Memorial Day 2015

[Pat Young]

Time to remember the ones who died, those whose youth was buried under the earth.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

 

[Allie]

I don't think there needs to be a battle between National BBQ Day and Memorial Day. Those who fought surely fought for the continued happiness of their loved ones at home, and the ability to gather with friends, neighbors and family and eat abundant food in our beautiful land is surely a precious thing. Just take at least a moment to remember where that ability came from.

 

[Pat Young]

I don't think there needs to be a battle between National BBQ Day and Memorial Day. Those who fought surely fought for the continued happiness of their loved ones at home, and the ability to gather with friends, neighbors and family and eat abundant food in our beautiful land is surely a precious thing. Just take at least a moment to remember where that ability came from.

My dad and I spent four hours every Memorial Day morning honoring the war dead and then went to a picnic.

 

[johan_steele]

My father and I have spent every Memorial day saluting those buried in the cemeteries connected to our Legion Post, usually 8-9 cemeteries and about 350-400 graves all told. It is a tradition dating back to the founding of the Legion Post. Veterans from the War of 1812 on. We used to present arms at every stone. For the last three years due to age, infirmity and declining numbers we have only given one salute and the volley at every cemetery. It is a somber and almost reverent tradition. The number of young children and adults who turn out, regardless of the weather, is a reminder to the veterans that there are still people out there who understand the sacrifices made by those who wore the uniform.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

I have spent the last 11 Memorial Days at the Confederate Cemetery on Rock Island Arsenal (site of the Confederate POW camp, were 1,964 brave Southern men gave their last "full measure of devotion") participating in ceremonies, placing and removing flags from those graves......Yes, I grill out later that afternoon, but I give more than a "moment's thought" about being given that right. By no means am I better than anyone else....I just choose to spend my time "giving back", even if it's just a little bit, to those who gave me so much.....There's more that I do, but I will leave it at that.....
Hope everyone stays safe, enjoys time with family and takes the time to thank a Veteran.

 

[JerseyBart]

Happy Memorial Day to those who served and died in war, peace or after active service ended.

 

[Pat Young]

Happy Memorial Day to those who served and died in war, peace or after active service ended.

I have spent the last 11 Memorial Days at the Confederate Cemetery on Rock Island Arsenal (site of the Confederate POW camp, were 1,964 brave Southern men gave their last "full measure of devotion") participating in ceremonies, placing and removing flags from those graves......Yes, I grill out later that afternoon, but I give more than a "moment's thought" about being given that right. By no means am I better than anyone else....I just choose to spend my time "giving back", even if it's just a little bit, to those who gave me so much.....There's more that I do, but I will leave it at that.....
Hope everyone stays safe, enjoys time with family and takes the time to thank a Veteran.

Seconded.

 

[matthew mckeon]

Our town has a parade: my kid marches in the HS band, and there's a ceremony at the cemetery. Then we tend to the graves of our relatives, plant some flowers, clean up around them.

 

[frankconrad]

Due to a miss communication. Johan filled in for the speaker at the main cemetery. With less than 5 minutes notice he gave a speech on the Brotherhood of GI s the support of families and communities. With a little history thrown in. Very well received.

 

[unionblue]

View attachment 68737

God's truth, 7th Mississippi Infantry.

But I always felt pride in my own service that our citizens could enjoy their Memorial Day holiday with backyard BBQs and the like.

After all, what were we serving for, if not to protect our homes, our loved ones, our freedom and our peace with them.

I think all who sacrificed in service to their country wanted that and were glad that their fellow citizens could enjoy such without the fear of a car bomb or an idiot who felt he had to blow himself up in order to see his version of heaven.

Just my own thoughts, my friend, and you were more than right to remind us that freedom isn't free.

Sincerely,
Unionblue

 

[unionblue]

Due to a miss communication. Johan filled in for the speaker at the main cemetery. With less than 5 minutes notice he gave a speech on the Brotherhood of GI s the support of families and communities. With a little history thrown in. Very well received.

frankconrad,

Always knew that Johan had that in him.

He's been a brother-in-arms with me on this forum for more years than either one of us is willing to admit.

Good job, brother wing nut, from an old ground pounder.

Sincerely,
Unionblue