red poppies, buy one and wear it proudly. Go by a local cemetary, and place a flag and/or flowers on the grave of a veteran, or just trim the grass, rake the leaves or clean the area of the grave. If you don't know what a GI tombstone looks like, you will learn to recognize them if you look around the cemetary a while. Pick one out that looks neglected. Say 'thanks' while you are there.

Here in the South we used to call it Decoration Day and it was often a family affair which helped acquaint younger generations with the service and sacrifices of those gone before. It was an important day. It should be restored to its prior significance. It can be if individuals make it important. There's no reason it has to interfere with the backyard cookout/family get-together etc., it only takes a few minutes to say 'thank you.'

BTW, if there happens to be a VA hospital in your area, a visit to the living is a far greater service.

lpl/nc

 

[Arc-Lite]

Lee...good call, I do all of these things each memorial day, as well as twice a month, shy of the flower... I want to thank all my brothers and sisters, known and unknown, for their services, and honor, and everyone else, who suppoted the cause, physicially or spiritually, not just in our country....but in every country, who heard the call, to defend the concept of freedom...and the life of their fellow honorable warriors. People sometimes, see these days, as a memorial, to only ones county, and for the things their country stands for....but it is also, for each person, who stood side by side as one. War is usually seen as a concept, or belief... but after being there, you realize it is about people....and the hopes, your actions, with result in a better world, for tomorrows generations. I will be bending an elbow, with a splash of Scotch....to all of you monday....I would like to say, a toast to each one, but I've slowed down some, so it will be to each of you, and a toast on every other one.

 

[CarlS]

I want to thank all of my fellow vets for their service and sacrifice. I also wish to thank my dad and his generation of WWII vets for the freedom that I grew up enjoying.

With sadness, I remember my friends, comrades and my son who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their all. Thank you and rest in peace.

God bless and protect the United States

 

[Greg L]

I just got back from the local cemetary. Every year our Cub/Boy Scout Pack/Troop goes out to place the flags & brush off the headstones. It's always a solem occasion but it is a good one as well. The boys learn of the sacrifice that many gave (death date in wartime) & also realize that many came back home & lived full lives after their service. It also serves as a good history lesson for them (there is one from the War of 1812, many from the Civil War (both sides), & plenty from every other war up until now (thankfully none from GW2)) along with showing all the different jobs that people have served in while in the services (cooks & bakers to front line infantry).

All in all a very nice way to spend a sunny morning.