Memorial Day Thanks

[scesnick]

I would just like to wish my fellow Veterans a very happy Memorial Day. I hope everyone would join me in making a special effort to thank our World War II Veterans. Their numbers are dwindling pretty fast and soon we will no longer have the priviledge of shaking their hands and thanking them personally.

They simply don't make men like these anymore. They truly are our greatest generation. I shudder to think what America would be like without their bravery.

 

[Bird]

In general, I'd second all you said. However, "They simply don't make men like these anymore." I don't know. I sure wouldn't take anything away from the ones who fought in Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. They all deserve our respect and appreciation.

 

[beenthere]

I agree, will keep those WWII who have fallen for our country in my memories as they were among my fathers' generation. In my generation, there was Korea and Vietnam. Now there is Iraq and Afghanistan, all of which we owe a debt of gratitude to for their lives they gave for us.

I'd like to see an end to the military stands we take overseas, but that isn't likely. Many of our Young generation do not realize what others have done for them, as they are getting indoctrinated in schools that our Constitution is not important anymore. That situation is the biggest battle we are facing now, and will for years to come.

In their memory, I pray for our future. :Headbowed:

Veterans Day will come in November, for a salute to those in uniform and who have served.

 

[jayste]

Another salute to all of our veterans. Thanks and God bless each and every one of you!:thumbsup:

 

[scesnick]

In their memory, I pray for our future. :Headbowed:

Veterans Day will come in November, for a salute to those in uniform and who have served.

According to the VA we are losing about 1,135 WWII veterans per day. So, even though Veterans Day is the proper time to thank the people that served who are still living, I think we better thank them as soon as possible.

 

[Wesdor]

Yes, we need to thank all of our veterans. Thanks Bird, for mentioning all the others.

There are a lot of young people today that are serving in some difficult and dangerous places. Too many are giving the ultimate sacrifice. I just hope our country makes the most of their courage.

Regarding WW II. I have been involved for the past two years with the Illinois WW II Veterans Memorial Project. About 15 high schools around the state are interviewing survivors and then posting the edited interviews on the internet. BTW - this is not supported by tax $$.

Here is a link

WW II Veterans Classroom Project > Home

If anyone is interested, I can even suggest a few of the really awesome interviews.

Once again, thanks to all of our veterans. Please take time on Monday to remember them.

 

[2manyrocks]

Comrade Recalls Flier as 'Rock-Steady' - washingtonpost.com

There have been a lot of fine young men and women who have given their lives lately. Here's one of them.

 

[RedDirt]

With its many faults it is a wonderful country we live in and it has taken the ultimate sacrifice of many to make it and keep it that way. I salute all the veterans who have had to make that sacrifice.
Ray - Vietnam Vet

 

[mjarrels]

Sad part is that you sat beside these folks for years in church and did'nt know they were combat engineers climbing ropes during D Day or one the first waves in the pacific on the beaches... until you read their abituaries when they die. Hope the president has a good time on vacation in chitown this weekend.

mark

 

[Barton]

If anyone is interested, I can even suggest a few of the really awesome interviews.

I'm interested. Please do.

 

[om21braz]

Thank you to all veterans, past & present and future. Most all of them choose to fight for this country that those coming after them might have a better life and we certainly have. I'll end with Thank You also to those who did'nt have a choice.

 

[Wesdor]

Barton,

Here are a few off the top of my head (I've been a judge both years and have been amazed at many of the interviews).

In most cases, I have had the honor of meeting these heroes. They are all very unassuming people who think they didn't do that much more than anyone else.

These are not in any rank order - just very impressive videos. I won't tip you off as to the exact areas - enjoy.

This should at least get you started with some stories that held my attention. BTW - they are an even mix of pacific and european theaters.

George Zak
William Murphy
Harold Pankey
Donald McCall

 

[Barton]

Wesdor, Thanks.

 

[SAME4x4]

I second the thoughts already stated here: Thank you to all who have served and to all those who continue to serve.

Godspeed to You and Yours,
mathew

 

[/pine]

Not to take anything away from our active service men and women and all the US service Veterans...but "Memorial Day" is meant to honor those that died during service to their/our country...

The day is set aside to honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice...


Nov. 11. is set aside to honor ALL veterans...

 

[RadarTech]

Pine is correct..
for a history of Memorial Day..
Memorial Day History


And for a story on the last surviving WWI Veteran
Frank Buckles - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Home Page


To all my fellow Veterans:

"Please take this moment and reflect on our brothers in arms that have marched into the sunset (Army), reported to serve with Davy Jones(Navy), flown the final salute (Air Force) and gone on to Guard Heavens Streets (Marines) as they gave us all the right to be here today."

I don't remember where I read that, and I may not have gotten it exactly right... But they should be the focus of today's thoughts, God Bless you old friends..


J

 

[Cougar300]

Hope everyone is having an enjoyable and safe weekend.

My Dad was a WWII Veteran, this is the first Memorial Day without him.
Placed a Flag at his grave Thursday. Nice to see all the flags at the cemetary.

Don't forget to remember because...

It is the
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the
VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the
VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the
VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the
VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the
VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.


It is the
VETERAN who
salutes the Flag

It is the
VETERAN
who serves
under the Flag,

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

God Bless them all!

__________________

 

[QRTRHRS]

I was reading an article printed in USA Today while at work today. I should have looked at the date of print, it could not have been a day or so old. Anyway, the article had the number of war dead through the years and battles.

The war in Afghanistan is coming up on 104 months. We were officially in Vietnam for 103 months. The difference in dead is amazing. No comfort to those who have lost loved ones but high tech is amazing.

What is also an eye opener is the number of dead from our obviously not so Civil War. On this day, I would hope that people can set aside their believes or prejudices and focus on the bravery of those who fought for what they believed to be right.

We do indeed owe our day to day existence to those who have paid the greatest sacrifice.

While we are all tired of Iraq and Afghanistan, the reality is that we need to be there.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Thanks Dad!

WW2 photo.