Memorial Day

[Michael Mills]

Just a little time to reflect on what our veterans have given us.
I did not write this but I agree.

Veterans

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 social 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.

For those veterans who've passed on…
Grant them eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon them.

 

[waltben]

For today, I think the word "fallen" should be inserted just before "veteran". We peacetime or wartime survivor veterans have our own day. This is why a lot of us intensely dislike the "celebrate Memorial Day" kind of things that get put out, especially by those trying to sell stuff. Today should be about remembering, praying, thanking, and not forgetting.

 

[john lucas]

Walt I'm working with American Legion Boys State today and those are the exact words the retired army chaplain said during his part of the memorial day ceremony the boys attend. This should be a day about remembering not celebrating.

 

[Don Geiger]

Proud son

My Dad, Stacy Geiger, joined the Army Air Force and ended up going to Germany. I'm glad to say that he made it back or else I wouldn't be here writing this right now. Below is a photo of my Dad, in uniform, standing with my Grandfather and Uncle. This was taken before he left for Germany.

After the war, he became a highly skilled woodworker and taught me a lot.

Many sacrifices were made by thousands of people for the freedom so many take for granted today.


Don

 

[Michael Mills]

Walt,
I agree with you on all points. I posted this particular quote only as a remembrance to those who died in battle. Hence the photo I attached.

Mike

 

[Bernie Weishapl]

For today, I think the word "fallen" should be inserted just before "veteran". We peacetime or wartime survivor veterans have our own day. This is why a lot of us intensely dislike the "celebrate Memorial Day" kind of things that get put out, especially by those trying to sell stuff. Today should be about remembering, praying, thanking, and not forgetting.

Amen Walt. Amen.

 

[MichaelMouse]

One of those holidays that started out about something in particular, it has morphed quite a bit. http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html

What Walt considers a day to honor those veterans who served and survived started very differently as well. http://www.history.army.mil/faq/vetsday/vetshist.htm

There aren't enough days in the year to honor selflessness, too damn many devoted to selfishness.

 

[allen jay]

at the risk of playing devils advocate and I hope if i am incorrect someone i am sure will correct me but since when was memorial day set aside exculsively for memorilazing our veterans??
Not that i disagree at all of the service and sacrifice that dead veterans have given but it is just a curious question is all. I am thankful to all who have served dead as well as living.