…is not just for cook outs and parties. Memorial Day is a special day that we set aside to remember all of those who have given their lives in defense of our liberties. To me this includes our allied friends as well. By all means please enjoy the parties and picnics but while you do please take the time to honor the men and women that have so nobly sacrificed their lives for you to be able to do such wonderful things.
I will enjoy our parade and the ceremonies that honor our fallen comrades. I will remember their families too. I will thank any members of our armed forces that I see for their service. I do here and now thank all of my fellow veterans for their service, their steadfast dedication to the fight against evil and oppression and for their love of their brothers and sisters in arms. I will also enjoy picnics, fishing and cook outs but I will always be thinking of those that made the ultimate sacrifice for us.
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
[b]But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate – we can not consecrate – we can not hallow – this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Personal remembrances:
Specialist 4th Class Timbe Seats:
My best buddy, My brother. That fateful day still haunts me when I had to stand there and watch you die. I miss your humor, the arm around my shoulders when things were rough and the swift kick in the pants when needed. I wish I could see your mom again. I am forever in her debt. She lost your older brother in Vietnam and you during the “Cold War”. I love you bro!
Major Marie T. Rossi-Cayton:
http://www.quad-a.org/Hall_of_Fame/personnel/rossi-cayton.htm
The best CH-47 Chinook pilot I ever flew with! I remember a night flight through the mountains of southern California to the National Training Center during a Santa Ana wind event. You had a bunch of shaken up Cavalry Troopers on that bird until they looked into that cockpit and saw a newly minted Army Captain steady at the flight controls. Some day we will go flying together again. Wish I had got to know your husband. I cannot thank him enough for his sacrifices for our nation. Thank you, Ma-am! CLEAR AND UNTIED! START ENGINES!
Lieutenant Colonel Michael E. McLaughlin:
http://www.iraqwarheroes.com/mclaughlinm.htm
You were my X.O. (Executive Officer) in Alpha Battery, 1/229th Field Artillery, PA-ARNG, Grove City, Pennsylvania. I knew you as a Butter Bar, then 1st Lieutenant but most of all as L-T (Pronounced El-Tee). I remember you asking me why the troops called you L-T and not by your rank. I remember how proud you were when I explained that they were not being insubordinate but showing you that they held you in the highest regards. You were Their L-T and they would die to save you. It does not surprise me that you gave up your life putting the needs of your troops before your own needs. You refused medical treatment knowing you were most likely mortally wounded and insisted that your men be treated first. I cried like a baby the day I talked to the Sgt. 1st Class that took care of your remains. I thank your wife and daughters for their suffering. The Battery stands ready and awaits your orders, Sir!
Sgt. Brent W. Dunkelberger:
http://legacy.com/WashingtonPost/Soldier/Story.aspx?personid=20374668
I remember my promise to help you learn to fly fish. Today I will be out at Little Buffalo State Park. As I fish I will be thinking of you. I am certain the fish will not mind a few tears mixed into their water as I know those tears will come. Brent, I didn’t know you for very long but yet, as a soldier, we have known each other throughout the ages. One day we will fish the waters of paradise together my brother. I remember our frank discussion about joining the military and you really did understand that some of us don’t come back. I only wish I had half of the raw courage that you had. I cannot thank you and your family enough for your sacrifices.
To all of my brothers and sisters that have made the ultimate sacrifice and to all of their families, thank you! I salute you all!
I want all to feel free to post here. To my fellow vets I am always here for you. If you want to post here about your buddies please do so. I encourage you to do so.
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