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Thank you for your service

Mark Hepburn

Mark Hepburn

Artist & Chef
Joined
Mar 26, 2014
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Just a quick post to say thank you to those who serve or have served their country. Although today is an American holiday, the spirit of service is certainly not unique to us.

My family has a tradition of all men serving in the military, and although we have, and some have made it a career, it certainly isn't the only way to serve let us honor those who give of themselves for a greater good wherever they live and serve.

So thank you, to all of you who have chosen at some point in lives to serve. And to those who laid down their lives - you are not forgotten.

I hope this doesn't offend any of the fine people I've had the good fortune to meet here. Have a happy, reflective, and blessed Memorial Day...

Mark
 
As a former U.S. Naval Engineer (1978-1984), you are more than welcome! We have, do, and will continue to serve at the pleasure of the American people to preserve the way of life we enjoy. I pray that none will have died in vain.

At the sake of sounding trite, I must salute American exceptionalism. We are the only government that has yet existed on the planet, where the governed (supposedly) decide how we are governed, and grant power from the masses, not the governors.
 
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Thank you.....this day is in rememberance of those who didn't make it back

Thanks Mark,

I heard a lady on the radio speak about how many people confuse memorial day with veteran's day......and, you know, she is right.

Us veterans have our day on 11/11 but this day is to honor the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our country, as well as those who have served and have since passed on.

RIP Byron Bowden, KIA 5/31/69......my friend.

RIP Dad 1918-1999

ko
 

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taking a walk

Few things are more sobering than taking a walk in a veterans cemetery. When I checked on my Dad's grave and a good friend's, I found many more people I knew. I also found an amazing number from Desert Storm and later conflicts. Many of these people no doubt died from causes not related to their military service but I believe a great many died as a result of their service. On the battlefield, in the sky, or on or under the water, many died in combat. Many more died of the ailments brought home from war.

I haven't agreed with every war we have been in during my lifetime but I have always supported our soldiers and veterans 100%. Today was once Decoration Day, a day set aside to maintain and decorate the graves of our war dead. Still a great way to spend the day. I think honoring our living veterans two days a year isn't overdoing things either though!

My deepest respect to those who have died, those who served and still bear the scars internal or external, and the lucky few who served and were seemingly untouched.

Hu
 
Amen to that.

I visited my buddy Mack's grave yesterday for a bit. Mack was a Marine in Vietnam. A good man and a good friend.
 
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