Memorial Day

[SARGE]

Monday is Memorial Day. To many it's significant only because it's a 3-day weekend. There have been wars and conflicts my country has been involved in that sparked controversy and others that were deemed justified by the majority. The sad truth is that many young folks have died while serving our country and only history will prove whether they died in vain.

For myself and my generation, we lost many guys in an unpopular war (Vietnam). I lost so many close friends from high school and buds I served with over there. I had so many close calls myself and survived a Hell for 13 months that still haunts me today. I always wonder what kind of life those fellers would have had if given that stroke of luck, the kids and grandkids they could have had, perhaps even being here on the Net.

I've never attended a Memorial Day event but my gal bud insists that we attend an observance Monday - a few political speakers and a fly over by jets along with a band at the local cemetery. Guess I'll go.

[Strider]

Very well put Sarge and I'll just add one more thing, at 3:00 pm tomorrow everyone is encourage to take a moment of silence and reflect back on the people who have served, or are currently serving and for those who have gave the ultimate sacrifice to this great country.

[RKC]

Maybe on this Memorial day, try to personally thank someone who served in the past, and say a prayer for those serving on foreign soil fighting for our freedoms today.

[MulderMan]

may i ask what you are remembering? we dont get tought alot of american history.

[Alaron]

MulderMan. Memorial day is an American holiday to remember all the sacrifices that people have made in all of our past wars. For the thousands who died to protect America, we have a holiday to remember and thank them, because they are the ones that made America.

[trulad]

MulderMan:
I might add that even though it's an American holiday you fine folks in England should also give thanks to "The Greatest Generation" that helped Sir Winston Churchill give truth to his prediction "There will always be an England" for without those brave men & women the world would be vastly different from the one we live in today and take our freedom for granted.
trulad
USMC 1949-1953

[Panama Red]

To all my comrades in arms, those still living and those no longer with us, I salute you on this day to remember. Many before us stood tall to take on the challenges of defense. And many more will continue to defend. I salute all my personal friends that didn't come back from a foreign land and all those that did come back bearing the scars and burdens of the realities of war. To my dad, no longer with us, thanks for your Navy service. Thanx for reclaiming and rebuilding Wake Island at the end of WWII. To my unlce Bud in Bangor, Maine, thank you for your 20 years of Air Force service during the Korean War and after. And thank you to for the work you do today greeting our service men and women as they return from the Middle East. Thanks too, to Uncle Bob in Utah. Thanks for your Army service, for the battles on the ground in Korea. For doing the worse task known to man, helping gather the bodies of your fallen comrades after the Chinese tried to overrun your positions. Even tho' it's a Marine slogan, you exemplified "no one gets left behind".

For those of you who don't know, that ribbon serving as my avatar is a Bronze Star. I'm no hero, just a guy that did his job in Vietnam. But I'm Damn proud of that job, and I'd do it all again in the name of this Great Nation. Right or wrong, military personnel take an oath to honor and serve our flag and all that it stands for. Today when you see all the flags flying, remember those people that took that oath - and believed every word of it.

Attention! Salute! Two! As you were. Peace be with all of you.

[TpGun2424]

I salute all who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Thank you. Everybody here who has been to war, thank you. Some day I'll be out there writing the next page of in our history books.

[nocturnx]

I thank all those in the military for serving our country and those that have already given their lives for our country. My father has been in Iraq for the past 4 months and I wish him and all others currently serving in Iraq a safe journey back home. I just got my orders to korea and will be shipped off here in 3 weeks. I am looking forward to it though. My father is keeping an online journal while he is over there and its somewhat interesting, there are a few pictures of the base and such. If anyone wants the link give me a PM.

[Panama Red]

nocturnx, God's speed to you and your dad. Thank you for your service and may you both come back home safely. A salute to you both.

[nocturnx]

Wow Panama Red, the bronze star is a very high honor.

For anyone that doesnt know, the bronze star is only given to those that are recognized to have went above and beyond for heroism in combat and meritorious achievement .

[TimPoet]

Kudos, Red, kudos.

[pop-tart]

Thanks to all of the soldiers who have fought for and defended my freedom. Whether you fought from the beaches at anzio, or fought the desert war in iraq, you have my thanks for what it's worth.