To all who have served this nation in uniform

[ChrisPBacon]

To all my brothers and sisters who have served in the armed force of this nation, this veteran says “Thank you”.

I sometimes wish that I had assembled a book of facts about the 33 people I once knew whose names are now engraved in a black marble wall in Washington, DC… kids I grew up with in one place or another; went to high school or college with; kids from my community that I knew; some of whom I served with in the U.S. Air Force. If I’d ever assembled this book, I’d give a copy to every person whom I hear say “Happy Memorial Day.”

I’d dedicate that book to my naval aviator son, who died in 2013 while serving; to my grandfather, an admiral that served during WWII; to my uncle, who fought the Battle of the Atlantic from the bridge of a Destroyer Escort then, later, on a four-stack WWI destroyer; to my USMC cousin, who served the Corps all of his adult life; to my own father, a B-24 aircraft commander who died of his wounds not long after I was born… individuals I will try to be worthy of, having known them.

And, if I may, to every individual who deployed to a combat zone, be it Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, or dozens of other places— and every individual who served on a naval vessel — I want to welcome you home. Again, thank you.

[l001952119]

Originally Posted by ChrisPBacon

To all my brothers and sisters who have served in the armed force of this nation, this veteran says “Thank you”.

I sometimes wish that I had assembled a book of facts about the 33 people I once knew whose names are now engraved in a black marble wall in Washington, DC… kids I grew up with in one place or another; went to high school or college with; kids from my community that I knew; some of whom I served with in the U.S. Air Force. If I’d ever assembled this book, I’d give a copy to every person whom I hear say “Happy Memorial Day.”

I’d dedicate that book to my naval aviator son, who died in 2013 while serving; to my grandfather, an admiral that served during WWII; to my uncle, who fought the Battle of the Atlantic from the bridge of a Destroyer Escort then, later, on a four-stack WWI destroyer; to my USMC cousin, who served the Corps all of his adult life; to my own father, a B-24 aircraft commander who died of his wounds not long after I was born… individuals I will try to be worthy of, having known them.

And, if I may, to every individual who deployed to a combat zone, be it Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, or dozens of other places— and every individual who served on a naval vessel — I want to welcome you home. Again, thank you.

Thank you Chris. I agree with your comments. Unfortunately, the meaning of Memorial Day has been lost several generations ago. Now, it's where can I play with my boat, etc. Sad situation which may not correct itself. !!!

[Russellvh]

Every prayer I say or am involved with I end the same way. And, a tear comes to my eye as my grand kids have started copying me.

Protect those that have chosen to protect us.

[ChrisPBacon]

Originally Posted by l001952119

Thank you Chris. I agree with your comments. Unfortunately, the meaning of Memorial Day has been lost several generations ago. Now, it's where can I play with my boat, etc. Sad situation which may not correct itself. !!!

I remember the man-on-the-street interviews of high school kids who (honestly) had no idea what Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Veteran’s Day commemorated. Sobering to think of what isn’t —and IS — taught in schools anymore.

[Russellvh]

I think I stole this picture from this forum but I means a lot to me so here it is again.

[yukongold]

I served. I knew and remember many. This is how I think of it.

[Chuck_S]

At least you understand. Crispy apparently thinks it's veterans day...

All gave some,
Some gave all.

Today is about those who gave all.

-- Chuck

[ChrisPBacon]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

At least you understand. Crispy apparently thinks it's veterans day...

All gave some,
Some gave all.

Today is about those who gave all.

-- Chuck

Not at all true. My younger son didn’t come home. I know the feel of an empty coffin.

[timm9]

To the Op, thank you for your appropriate and heartfelt comments! I did not serve but my youngest did in the Marine Corp and is 100% disabled. Thoughts and Prayers to those who's family member did not return...

[BigH]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

At least you understand. Crispy apparently thinks it's veterans day...

All gave some,
Some gave all.

Today is about those who gave all.

-- Chuck

Wow...you are really something else...ChrisP's father and son gave it all.

The only people who really understand this day are family, loved ones and the brothers and sisters who served with those who gave all...a large part of that is remembering our brothers and sisters who LIVED and do understand by living while others didn't.

To the rest of you, thanks for this day whether you have full understanding or not.

[ChrisPBacon]

Originally Posted by BigH

Wow...you are really something else...ChrisP's father and son gave it all.

The only people who really understand this day are family, loved ones and the brothers and sisters who served with those who gave all...a large part of that is remembering our brothers and sisters who LIVED and do understand by living while others didn't.

To the rest of you, thanks for this day whether you have full understanding or not.

Ny grandfather, uncle, and cousin all spent their adult lives in service to the nation: only my grandfather lived more than a few months after retiring. My uncle died while in the Navy, and my cousin died 2 months after leaving the Corps during surgery required for a wound received decades before in South Vietnam.

The language of the Memorial Day bill (36 U.S. Code § 116) passed by Congress mentions (1) those who made the ultimate sacrifice (of their lives, implying death in combat), and (2) those who give their lives to keep this nation free. In the latter case, these three men spent their entire adult lives in service to the nation.

If someone thinks I’m confusing Memorial Day with Veterans Day, so be it.

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by ChrisPBacon

Ny grandfather, uncle, and cousin all spent their adult lives in service to the nation: only my grandfather lived more than a few months after retiring. My uncle died while in the Navy, and my cousin died 2 months after leaving the Corps during surgery required for a wound received decades before in South Vietnam.

The language of the Memorial Day bill (36 U.S. Code § 116) passed by Congress mentions (1) those who made the ultimate sacrifice (of their lives, implying death in combat), and (2) those who give their lives to keep this nation free. In the latter case, these three men spent their entire adult lives in service to the nation.

If someone thinks I’m confusing Memorial Day with Veterans Day, so be it.

I missed this yesterday Chris. Thank you for your appropriate and heartfelt comments! To all the vets God bless and thanks you for your service.. Proud to be a vet. Later RJD

[ChrisPBacon]

Originally Posted by BigH

Wow...you are really something else...ChrisP's father and son gave it all.

The only people who really understand this day are family, loved ones and the brothers and sisters who served with those who gave all...a large part of that is remembering our brothers and sisters who LIVED and do understand by living while others didn't.

To the rest of you, thanks for this day whether you have full understanding or not.

As bad as it was to escort my son’s empty coffin from San Diego, nothing was as heart-breaking as seeing a folded flag handed to my daughter-in-law, her twin daughters struggling to maintain their bearing. I’ve never regarded the American flag the same since.

[firephighter]

Chuck,


Now that you have a better understanding of the person you tried to insult. You must realize an apology is the only thing that will help you save face. If you served, shame on you. If you didn't serve, you really have no idea.


Jason Williams

[ppine]

I pray for the 8,000 military suicides a year. More soldiers lost in one year than in 17 years of fighting in the Middle East. War is Hell.

[Falcon900Guy]

Originally Posted by ChrisPBacon

To all my brothers and sisters who have served in the armed force of this nation, this veteran says “Thank you”.

And to you and yours, THANK YOU from a 20 year Army retired Vet. My brother servedIN VN, my Dad served in WWII.
It hurts and is painful to see where this country is headed. Our leaders (both parties) have forgotten why se went them to DC. WE THE PEOPLE,,,
and it is just as much our fault as anyones. WE do not stand up and let our voices be heard, if we do, it is not for long.
The squeaky voices, all though the minority, seems to get what the majority DO NOT want. Go figure!
GOD Bless our troops, one and ALL!!!

[waybeck2018]

From a retired 22 year Navy vet, I feel the loss of friends every day. Memorial Day intensifies my feelings. As a way to help others understand the true meaning of Memorial Day I have presented a program on the subject followed by a Flag Retirement Ceremony. I have just completed the 14th consecutive year. The program is held at my home campground and we average 75-100 attendees.
I do appreciate all who have served, those who experienced war and it's follow on after effects, but especially those who now serve with the Supreme Commander.

[Reverse_snowbird]

Memorial Day is the day we remember ALL who have died in service to their country. Whether they died in combat or not, they deserve to be honored and remembered by all.

[Rhumblefish]

I echo many of the sentiments expressed within this thread, the most important of which are honor and respect. My family has served or is serving in all of the armed forces - including seven of the eight uniformed branches - and several of the intelligence organizations. Regrettably, some were honored yesterday.

Memorial Day has many uses, sometimes those uses don't seem quite in step with the reasons that our nation has set that day aside. I don't mind an extra special sale on refrigerators, or a plate of BBQ with family, or an extra 10% off paint. I also like seeing the flags out in the neighborhood, and all the vets who choose that day to make sure they've got a visible badge of service. I don't mind giving my thanks to them, shallow as it might seem, or out of step with the specific meaning of the day. But I'm truly thankful for them and their duty. And in honoring them, I am also honoring the community to which they belong: a community that suffers losses in a much more personal and immediate manner than those who have no such affiliations.

And for those who have provided their last full measure of devotion, I'm proud that we steadfastly honor the service members who have answered duty's call and laid down their lives while defending friends, family, and country. And the friends, families, and country bear who those grievous losses in their wake.

For those who do not fully understand the meaning of the day (let alone the specificity of such), perhaps the respect that many offer serve as an example. Never has cloth weighed so heavily as when a family member accepts a flag offered "on behalf of a grateful nation." Addressed respectfully with a salute, hand over heart, or even by kneeling, that flag means much. And - at least in my eyes - all flags stand for the same thing.

When I fly the Stars and Stripes on Memorial Day, it's in quiet tribute for all who have passed in service, though I very much keep in mind those who have served and are currently serving now. All those who struggle, and all of those who have succumbed to struggle. All those who have come home, all those who have not. All of those honored, and all of those treated with less than the respect to which they are entitled.

It's a unique vocation, and a call answered by few, encompassing all manner of people. About 10% of the entire population has EVER served, and about 1% is currently serving. What's important is that answer the call they did. And these few are the ones whom friends, family and country have all relied and rely upon for that service.

That's worthy to be mindful of, no matter what the date.

Just my .02, I could be wrong. Your mileage may vary.

[Chuck_S]

Those who feel the need to dilute Memorial Day astound me every year. Memorial Day is not about veterans or even dead veterans like the President's son or someone's uncle. Save the flags on their grave sites for Veterans Day.

No apology from me. I put the bodies of too many of my soldiers killed in combat in helicopters to ever confuse mere veterans, even combat veterans -- like me -- with those for whom Memorial Day honors.

-- Chuck
(LTC, Armor, USA (ret))