Memorial Day 2015: Honoring the fallen through photos. What is your reaction when viewing these?

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Mon, 25 May 2015 08:29:23 -0400

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/memorial-day-2015-honoring-the-fallen-through-photos/ss-BBk8Bfn#image=3

Memorial Day 2015: Honoring the fallen through photos

Click through for iconic photos of our military heroes.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 8:34 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 08:34:39 -0400

Somber reflection.

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 25 at 2015 8:58 AM

SFC Stephen King — Mon, 25 May 2015 08:58:33 -0400

All gave some some gave all. We live our lives protecting the freedoms of others.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 9:23 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 09:23:55 -0400

For some reason today seems more personal than usual. Perhaps it is because we lost a police woman in Omaha last week, a lady who was to welcome her prematurely born daughter home the next day. A lady who by all accounts was a model for others.

Anyway, today I am thinking of those who gave all in the service of our country and for the families who live with the loss.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made May 25 at 2015 9:27 AM

SrA Daniel Hunter — Mon, 25 May 2015 09:27:33 -0400

I agree with CSM Private RallyPoint Member Somber. But then I get choked up every time I hear Taps. So maybe I'm a soft touch.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 9:58 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 09:58:35 -0400

Thanks for sharing that link, GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad. My reaction is eyes full of tears and a heart full of appreciation for the sacrifices made by so many.

Response by Cpl Earl Lewis made May 25 at 2015 10:30 AM

Cpl Earl Lewis — Mon, 25 May 2015 10:30:24 -0400

That is the eternal question my mind is trying to answer...

Survivor's guilt, depression, etc.

I am happy to have lived this long, but wonder about the many friends no longer living. They never got to experience the miracle of childbirth...as they carried another life inside them while serving their country. (Referring to the Army Sgt who died, along with her unborn child in Texas years ago.)

Or the Marines rescued By Sgt Dakota Meyer...of which a couple never got out of the fight alive.

Or of the Army 1stSgt...who held off a ton of terrorists and insurgent fighters at the expense of his own life.

Now, my ANGER side is for those who 'step on,' 'burn,' and desecrate the very flag my peers have died to ensure it flies over this proud nation. There is a saying: "For those who have fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know."

My son will see this at today's parade: PRIDE! ACCOMPLISHMENT! and above all else: PATRIOTISM!

Enjoy this Memorial Day, and keep the memories of those who made the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE in your hearts!

Response by SSG Paul Setterholm made May 25 at 2015 11:40 AM

SSG Paul Setterholm — Mon, 25 May 2015 11:40:11 -0400

I believe it was May 1st 1865 when this group of Americans got together to honor the freed slaves, who fought and died for the Union army. Today we honor all those who have served with honor, this great nation.

Response by SSG Paul Setterholm made May 25 at 2015 11:50 AM

SSG Paul Setterholm — Mon, 25 May 2015 11:50:18 -0400