Remember...

[Scott Sonnon]

Have a great holiday weekend everyone.

Memorial Day for our family is one of remembrance for those who sacrificed so that we were ensured the opportunity to the rights we now share and ought hold dear. If possible, please take a moment this weekend to remember (http://www.usmemorialday.org/speeches/president/may0200.txt). If it weren't for them, we would not have our way of life.

[Coach Gostnell]

There's a person I've worked with for 10+ years: He's my co-worker, my partner in ugly protective service cases, and a superb Branch Manager for the last four years.

As I watch him say good-bye to all of us, and know in my heart what his wife and family are going through as he prepares to leave for Afganistan right after Memorial Day, I wonder if the entire human race will ever wake up and remember that war is not necessary.

[bretc]

God bless the men and women who fought, served,bled and die to secure our liberties and way of life.

[joelsey]

Memorial Day is always a very special day in our family. Coming from a military family, it always had a special place for us.

In addition, most of my family is in law enforcement or firefighters. After 9-11, we also inlude them in our thoughts and prayers for their sacrifices made "on the homefront".

A hearty thank you to all military and first responders.

All gave some, some gave all......


Joel

[KD Jones]

God bless everyone, God forgive us our wars (as they are all unfortunate, even if just), and especially, thank God for those who are willing to risk themselves with others in mind.

Blessings to all who serve, anywhere and in any way, and to their families, who often need it most.

May the warriors not be overtaken by the heart nor hand of war.

[Joseph David]

I give my deepest thanks and appreciation to the men and women, and thier families, for their sacrifices that give us the opportunity to enjoy the liberty and freedom that we dearly love. Blessings to all.

[Coach Tran]

Respect and peace to all the brave men and women protect us and our way of life in America. I often take our warriors for granted, but I will remember them.

[sschaula]

Jeanne wrote:

"I wonder if the entire human race will ever wake up and remember that war is not necessary."

I don't want to get political, or into any kind of a debate, but I want to say something about this. I think it will be a good thing to think about on Memorial Day this year.

It's horrible that soldiers die. It's horrible that people need to patrol the streets of Iraq, and raid houses. It's horrible that some of our friends and family leave to go overseas and fight, risking their lives...but it's very very necessary. Remember 9-11...the unprovoked attack which hurt many Americans. It may have affected some of the members here at the forum.

There is an enemy in this world that threatens our families and friends, and if that enemy isn't fought we're in trouble. We saw on September 11th that the enemy doesn't care about who you are...they'll take you out to instill fear in everyone's hearts. They want to destroy our way of life, which has nothing to do with how innocent and good you are. They don't think about your virtues.

The enemy doesn't care if innocent people die in the process. They walk into weddings and blow themselves up. They set bombs on subways. They send children strapped with explosives into the American bases in Iraq and detonate the bombs. The enemy is ruthless and a threat to everyone you know. A large scale attack could happen again, and it could be in whatever city you live in.

I'm very serious about this...war is necessary! Defending your loved ones is necessary. I think it's important that America shows respect to the troops by supporting their decision to defend. I don't think it's supportive to bad mouth the war. In doing so, you bad mouth every soldier's decision. Soldiers go to Iraq for a reason...to prevent 9-11 from happening again. By saying war isn't necessary, you're calling soldiers stupid...but the stupid person is the one who allows the people they know to be blown to smithereens.

Now, like I said, I don't want to get into a discussion over this...and Jeanne, I'm sure you didn't mean it in a bad way. I just want more people in America (and perhaps other places in the world, if they're reading) to know a soldier's point of view.

I know that war is necessary, because turning the other cheek is what causes our loved ones to be hurt.

I hope people think of these things this Memorial Day, in remembering the people who have helped defend America. It can be a happy holiday, because it's a celebration (and a lot of us don't have to work on Monday!), but it should also be a time of serious thought.

[KD Jones]

OK... stepping past the butting of heads on the issue of war (and then "not wanting to have a discussion about it"), and getting on to the issue of respect for service and sacrifice...

Just a reminder, for anyone like me who didn't notice there was an actual link in Coach Sonnon's original post:
There is a national "moment of rememberance" on Memorial Day, at 3 PM local time.

Personally, I think it's worth observing, I think things like this mean something. (No need to agree or disagree... just wanted to point out that it's there, since I almost missed it.)

[joelsey]

KD:

Great that you pointed that out. Be sure if you are flying a flag today, it should be flown at half staff (or half mast) until noon, at which time it should be raised to it's full height.

Yeah, my Dad is a stickler for all the rules and etiquette of the American flag.

Regards,

[KD Jones]

Yeah... it wasn't until just after 911 I learned that it was actually OK to leave the flag fllying at night, as long as it is directly illuminated... I really need to go out at find all the rules.

Blessings on this day to all who have sacrificed with the heart of freedom and service.

[Scott Sonnon]

If ever anyone becomes confused about why would should observe a moment of silence in 45 minutes for all of those who died to protect our rights and liberties, the following quote should hit home:

"The view from my apartment used to be the World Trade Center but now, now it's the Statue of Liberty."

Jon Stewart, Sept. 20th, 2001.

[JasonE]

My friend returned intact from serving nearly a year on the Baghdad Airport Road, long considered one of the most dangerous places to be. He saw vehicles ahead and behind his blown up by RPGs, he did body detail, he led men on searches and located roadside bombs. The stories are appalling, and it's a miracle he wasn't physically injured. He also brought home every man in his unit.

He doesn't claim to be a hero, or to be an exceptional soldier. He just did his job to the best of his abilities, knowing that a mistake could cost lives.

This Memorial Day, I honor not only those who have fallen, but those who have served and returned quietly. They come from all parts of the country, all levels of economic and educational backgrounds, and they are back among us going on with life. They must forever live with the memories of the things they have experienced, and some return to go through it again knowing that luck may not be on their side the next time.

Hats off and heads bowed to the veterans, folks. They served for all of us.

[KD Jones]

Really well said, Jason.