Memorial Day Holiday/Party? Troops Anyone?

[theeagle]

Its the holiday that starts the Summer Season ....... Its the holiday of beers at the lake and bbq's on afterburner. Or maybe its still the holiday as intended?. We, as a Nation, seem to be showing some support for our Troops today......as it should be.   Its a very special Holiday for me ....... my brother was greased at a quiet spot in the Mekong Delta on Memorial Day of 1967 - - - and a very close friend of mine  - (I shared a lot with Ken through Basic and Tech School) -  was blown out of the sky on the same day in 1969...........makes everything even more up close and personal for me - and maybe even some PTSD episodes at that!!  

Take SOME TIME this weekend - or take several "SOME TIMES"  --  --   and keep in mind that many Troops throughout the world remain ever vigilant so that you dont need to be .......    They dont spend the day with family and friends so that you are able to spend the day as you wish ..........perhaps with your own family and friends. The Troops make many sacrifices so that you are not asked to sacrifice. It is an incredible statement about the citizenry that comprise this great nation that..... even without the enforced service of a national draft and compulsory service of some kind.... the Country is still able to field the best military on the face of the planet. And many members of the various branches of that military have made the ultimate sacrifice during those times of service.

Just for grins lets hear from our forum members that have served - and those that havent served - with your own Memorial Day memories and experiences, influence, and affects - - whatever comes to mind on this Holiday - -  I always like to hear comments from other Nations and how, or if, they have similar comparisons - - -  I served during the Vietnam era - - -  A lot more has happened since then and the different services have all been busy - and it doesnt look like the world will change much for the immediate future................we can only hope that it might change for the better...............sound off!.....................

[Punkinhead75]

When I was drinking and drugging all I cared about on Memorial Day along with most other holidays was a long weekend and getting messed up.  I've learned in sobriety to think of others and the sacrifices that have been made in order for me to be where I'm at and to be grateful for those sacrifices.  Today I still go to picnics and stuff but instead of sitting on my bum I try to help out where I can.  Thanks to those who have made it possible for me to be where I'm at and the freedom to recover.  God Bless!!!

[10356]

Gary helped raise the flags in the city and at the arsenal then later he will go to lower them. we are having a BBQ my daughter will be joining us and tonight before we eat we will say a prayer for those serving and for those that have sacrificed also for healing for the guys and gals that deal with the after effects of violence.. Thank you Eagle and Thanks to everyone of you that have given of yourself so my family and countless others have the Freedom to Celebrate !! lesa

[ashley788]

We had a family bbq over Rick's moms house to all of his dads former firefigher company and their family was there it made Rick smile and happy that they all came. We all went to the cemetary and laid wreaths on the fallen heros and on Rick's dad's grave. Altough i think it made him a little sad thou. I asked him if he was ok on the ride home and he said he would be fine it just hurts him not to have his dad here today. He is doingfine and he is dealing with it.

[dominosarah]

Memorial Day was huge in my family. The wreath still makes me tear up~~We always had a picnic at Grandmas after the services and a cemetary visit was always in the afternoon.

The cemetary my dad is buried in has an Avenue of Flags and each vet has their name on one.  It is breathtaking beautiful~~

[quitinoxys]

Although I didn't serve in the armed forces I lost alot of NYFD firefighter brothers during 9/11. We should remember all of our fallen heros today who unselfishly gave their lives for all of us.