What Memorial Day means to me

[Utah Bob]

“Thank you for serving” said a lady that morning
As I stood near the flag at half mast
I just smiled, said “You’re welcome”, and left it at that
But my mind drifted back to the past

Back to the day when we stood young and straight
And I knew we’d be marching to war
We’d be faithful defending our country and homes
As the group of us solemnly swore

Youthful strength in our hearts then, we’d all live forever
We’d be gallant and answer the call
The horizon’s dark clouds gave us no cause for fear
We’d be home soon, beloved by all

We knew little of life then, we small band of brothers
We had no thoughts of marching through Hell
Adventure and glory awaited us all
But alas, far to many men fell

So we did what we had to, in the best way we could
And our numbers were thinned more and more
And the lucky came home and the unlucky didn’t
And we wept at their passing and swore

We swore we’d remember them all of our lives
For the price that they all had to pay
They payed for our freedom with all that they had
Bless them all on Memorial Day

So don’t thank me for serving, though I know you will
On this one day we honor our dead
Just old and gray soldiers now, with watery eyes
As the old memories drift through our heads

Our brothers in arms who will stay always young
We remember their laughter and smiles
And their sacrifice kept our great country free
Through so many years, so many miles

This one day that was set aside so long ago
One day that has stood through the years
A day set aside not for laughter and games
For remembrance, reflection and tears

[echoes]

Originally Posted by Utah Bob

“Thank you for serving” said a lady that morning
As I stood near the flag at half mast
I just smiled, said “You’re welcome”, and left it at that
But my mind drifted back to the past

Back to the day when we stood young and straight
And I knew we’d be marching to war
We’d be faithful defending our country and homes
As the group of us solemnly swore

Youthful strength in our hearts then, we’d all live forever
We’d be gallant and answer the call
The horizon’s dark clouds gave us no cause for fear
We’d be home soon, beloved by all

We knew little of life then, we small band of brothers
We had no thoughts of marching through Hell
Adventure and glory awaited us all
But alas, far to many men fell

So we did what we had to, in the best way we could
And our numbers were thinned more and more
And the lucky came home and the unlucky didn’t
And we wept at their passing and swore

We swore we’d remember them all of our lives
For the price that they all had to pay
They payed for our freedom with all that they had
Bless them all on Memorial Day

So don’t thank me for serving, though I know you will
On this one day we honor our dead
Just old and gray soldiers now, with watery eyes
As the old memories drift through our heads

Our brothers in arms who will stay always young
We remember their laughter and smiles
And their sacrifice kept our great country free
Through so many years, so many miles

This one day that was set aside so long ago
One day that has stood through the years
A day set aside not for laughter and games
For remembrance, reflection and tears

Memorial Day was taught to me as a "Day to Remember" those Military Men & Women who have bravely fought for The United States of America, and have been lost.

It is a humble day for me, as a civilian, and one in which I can Honor Those Fallen, with a small tribute. I thank them for their bravery, courage, and ultimate sacrifice, so that we may live, Free.

Holly

[swpa19]

I posted this last year about this time. Feelings have remained the same:http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/...ht=ray+charles

[greenberetTFS]

swpa19,

What's wrong with our patriotic attitude today? Our people don't believe in America like they did in the 40's.....Standing up when the flag marches by,good old hand over the heart and saluting patriotism, just doesn't mean much in America anymore....Try this, ask some one to sing America with you and see what happens.... If after you've sung it, should you happen to have a little tear in your eye well than thank God for you because your still an American.........

GB TFS

[echoes]

Originally Posted by greenberetTFS

If after you've sung it, should you happen to have a little tear in your eye well than thank God for you because your still an American......... GB TFS

GB,

Very well said! I drove through my neighboorhood this morning after being away all week, and saw that our property dues were put to good use this year, and American Flags were planted next to all the curbside mailboxes.

Was not surprised to see a few absent...two I know for a fact are of a "particular religious ideal," to put it mildly.

But the rest of our 'Hood looks fantastic, and I couldn't be prouder of my fellow Americans showing their patriotism!

Here's to hoping that all of America is not lost!

Holly

[Saoirse]

Originally Posted by greenberetTFS

swpa19,

What's wrong with our patriotic attitude today? Our people don't believe in America like they did in the 40's.....Standing up when the flag marches by,good old hand over the heart and saluting patriotism, just doesn't mean much in America anymore....Try this, ask some one to sing America with you and see what happens.... If after you've sung it, should you happen to have a little tear in your eye well than thank God for you because your still an American.........

GB TFS

GB TFS..
I agree. And I always have a tear in my eye....ALWAYS (and people have actually laughed at me)! I always stand when I hear the anthem, even at home. I give little salutes when I see the flag waving. I love my country, right or wrong or indifferent, we still live in the best country in the world.
Memorial Day is a day to remember those men and women who have given so much where so many have given so little. A great sacrifice in the name of freedom. I have friends that have given of themselves in that sacrifice in their pursuit to protect and secure our country. For years, I was able to attend Rolling Thunder in DC and it was my way of showing that "Thank you" and to remember them.
To our fallen brothers and sisters, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your selflessness and your sacrifice. You will always be remembered.

[jillyz12]

UB, sir....that was a magnificent post. May I add a prayer I found that sums up perfectly what Memorial Day means to many of us civilians?

Gracious God, on this Memorial Day weekend,
we remember and give thanks
for those who have given their lives
in the service of our country.
When the need was greatest,
they stepped forward and did their duty
to defend the freedoms that we enjoy,
and to win the same for others.
O God, you yourself have taught us
that no love is greater than that
which gives itself for another.
These honored dead gave the most precious gift they had,
life itself,
for loved ones and neighbors,
for comrades and country – and for us.
Help us to honor their memory
by caring for the family members
they have left behind,
by ensuring that their wounded comrades
are properly cared for,
by being watchful caretakers of the freedoms
for which they gave their lives,
and by demanding that no other young men and women
follow them to a soldier’s grave
unless the reason is worthy and the cause is just.
Holy One, help us to remember that freedom is not free.
There are times when its cost is, indeed, dear.
Never let us forget those who paid so terrible a price
to ensure that freedom would be our legacy.
Though their names may fade with the passing of generations,
may we never forget what they have done.
Help us to be worthy of their sacrifice,
O God, help us to be worthy. Amen

To all of our warriors...past, present, and future...Thank You!

Jill

[greenberetTFS]

Originally Posted by jillyz12

UB, sir....that was a magnificent post. May I add a prayer I found that sums up perfectly what Memorial Day means to many of us civilians?

Gracious God, on this Memorial Day weekend,
we remember and give thanks
for those who have given their lives
in the service of our country.
When the need was greatest,
they stepped forward and did their duty
to defend the freedoms that we enjoy,
and to win the same for others.
O God, you yourself have taught us
that no love is greater than that
which gives itself for another.
These honored dead gave the most precious gift they had,
life itself,
for loved ones and neighbors,
for comrades and country – and for us.
Help us to honor their memory
by caring for the family members
they have left behind,
by ensuring that their wounded comrades
are properly cared for,
by being watchful caretakers of the freedoms
for which they gave their lives,
and by demanding that no other young men and women
follow them to a soldier’s grave
unless the reason is worthy and the cause is just.
Holy One, help us to remember that freedom is not free.
There are times when its cost is, indeed, dear.
Never let us forget those who paid so terrible a price
to ensure that freedom would be our legacy.
Though their names may fade with the passing of generations,
may we never forget what they have done.
Help us to be worthy of their sacrifice,
O God, help us to be worthy. Amen

To all of our warriors...past, present, and future...Thank You!

Jill

Jill,

That's a beautiful prayer.........

GB TFS

[testedone]

Memorial Day has always been significant to me, but with losing 4 guys from my unit on this current tour, todays memorial service that we had over here was that much more to me...

I thank God for the country we live in and for those that serve in our Armed Forces....

I also agree that many today do not care the least for this country, how I wish they could live in some of the countries we serve in and then maybe they would appreciate the freedoms they have....

God Help us...

[Utah Bob]

Time to head out to the service in Dove Creek. Probably won't be more than 20 people there. But they'll be 20 good Americans and I'll be proud to be in their company.

[jillyz12]

Originally Posted by greenberetTFS

Jill,

That's a beautiful prayer.........

GB TFS

I'm so glad you liked it, sir.

Sometimes I wonder if our military personnel underestimate how much we love and appreciate them. And that's totally unacceptable to me.

God bless,
Jill

I live just down the 'creek' from Fort McHenry, where the sea battle that the song was written about lives... every time I take Maja out sailing, I have to pass the marker in the Patapsco River here the songwriter stood watching that battle all night..

"The bombs in the air, gave proof thru the night, that our flag was still there..."

Mary Pickersgill sewed that flag for Fort McHenry.

The United States was at War with Great Britain and Baltimore was preparing for an eventual attack. Major George Armistead, commander of the forces at Fort McHenry, commissioned Mrs. Pickersgill to sew a flag “so large that the British will have no difficulty seeing it from a distance.” She was able to hand sew the flag in just six weeks with the help of her daughter, two nieces and two African American servants. It contained over 400 yards of fabric; each stripe was two feet wide and each star measured two feet from tip to tip. The result was an enormous American flag that could be seen for miles from the Fort. When the British attacked Baltimore, Francis Scott Key saw Mrs. Pickersgill’s flag while he was held captive on a British ship and was inspired to compose the poem that became the national anthem of the United States

http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/educ/exhib...ckersgill.html

I am a docent at the Flag House, Mary's home. If you have never seen this flag it is simply amazing. HUGE.
See photos below now imagine that HUGE flag flying over Fort McHenry..sends goosebumps down my arms..

[swpa19]

I just finished reading a thread posted by TR on Taps regarding the life of Chris Falkel. He made a remark that is so prophetic:

and many lives that they touched in their brief years on this Earth.

There were many in the SF community that caused changes in my life. Many of these QPs effected lives that they have no idea were made. And for the changes that directly affected me I am truely thankful.

And, on this Memorial Day Ive had the occasion to reflect back on just how many young lives were given in my defense. So many from this tiny little area that I survive in:

Greg Fronius
Gene Vance
Pat Kutschback
Art Lilley
Ryan Maseth

Sleep well warriors. Because of your sacrifice I will. THANK YOU ALL.