MEMORIAL DAY

[harpskiddie]

On this day of recognizing the sacrifice of American men and boys who gave their lives or their wholeness in the service of their country, or of the world, let us each pause at least once during it to give a thought to them and their families - even if only for a fleeting moment.

Sometimes, between the flag waving, the parades, the fireworks and the concerts, not to mention Larry King, we might forget what this day is all about. Let's try very hard to not do that.

Gordie,
been there, done that, God save the children..................................

[Diane Merkel]

Thank you, Gordie, for honoring American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.

Let us also remember the Canadians who have so often been at our side.

Diane

[harpskiddie]

Diane:

I trained Marines, and worked for the U.S. Department of the Navy. My son is active duty in the U.S. Army, currently stationed at Fort Carson, CO. There are more than a few Canadian names on the Vietnam Memorial.

Our Remembrance Day is 11 November, but I tend to remember more often than once or twice a year. My granduncle wqas killed by machinegun fire in WWI, and I am old enough to remember men from our block who didn't make it back from WWII. It's one of the reasons I joined this board, since it seemed there were others here who also honored soldiers, living and dead and of whatever race, albeit perhaps silently.

CSS is a guy whose heart is in the right place, if you can scrape away the verbiage and insults, but................

Gordie,
a life in diminished chords is still a life worth living...................................................

[clw]

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

I never forget them all.

[AZ Ranger]

Good job Gordie.

Worked lake Powell this weekend on watercraft patrol and wondered how many thought about anything other than having a 3 day weekend.

Steve

[Montana Bab]

I thought of it, I have a brother who has had a bleeding disorder ever since Rihad (spell?) Saudi Arabia, Desert Storm. Some gave all, All gave some.

Thanks all for remembering.
B & B

[Mike Powell]

After the Twin Towers went, I began stopping service members when I see them at airports, diners, church, wherever. "Thank you for for what you're doing to keep my family and me safe", I say and I think they appreciate hearing it. For a long time I'd forgotten what Orwell said - - We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm. I'll not forget again.

Yours

Mike Powell

[markland]

I only have documented 6,708 regular Army soldiers who died on the Western frontier. At least now, when I go to the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery and see the graves from Western posts which are marked "Unknown," I can honor by name those men who served and died for Western expansion.

Note: I guestimate that there are about one hundred and fifty duplications in the aforementioned casualties. I will be cleaning those out as I get to them.

Yeah, the brain-power could be used for better purposes but, since the radical Muslims, President Bush nor the Iranians listen to me, well, I do what I can.

Billy