Posted: 5/27/2005 5:34:47 PM EDT
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Dear Friends, Before you read any further please understand this: "I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all..." With that said I will endeavor to reflect on the extended weekend of yet another Memorial Day. As always I find myself full of honor for being an American, but on the other hand I find my heart full of dismal regret - not regret for the lives that were lost in battles that our soldiers and our American allies have fought for freedom..... a regret that is felt from the weight of non-patriotism that is surrounding my country; our country. Any soldier that is in the fight will tell you: "We have boots on the ground filling with blood for the cause." That cause is the cause for freedom. Yes freedom. The cost of freedom is so intrinsic in my heart that I cannot accept as true the number of people who are taking advantage of this ‘holiday’ weekend as motivation to get drunk and barbecue in the console of their own homes and neighborhoods - and yet speak angrily of our President and our brave, very brave men and women who are on foreign soil fighting the hostilities, and dying so those here at home can party in an affable, safe, and cozy environment. Those who have never visited the grave of a veteran whom they have never known, or flown a flag in "Honor of the Fallen," don't have a clue what it is like to be in the muck, the mire and the sand far away from loved ones..... or, what it’s like to be under fire when friends are dying.... or, what it is like not to have a uncontaminated place to go to the bathroom or a dry roll of toilet paper of which to wipe their ass. Although I have never experienced the aforementioned, I do know those who have and those who are, and I choose to voice those words in this writing. People who take their freedoms for granted make me sick, because they don't have any indication of what the cost of freedom involves. By no means is this post meant to insult or criticize anyone personally, but on the other hand if anyone is offended maybe they should check themselves and realize what our troops are sacrificing so WE can live in peace and comfort. Our troops are the only thing standing between life as we know it, and becoming a terrorist-torn country. Like me, I am sure that many of you who are reading this post have your hearts swelled with pride of country, and your throats lumped with emotion. Although Memorial Day is a day reserved to remember our soldiers who have fallen silent, I believe that it should also be a day to remember all soldiers living and dead, because when a soldier dies so many more are affected; and when a soldier dies America as a whole loses a son or daughter. Please know that we celebrate the holidays, and we remember the dead. Therefore, Memorial Day is not a day of celebration; it is a day of remembrance - a day of respect. Those of you who know me personally know that this message is not one of self-service; it is a message of truth, honor, loyalty, patriotism, and love of country. And most importantly, it is a message of remembrance for those who have served, those who are serving, and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for Freedom. And please, also remember the brave men and women of Law Enforcement who have given the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe here at home. May God bless America, and may God continue to bless our Troops. Be Safe. Joe OUT ARMED FORCES TRIBUTE THE WALL WWII MEMORIAL NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER'S MEMORIAL ETA: One of our own from ARFcom here in Las Vegas is serving as you read this. Drop BroncoGlenn an IM or email. I am sure he will be glad to receive your thoughts and prayers. Be Safe and God Bless, Glenn.... |
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Very well put. And really, you are just preaching to the choir here. I would bet my paycheck that the overwhelming majority of guys and gals on this board are the kind of folks who send letters to, pray for, honor, and love those who sacrifice so much for us. Some of us were patriotic before it was 9/11 cool, wear our POW/MIA bracelets EVERYDAY, and buy a vet drink every chance we get. Hopefully those men and women know, that no matter what the evening news says about them, WE STILL CARE AND LOVE THEM. THEY ARE OUR HEROES!! |
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I agree GM, Just know that I posted my Memorial Day Message because there are younger, yuppie assclowns that don't understand the difference between celebrating Christmas and holding reverent the the memory and honor of the fallen, and that is the point I wanted to get across. And yes, the fallen, the serving, and the survivors are our heroes and I will continue to honor, respect, and salute them until the day I die, because their ultimate sacrifices are why we are able to exchange our feelings to eachother with peace and security. I am glad that you appreciated the read. Be Safe. Joe |
Outstanding Flash presentation. Thanks, WP. |