Memorial Day Thoughts

[Jim Fenton]

Let’s not forget what this Holiday is really about.

Freedom Is Not Free

[Old Sunshine Fan]

Thanks Jim Fenton

I knew there was some good to you somewhere.

Great clip. Enjoyed it to the max (being a Vet).

I have sent it to my whole address book and if anyone doesn't feel something deep inside themselves when they view it, they can pack their bags and get out of the Great U. S. of A (as Archie called it).

Thanks again Mr. Jim Fenton

OSF:

[BJ Cavin]

I've never been a "love it or leave it" type of guy when it comes to attitudes toward this country. After all, our strength is in our diversity and how we can all unite when the situation warrants. And I have to admit that without those "whackos" out there to remind us of what we hold dear, I fear that our admiration for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us might someday weaken with time. We need those reminders of WHY sacrifices like the ones we remember this weekend are so important!

I never served myself, mainly because I had other opportunities that pulled me away from that sort of thing. But that does not change my respect and admiration for those who did, and those who left a big part of themselves somewhere other than here so the "here" can still exist.

I know quite a few such people, and I hope that they know that I thank them. And while thanking them sounds like so little, my thanks, along with the thanks of so many others, is quite a lot. So thank you!

[carolwicks]

those who havent served...

i have the utmost love and respect for those who serve... but there are other ways to serve this country. our law officers, fire fighters, and every American who obeys the law, pays taxes, and tries to raise decent honest children... we all serve in one way or another to keep this country free. our soldiers just give that extra! we have lost police officers, and plenty of firemen... they have given the ultimate also.
so dont feel guilty or less of an American if you werent in the military. you were great Americans too...and WE have contributed to democracy in many ways!
carolwicks aka OZ

[Jane]

My son-in-law is now in Iraq after being in Afghanistan before. He has given up alot, and I do mean alot, for our country. I pray for him nightly and all the soldiers who watch over us. Just too bad that the Vietnam vets were not given the respect of our soldiers today. I was married to one for almost 18 years and it always hurt him how they got no respect for what they did. They weren't saluated like today when they were in airports but thank goodness times have changed.

To Michael and all the soldiers, thank you. For the ones previously, also thank you. It is not an easy job but you all do it. You give up alot today to be a soldier and you miss alot with your families. I also saluate the wives of the soldiers who must keep it together while they are so far away. That is not an easy job, missing your husband/wife everyday, and still trying to put on a happy face for your family. Michael will miss Nathan's first birthday next week and I know that is killing him but hopefully in September, he will be back home with his family.

Thank you Michael and all the soldiers who watch over us, protect us, and our country. Without you we would be nothing.

[flvideo]

Thanks Jim That was neat. I served during the early years of Vietnam but the ones at home that prayed for us were the ones that were heros in my book. The mail call was a highlite of our day and the loved ones at home were the ones that held us up. I had buddys that didn't come home and I had buddys that came home messed up, smme maimed physically, some mentally. So many of the homeless today are products of the Vietnam days.
I got all my dues I guess but some didn't. Some didn't even get a "welcome home" and thats sad. The greatest country in this world shuned us and I don't know why. But anyway, thank you to all who served and those that were here supporting our troops. All you that served in Vietnam,
"WELCOME HOME BROTHER" Bob...

[Jim Fenton]

It Is The Veteran....

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN,
who salutes the Flag,



And who serves under the flag,

[Darren]

this is said

not in a mean way but it is being said. There is only one reason for this holiday. Not because someone is a great family member or in law enforcement like my son is in or any other reason that was given to be a great American. It is to remember all of those you gave everything to keep our nation free. Let all others get thier own day. While I am on my soapbox let me also say that the word hero is used to often, it has become a 10 cent word. I picked up a lighter in Veit Nam (68-69). This is what it reads, some may have it or have read it before. "For those who have fought for it, freedom has a taste the protected will never know." To all who served in Viet Nam, why are we letting our country become a 3rd rated nation. Have we forgotten the firefights, seeing our buddies being wounded or KIA. If you have not called your congressperson in the last month (you know there is something you can call about every week) then remember a buddy that was killed in Nam. Don't let their death be in vain. "CURRAMEE"