May 27, 2006
Memorial Day....one of the "overlooked" holidays. It seems these days that only those that have tasted the fire and steel of war really KNOW what this day truly means. For many these days, it seems to be just a day off; the kick-off of the Summer season, when the first picnic BBQ is fired up in the backyard with the radio blaring out the Indianapolis 500 in the background.
I regret that loss of meaning. This is supposed to be a day of reflection, a day of honoring those that died in the defense of everything we hold dear; a day to realize that freedom isn't free and that we are blessed that so many brave patriots in the past were willing to pay that ultimate price so that we may feel secure in our land.
Never forget that it was not only those men, but their families that share in that sacrifice.
Never forget that it is not only the soldier, but the Police Officer that stands between us and those that would do us harm.
Those men didn't want to pay that price, but they were willing to risk having to do so for their families, their comrads in arms, and their nation.
Marine CPL. Joshua Miles says if better than I ever could:
To all those that served, Past, Present, and Future, and pay that price with their Blood, Sweat, and Tears, I humbly thank you. May your sacrifices never be forgotten.
To those that sit here safe at home and decry that "war is never the answer"
and/or claim to "support the troops, but not the war"....may your chains lay lightly upon you, but do not claim that you are my brother; seek not to lay those chains on me.
Thanks Delf. I would just add that we also should reflect on the courageous families that have waited at home..going on with their lives but also glued to the evening news hoping that a photo of a wounded or killed soldier was not one of theirs. The 'Rosie the Riviters' of WW Two kept the war efforts going while hubbies were fighting. The wifes, mothers, and sweethearts of those fighting in Vietnam suffered not only by having their loved ones in the war but from the protestors at home who spit on and at them just for haveing a loved one in the war. And never forget the ones today who are sending the "care packages" and letters to our military now in Iraq and Afghanistan and are actively fighting the Cindy Sheehans of this country onthe home front. Yes, this is a day for remembering our vets. But it is also a day for us to remember that for every vet their was a loved one supporting him or her. Thanks again for an OUTSTANDING POST
Posted by: GUYK at May 28, 2006 06:31 AMAmen, sir.
Posted by: hoosierboy at May 28, 2006 07:38 AMExcellent tribute D-Man. Enjoy the race today. I will, it's antithesis of metrosexuality.
Speakin of..."(really) Sad Parade"
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Posted by: Radical Redneck at May 28, 2006 08:15 AMThanks Delftsman - much appreciated. A salute to you, and all of our soldiers in uniform past & present this Memorial Day week-end. May God bless you all.
U.S. Army Ranger (Ret)
51st SOC - Okinawa
Thanks Delfsman. Great tribute and thank you for your service too.
Posted by: Jack at May 28, 2006 10:40 PM I'm having a rather uncertain Memorial Day. Our family has paid the price in blood during virtually every war of this century and the last...and for what? So Bush could sign the campaign finance reform? So the border could be wide open but I have to take off my shoes at the airport? So Congressmen could earmark their way to re-election and declare themselves above the law? So the appraisal district could mark every house in the county up 20% and tell us we are rich?
When I saw every LEO agency in the country, along with several units of the US armed forces taking guns away from folks in New Orleans...well, when is enough....enough?
I'd just as soon those kinds of folks stay out of our graveyard this weekend.
The honored dead are dishonored by the acts of the living, IMHO.
Thank you for this Delfsman. It is nice to know that there are some that remember and respect what Memorial Day is actually about.
Posted by: Jorugan at May 29, 2006 02:10 AMThank you from an Aussie, Delftsman, a beautiful tribute.
Thank you to my American allies for your sacrifices in the cause of liberty and freedom throughout the world.
You said it all, great post.
Posted by: Catfish at May 29, 2006 07:13 AMRobert, Memorial Day is to honor those that paid that ultimate price for their COUNTRY, not for any party or polititian. Please don't let your hate for an administration blind you to that fact.
Don't cheapen the day with partisan politics.
Posted by: Delftsman3 at May 29, 2006 07:58 AMDelftsman thank you for serving our country. Thank you for being a part of why I live in the land of the free. Thank you too for your GREAT Tribute post for Memorial Day.
Posted by: Wild Thing at May 29, 2006 09:55 AMI thought my life was over or on hold while I was in the army but looking back I see that my time in the service was an eye opening experience that I wouldn't trade for anything.
Posted by: al pugh at May 29, 2006 03:51 PM