Some perspective, as we approach memorial day - Remember

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 23 May 2015 12:22:24 -0400

A short video from the Army, the CSA, and our Gold Star Families - about memorial day.

Remember, this is what memorial day means. Remember Freedom is not free.

U.S. Army | Facebook

How do you honor fallen Service members on #MemorialDay? Memorial Day is a time to honor the lives, courage and legacy of fallen Service members. We...

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 23 at 2015 12:25 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sat, 23 May 2015 12:25:15 -0400

Semper fi COL Charles Williams!

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 23 at 2015 12:27 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Sat, 23 May 2015 12:27:13 -0400

Lest we forget
RIP Brothers and Sisters

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 23 at 2015 12:33 PM

SGT Richard H. — Sat, 23 May 2015 12:33:29 -0400

Thanks for the reminder, Sir. Over the years, I've had people thank me for my service on Memorial Day. I've always taken the time to thank them for that, and politely tell or remind them that this one isn't about me (us), but rather about those who have given their lives....some of whom are our friends & family. I just feel it's important for people to remember that.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 23 at 2015 12:40 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 23 May 2015 12:40:17 -0400

COL Charles Williams; SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas, GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad There are few days which go by that my thoughts do not come into focus about specific individuals who gave their all while serving under the flag of this nation. While I do not remember all of their names, I am very thankful that I was able to serve with them and train many of them. Every morning I ask God to use me and guide and direct my actions and thoughts. I am no longer amazed when He brings to remembrance people I last saw over 30 years ago.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 12:51 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 12:51:31 -0400

Thank you for posting, COL Charles Williams. For me, this is one of the most difficult of days, as I reflect now on too many friends and Soldiers who have fallen and made the Ultimate Sacrifice in defense of our freedoms and all that we hold dear; yet I wouldn't trade this day for anything. It is a somber day, best spent in quiet reflection. As you asked in an earlier post, I cringe, like nails across a chalkboard, at the phrase, "Happy Memorial Day!" Happy is not most apt emotion for such a solemn purpose, it just feels out of place. Blessed seems more appropriate. Yet when someone does wish me a Happy Memorial Day, I do not recoil nor take offense or issue with the greeter; I know they sincerely are wishing me happiness on a day when I am honoring my fallen Brothers and Sisters, and that's definitely not a bad thing, because even as I am honoring and remembering these Soldiers, I do think back on all of the good times we shared together and in the end, I am left feeling both blessed and a sense of happiness.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 23 at 2015 4:25 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Sat, 23 May 2015 16:25:26 -0400

*salutes*

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 23 at 2015 4:43 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 23 May 2015 16:43:25 -0400

Thank you sir! "Saving Private Ryan" is my annual Memorial Day watch because the opening and closing scenes with the elder Ryan in front of CPT Miller's grave just says it all about the meaning of sacrifice and the reason we call ourselves brothers and sisters.

Godspeed to all our brothers and sisters who have gone before us.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 23 at 2015 10:35 PM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 23 May 2015 22:35:28 -0400

Very well said. Thanks for sharing COL Charles Williams.

Response by SFC Charles S. made May 24 at 2015 8:46 PM

SFC Charles S. — Sun, 24 May 2015 20:46:11 -0400

Last Thursday, the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, placed American flags on the gravestones and niches of hundreds of thousands of service members laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery and in Washington, D.C.'s United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery.
There are more than 260,000 gravestones in Arlington, as well as about 7,300 niches for cremated remains interred there.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 1:46 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 01:46:18 -0400

I will be attending 2 services one where my dad, a WWII vet is buried and another nearby one in town. I feel its both a privilege and a responsibility to take the time to honor my fallen brothers and sisters in arms!