Memorial Day Veterans Appreciation Thread
Happy Memorial Day to everyone but especially the veterans on this blog who put themselves in harms way so we could have the freedom to argue about Al Borges, the impact of decommitting recruits and other critically important aspects of Michigan football and what not.
My late father served as an airplane mechanic in the Army Air Corp in WWII, was stationed in Northern Italy and served under General Patton for a short time where his unit provided air cover in the famous battle of Kasserine Pass. He had amazing stories that he'd share (usually after a gin and tonic) I can only imagine what that experience must've been like.
Thank you again veterans. Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed or unappreciated!
During WWII, they gave military mothers service flags.
My great grandmother had FIVE stars. Five children all in WWII. The Detroit Free Press did a story on it back then and there is a display for my grandpa that includes the story at the Frankenmuth War Museum.
The obvious one that comes to mind when it comes to Wolverines in real war is Tom Harmon. But another late star, Bob Chappuis had to go off to war as a college sophomore. He played here from 1943, 1946-1947. Chappuis SHOULD have won the 1947 Heisman.
His plane went down but he and his crewmates on the plane were rescued by an Italian resistance force and were hid from the Germans for 3 months until the war ended.
The other great Wolverine was former Hockey goalie Hal Downes. He was the star goalie on the 1951 National Champioinship team. He went MIA in the Korean War, sadly. The team MVP trophy is named the Hal Downes Trophy.
RIP to all those lost their lives, protecting ours and our nation's,
Is your last name Ryan?
A hearty thanks to the veterans who have served this country over the years, especially those who were lost.
I retired two years ago last month and I have to say that Memorial Day has grown in importance as I move on in my civilian life.
To my fellow Veterans, I ask you to do the following:
- Join a VFW and American Legion
- Purchase a couple of pieces of clothing supporting Wounded Warriors
- Share your pride of having served this great nation
For my non-Veterans:
- Support those that were asked to do what you were not, even if you disagree with the politics.
- Enjoy the traditions and freedom this great nation provides
Lincoln said it best:
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. --Nov. 21, 1864 Letter to Lydia Bixby
While honoring veterans and active-duty servicemen and servicewomen is always welcome, Memorial Day is specifically for those who died while in uniform. Veterans Day (November 11) is our holiday for former members of the US military, and Armed Forces Day (third Saturday of May) is our holiday for those currently serving in the military. Memorial Day and Veterans Day are federal holidays while Armed Forces Day is not, which may be why it is overlooked by many and overshadowed by the other two holidays.
and hearing them working over the ranges outside Grayling.
