Happy Memorial Day

[Uncle Jesse]

For too many the importance of Memorial Day is lost in the ballgames, cookouts and fishing trips. But without the sacrifice of those who put on our country's uniform and gave their lives for the cause of freedom none of these and many other liberties we take for granted would be possible.

If you have a flagpole or work some where that does, proper flag protocol is to raise the flag to the peak of the pole and then lower it to half staff until noon, at which time it should be raised to full height. I had an old boss who emphasized that to our hotels each year.

Below is a photo from Duluth, GA. They line many of their streets in this manner at Memorial Day and Independence Day.

[fritz]

Let all Americans never forget those who sacrificed their lives so that we can enjoy the benefits of what this great country has to offer.

[lastchance]

I feel truly indebted to those who gave their lives, and continue to put them on the line, for my fredom.

[redietz]

I saw the subject line and thought "it's not really appropriate to wish someone HAPPY Memorial Day." It's supposed to be a solemn occasion. Thanks for the reminder.

[Uncle Jesse]

I saw the subject line and thought "it's not really appropriate to wish someone HAPPY Memorial Day." It's supposed to be a solemn occasion. Thanks for the reminder.

You are correct, my limited vocabulary failed me, that’s a little like wishing a Happy Good Friday. I know my dad lost several friends and he and mom lost cousins before he entered the Army during WWII and he lost friends during the recapture of the Philippines.I was fortunate to have all of my friends survive Vietnam, although one friend was shot down three times flying dustoffs before collecting a Purple Heart and a ticket home.And my last MS Army National Guard unit only lost one soldier in Iraq.

[Marco]

I don't know why, ( I probably do) but this poster always brings a tear to my eye. It is a "memorial" to those who GAVE and are now GIVING. I posted it here first about ten years ago and a few years since. It will remain in my archives.
PS: I would have preferred to not include my silly signature with this post but...........................



Mark

[qrrfish1]

I intend to enjoy memorial day. They did not sacrifice for me to be miserable. To me they are not gone, I just haven't joined them yet.

[Uncle Jesse]

An acquaintance sent the following to me, I thought it was too good not to share.
“I PROMISE TO REMEMBER”


I Promise To Remember,
The Soldier who served us well,
With sacrifice and devotion,
Into the depths of Hell;

His, was a journey,
Shielded by a song and prayer,
He answered the patriot’s call
With the trumpet flare;

I Promise To Remember,
For all I hold so dear,
The precious price of Freedom,
A hope for peace, not fear,

I Promise To Remember,
As I close my eyes each night,
The assurance of brave sentinels
Ready to defend and fight;

I Promise To Remember,
As I breathe and live,
The fallen heroes everywhere,
For they gave, ALL-there-was, to give.

Robert J. Darrigan
Federal Way, Washington

[newbee]

As I sat and read this thread, different feelings came over me. The sadness of the lose of a friend, and remembering all the wars that has gone on in my short life time and the thousands of men and women who have died or were injured servicing their country. It makes me proud to know that people on FAOL feels the same way. A "Thank you" goes out to everyone that has served their country and the hardship their family have suffered.

WayneC

[rayhill190]

The holiday is a little hard on me.A time for reflection.