Doc

Indeed.

Today we remember the fallen.

My father.

U.S. Marine Corps (1955-1969). Born: May 25, 1934; Died: June 21, 1987 (Father's Day 1987)

HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868



   The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

   We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

   If other eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.

   Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from hishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

   It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

   Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective.

   By order of

   JOHN A. LOGAN,
   Commander-in-Chief

This video gets to me every year:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=18&v=qNF28p6wkOs

Some Gave All

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkYAlLsADzw

Thanks to all who serve and have served

This one from Gothic Serpent is the one that always gets me...

Thanks Hal. Watching that young man salute those troops gave me my first smile of this special to me day. And next year, I believe I'm going to ride in Rolling Thunder instead of my yearly cross country trip to Sturgis. I owe it to the brave men and woman who have given the ultimate sacrifice for this great country of ours. Semper Fi.

Three weeks ago we were having a week vacation in Normandy France. We visited the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach which made a deep impression to us. With me there are many Dutch who are very grateful for the sacrifices these young American soldiers have been brought so that we can now live in freedom. Thank you.

Eric from the Netherlands

Me too.

I also want to thank someone I've never
either had the opportunity to thank or just couldn't bring myself to make my thoughts public, Thank You Richard M. Salter!!
The man that taught me more about piloting an AH-64 than anyone in flight school could ever do, and a great friend. You are
missed greatly.
http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/washingtonpost/richard-m-salter-condolences/16148455#sthash.kSS7ANFD.dpbs

Here is some more about Richard M Salter.

http://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-chief-warrant-officer-4-richard-m-salter/1440042