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Post by hopefulj on May 19, 2009 7:29:09 GMT -5
As I've been reading the threads, I feel we have all gotten so involved in how this is affecting US (natural, of course), that maybe we have lost sight of other things. So, I want to look beyond and offer some thanks for those in my life who have served ME in ways beyond my imagination.
My daughter just returned from Afghanistan and will be returning in November. She's a flight surgeon with the Navy. And she's awesome.
My Dad is 88. He served with the USN during WWII in the Pacific. There aren't many of his generation left, but I like to think of them all.
And thank you to those on this blog who have served. Your sacrifice is what allows us now to be looking at a job and way of life we choose rather than one just thrust upon us.
Happy Memorial Day.
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Post by ed on May 19, 2009 7:44:39 GMT -5
I agree, there are more important things. And you are welcome.
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Post by superdude on May 19, 2009 9:58:30 GMT -5
This is for my dad who is in a vet cemetary.
Here dead we lie Because we did not choose To live and shame the land From which we sprung.
Life, to be sure, Is nothing much to lose, But young men think it is, And we were young.
Thanks for everything dad. You were great.
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Post by Propmaster on May 19, 2009 10:54:49 GMT -5
Thanks for this thread. A good idea, a good message, and well delivered. Have a meaningful Memorial Day.
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Post by recoveringjag on May 19, 2009 16:47:33 GMT -5
Thanks for helping us remember what is really important.
About ten years ago, when I was stationed in Germany, several of us went to Normandy. We went to the the American cemetery (think opening scene of Saving Private Ryan).
Why I am I telling you this?
Because when you walk through those crosses for any length of time, you'll find yourself. In my case, a young second lieutenant from California.
Thank God he did what he did, and that I was lucky enough to serve in peacetime.
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Post by chieftain on May 19, 2009 18:04:11 GMT -5
Thanks for helping us remember what is really important. About ten years ago, when I was stationed in Germany, several of us went to Normandy. We went to the the American cemetery (think opening scene of Saving Private Ryan). Why I am I telling you this? Because when you walk through those crosses for any length of time, you'll find yourself. In my case, a young second lieutenant from California. Thank God he did what he did, and that I was lucky enough to serve in peacetime. This post reminded me of a port visit to Cherbourg, France, in Normandy, in 1990. The French get a bad rap (and sometimes deservedly so), but the people of Normandy shredded many stereotypes for me. Some of our ship's company were adopted by some locals known as the Normandy Vehicles Association, June 6th. They salvaged and restored vehicle wrecks abandoned on the beach and drove them in parades, wearing WWII American uniforms. They spoke barely a word of English, and we spoke not a lick of French, but it didn't stop their leader from speaking eloquently and tearfully of how, 46 years later, they remembered and were grateful for the bravery of American forces in liberating their country. They took us to dinner in a restaurant about the size of my living room. There were about 10 of them and 10 of us. We communicated with one English-French dictionary which was passed around the table all night, along with several bottles of the restaurant's private label wine. It is still probably the most memorable and enjoyable evening I spent in uniform and it reminds me that valor of armed forces is remembered not only here, but around the world.
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Post by privateatty on May 19, 2009 19:36:52 GMT -5
My true introduction to Memorial Day was when I met our “Doc.” “Doc” was a combat medic in my infantry platoon in Vietnam in 1971 and 1972. He had been drafted (as had the vast majority of my platoon) and was a conscientious objector. He was from Berkeley, California, had curly, long blond hair, love beads, peace symbols and a rusted .45 cal. Colt automatic that he was required to wear, but which was unloaded. I saw him under fire many times. He never hesitated. When I got to the platoon he showed me his “kit” and I saw a bag of M & M candies. I asked how I could get some as they were not included in our C-rations and our dried food packs. He said he bought them a long time ago in the PX and they were closely guarded and not to be given out. He told me, in a conversation and with a look I shall never forget, that they were reserved for the man for whom he could do nothing.
Sadly to say, I saw him administer them, his own last rite, with deeply loving devotion, murmuring “you’re OK, man, you’re going back to the World.”
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Post by jagghagg on May 20, 2009 16:21:09 GMT -5
My uncle, a WWII veteran, a survivor of being a POW of that war, died on Monday. Veterans of that war are dying, as is understandable, given their age, in large numbers. He was as proud of my service as he was of his own. Americans are the result of a unique experiment which the world thought would fail; we continue to surprise the world and ourselves. A heartfelt "thank you" to all service personnel (and their families) - those who have served and are serving now for the continuing effort to keep the experiment alive.
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Post by alj on May 21, 2009 13:00:49 GMT -5
My true introduction to Memorial Day was when I met our “Doc.” “Doc” was a combat medic in my infantry platoon in Vietnam in 1971 and 1972. He had been drafted (as had the vast majority of my platoon) and was a conscientious objector. He was from Berkeley, California, had curly, long blond hair, love beads, peace symbols and a rusted .45 cal. Colt automatic that he was required to wear, but which was unloaded. I saw him under fire many times. He never hesitated. When I got to the platoon he showed me his “kit” and I saw a bag of M & M candies. I asked how I could get some as they were not included in our C-rations and our dried food packs. He said he bought them a long time ago in the PX and they were closely guarded and not to be given out. He told me, in a conversation and with a look I shall never forget, that they were reserved for the man for whom he could do nothing. Sadly to say, I saw him administer them, his own last rite, with deeply loving devotion, murmuring “you’re OK, man, you’re going back to the World.” Thanks, PA. An experience like that is more than enough for a lifetime. I saw enough for a whole bunch of lifetimes. I try not to think about it too much, but when I see something like your story, it all comes back. Memorial Day is a good day to remember . . . . and be thankful.
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Post by flannery on May 21, 2009 14:12:53 GMT -5
Veterans, I am grateful for your service to our country. I am so very sorry for those of you and those non-veterans who lost friends and loved ones. My Grandfather was a WWI vet; my Dad's a WWII vet (Eastern theater); and my oldest brother served three tours in VietNam as a medical corpsman. He just kept going back because he knew soldiers needed his help. I am lucky nothing happened to my grandfather, my Dad or my brother, but I know many of you were not as fortunate. And so my best wishes go out to those of you who are remembering someone you lost. And again, my thanks to all you soldiers for your service to our country.
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Post by zarco522 on May 21, 2009 16:16:27 GMT -5
My father was, and my step-dad is, a WWII vet. We are looking forward to his Reunion in Portland, OR this Fall. Their ranks are getting thinner, but we "pups" are thankful to have so many blessings. I look forward to taking some time this weekend to step away from this process and remember how lucky I am. Thanks for this posting!
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Post by thepenguin on May 25, 2009 15:42:51 GMT -5
My dad was "4F" (unqualified for service) for WWII - BUT he talked to his congressman and was put into a special unit that taught malaria control in Panama (He had a Masters Degree in Biology). His brother, my uncle, shipped out to the Pacific on December 7, 1942 and did not return until the war was over. The stories he could tell! As a young Lt, I went to Thailand in 1973 (Air Force) as the war ended there. We 'fought' the war against boredom and bureaucratic dumbness.
I was over Panama when one of my crew asked me what "Dust Off" was, he had heard an Army radio call. I told him they were calling for MEDVAC for the wounded. The change in attitude of the entire crew was palpable - this was real. It was even more so when we landed at Howard and got to meet the young (They are always young!) Army troops actually doing the fighting.
Desert Shield/Storm changed many of the "young ones" I was responsible for - no longer a "game" that was boring.
I volunteered to go back on active duty after 9/11, but was "too old" to even do paperwork.
It's in the blood - you hear the "bugle call" and know your country is in trouble. You want to do whatever you can to help. It's never pretty and always hurts to see your friend and acquaintances in harms way. Especially when you know you will never see some of them again.
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Post by Southern Scrivener on May 25, 2009 18:50:39 GMT -5
I just returned from Iraq June 2008, so I know what Memorial Day is like "in country". This has been a sobering day, knowing that there were quite a few memorial services for the latest casualties going on in Iraq and Afganistan. If any of you saw the Public Access show last night honoring our veterans-you could not help but be moved by the "scars of war" many of the veterans displayed, the sacrifice and courage honored, and the many mothers and fathers who still dealing with their loss or who are forced to quit jobs to take care of those "young ones"who are forever changed.
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mango
Full Member
Posts: 50
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Post by mango on May 25, 2009 20:30:05 GMT -5
It is always a sobering experience to visit a US cemetery here or overseas. I always make a point of visiting Arlington when ever I go to Washington DC and always marvel at the cost this nation has paid for our freedom. Many nations where Americans are buried take great pride in maintaining the cemeteries as they recognize the tremendous sacrifice made by those laid to rest there. I recommend visiting one if you get the chance. As many have said, we should never forget the debt we owe them.
Thanks HopefulJ for starting the tread and I hope all have a peaceful and meaningful Memorial Day.
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