I ask that politics and religion be left out of this thread. Despite the setting of the experience I'm sharing, it's not about politics or religion. Just as Memorial Day was intended to be, let us remember those who have fallen. The area I lived in lost more soldiers per capita than anywhere else in the US. This is about one of them. I still remember that Sunday, sitting on the aisle seat in the back row of church, wondering when I'd get to go play. Looked at the clock on the wall up behind me, glanced back out to the open doors, saw a car pull up and 2 men get out... in uniform. Young as I was, I knew they weren't there to listen to a message, but to deliver one. The head usher, looked at me, kindly gesturing to remember where I was. I solemnly motioned my head towards them. He knew. They conferred with the usher, who then led them to the seat of a couple who, church members in long standing, as always, sat towards the front. However quiet the message was whispered, I guess they figured church was the best place to tell them their Son, who looked just like his Father, had been killed in action. After they left, the usher conferred with the minister, who confirmed our, and unquestionably the parents... worst fears. They never came back to our church, though it took time, they found a new home church. My heart goes out to you gentlemen who lost friends and family, and considered fellow soldiers the same. From the Archives U.S. Military Personnel Who Died (Including Missing and Captured Declared Dead) as a result of the Vietnam conflict, 1957-1995 Listed Alphabetically Homestate, Homecity, and thereunder by Name as of November 1997
Thank you for a most appropriate reminder. Holidays in the USA have become all about the beach and the beer and we don't often stop long enough to think about the meaning. At the risk of sounding corny I think we should all dust off the American flag that stays in the back corner of the coat closet and fly the flag in honor of those that made it possible. We owe them so much.
Went to the hardware store to buy a dimmer switch today and saw a nice American flag for sale. Flags, Memorial Day weekend, meaning, remembrance... ! I bought two, one for each side of the house. Enjoy the barbecues and parties, and honor the sacrifice.
How great it is to wear the flag. Great post. BTW, my house is red, white and blue: Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks for starting this thread. It's good to remember why we have a day off. I just had what has undoubtedly been the high point of my weekend, and I walked away feeling both happy and humbled by the contributions made by those who have served. My 16-year-old son and I just got back from participation in a Boy Scout flag ceremony at an old, somewhat run-down cemetery primarily serving black war veterans. The minister of the church that owned the cemetery was there, along with a few others. One of the scout fathers was there in his army reserve uniform, along with a retired drill sergeant in full uniform who coached the boys in the flag ceremony and later played taps on his bugle. We all wandered the cemetery examining the markers, enjoyed a cookout, and then conducted the flag ceremony. It was a nice remembrance of those who have served, and we all went away with a better appreciation of what this weekend is all about.
From here.. http://www.remember.gov/MomentofRemembrance/tabid/54/Default.aspx WHAT... The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day, May 30, 2005 to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute).The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans. HOW... Wherever you are, observe the Moment at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day. Ask others to rememberrelatives, friends, church, neighborhood, or co-workers to observe the Moment at places such as your neighborhood, local pool, picnic grounds, etc., for one minute of Remembrance. Participation can be informal as ringing a bell three times to signify the Moment. WHY... To provide a time of Remembrance for Americas fallen and to make a commitment to give something back to our country in their memory. To have Americans participate in an act of national unity and demonstrate gratitude and respect for those who died for freedom since the founding of our Nation. To provide a sense of history to our citizens and ensure that younger generations understand the sacrifices made to preserve our liberties. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
I'm having a cup of coffee and toast reading F-Chat in perfect comfort and freedom this morning. Simple as it may seem, I'm able to do that because of the brave US soldiers who fought and died for me and my family. That's right, they made the ultimate sacrifice for me and you. Every US citizen should personalize Memorial Day. We can do what we want today because of those who served and those who fell. God bless the United States of America.
