What does Memorial Day mean to you?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 May 2014 12:24:25 -0400

Memorial Day means a lot to me and the high school i graduated from. We have had 8 KIA from my high school since 2001. I know a lot of people use this weekend to BBQ and drink booze. I honestly think thats okay, as long as they honor the fallen and remember what memorial day means. They paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can go ahead and BBQ with our loved ones. I am so thankful for their sacrifice

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made May 25 at 2014 4:41 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sun, 25 May 2014 16:41:52 -0400

It will always be a day of remembering those who have fallen. If I lived closer to DC, I would visit the war memorials there. If anything at all, I will have to stop by the ones on Ft Benning to pay my respects after work on Monday. It's the next closest that are a tribute to our fallen comrades.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2014 2:10 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 May 2014 02:10:36 -0400

Sgt Abbate! "Guns Blazzin" is a Navy Cross recipient and Scout Sniper of 3/5 who was killed in action in Sangin, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. I and my family will be visiting the 5th Marines memorial like we always do where his name and hundreds of others are listed under 5th Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice during OIF and OEF.

Response by SSG Edward R. Bealer made May 26 at 2014 5:17 AM

SSG Edward R. Bealer — Mon, 26 May 2014 05:17:55 -0400

As we know freedon is not free, if it was we would have no day to celebrate the brave who have fallen in defense of liberty around the world. Like it or not since the end of WW11, we have become the "NEW ROME". Assisting our allies, friends, and fellow democracies, defeat adversaries. Our youth, knowing this ,step up and volunteer for military service. Knowing their country may send them to defend democracy werever needed. They, most of all, will see first hand the horror of combat, and through this experience, grow as patriots. Watch their fellow troopers fall in the defense of liberty. If you servive, but your friends do not, it becomes a forever life-long experience understanding, how they got called to the big parade in the sky and you didn't? You always remember them through life as hero's! For me I experienced hell, killing many communists with my machine gun from the side door of a gunship! There were times when remembering the sacrfices of my comrads would haunt me! They made all who new them proud to be warriors, a foreign legion, if you will, on a field of battle defending the colors from capture, and protecting each other. After all, we are each other's responsibilty? I felt irresponsible when someone with me was shot off of the machine gun across from me!! Try to provide fist aid and return fire, it's a bitch to do! You know that this person's life is in your hands! If you fail him, you will never forget! The Viet Nam Wall,is my generation's "WAILING WALL"! Seeing the horros of war made me bitter and vengeful. I set my crhistian values aside and became an "Animal", we "Symbolically" scalped captured females, who lied to us, just one of many things we did to avenge our dead. God Bless the Fallen! You will never be forgotten by the troopers who follow behind You!! God Bless the President. In closing, all you military vets, remember you were never relieved of your oath of allegiance from your duties, to stand down!! You are still defenders!!

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made May 26 at 2014 8:26 AM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Mon, 26 May 2014 08:26:30 -0400

Enough said

REMEMBER

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2014 10:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 May 2014 22:56:51 -0400

I didn't do anything too special. I went to see The Hornet's Nest and steered clear of BBQs.

My family is not traditionally Military and my friends in my hometown aren't either so it's "Veteran's / National BBQ day to them, but to me I sum it up my this quote.

"Remember the fallen; Honor the fallen."

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made May 20 at 2015 1:29 PM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:29:20 -0400

It is a day to forget. I'm fairly we'll all live to see the end of this nation. All of our/their struggles have been for nothing.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made May 20 at 2015 1:50 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:50:44 -0400

Thanks for this heartfelt message CPT Private RallyPoint Member. You had some great american patriots in your hometown HS class. I plan to visit my Dad's resting site on Monday. It's time we caught up on his glory days in the USAF. Hope you have a great weekend of remembrance with your family and friends.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 1:57 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:57:49 -0400

It is a day to reflect on those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It will be a day I make sure to visit a friend, albeit his grave. I will ride my motorcycle since it is something we both shared a great passion in. I will likely go visit his mother and maybe now that his widow has found herself I will get to see her (haven't since his funeral) and his Daughter. Depending on how the day goes hopefully I can make it to the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial and pay my respects to him and his SSgt that was also lost that day that was also from our home communities.

R.I.P. Spc Zachary T. Myers 23 SEP 1987 - 08 SEP 2009

http://www.ohiofallenheroes.org/

The Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial

Our goal is to never let people forget the sacrifices made for our freedom and to take care of the families of our fallen heroes now and in the future.

Response by SSG William Patton made May 20 at 2015 3:01 PM

SSG William Patton — Wed, 20 May 2015 15:01:22 -0400

I vividly remember going with my grandfather when I was a child and putting flags on all the graves in three small country cemetaries, to honor those who had served in uniform and praying by the graves of those who had died in combat. His oldest son, my uncle, had been an MIA for several years then and the placement of fllags was his way of remembering his son. In 2001 the body of his son, my uncle was recovered, still strapped in the cockpit of his P-51 Mustang. Memorial Day means more to me and my family than other holidays because it honors those who make other celebrations possible with the sacrifice made by our fallen.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made May 20 at 2015 3:07 PM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Wed, 20 May 2015 15:07:27 -0400

As a child of military parents, who were children of military parents, and on back for two centuries, I was always taught that Memorial Day, was a day to reflect on the sacrifice of those who fought for this country, and gave their lives doing so.
As I grew up, served in the military, and saw all sorts of places where people lived very different lives, I realized then, how very much I actually owed those people who fought for ME. I think of the two Marines who died, trying to pull my father to safety on Guadalcanal. I think of my cousin who never came home from Vietnam, and I think of my parents as well. A seventeen year old wife who became a widow with the sinking of the USS Arizona.. she stepped up and joined the Navy, because someone had to, and the seventeen year old orphan from Kansas who always said he joined because he'd heard they actually gave out three meals a day, and really nice suits.
I have an ordinary life for an American. I have electricity when I turn on the switch, I have water when I open the tap, and I can watch the news all day if I wish, and I can step up and argue if I don't agree with something... for all those ordinary things, I am thankful to those who stepped up, and took up the fight to make them possible for me.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made May 21 at 2015 11:45 AM

1SG Harold Piet — Thu, 21 May 2015 11:45:20 -0400

My whole family is military, and Memorial day is without a doubt a day to remember the fallen, that served like me, but did not make it.
I may BBQ, I may shop, and if I do, I will do so knowing I can, only because of the soldiers that gave their life and the soldiers that stood for the values that made this country so great. It is not the politicians, nor the media that has kept this country free. Left to them we will go under. It is the soldier.

Response by SGT Loren Hammons made May 21 at 2015 12:49 PM

SGT Loren Hammons — Thu, 21 May 2015 12:49:30 -0400

Silence falls across the meeting room at the Dine in as we recognize the table, everyone knows about the table:

The tablecloth is black, symbolizing the darkness and mourning we felt as our brothers fell in battle…

The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms…

The single rose in the vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our Comrades-in-Arms who keep their memories alive lest we forget…

The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase, is a reminder of the blood shed to protect the liberty so loved by our country…

A slice of lemon is on the bread plate, to remind us of their bitter fate…
The spilled salt on the bread plate is symbolic of the families’ tears as they learned of their loved ones fate…

The white candle symbolizes the purity of those comrades who fought for our nation…
The glass is inverted; they cannot toast with us this night…

The chair is empty; he is not here…

Remember, all of you who served with them and called them comrade, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely they have not forgotten you.

It is our hope this night, that with pride and honor, they will hear us as we toast their ultimate sacrifice to their Country’s call to arms.”

As Quoted from http://www.military-quotes.com/forum/dining-out-page2-t42074.html

Memorial Day is not just another Veterans Day. This day is meant to remember the fallen. Honoring veterans any time of the year is ok and it is nice to recognized, But Memorial Day Brings back memories of friends and fellow soldiers that have fallen. God Bless America

Dining in /Out - Forum Page 2

A Dining In is a military tradition, encouraging camaraderie and esprit de corps. The Dining In is generally a military function only in the tradition of t

Response by SGT Loren Hammons made May 21 at 2015 12:53 PM

SGT Loren Hammons — Thu, 21 May 2015 12:53:36 -0400

http://route30cruisers.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/fallen-soldier_012.jpg

Response by PO1 Joseph Frazier made May 21 at 2015 1:07 PM

PO1 Joseph Frazier — Thu, 21 May 2015 13:07:07 -0400

To many have forgotten that Memorial Day is to Honor our fallen heroes and use it to honor all veterans. I have thanked those who do this but remind them that the day is to Remember the Fallen and their families. After all, without their sacrifice we wouldn't be able to BBQ, party, or whatever we do on Memorial Day. I hope that while everyone is doing what they do, they will remember they fallen and their sacrifice. I will be honoring an uncle who was KIA in Vietnam 8 days before I was born.

Response by SPC Jeremy Schmitt made May 21 at 2015 1:13 PM

SPC Jeremy Schmitt — Thu, 21 May 2015 13:13:10 -0400

Every year on Memorial Day, I go to the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery and stand at the grave of John Lukac, namesake for VFW Post 12093. In the afternoon, we attend a service at Palm Cemetery at the Veterans Memorial. I don't go shopping for Memorial Day deals. I don't celebrate the "unofficial start of summer". I honor those who have gone on before us.

Response by SGT John Vierra made May 21 at 2015 1:38 PM

SGT John Vierra — Thu, 21 May 2015 13:38:52 -0400

Memorial Day has always been a very important day for myself and my family...for over 25 years my father coordinated the memorial day festivities in our local community...dedicated his life both as a 20 year enlisted man, 35 more years in the American Legion, 40/8, VFW...sat on the state & national boards for all three, gave scholarships for high school students, and made sure the families of the fallen received their flag and benefits...I have been and continue to be a part of this train of thought ever since I was 7-8 years old...part of my family tradition was to remember those who sacrificed so much for the freedoms that I take for granted sometimes...I am and will always be grateful for the impact my father made on me over the years and for the importance he placed on the American Flag and those who sacrificed their lives so that I can enjoy my freedom!

Response by MCPO Douglas Pennington made May 21 at 2015 2:45 PM

MCPO Douglas Pennington — Thu, 21 May 2015 14:45:48 -0400

Memorial Day is a day of rememberence of those brave soldiers, airman and sailors that have given the ultimate sacrifice to maintain this great countries freedom's. It is a day to pay tribute and to celebrate those lives. Such proud man and woman that beckened to the the call of their country. Never forget these brave individuals, keep them always by your side.

May God Bless these men and woman. God Bless the United States Military and God Bless The United States of America.

Response by PO1 Michael Rohman made May 21 at 2015 3:41 PM

PO1 Michael Rohman — Thu, 21 May 2015 15:41:36 -0400

Memorial Day is a day for all of us in the USA to pay our respects to those service members that gave their lives in the service of our country! Many times during this holiday I have had people thank me for my service and I have to explain to them that Veteran's Day is for me. This holiday is for those that never came home. I love being thanked for my service, but this isn't my holiday! I am alive and doing okay. I am lucky that I do not personally know anyone that was killed in action. I give thanks frequently to those whom gave their lives to keep me free!

Response by CPT James Burkholder made May 21 at 2015 3:44 PM

CPT James Burkholder — Thu, 21 May 2015 15:44:46 -0400

I think Memorial Day means something close to what it was designated to be only to those who have a military family or, like the initial Lt. poster, who has a close connection to heroes who have given their all. I served in RVN, one of my two sons served later. Memorial Day means something to me, but to most people the military services are remote......just a bunch of people hired by the government. I say this despite the general high regard vocalized by nearly everyone for people in service. Lip service is pretty easy.
The pain of the last decade to those in service has not been felt by the citizens unless they had family and close friends in service and that is a small percentage. This is no longer like WWII, Korea, even RVN. Personally I think it would be better for the country to have a mandatory service in the military. This would give the citizens an actual connection with what the nation is really doing. Even though draftees would not make "real" soldiers and sailors who require more training and experience than could be given men and women during a couple years, they could be utilized to return support services to the military that have presently been transferred to private companies. These people would at least find out what combat troops do and face and make honoring them meaningful.
The rest of the citizens today merely see a three day weekend, steaks and burgers, beer and partying, time to catch up on work at home. Pretty sad.

Response by SMSgt Michael Carl made May 21 at 2015 3:51 PM

SMSgt Michael Carl — Thu, 21 May 2015 15:51:33 -0400

I recently retired after 24 years of service in the USAF. I served in Iraq and AFG among other places. My Father served the USAF for 25 years. My Grandfather served in WWII and Vietnam. My son will be heading out to Army basic training next month. On this Sat I will host a BBQ with all the trimmings of beer, brats and burgers. This will coincide with an airsoft competition in the back woods for my son and his friends. Almost all the invitees are veterans with half of them IRQ/AFG service. Anyone passing by may think we miss the meaning of Memorial Day. However they may not see our honoring of the U.S. Flag and moment of silence for the fallen.

Response by Sgt Frank Rinchich made May 21 at 2015 3:53 PM

Sgt Frank Rinchich — Thu, 21 May 2015 15:53:47 -0400

I belong to the Marine Corps League, Memorial means enough to me to be on an honor guard firing detail at a national cemetery every year, rain or shine. I live on the coast of SC and if a hurricane was in I would still report for that detail. our brothers and sisters that went before us deserve all the respect that one day can give them.

Response by MCPO Robert Delgado made May 21 at 2015 3:54 PM

MCPO Robert Delgado — Thu, 21 May 2015 15:54:57 -0400

Master Chief Robert T. Delgado sends:
How could I not have served .....That I may be judged by the company that I kept, judged by those that I chose to follow and those that chose to follow me,
LEO DELGADO US ARMY (Bronze Star)—MY UNCLE
RUDY DELGADO US ARMY—MY UNCLE
WILLIE DELGADO US NAVY---MY FATHER
PHIL DELGADO US ARMY---MY UNCLE
ROBERT THOMAS BECERRA US ARMY--.DIED OF WOUNDS---MY COUSIN
RICHARD BECERRA US ARMY---MY COUSIN
FRANK BECERRA US ARMY ---MY COUSIN
ROBERT DELGADO US NAVY / US COAST GUARD
RYAN DELGADO US NAVY---MY SON
FRANK DELGADO US NAVY---MY COUSIN
LAURA DELGADO US ARMY---MY COUSIN
DWAIN DELGADO US ARMY---MY COUSIN
PHIL DELGADO US NAVY---MY COUSIN
GEORGE ALEXSOVICH US NAVY---MY UNCLE
JOHN SNACK US ARMY---MY UNCLE
JOHN SNACK NATIONAL GUARD---MY COUSIN
ROD SNACK US ARMY ---MY COUSIN
JOE NEIRA US ARMY---MY COUSIN
STEVEN PORDASH US AIR FORCE--- MY COUSIN
ADAM PORDASH US NAVY---MY COUSIN
CHARLIE ALGERI US ARMY--- MY UNCLE
GENE ALGERI US ARMY--- MY UNCLE
JOE ALGERI US ARMY ---MY UNCLE
DENNIS GIARDINO US NAVY ---MY COUSIN
JERRY GIARDINO US NAVY ---MY COUSIN
JACOB FISCHER USMC--- MY NEPHEW
ALEC BOST US NAVY—MY COUSIN

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made May 21 at 2015 5:34 PM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Thu, 21 May 2015 17:34:55 -0400

It means bold men and women far more courageous than I have been required to be went forth into the world to keep the evil that is oppression of tyranny at bay. They have paid a debt to society asked of no one else. I hope my meager and humble accomplishments can one day be viewed the same way by younger generations.

Response by MSgt Dwyane Watson made May 21 at 2015 5:40 PM

MSgt Dwyane Watson — Thu, 21 May 2015 17:40:48 -0400

Memorial Day is a day to honor all our heroes. I was stationed at RAF Lakenheath and I witnessed how the British honor their heroes, and it was incredible. In London wreaths are laid, vets from all wars are honored and remembered in a huge parade, everyone wears poppy's to pay homage, it was an experience that made the I'm glad I got to be a part of. Once we forget our heroes we are all doomed. God Bless America and our military.

Response by SFC Larry Jones made May 21 at 2015 6:24 PM

SFC Larry Jones — Thu, 21 May 2015 18:24:00 -0400

Memorial Day is the day set aside to remember our brothers and sisters in arms who gave their all in defense of freedom. Now, that is the book answer. In truth, some of them were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Those who sacrificed willingly did it for those to the left or right of them, or ahead of and behind them. May they eternally rest in peace. May their families know comfort, strength, and be proud of the person their service member was.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 6:28 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 18:28:02 -0400

Memorial Day means sacrifice. Sacrifice by the thousands who have given their lives for our freedom. We don't celebrate with BBQs, etc., but by flying the American flag and visiting the cemeteries where our loved ones rest.

Response by SGM Joseph Wolfe made May 21 at 2015 6:53 PM

SGM Joseph Wolfe — Thu, 21 May 2015 18:53:52 -0400

Memorial Day is a solemn occasion when we should take some time out to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Country. I personally remember them because of them I was able to serve for thirty-two years and six deployments in defense of the same reasons that they served. I never viewed my service as a job; I viewed it as a moral obligation to our Country and that I was born to serve it. Airborne, All the Way!!!

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 21 at 2015 7:23 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 21 May 2015 19:23:35 -0400

These guys.

Response by SSG Kai Wagenfuehrer made May 21 at 2015 11:20 PM

SSG Kai Wagenfuehrer — Thu, 21 May 2015 23:20:28 -0400

Response by SCPO Lee Pradia made May 21 at 2015 11:29 PM

SCPO Lee Pradia — Thu, 21 May 2015 23:29:45 -0400

Memorial day means that I remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, I remember them with prayer and thoughts of their families, as I reflect on my life.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 11:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 23:32:45 -0400

This is who I honor on Memorial Day.

Response by PO1 Kevin Goldston made May 22 at 2015 12:07 AM

PO1 Kevin Goldston — Fri, 22 May 2015 00:07:04 -0400

I find myself as I grow older seeing Memorial Day a bit diffrent. Yes I know its a day for all Americans to take time to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom. But more and more these days I find myself thinking of those I served with who are no longer with us. These friends, camrades in a world in which we were just kids learning about everything and responsible for knowing at a very young age exactly the right thing to do.

The military forges bounds stronger than any other time in your life except for family. I miss my friends, I pull out the scrap book with pictures and remember the names, the stories, and the smiles. Those still here and those who are not.

I realize the proper meaning of the day and do still hold those lost in reverence. But it only makes me miss those I knew even more.

Thats what Memorial Day is for me. I will always raise a few to those who no longer can as I would hope they would have done for me had it been different.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 22 at 2015 12:39 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 22 May 2015 00:39:43 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, the words aren't mine, but I like the explanation regarding the flying of the flag on Memorial Day.

"On Memorial Day, the flag is hoisted briskly to the truck of the flagpole and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains until noon. It is then again hoisted to the truck for the remainder of the day.
The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in the service of our country. At noon, the flag (and their memory) is again hoisted to the truck by the living, with their resolve to not let those sacrifices be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty."

Response by SFC Arthur Tucker made May 22 at 2015 4:50 AM

SFC Arthur Tucker — Fri, 22 May 2015 04:50:39 -0400

It is the time to honor those who gave all. Remembering the times we shared together.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made May 22 at 2015 5:21 AM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Fri, 22 May 2015 05:21:55 -0400

Memorial Day is the day to remember the millions of Americans who have given their lives to gain and protect the freedoms we enjoy today. It's why I can write this without fearing my door will crash in and I will never be seen, heard from or perhaps even killed for speaking as I believe.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made May 22 at 2015 8:49 AM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Fri, 22 May 2015 08:49:51 -0400

When I was a kid, Memorial Day was a day from school. When I joined the military, it was a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. When I was stationed at Dover AFB and conducted escort duty for the return of fallen heroes, the day made me appreciate that sacrifice and remember why we live in a country that is great as this one.

Response by MSG Tim Donahue, M.Ed. made May 22 at 2015 9:49 AM

MSG Tim Donahue, M.Ed. — Fri, 22 May 2015 09:49:42 -0400

To me it means remembering my brothers and sisters who died in the defense of our freedoms and thanking God that I am here today because of them. Taking my scout troop to a "Flags In" ceremony in a city park. Going to the parade and standing and saluting every American Flag that passes by. I will also spend some quality time with my family - because I know many families who can't do that this weekend. May God Bless all those who have served our nation.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 22 at 2015 10:54 AM

LTC Bink Romanick — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:54:19 -0400

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 22 at 2015 10:55 AM

LTC Bink Romanick — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:55:46 -0400

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 22 at 2015 10:58 AM

LTC Bink Romanick — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:58:32 -0400

Vietnam was tough on my generation. That's all I will say

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 11:55 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 11:55:41 -0400

Every year, there comes around "Memorial Day". Every year, there is a feeling that I never really understood - or even appreciated - what Memorial Day means. Now, every year for the last 5-1/2 years, I know what it means. I can appreciate what others see as time off, as over-time pay, or as a day to get totally "smashed". I'm not the only one. There are the survivors of our fallen Brothers and Sisters: The widows and widowers, the parents that have had to bury their children. The ones that proudly hang a Gold Star flag as an eternal flame to their fallen.

Those of us that knew them, and others like them, we have broken bread with them, shared our chow with them, taken our strength from them, and have in turn given our strength to them when they were unable. We have laughed with them, cried for them, and carry on their memories in our hearts, and their faces in our minds.

To all my fallen Brothers and Sisters, thank you. Thank you for giving me the honor to have walked along side you. Thank you for the honor of having you grace my life. I can't honestly say that I mourn your departures; rather, I mourn the lives that you left. More specifically, I mourn the lives that you will no longer be able to touch. You have left an impression on my soul, and one that I proudly carry. Because of your strength, I became strong. Because of your sacrifice, I have learned to appreciate. Because of your friendship, your guidance, your mentorship, I have become who I am. I am proud to be a part of your living memorial, a memorial that has no concrete root, but spreads along the lives you've blessed.

SFC Christopher D. Shaw: 29SEP2009, Jolo Is., Phils.
SSgt Jack M. Martin: 29SEP2009, Jolo Is., Phils.
CE2 Evan M. Rourke: 25JAN11
Sgt Brent M. Maher: 11APR11, Gardez, Afghanistan
BUC Raymond J Border: 19OCT11, Paktiku Province, Afghanistan

Til Valhal.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 12:10 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 12:10:35 -0400

Memorial Day can be explained for me by this

The Cost

A man and his son were walking down the street. They stopped in a little store to buy a treat. The son picked out some candy and asked how much it cost.
"One dollar" the cashier said as the child handed him the bill.
A little further down the road they came to a park. There were barbecues going on with families hanging out and having fun.
The son looked at all of it and asked his father, " dad how much does this cost?" The father looked at his son a little puzzled by the question.
"How much does what cost son?"
The son replied "These picnics and the family time". The father looked at his son and said, " those things cost time and love and for these both are well spent". As they passed through the park they came to a monument. This one honored the soldiers who had gone to war but never came back home. The son looked at it solemnly for a few moments and once again asked his dad "what did this cost?" The father replied with a tear in his eye. " The price paid by those represented here, was all that they could give. They gave up their youth, their dreams, and careers. They fought on distant shores, in the air and on the seas. They laid their lives down so we could be free."

MK3 N.M

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 12:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 12:39:52 -0400

I've been around since the Vietnam era I've seen a lot of Memorial days have known number of soldiers that has been killed I respect you for what it is to honor veteran's who have died I drink and BBQ out of respect for them holding onto good memories

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 22 at 2015 3:21 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 22 May 2015 15:21:35 -0400

Troops in an unsavory situation of kill or be killed. Someone will die that day.

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made May 22 at 2015 4:17 PM

SGT Lawrence Corser — Fri, 22 May 2015 16:17:06 -0400

Those who paid the ultimate price, those that got to come home but didnt get to turn off the noise and those who fight up until they cant. Miss the guys who made the world better by being in it.

Response by PO2 Jeffery Berg made May 22 at 2015 8:59 PM

PO2 Jeffery Berg — Fri, 22 May 2015 20:59:19 -0400

A day to remember those that paid the ultimate sacrifice. To them all I say is "Thank you".

Response by SPC Valerie Snyder made May 22 at 2015 10:50 PM

SPC Valerie Snyder — Fri, 22 May 2015 22:50:00 -0400

I feel Memorial day is just another day. Mostly because I think of those we have lost everyday and honor them whenever I can. Every year I have made my kids go to the cemetary and put flags on tombstones of soldiers that dont have any. I dont think it should be a day off because most people have no idea what the day is about. Typically I have found only those who are attached to the Military know what the day is about. Most think its the start if summer and the day you open your swimming pool or start planting gardens.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 23 at 2015 12:25 AM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Sat, 23 May 2015 00:25:22 -0400

I served in KFOR 2 and OEF 7. Both met my expectations for war. Memorial Day honors those who gave the ultimate price for freedom, their lives. I had one KIA on my team and 4 WIA. But for your question -- Even at a not-to-soon 46yo, when I think of Memorial Day, I think of WWII. Maybe its because all the "grown-ups" and "old people" when I was small were from that Greatest Generation. I grew up around an American Legion and they were the reason for Memorial Day then. It always stayed with me.

For those who've seen Band of Brothers, this is a photo from the town of Foy, Belgium (Battle of Foy). This is a photo I snapped in 2010 of a building in the town with battle damage still evident. That was Jan 1945. (I took my Dad on a guided tour of Bastogne as a retirement gift for him while I was at EUCOM).

Response by LCpl Dan McTiernan made May 23 at 2015 10:41 AM

LCpl Dan McTiernan — Sat, 23 May 2015 10:41:39 -0400

As a youth I used to listen to a 78 record "Old Soldiers Never Die - They Just Fade Away" which says it all to me. As a volunteer EMT we often went to the reservoir on Memorial Day to respond to individuals who have consumed too much or the person who had a stroke as many families barbequed, played volleyball, swam, etc. All these folks enjoyed their day due to the many who had paid the ultimate sacrifice and/or faded away. I will support my granddaughters HS Marching Band on Monday and listen as they play at the cemetery in honor of those who served after marching in the parade, knowing that most do not know what sacrifices our WWI soldiers made in their quest to retain freedom, or those fading away after their sacrifices in WWII. When I return home, I will do what I always do, open a couple of beers placing one on the railing for those who are not with us. At the end of the day as usual, I will pore that beer on the turf, knowing that one day I will consume many with those who have gone before keeping in mind that old soldiers never die, they just fade away knowing that those after them will be free. Semper Fi!

Response by Cpl Jared Piche made May 23 at 2015 12:40 PM

Cpl Jared Piche — Sat, 23 May 2015 12:40:42 -0400

Although I work both sunday and monday this weekend. I went to Buchanan High and I'll have all of our fallen in my thoughts and the men I served with that didn't come home. God Bless the Gun Slingers and RIP brothers.

Response by Cpl Don "GUNNY" Miller made May 23 at 2015 12:44 PM

Cpl Don "GUNNY" Miller — Sat, 23 May 2015 12:44:12 -0400

I remember all my friends that gave their lives in Viet Nam, don't want to dwell on it but remember and honor them.
Viet Nam 66-69

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 23 at 2015 6:13 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 23 May 2015 18:13:40 -0400

Regardless if it is in the blue oceans, jungles, desert, Africa, Europe, or here in America, those who sacrified the most went to see their maker.

Response by Sgt Michael Oberline made May 24 at 2015 9:44 AM

Sgt Michael Oberline — Sun, 24 May 2015 09:44:00 -0400

A time to remember lost friends.

Response by TSgt William Mccormack made May 24 at 2015 1:53 PM

TSgt William Mccormack — Sun, 24 May 2015 13:53:42 -0400

Selflessness, Sacrifice, and Freedom !!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2015 4:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 May 2015 16:20:50 -0400

I will always think about the brave Currahees I had the privilege and honor of deploying with, but most specifically, of my fallen friends SPC Edwin W. Roodhouse, Baker Co 1/506TH, and my hometown brother-from-another-mother, Lcpl Chad B. Maynard of the 2nd Mar Div, who each died in our AO while on patrol; one to an AT Mine in December '04 Habbaniyah, and the other to direct confrontation in June '05 Ramadi Iraq, respectively.

I quite often (not just once a year) take the opportunity to tip one back for the homies and feel for the void that was left in their families upon their passing. It's one thing to feel the loss while in the combat zone, but an entirely different ball of wax when you come back home after it all, and meet the members of the fallen's family. Telling their stories and re-living the memories are akin to ripping off a set of one-day-old bandages previously stuck to the wound. Some stories just can't be told with much detail. It's enough to make you broil on the inside while doing the best you can to maintain decorum and military bearing; strength for the families.

Response by Sgt Lloyd Johnson made May 24 at 2015 8:25 PM

Sgt Lloyd Johnson — Sun, 24 May 2015 20:25:12 -0400

Memorial Day for me is a day for Remembering our fallen heroes through time. It is a day set aside to be thankful for those who paid with their lives during wartime, as well as though who passed years after their active service was completed. As member of the elite group of men and women who served their country and fellow man in military service, I am mindful of the respect to be given to our comrades in arms who have walked point on the final mission.
God Bless America! God Bless Fallen Veterans! God Bless Our Leaders who send the military in harms way to protect American Citizenry.
Semper Fidelis!
Sgt. Johnson

Response by Cpl Earl Lewis made May 25 at 2015 12:19 PM

Cpl Earl Lewis — Mon, 25 May 2015 12:19:53 -0400

I agree...although I scoff when someone thanks me for serving. ( I do hide it well...I am a Marine, and STILL practice my bearing. lol)

I lost family in both peacetime and wartime. I have cousins who died pre and Post-Vietnam, some died during training, and some died after their service.

I remember them...and honor their memory by being the best citizen I can be.

Like everyone else...I am grateful to those who served before and after me.

Response by SGT James Allen made May 25 at 2015 4:52 PM

SGT James Allen — Mon, 25 May 2015 16:52:19 -0400

For me, I think this poem captures my feelings:

DIRGE FOR TWO VETERANS.

THE last sunbeam
Lightly falls from the finish'd Sabbath,
On the pavement here, and there beyond it is looking,
Down a new-made double grave.

LO, the moon ascending,
Up from the east the silvery round moon,
Beautiful over the house-tops, ghastly, phantom moon,
Immense and silent moon.

I see a sad procession,
And I hear the sound of coming full-key'd bugles,
All the channels of the city streets they're flooding,
As with voices and with tears.

I hear the great drums pounding,
And the small drums steady whirring,
And every blow of the great convulsive drums,
Strikes me through and through.

For the son is brought with the father,
(In the foremost ranks of the fierce assault they fell,
Two veterans son and father dropt together,
And the double grave awaits them.)

Now nearer blow the bugles,
And the drums strike more convulsive,
And the daylight o'er the pavement quite has faded,
And the strong dead-march enwraps me.

In the eastern sky up-buoying,
The sorrowful vast phantom moves illumin'd,
('Tis some mother's large transparent face,
In heaven brighter growing.)

O strong dead-march you please me!
O moon immense with your silvery face you soothe me!
O my soldiers twain! O my veterans passing to burial!
What I have I also give you.

The moon gives you light,
And the bugles and the drums give you music,
And my heart, O my soldiers, my veterans,
My heart gives you love.

Response by TSgt Rik Reichert made May 26 at 2015 2:20 PM

TSgt Rik Reichert — Tue, 26 May 2015 14:20:24 -0400

What it means to me is simply put... while my weekend was very fun, I devoted the whole weekend to all those who gave their lives for us. I flew my flag on my bike over Hoover Dam along with 1200 other veterans, motorcycle clubs, and just patriots. We then proceeded to meet at the Boulder City Veterans Memorial cemetery to pay respects, and to attend a tribute to the green barets. I then paid my utmost respects to our fallen by attending a ceremony up in Las Vegas. Reality set in as I sat and listened to a man who served as a transport driver on the beaches of Normandy. His words struck a nerve as the real accounts are far more gruesome then tv or movies have portrayed. He was such an inspiring man and so sharp for a 91 year old.
I served 20 years in the greatest Air Force in the world, but with all my experiences, and all the wonderful and awful places that I survived, his generation was the toughest! He started his story like this...
I was walking into lowes and noticed that the rotc was outside doing some fundraising. He walked up to a young man and asked how old he was... the boy said 14... he then asked what this young man what he know about Normandy? The boy looked at him and simply said I have no idea... the 91 year old vet was disturbed by this and asked their LT what is happening with kids today? She said that they just skipped over that part.

Now how would you feel if that was you? Kids don't know what our predisessors and fourfathers went through for us. So what does Memorial day mean to me? It means not BBQing, boozing, or asking for a military discount. It means not saying Happy Memorial day...because that seems disrespectful. It means kneeling down and thanking our fallen for giving us the freedom we have today... but it also means teaching others that by not knowing the past it dooms us to repeat. God bless America!

Response by SSG(P) D. Wright Downs made May 26 at 2015 4:06 PM

SSG(P) D. Wright Downs — Tue, 26 May 2015 16:06:05 -0400

I am of the middle generation, the Baby Boomer. Memorial Day means remembering people from WWII, Korea, my personal generation of casualties Vietnam, and the war of our children Iraq and Afghanistan. I also remember the war no one considers a war that I served in, the Cold War, where there were many casualties who were unheard of, unmentioned, and forgot. These are the ones I consider the lost soldiers who fought in places we were not there, in times we, as a nation, did not exist as an aggressor, and history is still classified and written by the CIA and other people who can tweek it their way. That is Memorial Day. Thinking about history, lives lost, and often questioning the reasoning behind the loses. However, I was a Soldier and I know that I raised my hand and signed the blank check, too. I still belong to the Army although I am out. My oath is for my life time. Memorial Day reminds me of it all.

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made May 31 at 2015 12:23 AM

Capt Christian D. Orr — Sun, 31 May 2015 00:23:52 -0400

Sorry I'm 6 days late with this, but anyway, here's a copy-and-paste of what I wrote on my Facebook page on Memorial Day:
========================================================

Memorial Day 2015 musings: as several of my fellow veterans have already rightfully pointed out on Facebook, while Veterans' Day is the day to thank living vets for their service, Memorial Day is for the purpose of honoring the servicemembers who did NOT come home, those who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. In other words, it is NOT a "Happy" day.

With that in mind, I'm fortunate and blessed insofar as none of my relatives (USMC Dad and USN paternal-side cousin in WWII, USN maternal-side cousin who served from 1972-1992) or my personal friends from my own service years (USAF 1999-2006) died in the line of duty (and this in spite of 9/11, OEF, and OIF, mind you).

So, with no such personal connection to a battlefield KIA, I suppose I could simply dedicate this Memorial Day to all U.S servicemembers who fell in the line of duty.

But while I certainly respect all their sacrifices, that's a bit too vague, generalized, and generic for me. I want to personalize the dedication somehow, so as a USAF Security Forces veteran, I would more specifically like to dedicate this Memorial Day to all Air Force cops (whether they officially wore the label of Air Police, Security Police, or Security Forces) who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Many of them, including A1C Elizabeth Jacobson, are memorialized in the commemorative photo montage that currently serves as my FB Cover Photo. Others, like TSgt Robert Butler and Sgt. Louis H. Fisher, are not shown in it.

Sgt. Louis Harold Fisher deserves a particularly special mention, IMHO. You see, not only did he and 4 other Combat SPs die bravely while fighting off an attempted NVA invasion of Tan Son Nhut Airbase during the Tet Offensive on 31 Jan 1968, but in his honor, the Sgt Louis H Fisher Award is presented to the Top Graduate of the USAF Security Forces Academy Apprentice (enlisted) Course at Lackland AFB, TX. I'm proud to say that back on 4 February 2000, I was the recipient of the Sgt Louis H. Fisher Award.

So then, (1) to all American servicemembers who gave their lives in the line of duty, (2) especially my Air Force cop brethren past & present, (3) more particularly Sgt. Louis Harold Fisher, I dedicate this Memorial Day. Rest easy, brothers and sisters, RIP, God bless, and HOOAH.

Response by SGT Kathi Prato made May 5 at 2016 8:33 PM

SGT Kathi Prato — Thu, 05 May 2016 20:33:34 -0400

This is my memorial day. This young man and I became very good friends when we were stationed at Fort Hood; he was like a little brother to me. I helped him compile his flight packet and was the Maid of Honor in his wedding. Miss him every day...

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made May 12 at 2016 2:07 PM

1SG Harold Piet — Thu, 12 May 2016 14:07:32 -0400

My whole family is military, my father had 5 brothers 2 are still alive all military except one of the remaining, my deceased Brother retired navy. Those are my immediate thoughts, I ride for the Patriot Guard Riders and escort heroes on their last ride all the time and meet the families of those that stood for us in our time of need. I think of the thousands that died in the many wars from the time of declaring our independence until now. I weep when I think of the lives lost in Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan because our government will not trust our Commanders to do the job and saddle them with ROE that prevent the winning of the war. Our politicians have no experience in combat but think they can tell the military how to fight. I weep for the lives lost and the families mistreated by the VA and the system while our PC government is trying to help the LGBT and border jumpers. I could go on and on........ but I have tears in my eyes now

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2017 11:53 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 May 2017 11:53:18 -0400

CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols Today is a day to join with fellow veterans and service members as we honor and remember our fallen. We remember our fallen brothers and sisters throughout the year, and the years that follow.

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made May 29 at 2017 11:58 AM

LTC Jeff Shearer — Mon, 29 May 2017 11:58:58 -0400

Terry I know that was tough.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 28 at 2018 11:03 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 28 May 2018 11:03:20 -0400

It is always different for us- we aren't trying for the mega off sales, the 3 day weekend, etc.. For me it is a time to remember and cry/muse on the 14 officers, peers and troops I lost while in service- the 3 cousins we lost within months of each other in 68 (SVN). A time to remember all the Gold Star families I have met while in the PGR. Let them have their fun- our folks died to keep them save and to be able to do what they want. We didn't serve for their honor, but ours, and as long as we remember OUR people, they will live on in our hearts.