Memorial Day

It's a cloudy, warm day here in SE Michigan, a good time to relax and consider many things. In our own ways, all of us here have served in various capacities in the support of our nation. Right or wrong, we have a place on this earth to be proud of. I won't get into the politics, we all have differing viewpoints. I'd like to thank all that have served our country in the military services for your support of our country. Personally, I did not enter the military, but I played key roles here in the USA at a difficult time in our country. Take the time, when you can to thank our military personnel. I know I've surprised and made happy several that I've met when I have thanked them. Let's enjoy this weekend.

21 comments

  • shadowcat
    12 years ago
    Well said, vince.
  • gatorfan
    12 years ago
    and thank our Secret Service for making USA proud
  • vincemichaels
    12 years ago
    Yeah, gatorfan, those boys have made us proud ! LOL
  • Clubber
    12 years ago
    vm,

    I whole heartily agree that all that serve deserve our thanks and gratitude without reservations, but Memorial Day is for those that gave the ULTIMATE, their lives! God bless them all!
  • londonguy
    12 years ago
    Nice post Vince. I have military background and can say that it was a pleasure working alongside your service personnel over here. I worked alongside them at a cruise missile base. Great guys.
  • vincemichaels
    12 years ago
    Yes, Clubber, thanks for that fine-tuning. I won't ever forget my friends and neighbors that died in Vietnam.
  • motorhead
    12 years ago
    Nice post
  • SuperDude
    12 years ago
    Just opposite the Soldier's Monument, the marker for the Gettysburg Address, there is a small crescent of three rows of headstones. One is for a sailor, USN, Dec. 7, 1941. Another is for a soldier, USArmy, June 6, 1944. I took my children to see this when they were in high school, so they could understand the sacrificies. Later, we visited the Viet Nam Memorial and Arlington. I want them to know there is a real reason for Memorial Day, not just an excuse for a cook-out.
  • SuperDude
    12 years ago
    ..sacrifices..
  • motorhead
    12 years ago
    "I want them to know there is a real reason for Memorial Day, not just an excuse for a cook-out."

    Perhaps the best thing ever posted on TUSCL.

    thanks SuperDude

  • motorhead
    12 years ago
    I was fortunate I finished high school during peacetime. It was shortly after Vietnam ended. But I come from a family of military veterans. A grandfather defended France against the Germans in WWI. My father served in the Pacific in WWII. Two uncles fought in Korea and another in Vietnam. Thankfully, all came back home well. But I sincerely appreciate all those who sacrificed so much.
  • londonguy
    12 years ago

    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.


    John McCrae
  • SuperDude
    12 years ago
    High Flight

    Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth

    And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

    Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

    Of sun-split clouds...and done a hundred things

    You have not dreamed of...wheeled and soared and swung

    High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,

    I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung

    My eager craft through footless halls of air.

    Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue

    I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace

    Where never lark, or even eagle flew.

    And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod

    The high untrespassed sanctity of space

    Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

  • georgmicrodong
    12 years ago
    Dry your eyes and quietly bear this pain with pride
    For heaven shall remember the silent and the brave
    And promise me they will never see, the fear within our eyes
    (my eyes are closed)
    We will give strength to those who still remain

    So bury fear, for fate draws near
    And hide the signs of pain
    With noble acts, the bravest souls
    Endure the heart's remains
    Discard regret, that in this debt
    A better world is made
    That children of a newer day might remember
    And avoid our fate

    (I've waited all day in the pouring rain, but nobody came, no, nobody came)

    And in the fury of this darkest hour
    We will be your light
    You've asked me for my sacrifice
    And I am Winter born
    Without denying, a faith is come
    That I have never known
    I hear the angels call my name
    And I am Winter born

    Hold your head up high-for there is no greater love
    Think of the faces of the people you defend
    (you defend)
    And promise me, they will never see the tears within our eyes
    (my eyes are closed)
    Although we are men, with mortal sins, angels never cry

    So bury fear, for fate draws near
    And hide the signs of pain
    With noble acts, the bravest souls
    Endure the heart's remains
    Discard regret, that in this debt
    A better world is made
    That children of a newer day might remember
    And avoid our fate

    And in the fury of this darkest hour
    We will be your light
    You've asked me for my sacrifice
    And I am Winter born
    Without denying, a faith in God
    That I have never known
    I hear the angels call my name
    And I am Winter born

    And in the fury of this darkest hour
    I will be your light
    A lifetime for this destiny
    For I am Winter born
    And in this moment..I will not run
    It is my place to stand
    We few shall carry hope
    Within our bloodied hands
    (bloodied hands)
    And in our Dying, we're more alive-than we have ever been
    I've lived for these few seconds
    For I am Winter born
  • londonguy
    12 years ago
    Superdue, is that from the film 'Memphis Belle'?
  • motorhead
    12 years ago

    Takuma Sato spins out on last lap of the Indy 500 while attempting to make a pass for the lead.
  • motorhead
    12 years ago
    December 7, 1941

    Payback's a bitch Sato
  • SuperDude
    12 years ago
    The poem is "High Flight" and was written by a WWI fighter pilot, RAF or RCAF.
  • Stiletto25
    12 years ago
    Good thread
  • sharkhunter
    12 years ago
    I wanted to say THANKS! to all the veterans reading this.

    I saw one of my old friends in the paper in the last year had returned from Afghanistan. Hopefully all well. Although with 5 kids I know he's busy. I lost contact with him back a few years ago.

    I once played paintball with him and a few of his national guard buddies. I never did upgrade my single shot pump action gun to the air rifles his buddies had. I still had fun playing. Then he got deployed.
  • MADDOG_ROMEO
    12 years ago
    VM, great post....Amen, Memorial Day remembrances to those before us who have served and especially to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice - so that we might enjoy many of the freedoms and benefits that we have today....
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