Memorial Day
Well, those of us that enjoy this weekend and all that entails, I have a little nugget of wisdom to share. Myself, a Veteran of 06-07 Baghdad, I'm asking a favor of my MGOBloggers. Please do not thank a Veteran on Memorial Day. It just makes us think about our brothers we lost, which, in turn, is the real reason for Memorial Day. We lived. Although, I'm sure we understand the appreciation, and, in turn, appreciate the appreciation, this holiday is not for us. It's for those that didn't make it. Honor them. I couldn't think of a better first forum post. Thanks! Your lover of 80's SNL stars,
Mr. Nederlander.
Upvote
Did you not read the post?
Today's not Memorial Day
Please do not thank a Veteran on Memorial Day.
So I will second this guy's sentiment.
No, I read his opening line and thought about all of the people who do the things we don't. I chose to thank him for his service anyway. I am sorry that I didn't adhere to his request. That's what I get for not reading all the way through. My apologies....
Bo,
I agree that Memoral Day is for those who gave their last full meausre. We vets have our day - Nov. 11th. I am honored to have had a chance to have served as a citizen-soldier; but I am humbled by those whose contribution to this country was everything they had been, were, and might have been. Please remember - and honor - them.
RIP fellow warriors! I miss you every day!
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Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
I was Army. 11b on FOB Liberty for most of the time. My last three months (of 15) I was in Baqubah on FOB Warhorse. At that period, we were losing between 30-60 guys per month. Was a bad time. However, my little "cool story, bro," I was on the security detail that escorted Saddam to be hung. So, there's that.
For a first post, it's a very good one and a very nice reminder, so many kudos to you.
Also, the 1980s on SNL were indeed a very nice time - if your second thread was about that, that wouldn't be a bad followup at all as there are plenty of people on the board who undoubtedly remember them.
I will be watching AMERICAN SNIPER!
for your tomorrow we gave our today."
Kohima War Memorial, Kohima, India.
http://alumni.umich.edu/about/news-features/michigan-stadiums-memorial-eagle
Thanks to all the brave men and women who lost their lives serving their country.
Freedom is not free. Many have paid the full price on our behalf and for that I am grateful.
http://sfbayview.com/2014/05/the-first-memorial-day-was-black/
As pointed out in this article, a great book that includes this story is David Blight's Race and Reunion - highly recommended.
I wonder if that's why TCM is airing Glory right now.
Memorial Day just reminds me of how many young people we send to death for absolutely no reason.
Not all of our wars happen for no good reason. Some are very much justifiable.
The OP shares a very true sentiment. I have many military in my family . . . grandfather, father, father-in-law, 3 uncles, brother-in-law, nephew, and daughter. They served in WWI, WWII, Vietnam, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other actions. I am thankful to all of them, and extremely thankful they all made it home alive. They all feel the same way.
The one who comes to mind is my father in law. He was a C-47 pilot in WWII, dropping paratroopers at both Normandy and Market Garden, flying at 500 feet and having shrapnel everywhere around him. On one occasion, he was put in isolation in sick bay because of suspected measles, having a red rash on his chest. It turns out is was just a reaction to the wool uniform. The pilot who went up instead of him that day bought the farm. Like most of the others, he carefully counted the number of flights and missions and came home to the States as soon as he could. The guy who followed him? He was blown out of the sky, and the whole crew was lost.
My father-in-law doesn't quickly tell stories, although being 91, he has shared a bit more in the last few years. The one thing I'll say is he counts himself extremely fortunate to be alive, and like many who have gone to visit France and the Netherlands, was overcome by the sacrifice of many.