Memorial Day(More than just a day off work)

[Ransom Stoddard]

M is for the memory we have of those who put their lives on the line to give us the freedom and privilege of living in this blessed nation...

E is for the enduring gratitude we have for the sacrifices these men and women make for those who stayed at home...

M is for the merit we recognize in those who serve our nation when such service comes at such a high price...

O is for the obedience we honor when those in uniform follow orders that may, and many times do, cost them their lives...

R is for the reverence we give to the thoughts we have on this day, or any day, when we remember those who give so much...

I is for the integrity we salute when those in uniform stand up for all of us even when some of us do not stand up for them...

A is for the allegiance we have to the nation that these brave warriors fight and die for...

L is for the love that goes with those who are in harms way, and who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for you and me...

Offered respectfully by,
W. Larry Chapman, Jr.
Capt. USMC - Vietnam Era

[rustypirate]

I allways try to visit my Grandfather's grave for Memorial Day, and to see all the US flags on the graves of the Vets.

Unfortunately this will be the second year in a row that I will have been traveling for work on Memorial day weekend.

Take a walk through the field of American flags and say thanks for me, will you.

[rep30cal]

Thanks for the post Ransom, it's a good reminder in these times that
have seen Memorial Day become "just a day off work".


:America:

[SteelCore]

Nice. I usually toro out grat grandad Fritz's WW1 ruck. Mebbe I'll gt pix fer youse guys. Only Hoot's actually seen it in person.

I've been flattening the papers from the war he bought back so they'll be readable and archive-able.

[Woodman in MO]

Me and the family will be putting in some time down at Jefferson Barracks Cemetary. They have a nice little ceremony there. Then we spend time visiting the graves of some friends and friends dads.

Finally we stop by the section of Unknown Soldiers to remind them that even though they are unknown, they are not forgotten...

[k98k792]

Great post Rance.

This will be the first year I will go to Jefferson Barracks to visit my fathers grave. He has a lot of friends there. I will see if I can find some of their graves also.
It is such a beautiful place. Looking out over the headstones.

The unbroken chain of our people. As the old ones fall away,the new one rise to pick up the banner.

[cetme]

I'll be at work but I'll not forget why they call in memorial day!

[Norton]

:This is what I have done on memorial day for almost 20 years. I put a fresh coat of paint on the Steel Confederate grave markers in our local graveyard.
They are marked with the latin words 'Deo Vindice' (God our Vindicator)
One is from the 43 rd Va Cav our local unit my Grandfather's grandfather served in Company A and survived the war. Memorial day was a day observed only in the South for many years. That is what happens when you get beat. As you know it became a national day to honor those who fought and died in all our wars conflicts police actions, peace keeping mission, operations and peacetime training deaths.
Sometimes I think about our service men and women serving in Iraq, Afaganistan, never knowing if they may get a leg blown off by a time bomb.
If that Iraq policemen he is working with is a tratior or good guy. The young Marines straining under the weight of a huge rucksack. The bleary eyed Air Force office who spent the night peering into some scope looking at blips. The Sailor toiling away in the bowles of ship for long hours days on end. The Army tanker changing a heavy track in hot sun and mashing his fingers in the process. I think about that and look at my wife and kids safe and sound living here in peace. I think how lucky we are..
To quote the 1955 movie 'Bridges at Toko Ri'
Where do we get such men:salute:

[NavajoNPaleFace]

Being the Commander of my VFW Post we have a Flag Ceremony each Memorial Day.

We invite the community to come out and observe us taking the flag to half mast, 21 gun salute, our comments, and taps.

Very solemn and I am grateful for the honor of doing it.

I like to ask people what Memorial Day means to them. Most know where I am coming from so they usually give me a suitable answer they think I am looking for.

However, every now and then someone gives me the stupid answer I am really looking for, "It's a long holiday weekend." (or something of that nature) to which I respond, "Do you know why you can enjoy the long holiday weekend? Because soldiers have died to give you that freedom."

Most grin and say, "Amen" or something to that extent. But, every now and then you get this blank stare like they have no clue. Poor bastids.

I reflect in my own way...as do many....but I am ever so grateful for those who have given their lives in battle and I am grateful to have had the honor of putting myself in harms way for my generation and those that follow.

To all of you who have, or will, also, I commend you and say, "Thank you."

[NavajoNPaleFace]

It is REALLY sad that a post regarding Memorial Day...THE veteran related holiday most revered by veterans (and....hopefully non-vets) got only eight hits.

How freakin' sad.

The ones that did not post a commerative comment need to pull their collective heads out of their asses!

Sorry.....just the way I see it.

Perhaps it IS just another day off for the jack offs!

I can hear the excuses now....the ones I have heard for the past 57 years. I was on the road...I was on vacation...I was working....I was at the beach...all the reasons veterans have died to give. (my mother is in intensive care and my wife had TWO chemo treatments today and I offer no excuses).

Just pizzes me off.

Sorry.

[wandering_ronin]

It is REALLY sad that a post regarding Memorial Day...THE veteran related holiday most revered by veterans (and....hopefully non-vets) got only eight hits.

How freakin' sad.

The ones that did not post a commerative comment need to pull their collective heads out of their asses!

Sorry.....just the way I see it.

Perhaps it IS just another day off for the jack offs!

I can hear the excuses now....the ones I have heard for the past 57 years. I was on the road...I was on vacation...I was working....I was at the beach...all the reasons veterans have died to give. (my mother is in intensive care and my wife had TWO chemo treatments today and I offer no excuses).

Just pizzes me off.

Sorry.

Navajopaleface,

Alot of folks here are veterans, and realize what the day signifies. Just because they did not post here does not lessen that. I spent the day thinking of my great uncle who fought in the Italian campaign, all the way through southern France to Berchtesgaden, of my wife's Uncle who was on Guadalcanal, and of my father, who ,although he saw no combat, did his part when he was called up during the lead up to Vietnam. I also thought of my buddies who are currently in Iraq or who have been there, and those that may soon be going back.

Bear in mind, this is not a flame towards you...but a lack of posting doesn't mean we don't remember.

[bullseye]

I was gonna post earlier, but the baby didn't wanna cooperate and sleep when I had time to get online. :) I had some friends over that have served and thanked them for what they have done, as well as called a few and thanked them. I was not fortunate enough to serve myself, and will not be able to do so in the future, but I am forever grateful for those that have-are-will. :America: