Author Topic: Memorial Day (Read 8950 times)

LazyBkpr · « **on:** May 26, 2014, 05:30:38 pm »

My hat is off to those who lost loved ones in the service of country. Too many names I have to remember, but remember them I do, and will.

I explained to my son, before he went into the service, that it was not a job, or a means to get schooling. It was a duty that came before all else. So when he got sent to Afghanistan, he was prepared. Too many did not consider the ultimate price, and were not prepared to pay it. I am proud of my country, and the men and women who serve. Not the ones who wanted the easy ride, but the ones who joined KNOWING the price, and chose to serve, despite the knowledge. I hope your memorial day is spent, with at least a few moments dedicated to remembering the cost of freedom and those who have paid that cost.

My Wife on my horse among the flags..

riverbee · « **Reply #1 on:** May 26, 2014, 05:57:21 pm »

thank you scott. well said.

awesome photograph.....thank you.

Jen · « **Reply #2 on:** May 26, 2014, 06:43:45 pm »

Just made me teary ~ I lost my brother three years ago to ALS or Lou Gehrigs Disease. He served in Vietnam. ALS is now concidered a military disease involving heavy marching and lifting of artillery repeatedly over long lengths of time equalling repeated exhaustion of muscle. ALS is a sorry way to leave the world, pretty much the victim starves and suffocates to death.

Thinking of you today Dave ~Hugs~

Thanks Scott for your proud American words and for the pic of your wife and horse, a lovely tribute to say the least ~hugs~

CpnObvious · « **Reply #3 on:** May 26, 2014, 08:00:58 pm »

My younger two boys (12 & 14) marched in a local parade this morning with BoyScouts in celebration of Memorial Day, then went to my father's grave with flowers. We talked about how important it is to remember and appreciate those who serve and have served our country. They have come to recognize the appreciation on people's faces watching the parade as well as the veterans that are in it. For those of you that have served or currently serve, I thank you.

Slowmodem · « **Reply #4 on:** May 26, 2014, 08:06:49 pm »

I live in a small county (population 11,698). They had a Memorial Day observance at the court house today. I attended the event. It was very moving. There were several speakers from the county mayor, city mayor, VFW, American Legion, and the guest speaker was a retired Army Chaplin. There was a 21 gun salute and they played Taps. I got a little misty at the end.

I wish my wife and step-son could have been with me today. My wife and I both fought in the Cold War in West Germany in the 70's and 80's. My wife can't stand the heat, and my step-son returned from Iraq 80% disabled, and now lives south of Indianapolis, IN. He was around 22 when he went over there. He was a medic and went along on a lot of convoys. Many times he had to perform body recovery duty. He doesn't speak of it, but I can only imagine the horrors he saw over there. As a 22-year-old, he did a lot of growing up over there.

Jen · « **Reply #5 on:** May 26, 2014, 09:24:49 pm »

Cpn and Slow - Very moving testiments there ~

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #6 on:** May 27, 2014, 09:19:25 am »

Not something you talk about much. It was something you DID, and may not wish to remember. Took my son fishing and started feeding him beer about a year after he got back. Kept feeding until he started talking. Got him to talk about the things he didnt want to... About a week later he called me and just said.. Thanks dad.

Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do, then you don't want to remember them after you had to do them, BUT there is a little piece of heart and mind that want forgiveness, or at least acceptance. You have no idea the weight behind it until it is lifted. The ones that dont talk about it much are usually the ones that actually did what needed to be done. My son is also a Combat Medic Slow. Make sure yours knows were all proud.

Jen · « **Reply #7 on:** May 27, 2014, 11:51:36 am »

Thank you God, for all the fine fathers out there who really care about their children and their emotional needs. These fathers go the distance to help their adult children cope with the uglies out there. These fathers are proud of their children just because they exist and share their lives together.

My veil is off to you Scott... simply for caring. You're a fine man my friend ~hugs~

Jen · « **Reply #8 on:** May 27, 2014, 11:52:40 am »

Oh! and by the way... would you be so kind as to explain what a Combat Medic Slow is? just curious

riverbee · « **Reply #9 on:** May 27, 2014, 11:53:34 am »

amen, what jen said.

jen, scott ran his words together, he was responding to slowmodem, "My son is also a Combat Medic Slow"

Jen · « **Reply #10 on:** May 27, 2014, 12:01:12 pm »

OH! snark, K Thanks! I'm chucking...

minz · « **Reply #11 on:** May 28, 2014, 12:12:54 am »

Ultimate sacrifice would be losing one of the kids. I think when you’re in it your there. Although I really did not have much value in myself. Now it seems that I have something that matters, I would hate to lose it.

LindsayBrower1 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 29, 2014, 09:38:28 pm »

Very nice post. I just lost a childhood friend who who killed in action 4/28/14 in Afghanistan.

My brother who was also good friends with him, watched Shawn's life taken from him. I pray my brother along with the rest of our service men and women come home soon, safe. I am so thankful for all those who put everything on the line for our freedom.

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #13 on:** May 29, 2014, 09:52:39 pm »

That really hurts.. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Imagining such a loss is painful enough. The reality is much worse.
My wife's brother was in the special forces when he was killed. It has been several years, but the memories are still too fresh.

LindsayBrower1 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 29, 2014, 09:55:56 pm »

Quote from: LazyBkpr on May 29, 2014, 09:52:39 pm

That really hurts.. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Imagining such a loss is painful enough. The reality is much worse.
My wife's brother was in the special forces when he was killed. It has been several years, but the memories are still too fresh.

I agree. It's still sinking in for all of us. Sorry to hear you've felt the same pain.

LindsayBrower1 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 29, 2014, 10:00:17 pm »

Here was his "welcoming home " finally arriving in our hometown to be with his family prior to his funeral services. May we never forget

riverbee · « **Reply #16 on:** May 29, 2014, 11:59:44 pm »

lindsay,
i won't forget.
thoughts and prayers to shawn's family.
also, if i might ask, what is your brother's first name?

and minz, you have a son/daughter serving? their first name too.....

LindsayBrower1 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 30, 2014, 07:29:10 am »

Quote from: riverbee on May 29, 2014, 11:59:44 pm

lindsay,
i won't forget.
thoughts and prayers to shawn's family.
also, if i might ask, what is your brother's first name?

and minz, you have a son/daughter serving? their first name too.....

My brothers name is Jimmy Dorman. Thank you!

riverbee · « **Reply #18 on:** May 30, 2014, 01:08:42 pm »

thanks lindsay, thoughts and prayers for your brother jimmy and to your family until his safe return.

Beeboy · « **Reply #19 on:** May 30, 2014, 01:32:37 pm »

I'm sorry that I'm late getting here, but I want to give a big salute out to all our vets...

With deepest respect to each one of you, I want to say thank you!

My father served in India, I had a brother in Vietnam, & another brother, & brother- in- law serve. Thankfully they have all returned safely home. I have some distant family that serve now that I don't see that much, but when I do I try to make sure to say thank you...