Memorial Day is set aside for us all to remember the sacrifices made by the men & women of the armed forces of our wonderful country!! Also to remind us of those left behind as POW and MIA, some of whom are still alive. They have not returned but are certainly not forgotten. One small day to keep the veterans in our minds but also to remind us to keep them all in our prayers & thoughts throughout the year. They never get a day off, neither should we forget for a day.
881
September 05, 2009
Ed Novy
Memorial Day is set aside for us all to remember the sacrifices made by the men & women of the armed forces of our wonderful country!! Also to remind us of those left behind as POW and MIA, some of whom are still alive. They have not returned but are certainly not forgotten. One small day to keep the veterans in our minds but also to remind us to keep them all in our prayers & thoughts throughout the year. They never get a day off, neither should we forget for a day.
880
June 14, 2009
Connie Powell
It is a day to remember those who have given their lives in the fight for our country's way of life. The freedoms we have in the U.S. are admired and sought after by many countries all over the world. This memorial day needs to continue being observed and celebrated. Without their sacrifice, we may not even be allowed to thank them for it.
879
June 08, 2009
Aline Peed
Memorial Day is when I remember not only those who paid the ultimate price for this country, but I also remember the men in my family who fought for this country.
My fifth Great-grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Four uncles, on my Mom's side of the family, fought in the Pacific Theater in World War II. One of whom witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor. I also have a Great-Uncle who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. They all made it home, but knew many who did not.
To all who have or are currently serving I thank you for what you have done. To the families of all fallen soldiers I hope you know the sacrifice your loved one made will never go unnoticed.
878
June 06, 2009
Michele Pellock
Memorial Day will never be the same for my family. We buried my sister's fiance Staff Sgt. William D. Vile in Arlington National Cemetary on Thursday, May 21st. His sacrifice and the support that we have received from his brother's in arms is truly humbling. We will be forever grateful for our time with this great hero.
877
June 04, 2009
Botkin Karl
Yes, I already posted a message on June 4, and apoligize for it showing up 3 times by mistake. Memorial Day certainly is a day for rembrance, as I read many strories from other people's messages. The PTST situation is a real problem too, as I read others comments, and I know myself personnaly. You cannot live in a place were your life is constanly under threat and the things that you see that are not normal. Also what you are trained to do, and what you may have to do to survive and make it home. Most of us in Navy Customs did not see alot of action, depending where you were. But there still were drive by shootings, detonation of unexploded cluster bombs, alot left over from the Gulf War, constantly being watched by terrorists, especially along the highways, higher threat levels and some murders of civillian workers, etc. . For our friends up in Balad, Iraq, they got mortars and other attacks quite frequently. None the less, that fear lived in and around all of us. The things we were told by other Soldiers, about what happened to their friends, in IED explosions and RPG attacks I will not write about, but it really affected all of us...... thank you for your time and your messages....God Bless.
876
June 04, 2009
Botkin Karl
Meomorial Day means to me: Walking down long lines of hot and dusty convoys. Convoys of trucks, flatbed trucks, loaded with humvees, Abrams Tanks, Bradly fighting vehicles, Striker vehicles, small trailers, water Buffalo tanks, etc. . Casualty vehicles: humvees riddled with bullet holes, shrapnal damage and RPG hit damage. Abrams Tanks with the tracks blown off from IED's. Blackened vehicles from explosions, IED's or car bombs. Inch thick armour plating melted and pierced like butter from RPG's, and shrapnal damage where are fellow soldiers had been sitting inside vehicles. I will also remember the letters, CCF, painted on alot of those vehicles standing for ,"COMBAT CASUALTY FATALITY." I will also remember the faces of all my friends and the people we met, while inspecting their outfit's vehicles, equipment, personal belongings and of course themselves. Yes, those hot, sweaty faces, some happy, some sad, some indifferent, I will always remember,...including my own in the mirror every day. God bless them all. Now ,lets get on with it...miles to go before I sleep, (we sleep), and Gods' speed in all we do. Amen. CS1 Karl T. Botkin USN,USNR RET. , Naval Customs Battalion PAPA, Charley Company, Camp Patriot/KNB Kuwait. OIF-OEF 111, July 2005-April 2006.
875
June 04, 2009
Botkin Karl
Meomorial Day means to me: Walking down long lines of hot and dusty convoys. Convoys of trucks, flatbed trucks, loaded with humvees, Abrams Tanks, Bradly fighting vehicles, Striker vehicles, small trailers, water Buffalo tanks, etc. . Casualty vehicles: humvees riddled with bullet holes, shrapnal damage and RPG hit damage. Abrams Tanks with the tracks blown off from IED's. Blackened vehicles from explosions, IED's or car bombs. Inch thick armour plating melted and pierced like butter from RPG's, and shrapnal damage where are fellow soldiers had been sitting inside vehicles. I will also remember the letters, CCF, painted on alot of those vehicles standing for ,"COMBAT CASUALTY FATALITY." I will also remember the faces of all my friends and the people we met, while inspecting their outfit's vehicles, equipment, personal belongings and of course themselves. Yes, those hot, sweaty faces, some happy, some sad, some indifferent, I will always remember,...including my own in the mirror every day. God bless them all. Now ,lets get on with it...miles to go before I sleep, (we sleep), and Gods' speed in all we do. Amen. CS1 Karl T. Botkin USN,USNR RET. , Naval Customs Battalion PAPA, Charley Company, Camp Patriot/KNB Kuwait. OIF-OEF 111, July 2005-April 2006.
874
June 04, 2009
Botkin Karl
Meomorial Day means to me: Walking down long lines of hot and dusty convoys. Convoys of trucks, flatbed trucks, loaded with humvees, Abrams Tanks, Bradly fighting vehicles, Striker vehicles, small trailers, water Buffalo tanks, etc. . Casualty vehicles: humvees riddled with bullet holes, shrapnal damage and RPG hit damage. Abrams Tanks with the tracks blown off from IED's. Blackened vehicles from explosions, IED's or car bombs. Inch thick armour plating melted and pierced like butter from RPG's, and shrapnal damage where are fellow soldiers had been sitting inside vehicles. I will also remember the letters, CCF, painted on alot of those vehicles standing for ,"COMBAT CASUALTY FATALITY." I will also remember the faces of all my friends and the people we met, while inspecting their outfit's vehicles, equipment, personal belongings and of course themselves. Yes, those hot, sweaty faces, some happy, some sad, some indifferent, I will always remember,...including my own in the mirror every day. God bless them all. Now ,lets get on with it...miles to go before I sleep, (we sleep), and Gods' speed in all we do. Amen. CS1 Karl T. Botkin USN,USNR RET. , Naval Customs Battalion PAPA, Charley Company, Camp Patriot/KNB Kuwait. OIF-OEF 111, July 2005-April 2006.
873
June 03, 2009
Julie fRANCIS
Memorial Day for me and my family means even more today, if possible, than it ever did. I grew up in a household that supported the military. My dad served as a US Marine in Korea. We supported our vets in 'Nam. We always knew exactly what Veterans Day, Independence Day and Memorial Day represented. And I raised my children the same way. My son, LCpl Matthew Snyder, USMC, enlisted while still in high school, and was killed 3/3/06 in AnBAr Province, Iraq, defending and protecting our freedoms. He was a Gunner. My heart bleeds every day for my dear boy, and all our fallen warriors. My heart bleeds for all our injured vets and all those serving now, especially when so many here in their own country do not support them. Memorial Day is a sober, gut-wrenching day, and it hurts very much that so many do not appreciate the extreme sacrifice so many good Americans have made in order for them to do what they do, to live as they live. Our freedoms have been taken for granted, and that is a very sad and very scary thing. Every single man and woman who ever served should be recognized, supported and thanked, not just on Memorial Day, but every day, for the gift of freedom they have provided.
872
June 02, 2009
John Ray
This day means a hell of alot to me because my Father fougt in WW2 in the navy so Ihave the utmost respect for any soldier to lay down his life for this country.He passeed away Feb.7th 2008.And i miss him. He's the man. At least my man.
871
June 02, 2009
Candy Bowman
870
June 02, 2009
Anonymous
should i mention perhaps too, that no matter how misguided our "human" leadership, (specifically "politicians") may sometimes be, american service men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice for many, many people, all over the world, in the course of serving their country.
869
June 02, 2009
Anonymous
it means a little more to me than the opportunity to remember those who gave their all for us.
:...no greater love hath a man than he give his life for his fellow man."
true, we are only simple soldiers, men and women. in our sacrifices, perhaps, we set an example of personal courage to move toward a time when we can truly live "...on earth as it is in heaven."
rest in peace, brothers and sisters.
f.
868
June 01, 2009
Angel Cruz
I had to return, and try to share my opinion....about comments that are politically motivated, I know it's a FREE COUNTRY. But this is not about politics! It is about the Person besides you. Your Brother in Arms or Sister in Arms. I am a Combat Veteran and for the most part I dare to state that there are very few Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen that would think of our Nations Politics. We take an Oath and Follow thru what ever comes our way. We are not politicians and never will be!!!!! And we are not as some state, killing innocent villagers. Just think of the individuals, Servicemen and Women who expose themselves to all sorts of dangers, knowing that the enemy will not respect any Accords or Conventions. That my friends is what it's all about!!!!! I will not apoligize for excecuting my duties as a Soldier, and I've taken prisoners that surrender and are treated better then ourselves...... there are exeptions to every rule... but I call it like I see it. Thank you
867
May 31, 2009
Eric Soencksen
I want to say I miss my friend, Neil Graham, who served in Vietnam and died in 2007.
866
May 30, 2009
Jacque Mikkelson
We all know the reason for Memorial Day, and I spend every day as if it were Memorial Day. I Think of the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and the men and women who serve our Country every day. I think of their families and I pray for them all. My son was one of the many men who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. He was so brave and filled with courage and commitment for his Country and his brothers in arms. His name is Corporal Michael J. Halal
865
May 30, 2009
Reverend Dr. Ron Manclaw
I'm a Cuban Missile Crises Survivor and Vietnam-era member of
the US Navy; a Senior Chaplain.
Each year I pray for all of my fellow survivors, all of our fallen comrades who are trying just to...live, all of those currently in Harm's Way, and for all those for any reason who we have lost along the way.
I make it a point to watch the annual Washington, DC memorial celebration which has its 20th year - already.
I patiently try to explain to as many young and old as ask or will listen - what it really means to me to have served our country, and now to be apart of the American Legion, a
Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. What it means
to have to rely upon our country to help me; as my enlistment agreement guaranteed our country would do and constantly battle the many ways our government is trying to restrict or to impede my health plan; charge me for each and every prescription, procedure - et al.. - all contrary to my
enlistment agreement.
I pray for the over 10,000 families who are trying to support
their wounded sons or daughters without any or with too little support from the VA and/or Federal Government. Note:
never understanding that when their loved one comes home
severely injured or with issues (such as PTSD, closed head injuries, severe trauma) that it will ultimately fall to them (because they love the veteran) to step-up and to help or to provide virtually all of that Vets support; especially for ADL's
(their activities for daily living).
Finally, I think of and pray for my childhood friend (from Fort Plain, NY) Mr. John Hogan - USN who became a Marine Corps Medic. In 1968, a lifetime ago, John was serving in battle and was blown in half - surviving long enough to suffer and to go to Japan and then onto Okinawa (there to suffer more) and to die alone there. Semper Fi - John; your my personal hero - mister; and always will be.
Reverend Dr. Ron Manclaw - USN and Senior Chaplain
864
May 29, 2009
Stephen R. Neiley III
I'm a Vet of the Viet Nam era. and my father was of world war 2 and many others. Yes my father was a lifer per say in the USAir Force and devoted his life helping people all over the world. He turned down Gen 3 times for he would lose his chance to fly and he loved it. He was stationed in the Pentagon for 3 tours in JCS as Vice Commander of Recon. and 1 tour the same in Europe for EUCOM. I was a Jet mech. and did my 4 years for the draft got me after 2 years of collage and then got out and helped others in life in Southern Calif.. I will say it was all worth going into the Military even though it was a draft and I did my duty to my country and have been able to say I did that after my tour.
I CAN SAY ONE THING MY FATHER DID MORE THAN ALOT OF GENERALS IN LIFE FOR HE WAS RESPECTED BY HIS PERS AND THE PRESIDENTS ENCLUDED FOR HIS HELP IN THE RECON. FIELD. He did fly 100 missions over Viet Nam in an RF-4 no guns just a camera and proved his worth to this GOVERNMENT and Country.
So you can see why I have more respect for my country and what people like my father do for it.
S.R.Neiley III
863
May 29, 2009
Michael D'Amato
Memorial day means sacrifice. Being in the military means you will not become rich or famous. You will not be on ESPN or on the cover of a national magazine. You put your life on the line for people whom you've never met or will never meet in order to give them a chance at a dream life. This job is not glamorous or appealing to the everyday civilian. It serves as a day for them to take a moment to realize, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen have paid the ultimate price for their freedom. It must be defended. I am honored to be part of this tradition and am honored to have known some of the best human beings in America that serve in the Military. I look forward to meeting many more in my next 10 years in the Army. ARMY STRONG!!
862
May 29, 2009
Scott Waller
I spent the Memorial Day weekend taking both my sons up to my mothers (their Grandmother) to help and fix things around the house and property. My father a thirty year vet who served in combat in WWII,Korea and Vietnam that has sence passed away. I felt that doing something for others was a good way to pay respects to my father. My family has recently lost a dear friend that was like a son to us on 28/12/2008 in Sadr City CPL Tony Gonzales USA. My family knows the price for freedom.
861
May 29, 2009
Angel Cruz
To me Memorial Day serves as a Reminder that Freedom is not Free, As an OIF Combat Veteran with two tours in Iraq, I've learned the hard way just how much it hurts to loose a friend and Mentor. I suffer from PTSD and I tell you, it's not easy. But there is Hope!!! Never Forget. To all the troops deployed, every Service, I will always be part of you. God Bless you all. Scouts Out! 3-15 Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division.
860
May 29, 2009
Connie Drass
MEMORIAL 69866 Memorial Day is the day that extra love and caring is thought for ALL OF YOU. Everyday I think of you and all that you must be going through and of the good difference you are making in so many lives in Iraq and Afganistan.
I have my yellow bow on my door and on the post on the front of my apartment for all to come home safe and sound....of course, they have been there from the get go.
Needless to say, I pray EVERY day for ALL OF YOU and your families. May GOD be with ALL and bless you, guide you, and continue to share HIS WISDOM, STRENGTH, AND COMFORT WITH YOU and YOUR FAMILIES.
GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THAT YOU DO
859
May 29, 2009
Jessica
I go to the Museum of Flight every year for a Tuskegee Airmen ceremony. I start the day quickly to get everyone ready and I always forget to put new batteries in my camera. My mother spends the weekend with Tuskegee Airmen from other states making them feel at home. When I get there and sit down, I have a chance to feel Memorial Day. It is such an emotional day. I think about the years that my friend was in Iraq durrnig this cerimony. I think about how noble these men have to be to have fought for our freedom and safety when the world was turning away from them. They are so proud and would do it all again. I have the great honor to spend some extra time with some of the Tuskegee Airmen and need to remind myself of that honor often since to me they are like family. For everyone that serves ~ Thank you so much for your service. Everything you do is appreciated and I promise to do what I can to assist others in making things better for veterans and active service.
858
May 29, 2009
Charles Prothro
Memorial day is a day when we remember the sacrifices of everyday heros who have died in the service of our nation, men like Matthew Medlicott who died in Iraq crossing a bridge when a IED went off; he was barely 21
