Memorial Day

[Pnutt]

This was written by the son of a friend and sent to us this morning. I thought I would share it with all of you.
_____________________________________________

"Yesterday during church service, a special speaker was giving a presentation
on "America's Lost Dream" reflecting on how our nation was built and the
decline it is now in. Reminding us the importance in getting back the
patriotism & pride we once had as a whole. Upon closing, he asked those who
served during the Viet Nam War to stand and be recognized. Then he asked
those who served during WW II to stand. Finally, he asked those who served
during The Grenada Rescue, Invasion of Panama, Haiti Insertion, and The
Persian Gulf War to stand. I stood since being active duty USAF during the
Invasion of Panama, The Haiti Insertion, and The Persian Gulf War. Scanning
around it could be seen I was the youngest among but a few who has served
their country during the most recent conflicts.

A sense of pride and honor flowed over me as the congregation looked upon me
and smiled but could only reflect on all the American Soldiers, Airmen,
Marines, and Sailors who lost their lives doing but one thing...selflessly
giving their service & lives for our nation. What made it special for me is
I am still serving my country, praying another conflict will not arise yet
wouldn't hesitate to do what is expected of me.

Memorial Day was not meant to be a day to simply get a day off work, have
BBQs & drink beer, or head out to the lake with the family, but a day of
reverent remembrance for those who fought & died to preserve the very freedom
our nation has today. Please take a moment of silence to thank them and pray
for the families who lost their loved ones during any conflict or even during
peace time operations.

Thank You..."
_____________________________________________

Wishing all of you a happy Memorial Day,

Maj. & Mrs. Davis USAF ret.


[This message has been edited by Pnutt (edited 05-28-2001).]

[wonderwoman]

Beautiful, thanks for sharing it!
Lest we forget!

[Rule.303]

I'm curious....
The US Memorial Day... How was the date chosen?
For example... Armistance day is 11 November which marks the anniversary of the day when peace came to Europe at the end of World War One on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Is there some specific similar significance to the US memorial day?

[Pnutt]

Rule,

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30,1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:

"The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit."

During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.

[Don]

Excellent topic for today Pnutt!

[DMS 525]

One other thing; there are a lot of veterans out there who have gone unrecognized for their service to their country.
One such case was my own grandfather. Served in the Army from 1919 to 1929. He died in 1950, and was never given military honors, nor was his graved marked to show he was a veteran. Until today........

As a member of American Veterans(AMVETS), I made arrangements to get that matter resolved. Today, nearly 51 years after the man's passing, military rites were given, a flag was presented to me for the family, and his grave was marked with a veteran's grave marker. I gave a short speech to the people who attended the ceromonies, thanking them for showing up, and explaining the circumstances.

If you are a veteran, think about getting involved in a veteran's organization, like VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, or Vietnam Veterans of America(VVA). Participate in the functions these organizations have. If you are the spouse, son, daughter, sister, or mother of a veteran, you are most likely eligible to join an auxillary unit. The whole thing is, GET INVOLVED!!!
If you know of any veteran who was not honored for their service, get in touch with your local veteran's organization, and arrange to get that matter corrected. It is never too late, and ANY veteran, whether they served in peace or in war, is entitled to military rites at burial, a grave marker, and a flag placed on it every Memorial Day.

[Guard Dog]

Today my wife and I and our teen age son went to see the movie "Pearl Harbor". I actually welled up because my father is a Pearl Harbor Survivor. There are only about 200 in the entire state of Illinois. My dad is 82 and retired from the Army after two wars WW2/Korea and 16 years served overseas.

The movie is graphic and unlike many of the other movies which depict the Pearl Harbor attack, this one really made it seem real.

He very seldom talks about the war, and it wasn't until last year that I found out that he was decorated for his actions at Pearl.

I'm proud of ALL the men and women that have served our country. The way our government treats its veterans is an abomination.Hopefully this movie and some like "Saving Private Ryan" will bring back some of the respect and honor these men and women deserve and make Memorial Day more than just another day off work.

------------------
"We herd sheep, we drive cattle, we lead people. Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way." General George S. Patton

[This message has been edited by Guard Dog (edited 05-28-2001).]

[wonderwoman]

DMS 525, I am happy for you and your family that you finally got the recognition deserved!


Guard Dog, What I find sad also is on Rememberence Day (November 11th in Canada) there are fewer and fewer vets that are alive to attend the various services honouring them.

A reminder to educate todays youth on the real meaning of these holidays.

[Pnutt]

Thank you for your responses. My husband flew fighters in Vienam and all four of my sons served their country honorably. My Eldest was an officer on an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf and his younger brother was a doctor in Desert Storm.

My 2nd son is now a VA Psychiatrist who spends most of his time working with WW II vets suffering from PTSD. He affectionately calls them "my boys." Believe me, they give back a hundred fold for what is given to them. Each one has a story to tell and they have been writing them down to show their appreciation for the time my son spends with them. These gallent men are the true heros living among us, not the ball players or movie stars but 80 year old men who pass by as you walk down the street hardly noticing their presence.

How quickly we forget!

Connie

[This message has been edited by Pnutt (edited 05-29-2001).]