Memorial Day Reflection

[catfishm2]

When I was in my teens and early twenties I never gave alot of thought to Memorial Day. I'm ashamed to admit that it was thought of as a three day weekend, an extra day off work, the beginning of summer.

As I matured though, the full impact of this day began to hit me, it's significance, and it's importance. There were two young men from my hometown who gave their lives in Vietnam who were close to my age. One of these I knew better than the other. I often think of Richard and what his life would have been like if it had not ended so soon.

To know that these men and women we honor gave their life for their country and for generations to come, just truly amazes me. If they were here today and we called them heros to their face they would shrug it off or maybe even be embarassed by the title. They were just "doing their jobs" or "standing up for what they believe", they would tell us. I'm able to do the things I enjoy today and have the freedoms I have because of the unselfish giving of these people.

This Memorial Day weekend I'll reflect on all the people who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and be so thankful for every one of them. This weekend I'll raise my glass and my best cigar in their honor. I hope everyone here at CS will join me in doing the same. Thanks.

[floydp]

Originally Posted by catfishm2

When I was in my teens and early twenties I never gave alot of thought to Memorial Day. I'm ashamed to admit that it was thought of as a three day weekend, an extra day off work, the beginning of summer.

As I matured though, the full impact of this day began to hit me, it's significance, and it's importance. There were two young men from my hometown who gave their lives in Vietnam who were close to my age. One of these I knew better than the other. I often think of Richard and what his life would have been like if it had not ended so soon.

To know that these men and women we honor gave their life for their country and for generations to come, just truly amazes me. If they were here today and we called them heros to their face they would shrug it off or maybe even be embarassed by the title. They were just "doing their jobs" or "standing up for what they believe", they would tell us. I'm able to do the things I enjoy today and have the freedoms I have because of the unselfish giving of these people.

This Memorial Day weekend I'll reflect on all the people who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and be so thankful for every one of them. This weekend I'll raise my glass and my best cigar in their honor. I hope everyone here at CS will join me in doing the same. Thanks.

Well said Mark, cheers to the great women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice, so we may enjoy the fruits of their labor. I took two of my grand kids to their T-ball game this morning and enjoyed a nice stogie while watching.

[Spagg]

Very well said. It seems like we (I) rush around so much day to day, memorial day can slip into the "3 day holiday " mode very easily. We need to remember what this holiday is about, and I will definitely join you with a raised glass an an excellent stogie to honor the men and women who fought for our freedom.

[CIGma_Chi]

Can't put it much better than that. Many many thanks ...

[partagaspete]

Amen!

[Scott M]

To those, from whose sacrifices our freedoms emanate; we salute you.









Semper Fi

S.

[floydp]

Thank you Scott, great pics..

[5thDan]

catfishm2 - Well said

I had 6 of my friends who never made it back from Nam. Of those of us who did we try to get together every couple of years and pay our respects to are buddies. We are getting together tomorrow for the first time in to many years. We will attend a Memorial Day Parade and then go to the cemetary where several of our friends are intered to say a little prayer. I'll also spend some time at my dads grave put a flag on it (WWII Vet) and reflect. Then were going to my place and catch up on everbodies lives.

To those who gave their lives so we could remain free I salute you.

When I was 12, (back around 1970), my parents had friends down the street from us that had a son in Nam. Van was killed in action about that year. When his parents were cleaning out his room, they came across his stamp collection that he kept updated from his time over seas. Knowing that I collected stamps, they gifted Van's collection to me.

Every time I look through my stamp collection, I remember Van, and the sacrifice he made for this country.

I have a nephew who arrived back in the states last night after a turn in Iraq. Ninja Vanish's room mate in college spent 18 months over there just after they started rooming together 3 years ago. I lost a uncle that I'm told I take after during a flight in WWII.

I cannot see how anyone wouldn't honor the dedication those who have died (and those that serve) have given. Duty, honor and courage will always be traits that are cherished in my heart, and I am proud to be able to be reminded of those traits everytime I look at a stamp in my collection and remember Van.