Memorial Day

[GrandpaNoob72]

I don't know exactly where I plan to go with this, but it comes from the heart, so please bear with me...

Just about every holiday we have is commercialized to some extent. Chocolate and candy sales explode around Easter and Halloween, Christmas and New Year's, let's not even go there. Face it, we're a commercial society.

I just think that some holidays should be treated as such, holy (or at least honored as if they were) days. Case in point: Memorial Day. For our Brit Pimp Brothas and Sistahs, it's the day we Yanks honor/pay tribute to our fallen service men and women. To most Americans, though, it's another long weekend off from work, special discount sales left and right, and BBQ.

I personally feel very strongly that we should *actively* honor not only those who have paid in blood for the freedoms we enjoy (and sometimes take for granted), but those who stand watch on the front lines, at this very instant, as I write this. I'm in the service, but this post has much less to do with me than you'd think. My current job is to help train soldiers who will probably be deploying to Iraq or Assghanistan (as one of my bosses likes to refer to it), so that they have the most basic skills they need to complete their assignment and come home.

There are others whose assignment places them in Harm's Way, day in and day out. Some came in for the GI Bill, others to escape the life on the streets, and others pure and simply for "God and Country". Some joined before this all started, and some in spite of it. I don't ask you to agree with the people that sent them over to wherever. I ask only that you remember them day in and day out, and that you support them in any way you can afford to.

If you know a Veteran, go visit them tomorrow, take them some brownies or cake or just sit and visit with them. Thank them for their service, whether in War or Peacetime, you'll be amazed how much those two little words can lift someone's spirit. If you know the family of a Veteran, thank them for their loved ones' service... Help support them any way you can... Trust me, it will make the service men and women overseas rest easier knowing their families are cared for while they are away.

Finally... In whatever language, in whatever faith, pray that they will be kept safe, whether Active or Retired... I can't remember who originally wrote this, but I have it framed above my dresser next to my NCO Creed, so I can see it every morning and remember...

It is the soldier, not the poet, who gives us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the reporter, who gives us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us freedom to protest.
It is the soldier who serves beneath the flag, who salutes the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who gives the demonstrator the right to burn the flag.

[Highperf15]

You get rep from me..........and for those that have fallen "All the Way"......

[JeffDiablo]

My grandfather was in the Navy during WWII and served in the South Pacific. He gave me an amazing appreciation of what it means to 'put it all on the line'.

When I celebrate Memorial Day with a cold beer and plate of BBQ I'm celebrating the fact I have the freedom to do so.

[DuckWarrior]

Pimp post my brother in arms, may your remaining days be free of bullets and blood

[GrandpaNoob72]

Thanks for the positive comments and PMs and rep, but I wanted to clarify something...

I didn't post my thoughts in this thread for rep. I didn't post to run up my post count. I didn't post to bring back unpleasant memories to anyone who may have lost a loved one. I didn't post to darken the skies over anyone's BBQ or sale-hunting tomorrow. I posted for one reason: it's what I feel and believe with all my heart. I know there are quite a few Active and Retired personnel here on PR. I posted as a salute to them. I know there are family members whose loved ones are overseas in Harm's Way. I posted as a comforting hug to them.

I'll be enjoying time with my family tomorrow, at home. Maybe some beer and BBQ as well... But I promise you I'll be saying a prayer of thanks for those who have served, who made sure that I had a choice when it came my turn to serve, and for those who serve today, at home or far away...

For those who serve or have served, Freedom has a sweet taste that the protected will never truly know...

[ranger1033]

I would like to thank all the soldiers who are serving and who also have fallen to keep us safe and free in a world that we should be so glad to be free in.I am so glad to be a American and i salute each and everyone that is in the service today for our freedom. Also all the soldiers that not home with there families i salute them and hope each and everyone of them to come home safe. My prayers go out to each and everyone.p.s. I am not a really good speller so i hope everyone is ok on what i said.

God Bless America
Home Of Brave And The Free
United We Stand
Proud To Be A American

[Digital-World]

Not to steal any light away from a truely brilliant post bro...But I got to reading and it sounds very close to what I wrote last year...So I went back and read my letter to the American Heros....And you know it fits so perfect for this year again as well as makes a good compliment to your point in this thread....The letter for those that are too lazy to click to the original thread found http://forums.pcapex.com/showthread.php?t=17823 Reads as follows.....

Peace and God Bless ....
Digi


To my HERO.
As a child, on Memorial Day, I remember the importance of putting up our flag on the massive pole out in front of our house. I remember my father crying as he raised the flag on this day. I remember him telling me that this was no ordinary flag but the flag to the last ship he served on in the United States Navy. The Flag that was given to him when he retired from the Armed Forces. A flag that actually flew on the mast of a great ship of this worlds Finest Navy. I remember him discussing the stories of the foreign places he had been. Vietnam and many other conflicts that put him in harms way to make sure that freedom was never lost. I remember the smile on his face the day I joined the United State Navy to serve my country and follow in the heritage of my familys footsteps. There has been a member of every generation in my family in the Navy since the First Fleet set sail on the oceans waves for the first time.

I also remember our family having a great barbecue, playing in the sun, and enjoying the day, free from worries, free from oppression. In short:
FREE.
Just the way you would have wanted it!
I know that you paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that I and many others have the freedom to enjoy the basic rights as human beings. This year though is a different year. This year we find ourselves at war with Iraq and Terrorism. We find the public scrutinizing the work you did and do. We find the lack of support for your ultimate sacrifice. Like Jesus lost to Santa and the Easter Bunny, You are loosing to the big sale at Wal-Mart a presidential election and the many other commercial ideas that take over a Holiday meant to honor YOU. Most of the people that attend the Memorial Day Parade only stand up out of their chair when someone throws candy at them or their legs get tired. Forgetting to honor the Flag that you fought to keep standing tall and proud. Why are the ones in wheel chairs the only ones standing? All the flags that were waving when America was attacked in Sept of 2001 are no longer waving. People are finding themselves embarrassed of our country for the war in Iraq and the behavior of a few ignorant soldiers who abused some Prisoners of war. Americans are so skeptical these days that even the beheading of an American Citizen falls under scrutiny by the masses as a fraud and is quickly discounted. Many times forgetting the family of that Beheaded hero who just wanted to help people with a better life. What does that say of our country that these ideas are even thought off or comitted?

Sometimes what we fight for isn't easy or right. And sometimes the reasons may seem unimportant to the masses but rest assured No matter what reason you fight, I support you 150%. I stand behind your sacrifice and your willingness to leave your family behind to go to a strange place and serve your country. Your willingness to not run from your duty as an AMERICAN. No matter what you fight for your Sacrifice is what we honor. The freedom we enjoy isn't cheap and shouldn't be treated as such. Rest assured that on this Memorial Day I will stand when the American Flag passes by me in the parade and put my hand on my heart. I will hang my flag for others to see. I will lay flowers and flags at the Memorials of my family and friends that served. And I will smile knowing I can enjoy the freedom to play with my children without fear because of YOUR sacrifice... Lest we not forget so easily the unsung American men and women that serve this country proudly and with HONOR and DIGNITY. We will do our best to overlook the sadder things that happen and the unjust stupidities of a few Criminals. My thoughts are with you this Entire weekend. My thoughts are with your family that may be celebrating without you because you made it possible for me to celebrate with mine
I love you and I honor you. You are not unnoticed in this Veterans Heart.
I leave you with a prayer. Sincerely
Barry K Snider

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who biddest the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy Word,
Who walked on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
O Trinity of love and power!
Our family shield in danger?s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect us wheresoever we go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea
Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
Through the great spaces in the sky.
Be with them always in the air,
In darkening storms or sunlight fair;
Oh, hear us when we lift our prayer,
For those in peril in the air!
Eternal Father, grant, we pray,
To all Soldiers, both night and day,
The courage, honor, strength, and skill
Their land to serve, thy law fulfill;
Be thou the shield forevermore
From every peril forevermore.

[Foe]

Happy and safe Memorial day to all.

[Que_66]

Freedom is one of those things in this life that's taken for granted. People don't realize just how much freedom they have nor do they realize the price paid for it.

For all those who have served in the past.
For all those who are serving now.
For all those who will serve in the future.

Thank you for dedicating your lives to the protection of our Country and the Freedom it provides.


Semper Fidelis

[Enko]

referring to digi's post, that prayer at the end is the Navy Hymn. try and see if you can find a copy of the Naval Academy's choir singing it. its a great piece.

[Digital-World]

Quote: Originally Posted by Enko referring to digi's post, that prayer at the end is the Navy Hymn. try and see if you can find a copy of the Naval Academy's choir singing it. its a great piece.

Yes I was aware of that...And It is awesome to hear...Sent chills down my spine when I heard the choir that sang it in the 1995 submarine movie Cromson Tide.....If I knew flash well enough I would put it on my banner....but I just dont know it...
Digi.....

AHHHH I FINALLY FIGURED IT OUT.....Took some time...but I got the right version to play on mouse over....thinking of chaning it to MOUSE CLICK...to annoy less people...but its only ONE day....

What you think?

Edit again...OKAY WENT WITH THE CLICK ANYWAY....Drag overs annoy everyone else.....

[EstwingMan]

IÂ’ve said it many times in the past here at PR, and I always mean itÂ…Thank you all who serve to keep us safe. I thank all of you who go and put your lives before yourselves to protect us, There is no way that we can ever repay you for your service and dedication, but we are all indebted to you. God Bless you all, those who go willing and those who have gone before. You will never be forgotten.

[Digital-World]

You know its amazing to me just how few people actually took the time to read this thread let alone understand it......

I guess you should have titled the thread..."Should I date my girlfriends mothers freinds sisters pen-pal for the millionth time because my groin is sore today and it burns when I pee?"
man.....

Happy Memorial Day Everyone....
GPNoob--- How long you have left before retirement?

[GrandpaNoob72]

Nine more years, unless they let me stay in longer... Then I'll need to start ANOTHER career, since my daughter will only be 11 by then ... I guess living off one job's paycheck and another one's pension won't be that bad...

[Digital-World]

Quote: Originally Posted by GrandpaNoob72 Nine more years, unless they let me stay in longer... Then I'll need to start ANOTHER career, since my daughter will only be 11 by then ... I guess living off one job's paycheck and another one's pension won't be that bad...

Cool......My prayers go out to ya...Must be hard to train troops to go overseas...All the freinds you make and you know there are some of them that might not make it back....Thats got to be hard....

[vf1000ride]

Well, I went shooting at the range today and made at least one older WWII vet happy. His son brought him out to shoot the AR-15. I didn't know the guy at the time but I think we became good friends before things where over. I had my M1 garand, my Springfield 1903 and my old Enfield rifle out for the day. The look on his face when I offered him to shoot my garand was incredible. He ended up shooting 4 clips worth of ammo before his shoulder couldn't take it any more. He didn't do bad for not having shot one in almost 60 years. I didn't want to ask any questions of his service and just wanted to let him be happy shooting the old rifle. You can always tell the older gentlemen that served when you are at the gun range and they see a garand rifle, you can see the look they give the gun like it is a long lost friend and they always check the serial number to see if it indeed may have been theirs. If only the stories of every soldier could be told so that everyone else could understand the sacrifice and hardship that these men (and now woman) must endure to protect our freedom. I believe that memorial day is not just to remember the men that have given everything for this country but also to remember and celebrate those that are still with us. These are soldiers that made huge sacrifices to the country and even if they didn't come home physically wounded, they all brought back a piece of war with them that they will never quite forget.

[Slider]

I spent part of my weekend putting flags on graves at the VA Cemetary in Leavenworth (Rafiki bro, your dad's grave is in good shape). We went to the graves of my wifes grandparents at that same cemetary, and last week we had to bury my wife's grandfather who served in the Texas 36th division in WWII, and spent 21 months as a POW. I have great respect and admiration for all veterans. God bless those who are willing to sacrifice so that others may be free.

How did you spend your Memorial day?

[hondatuner]

My grandfather served on the pacific front during WWII he was a pilot and survived being shot down twice. The first picture of him with my grandmother was a week or two after he had been back in the states. Half of his hair was burned off and his uniform had burn holes in it. After he was discharged from the Air force he took a job as a test pilot and flew gyrocopters. Unfortunately the rear stabilizers are made of wood on them. That was how he died, because someone wouldn't take the time or the money to make this craft out of a material that could take the pressures put on it. I still wish I had gotten to know him. Or even listen to him. I'm sure I could have benefited from that. Everyone could.

Something that has been in the news for a few weeks now that has me outraged is several subdivisions are making people that live in the subdivision take down American flags because of some contract they signed to live there. Furthermore if the homeowner refuses to take down the flag they threaten to fine them or even have them removed from the subdivision. Outrageous if you ask me.

[Digital-World]

Quote: Originally Posted by hondatuner My grandfather served on the pacific front during WWII he was a pilot and survived being shot down twice. The first picture of him with my grandmother was a week or two after he had been back in the states. Half of his hair was burned off and his uniform had burn holes in it. After he was discharged from the Air force he took a job as a test pilot and flew gyrocopters. Unfortunately the rear stabilizers are made of wood on them. That was how he died, because someone wouldn't take the time or the money to make this craft out of a material that could take the pressures put on it. I still wish I had gotten to know him. Or even listen to him. I'm sure I could have benefited from that. Everyone could. Something that has been in the news for a few weeks now that has me outraged is several subdivisions are making people that live in the subdivision take down American flags because of some contract they signed to live there. Furthermore if the homeowner refuses to take down the flag they threaten to fine them or even have them removed from the subdivision. Outrageous if you ask me.

What sort of subdivision doesn't let you fly the american flag? I don't think I would have moved there to begin with....

Sounds like NAZI's own it.....geesh

[hondatuner]

I heard it on Fox news. ThereÂ’s was one in and one in Florida. Maybe you can find it on there website.

Pissed me off. Not a good way to start a day.