Remember

[M. A. Dockter]

Here in the United States, Tomorrow (Monday) is a National Holiday in order to remember War Veterans...Memorial Day.

Never forget those that came and died before us. They fought for what we have now...they fought for our lives and our freedom. If they returned, they were never the same...they all gave something. Thank you to everyone that has served in our armed forces. This nation can never repay you.

[Kubie]

Right on, Dok. Couldn't have said it better myself.
Carl

[DrZaius]

Don't forget your flags tommorrow.

http://www.usflag.org/historical/50star.gif

How to properly fold the flag (http://www.usflag.org/fold.flag.html)

[cobra]

Thank you,
To all of our veterans.

[padawan]

If any of you are feeling ambitous, swing by a local "retirement" home, where people leave their relatives to die. I've spent time with WWI and WWII veterans there that deserve better lives after the sacrifices they have made. Even in their poor state of health, they just want to talk. Give up a few minutes of the day to help these people that gave more than you or I can possibly imagine in pursuit of freedom. Pisses me off to see them there alone, while their real familes forget about them.

[M. A. Dockter]

My mother used to work at a nursing home when I was a child...I used to love going there and talking with everyone. They had tons of stories and I loved to listen to them...the Pacific Landings...buildling airfields and ships... The past few years I stoped going...because of my own life and other things. I think it's time to take up an old habit.

[Blankman]

I agree wholeheartedly with you Padawan. As a youth I'd go up to our local vet's home and talk with them for school and Boy Scout projects. I remember one gentleman who would beam and get all excited when I'd come by. All he wanted was someone to talk to. He even went so far to tell me that it was strange how his family had put him in that home and rarely if ever came to see him. He said it was if he had already died. I can't tell you how much that broke my heart. As a vet myself now I look at the all real possibility that I may someday be in that same home.

I was never in combat (except getting shot at by a drunk farmer with a 30-06), but this weekend after seeing Pearl Harbor I spoke with my mother about the war and asked why it never seemed to affect her. She then broke down and told me of a love who died in January of 1945. She then proceeded to bring out an old shoe box with pictures and letters and it really "freaked" me out. I knew of several things my mother had went through in life but to see how this affected her 55 years later made me realize the loss everyone went through in that generation and how they closed the door on so many feelings. We owe so much for our freedom and I must say it pisses me off to no end to see how most young adults and youth turn there backs on those who gave them their freedom.

[SARGE]

I guess my turn came at an unpopular time. I was in USMC in Vietnam during '67-68. What has always bothered me is how they take an 18 year old kid and shove him into something like that. Some get over it, some don't. Myself, I always enjoy visiting with the old-timers from WW II. That entire generation had a different code of conduct; they survived the Depression and a World War. Their values are what kept them strong. I'm not sure our generation could do the same.

[drisley]

I believe they could, Sarge. I may be an optimist, but regardless of all the political bickering and fat-dumb-n-happy Americans, people are at their best when times demand it. We would all be suprised what we're capable of when our necessity level is high enough.