Memorial Day...

[Clearwater AL]

Memorial Day is for those who died fighting in several wars for
our Freedom and our Democracy. To me, it is day for the Families
who lost the love one too.

Something that should also be considered is those who passed after
combat from war related wounds and trauma. They fought and they
died, not on the battle field… but later at home.

Yes, this Holiday Weekend so many Events praised those currently
serving… some spent more time covering those currently serving
rather memorial to those who have died. It’s really not their day.

Armed Forces Day seems to be a thing of the past. Veterans Day
is for Veterans and it should be fixed to a Monday like most of the
other Holidays.

On a lighter note my favorite song when I was in the military was
Stars and Stripes by John Philip Sousa. Standing on a Parade Field
in full dress Class A uniform, any weather, while some General or
high ranking officer was being awarded with a another medal to
his/her chest full already with long blow hard speeches on and on.

That song was always played at the end of the ceremony. At last hit
the NCO Club (bar) for a few (well… several) cold ones.

After a few someone would ask, Who was that who got a medal?"
A few would loudly reply, "Who (expletive) cares!"


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mRn9chmRAY

 

[Tomswife]

A classic post from Al (thoughtful, deep, real, funny) on a day we remember all those men and women who gave their lives for our nation , our lives, and our freedoms.
My father sailed on an LST in the Mediterranean and Atlantic during WWII. His LST brought landing gear and troops to Normandy Beach on that fateful day. Many LST were sunk during that war. But he made it home 4 years after they left our shores. My cousin's husband was career army. Multiple tours in Afghanistan and many other dusty places (and beer gardens in Germany). He is now retired living on a farm with his memories of many brave men and women.
God bless.
Peace.

 

[lisa g]

Remembering and thanking all that have served.

 

[lgelb]

I agree, Al, the dead and those who are left behind deserve our full attention on Memorial Day, as well as our best efforts to avoid a longer list.

 

[KimT]

My Father had an "essential" job when WWII started and he was also 30 years old. He was a pacifist. He enlisted in the Navy and went to the South Pacific. He lived in a small village in upstate NY, was married to my Mom and had a very young child.

He came back broken. Some of his friends didn't come back. He had a very good Japanese friend who enlisted at the same time. When the war was over and he and his friend came home, his friend was shunned because he was Japanese.

My father always studied history. He had no education beyond high school but he was a life long learner. He taught me about WWI and WWII. He explained the culture, politics, and special interest groups involved in wars. He cried when my brother went into the Army.

My Father didn't die in WWII but it forever changed his life.

We must also remember that many who were killed were drafted. They did not want to fight. Some did not believe we should be fighting (Korea, Vietnam, etc.). Now we honor them. They should be honored.