Posted: 5/22/2009 10:32:44 PM EDT
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First let me Say:
"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 country and our brave, very brave men and women who are on foreign soil fighting the hostilities of war 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 and Firefighters 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 National WWII Memorial National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Fireghters Memorial 
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Thanks Joe.
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 25 in 2009). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action. In turn Liz, with a heavy heart and always teary eyed, forever until we die, you will be the first and last memory in our thoughts on every last Monday in May. No matter the after the fact circumstances and how much we critically disect the event; I, like others feel, am sorry we got there too late. Link to tribute It was an honor to serve with you and thanks for playing number 11... V OUT |
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Soon we will pay special honor those who have gone before us… those warriors who laid it down, who endured the great pain of injury and loss of this life in our world ….
Many of us hold memories that have and continue to bring poignant moments throughout our lives’ various moments – memories of shipmates, brothers-in-arms, friends of times ago – treasures of memories most usually held close - But on Memorial Day we openly celebrate those who have paid all that we the living may be safe and free. In remembrance, we dip the Colors ‘til noon that they shall not be forgotten. And we rehoist the Colors at noon that they and all shall know we carry on for them. Wally ******************************************************** 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 N.P. CHIPMAN, Adjutant General Official: WM. T. COLLINS, A.A.G. |
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Quoted:
Thanks Joe. Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 25 in 2009). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action. In turn Liz, with a heavy heart and always teary eyed, forever until we die, you will be the first and last memory in our thoughts on every last Monday in May. No matter the after the fact circumstances and how much we critically disect the event; I, like others feel, am sorry we got there too late. Link to tribute It was an honor to serve with you and thanks for playing number 11... V OUT I need to start taking this day off. Always a lot of memories that need a few beers. 
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I want to say Thank You to everyone who has put on a uniform to protect this country from evil people who would take our freedom from us. It is only through the sacrifices, and unimaginable hardships by the protectors of the constitution that I am allowed to live my life as I do. They risked and some lost their lives for our freedom.
In 1960 my grandfather saw that his life in Cuba was over as he knew it. He saved his family by sending them here to Las Vegas a few at a time as his belongings, business and home were nationalized by communists. He didn't leave until every one of his children were free. I love this country and everyone who has defended it. God bless this great nation and all of her soldiers.
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| Although I've never lost a close friend in war I still think about those that have given the ultimate sacrifice. Those Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Seabees (and their families) will always have my respect and will always be in my memories. Everytime I hear Taps being played, I can't help but think about everyone overseas and those that have died. It always bring a tear to my eye. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Thanks Joe. Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 25 in 2009). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action. In turn Liz, with a heavy heart and always teary eyed, forever until we die, you will be the first and last memory in our thoughts on every last Monday in May. No matter the after the fact circumstances and how much we critically disect the event; I, like others feel, am sorry we got there too late. Link to tribute It was an honor to serve with you and thanks for playing number 11... V OUT I need to start taking this day off. Always a lot of memories that need a few beers. Do it. It's therapy. RIP Sergeant Self. V OUT |
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We must never forget who gets the credit for the freedoms we have, of which we should be Eternally grateful.
I watched the flag pass by one day It fluttered in the breeze, A young Marine saluted it And then he stood at ease.. I looked at him in uniform So young, so tall, so proud, With hair cut square and eyes alert He'd stand out in any crowd. I thought how many men like him Had fallen through the years, How many died on foreign soil How many mothers' tears? How many pilots' planes shot down How many died at sea, How many foxholes were soldiers' graves No, freedom isn't free I heard the sound of Taps one night When everything was still, I listened to the bugler play And felt a sudden chill. I wondered just how many times That Taps had meant 'Amen, When a flag had draped a coffin. Of a brother or a friend. I thought of all the children Of the mothers and the wives, Of fathers, sons and husbands With interrupted lives. I thought about a graveyard At the bottom of the sea, Of unmarked graves in Arlington No, freedom isn't free. Enjoy Your Freedom & God Bless Our Troops Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Prayer is the very best one. |
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thanx joe for once again saying with elequence and clarity what i feel. today is a special day for me and family. i have lost a number of teammates and am aways telling my children about them.
to all those that have and are serving both mil and civies ie: pd, firefighters i say thank u 6 |