Community Forums

OkieCat · 05-28-2006, 05:42 PM

<span class="ev_code_BLUE">Memorial Day means many things to me. We get to enjoy having a long weekend.... We decorate the graves of my family members. I take time to pause and reflect upon how they influenced my life and lift up a prayer of thanks .... but as I look out upon the cemetery I can't help but notice the flags, Old Glory in a smaller version by the hundred or thousands depending on where I am. Those flags mean that a man (or woman) has served our country. I may not know their story but I do know they paid a price... whether it be time away from their family, an injury from war, the trauma that never leaves their heart, or the ultimate sacrifice...

So today I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude to those who have served. This weekend we placed the red, white & blue flowers on three of my family member's graves who are veterans, one a World War 1 vet, one a World War II vet, and a Korean War vet....These three men represent many others in our family. In one way or another we are related to numerous other veterans, pretty much from every branch of the military and from every war or conflict. As I visit their graves I think of so many others and am humbled and thankful that I come from a long line of such bravery.

So to any veteran who may read this post, THANK YOU for your service to our country. I truly appreciate it, more than words can ever say! </span>

OkieCat · 05-28-2006, 05:42 PM

<span class="ev_code_BLUE">Memorial Day means many things to me. We get to enjoy having a long weekend.... We decorate the graves of my family members. I take time to pause and reflect upon how they influenced my life and lift up a prayer of thanks .... but as I look out upon the cemetery I can't help but notice the flags, Old Glory in a smaller version by the hundred or thousands depending on where I am. Those flags mean that a man (or woman) has served our country. I may not know their story but I do know they paid a price... whether it be time away from their family, an injury from war, the trauma that never leaves their heart, or the ultimate sacrifice...

So today I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude to those who have served. This weekend we placed the red, white & blue flowers on three of my family member's graves who are veterans, one a World War 1 vet, one a World War II vet, and a Korean War vet....These three men represent many others in our family. In one way or another we are related to numerous other veterans, pretty much from every branch of the military and from every war or conflict. As I visit their graves I think of so many others and am humbled and thankful that I come from a long line of such bravery.

So to any veteran who may read this post, THANK YOU for your service to our country. I truly appreciate it, more than words can ever say! </span>

RV Wizard · 05-28-2006, 11:52 PM

We too want to thank our men and women who have and are serving our country and protecting all of us. We are praying that they and their families will be blessed this time of year and ask God to protect and wath over them. Thank you again.

Dave · 05-29-2006, 02:44 AM

I too wish to thank all those who have served this great country both past and present.

Kazoo Tom · 05-29-2006, 05:50 AM

I served in Viet Nam. An experience that I do not wish to repeat, but without which my life would not be the same. It was this experience that made me realize how much we here in the U.S. really have. There is no other country on earth that allows the freedoms we enjoy and take for granted. It is our military personell that have assured us those freedoms for years to come.

I now thank and appreciate the efforts of our military in the middle east. I wish them a successful journey, and a safe return home.

rogueii · 05-29-2006, 06:10 AM

We also salute ALL who have and are serving our country. I have the greatest respect for all service men and women.
I served 6 years in the Navy--two of them with the USMC.

God Bless and Protect them and their families.

JRNOLL · 05-29-2006, 07:05 AM

To all who have served and those that are serving, Thank You, and may God Bless You.

Webster · 05-29-2006, 10:34 AM

As a 20-year Navy veteran, I would like to thank OkieCat for honoring our veterans. My DW was watching TV this a.m. and one of the anchors on the show said, "Happy Memorial Day!" We were taken aback by this and the lack of coverage of veterans on this observed day of Memoriam. I feel that so many treat this as a holiday when they need to remember those who have fallen to give them the freedom to have a three-day weekend.

Thank you......and God Bless!

powerboatr · 05-30-2006, 11:47 AM

A late thank you for honoring our veterans
as a 21 year navy man, i miss my commrades and the great adventures we embarked on to help provide the blanket of freedom we all enjoy.

Doncat1 · 06-07-2006, 03:39 PM

It is great to see more and more appreciation for our military and veterans. After 24 years in the Air Force, I would be proud to serve again tomorrow.

WOW.... look at that view!!! · 06-14-2006, 12:56 AM

You're welcome!
I would also like to thank my fellow Vets. I'd do it again, in a heart beat. I sent everyone of my children into the military to serve. I've always felt that it should be a condition of citizenship. There is a great comraderay amongst Vets that no one else understands.
I also wonder about those musicians who write or sing songs about how proud they are to be an American & I'd gladly stand up & serve.... What service were they in? None, they were too busy building a career to make money. Do they go in the service when the call comes? No, they stay in their cushy palatial estates.

Renegades · 06-14-2006, 06:44 AM

THANK YOU...

I'll also say thanks to the one's who didn't come back. They gave the most. I retired in 1980 after 20 years and 3 trips to NAM. I would do it again with any questions asked. Again thanks to all who served and who are sereving so we may enjoy our freedom.

Jim USN RET