Remembering Our Military on Memorial Day

[JackConrad]

A big THANK YOU to all our military, both past and present, and their familes for all they endure.  Jack

[artvonne]

  Its really hard to thank them enough, and some have really paid dearly. My Dad lives with us, WW2 era disabled. The trips to the VA since I was young have left an indelible impression. Some of our guys have been so injured and disfigured it brings tears to your eyes, and they generally arent the ones we see out having fun on Memorial Day and the Fourth, because they simply dont come outside, or physically cant.

  A stop at an area VA hospital to say Hi is possibly the best way to show we care.

[Van]

Tomorrow is the day, as it should be every day, to remember those that went before us for the sacrifice, dedication to duty and professionalism.

[luvrbus]

My   HEROES plain and simple

good luck

[Len Silva]

Alan Silva, Bobby Couto, Tom Brian, Grampa Eddie, Roger Woodhouse,  Rest in peace.

[jackhartjr]

Dad is buried at Mountain Home Cemetary in Johnson City, TN.  I stop by from time to time for a visit.  Some of the best times I have is there with him.  He was Navy, WWII, the captain let him steer the boat on day...an LST...he steered right into one of Great Britains minfields!  Last time the captain let him steer the boat!
Mom used to volunteer at the VA Hospital there, she would push Veterans in wheelchairs throughout the many tunnels that run between buildings.  Right after she went into a nursing home we went and she was pushing this lady all over the place...and the lady did not want to be pushed!
Mom worked for Holston Valley Defense...they made bombs and bullets better.  She would put some dynamite and other 'stuff' on a metal plate...walk behind a curtain...detonate it...then write down how loud and how much force was felt!  The US knew that to go into Berlin we would need the biggest and baddest bombs we could make.  The day we went into Berlin the supervisors ran throughout the plants screaming..."We just went into Belin...and we helped!"  Toward the end of the war they started working on 'something big'...they did not know exactly what.  When the first atomic bomb hit Japan...all the supervisors ran through the plant screaming, "We just hit Japan with an A-Bomb...and we helped!"

[demodriver]

Thanks to all VETS and RIP gramps.

[artvonne]

  The Minneapolis VA had all those tunnels too, I think they really lost something when they modernised. There used to be this blind snack food vender there, Harry, he was quite a character. He couldnt tell a one from a five but nothing else slipped past him, including people. Ones he didnt see for years could simply sat "hi Harry", and he would say their name, he said he never forgot a face, lol.

[usbusin]

Here is a wonderful video on the Unknown Soldier.  May God bless all those who have given their lives for our freedoms we enjoy.


Memorial Day Message 2009 courtesy USBA

[belfert]

Memorial day is to remember those who died in service.  We have other days to remember those who served and those who currently serve.  It doesn't mean we can't think about those who served and thankfully came home.

I started marching in the local Memorial Day parade in the mid 80s when I was a young Boy Scout.  I am a Boy Scout adult leader now and I will be there tomorrow morning.  I have only missed a few years over the past 25+ years.  The parade ends at a local cemetery where there is a ceremony to honor those who died in service.  The local Eagles club offers a free lunch afterward for all who participate.

[JohnEd]

What Belfert said.

I send books to the vets hospital and the home. If you or yours reads much that is a nice way to get another few miles out of your discards. 

And I vote.  I once heard a politician say to the cameras when asked about VA funding...."We are cutting the VA funding because we all have to sacrifice".  Vote?  You bet'cha. 

I also am active in the annual Poppy Drive.  Life member of the VFW and a Past Post Commander.  And I fly our flag off my front porch.

And I visit the Vets cemetery on Memorial day to place flowers.  Used to place flags but my knees gave out and I couldn't walk far enough to make a difference.

Thanks to all,

John

[Ed Hackenbruch]

When i can, i donate to the Paralyzed Veterans Of America and the Disabled Veterans Of America.

[HighTechRedneck]

"Thank you" is insufficient to express the appreciation that goes out to those who have served.  Especially to those who paid for liberty with their life and those suffered great injury, but also to all those who have served and by the grace of God came home safe.  May those who are still serving be safe.  May peace come to those who returned having seen too much of the horrors of war for their mind to bear.

[belfert]

Unfortunately, our memorial day observance was rained out.  The marching band, Scouts, VFW, and American Legion along with the public were gathered at city hall near the war memorials when a thunderstorm moved in.  The march to the cemetery was canceled and they decided to cancel the ceremony at the cemetery due to heavy rain approaching.  It started raining hard right after I got in the car.

The only consolation is they still had the lunch at the Eagles club though it was more like brunch since it was a good hour earlier than planned.

[Dreamscape]

God Bless our Vets! There is not enough we can do for those that serve and ultimately payed the price. We are so blessed to live in a country that has folk who protect us.