Memorial Day nears

[winlots]

Eternal gratitude to those who have sacrificed their lives for our nation, its freedoms and its values. Perhaps others will find the words to express our debt.

 

[Kaizen]

 

[veryolddog]

It is nice to know that there are a handful of folks out there that Memorial Day is just not a day to BBQ and Retail Sales. Folks ought to realize and appreciate that they can BBQ and buy stuff because of those who gave all.

 

[Gus Mahler]

If there is anything I've learned on this time on Earth it's that tastes change. When this song was released in 1972 I would not have felt it worthy of my attention from a musical standpoint. I rejected the style, as many of my generation and culture would have.

Now, almost a half century later, I have fallen asleep several times from listening to this song over and over. It is my favorite patriotic song (with the Battle Hymn of the People a close second). If you play this, listen several times so you can appreciate the artistry of this singer, a man who didn't always benefit from America's wonder and largess.

 

[Centerstream]

 

[Monte]

I would like to mention all the veterans who served, and never discuss it or show it.
They know what they did, and they go on with a quiet, private life, not wanting to be in the center of attention.
Over the years, I have seen many of them standing on the roadsides watching parades and ceremonies, and in their own minds feeling satisfied what they have done for us.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Veteran's Day is the day we honor those who have served in armed forces in this country. Memorial Day is the day we pay tribute to those whose who paid the ultimate price--giving their lives in service to their country.

It's my understanding that about 413,000 American gave their lives in WW II to preserve the freedoms and way of life we enjoy today, and for that past that we have admired and revered. I ask that you, dear reader, look beyond the insanity that pervades the America that so many sacrificed for.

I am humbled to thank you, cousin Danny, for the ultimate sacrifice that you and others surrendered your life for in 1967 so that I and so many others from my generation could live the lives we have lived, free from threat from the outside, and free from having to put our lives on the line to preserve the lives we have lived, and from the alternative lives we could have lived if not for your sacrifice and that so many others made for us.

God bless you and and your cohort for what you did and sacrificed for us all--a life surrendered for us and others who were more fortunate than you. Thank you for all the time you spent with me when I was so very young. Know that I remember and will never forget what you sacrificed for me so that I could live the life that I have lived.

God and Heaven and all of Creation bless you. Know that after all these years you are still in my mind and heart. Forever. Know that I and others cry for you on this Memorial Day.

Sincerely,

Jeff, your cousin, and all others who mourn for your loss.

 

[BigBird]

So many get this conflated. Memorial Day honors American war dead. All veterans (especially survivors) are honored on Veterans Day, in November. Honor whoever you please, for whatever reason works for you. But it seems like we have morphed a bunch of holidays into "thank the troops day." From the 4th of July, Flag Day, etc., we have lost some of the original significance of these observations. Anyway, enjoy whatever you do and play nice with others.

 

[huskeynut]

From a #proudnavydad

 

[BroadwayVa]

God Bless America, Land that I love, stand beside her and guide her through the night with the lite from above. From the mountains to the prairies. to the oceans white with foam--God Bless America, my home sweet home.
My National Antheum
My family in wars from WW1 through to those of today have had no losses --PTSD from Kamakaze attacks, Gassing in WW1, D day--up to my Naval Aviator Grandson we've had 50 that I know of that served. We are blessed

My neighbors son was killed Afghanistan--this weekend his name is held high . To his mother everyday since that day is hell. His dad killed himself over that loss. That single death nearly destroyed a family. The price of that one death is extremely high..
Few think beyond that one death. A families death. He was 20 years old.

 

[BroadwayVa]

So many get this conflated. Memorial Day honors American war dead. All veterans (especially survivors) are honored on Veterans Day, in November. Honor whoever you please, for whatever reason works for you. But it seems like we have morphed a bunch of holidays into "thank the troops day." From the 4th of July, Flag Day, etc., we have lost some of the original significance of these observations. Anyway, enjoy whatever you do and play nice with others.

Thank you and bless you for this. My flag shall be flown on 14 June.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Veteran's Day is the day we honor those who have served in armed forces in this country. Memorial Day is the day we pay tribute to those whose who paid the ultimate price--giving their lives in service to their country.

It's my understanding that about 413,000 American gave their lives in WW II to preserve the freedoms and way of life we enjoy today, and for that past that we have admired and revered. I ask that you, dear reader, look beyond the insanity that pervades the America that so many sacrificed for.

I am humbled to thank you, cousin Danny, for the ultimate sacrifice that you and others surrendered your life for in 1967 so that I and so many others from my generation could live the lives we have lived, free from threat from the outside, and free from having to put our lives on the line to preserve the lives we have lived, and from the alternative lives we could have lived if not for your sacrifice and that so many others made for us.

God bless you and and your cohort for what you did and sacrificed for us all--a life surrendered for us and others who were more fortunate than you. Thank you for all the time you spent with me when I was so very young. Know that I remember and will never forget what you sacrificed for me so that I could live the life that I and others have lived.

God and Heaven and all of Creation bless you. Know that after all these years you are still in my mind and heart. Forever. Know that I and others cry for you on this Memorial Day.

Sincerely,

Jeff, your cousin, and all others who mourn for your loss.

Gus--dang you! My teary eyes can't see. Thank you, thank you.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Eternal gratitude to those who have sacrificed their lives for our nation, its freedoms and its values. Perhaps others will find the words to express our debt.

Winslot: Just think of this: Hundred of thousands of our population came from war torn Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle east. They live because our Boys and Girls had their lives taken (they don't give them). Congresswoman Omar serves and lives because our military saved her and other Somalia's. The gift of life and service was given when their lives were taken.

 

[Bama fan]

This poem, written by a Canadian doctor, is the purest example of the belief that our war dead should be honored, and their sacrifices should be in pursuit of a noble cause.

 

[UcMiami]

Not sure if this is appropriate so please delete if it offends. But on the 50th anniversary of the week here goes:

My aunt worked for Life magazine from the beginning to the end and was an integral part of perhaps its most important issue - the 'One Weeks Toll' edition of June 1969 documenting the faces of all the servicemen reported dead during the week of memorial day 1969 in Vietnam. I was contacted by a man trying to put together a documentary film about that single issue a few years ago and I just received an email yesterday saying he had not been able to get the project off the ground but providing the following link to a 15 minute review of some of his research, as well as a video presentation of the images. I did not have any specific memories of my Aunt during that time related to the issue but was able to connect him to her daughter who had actually been hired part time to help pull everything together. (My Aunt was Muriel Hall head of research.) I did remember clearly reading the issue and going back over it quite a few times as someone a few years short of draft age. I ended up being eligible the last year they conducted the lottery and the first year they called up no one from the class. I carried my draft card for the next 20 years in my wallet.

The issue was influential in the efforts to end the war, but was definitely also a moving tribute to 242 who were reported killed that week, and by extension all who served. They say the most ardent Hawks never served and the most passionate Doves did.

Home | LIFE242

www.life242.com

PS I think Vietnam was the last conflict the US has been involved with that truly touched all of society. It has become too easy for most of us to forget that service men and women are in harms way every day - you really couldn't escape that fact in the 60s/early 70s - everyone knew someone involved or who had been KIA and cared deeply.

 

[winlots]

Speaking of knowing and caring about those killed in action, that was certainly true back then, though that is not something unique to the Vietnam era.
In World War II, virtually every home had blue and or gold stars mounted in fringed small flags on the front door. Blue for those who served, and gold for those who served and fell, and they were everywhere. Often many on one home. There was caring galore.

We have a family paratrooper from WWII buried among the field of crosses in Normandy. Many uncles in the family, whom I looked up to as I came to know them after WWI, fought and survived in both world Wars:

Our family of German heritage who went "over there" to defeat the " National Socialist German Workers Party" and its vaunted Wehrmacht.

How many even know what that real translation of "Nazi" is today in our world of make believe and revisionism.

So appreciative of those who have chimed in thus far with very personal and touching stories which I hope move us all and help in some small way to keep our proud heritage alive. God bless you and your families. Many of us will be "with you" tomorrow.

 

[UcMiami]

Speaking of knowing and caring about those killed in action, that was certainly true back then, though that is not something unique to the Vietnam era.
In World War II, virtually every home had blue and or gold stars mounted in fringed small flags on the front door. Blue for those who served, and gold for those who served and fell, and they were everywhere. Often many on one home. There was caring galore.

We have a family paratrooper from WWII buried among the field of crosses in Normandy. Many uncles in the family, whom I looked up to as I came to know them after WWI, fought and survived in both world Wars:

Our family of German heritage who went "over there" to defeat the " National Socialist German Workers Party" and its vaunted Wehrmacht.

How many even know what that real translation of "Nazi" is today in our world of make believe and revisionism.

So appreciative of those who have chimed in thus far with very personal and touching stories which I hope move us all and help in some small way to keep our proud heritage alive. God bless you and your families. Many of us will be "with you" tomorrow.

Sorry - did not mean to imply Vietnam was special in that way, just that it was the last time where all of society was involved and aware. My own father and uncles all served in WWII, one in the merchant marine in the north atlantic which might have been the most dangerous service.

I think a volunteer military tends to segregate most of society from those who bear the burden

 

[willtalk]

------Memorial Day is the day we pay tribute to those whose who paid the ultimate price--giving their lives in service to their country.

Article 1 in the military code of conduct states. I am an American fighting man, I serve in the forces which guard our country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.---------

This is the essence of what Memorial day signifies. It honors those that have lived up to that pledge. They should be honored even by those that did not agree with the specific conflict in which they honored that pledge. US Grant honored the courage and commitment of even those that fought against the very cause he was fighting for. He recorded his thoughts reflecting his feelings after the surrender at Appomattox. " I felt like anything rather than rejoicing at the downfall of a foe who had fought so long and valiantly," he wrote. and had suffered so much for a cause, though that cause was, I believe, one of the worst for which a people ever fought, and one for which there was the least excuse.

This is something that sometimes people in this country have forgotten. Especially during the Viet Nahm conflict. Even if you do not agree with the cause for which someone died, you can still and should honor their sacrifice, courage, and dedication to fulfill their pledge as stated in the first article of the military code of conduct. If Grant, along with many of his troops can respect the courage and dedication of their enemy, then citizens of this country should have the same respect for the soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for them. At least respect the givers intent even if you do not value the gift.

 

[winlots]

Sorry - did not mean to imply Vietnam was special in that way, just that it was the last time where all of society was involved and aware. My own fathers and uncles all served in WWII, one in the merchant marine in the north atlantic which might have been the most dangerous service.

UcM: Thank you, no apology needed. Understood. Have always had a good vibe from and about you, by the way. And thanks to those in your family who have served. Was close friend of an older man merchant marine who transported uranium for our rocket programs by starlight to evade Nazi ships.

 

[Bama fan]

There is a video associated with the 1969 Life magazine story referred to by @UcMiami . Watch it if you wish. It is moving, a tribute and paean to the dead. And it served as a visceral reminder of what we were being asked to sacrifice as a nation in those dark years. Some went gladly, some begrudgingly, some not knowing what else to do. But they went and they died for a nation that was not sure how to thank them. Let's just appreciate their sacrifice and mourn their loss without judgement , but with loving care.

 

[Beemer]

If there is anything I've learned on this time on Earth it's that tastes change. When this song was released in 1972 I would not have felt it worthy of my attention from a musical standpoint. I rejected the style, as many of my generation and culture would have.

Now, almost a half century later, I have fallen asleep several times from listening to this song over and over. It is my favorite patriotic song (with the Battle Hymn of the People a close second). If you play this, listen several times so you can appreciate the artistry of this singer, a man who didn't always benefit from America's wonder and largess.

I dedicate this Memorial Day to my first cousin Danny, who died in Vietnam as the result of actions by his fellow soldiers. Friendly fire? Miscommunication from command to soldier. It's over a half century later, his mother is recently dead, but he, his family, and the country he gave his life for, remain in my thoughts.

Let us all hope that such a circumstance never arises again.

Yes! My all time favorite version of this song.

There really are no words that can adequately express what we owe to the men & women who have given their lives for our country, at least, I cannot find them.

 

[rvwsleep]

If there is anything I've learned on this time on Earth it's that tastes change. When this song was released in 1972 I would not have felt it worthy of my attention from a musical standpoint. I rejected the style, as many of my generation and culture would have.

Now, almost a half century later, I have fallen asleep several times from listening to this song over and over. It is my favorite patriotic song (with the Battle Hymn of the People a close second). If you play this, listen several times so you can appreciate the artistry of this singer, a man who didn't always benefit from America's wonder and largess.

I dedicate this Memorial Day to my first cousin Danny, who died in Vietnam as the result of actions by his fellow soldiers. Friendly fire? Miscommunication from command to soldier. It's over a half century later, his mother is recently dead, but he, his family, and the country he gave his life for, remain in my thoughts.

Let us all hope that such a circumstance never arises again.

I was at a charity event, a couple of decades ago, where Ray was the celebrity guest, and he sang America. One more crossed off my musical bucket list.

 

[Woof 101]

So many get this conflated. Memorial Day honors American war dead. All veterans (especially survivors) are honored on Veterans Day, in November. Honor whoever you please, for whatever reason works for you. But it seems like we have morphed a bunch of holidays into "thank the troops day." From the 4th of July, Flag Day, etc., we have lost some of the original significance of these observations. Anyway, enjoy whatever you do and play nice with others.

BigBird...Playing nice in the box here . I could be very wrong but I do not feel conflicted at all by attending the local parade tomorrow and thanking all the veterans that attend, march and organize the event. It is not beyond most those who are being memorialized and those you thank while still alive for serving. Many were right beside those who gave the supreme sacrifice while serving.

I had a 93 year old Navy vet come in my driveway today to thank me for my thank you vets display. He gave me a run down of the major battles he was in and how much he appreciated my expression of thanks.
Shaking his hand was a special moment, such a proud and gentile man. Went on to tell me he will be in the parade in a real shiny hot rod. I don't bring my camera every year but tomorrow I will.

Again I could be off base here and I get your point on the separation of holidays thing. Having said that I think every day should be "THANK THE TROOPS DAY" ......

 

[BigBird]

Of course. I totally understand. That’s why I tried to leave some space in my point for the inclusion of yours. It’s never wrong to appreciate our veterans. In my extended family there were multiple KIA and POW. Believe me, I get it.

 

[Gus Mahler]

BYers,

I'm a little embarrassed by my redundant posts above. I started drinking early and often yesterday and by 11:00 Bulleit had me thoroughly bulleted. Also very emotional over the news of various goings on here and around. I'm afraid some of that bubbled up and out. Didn't intend to be so sappy.