OT: Memorial Day

[bccran]

Thank you to all those who paid the ultimate price to protect our freedoms. They gave their lives for ours. A reverent day
of remembrance.

[14NyquisT]

Those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country should be remembered with the highest of reverence. Many went into battle knowing that their lives would be in jeopardy and yet they fought on. That is bravery to the max. I am remembering those acts today but really should do so more often as the rest of us should. There is no tribute high enough for the sacrifices made by these men and women. Rest in peace you wonderful warriors of every war fought for our cherished freedom that some may take for granted.

[Ratsbuddy]

There is a sign on a cemetery a few miles south of town here. It reads as follows:

“ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES EVER DIED FOR YOU. CHRIST DIED FOR YOUR SOUL. THE AMERICAN SOLDIER DIED FOR YOUR FREEDOM”

Well said.

r/Esteemed Rat

[blingboy]

I’ve always had mixed emotions about Memorial Day. When I was in high school the draft for the war in Vietnam was still going on, and by then the writing was on the wall. Everyone knew we were giving up and pulling out. It was an exercise in trying to save face. I have a hard time thinking of the people, in and out of uniform, who sent my peers there under those circumstances as patriots. Yet many of them now rest in Arlington and other places of honor. I do honor my cousin Jim who died over there in 1972 when I was 14. Patriotism gets complicated when it hits close.

[Euro Dandy]

Memorial Day blends the full range of emotions. I like how this is symbolized by lowering the flag to half staff at the start of the day, then raising the flag to full staff at noon. It’s a fitting tribute to mourn those who sacrificed their lives and honor all the heroes of battle.

[bccran]

We didn’t give up in Vietnam. Unless you’re talking about poor governmental decisions that led to the American public not supporting it. But the soldiers, sailors, Marines, Air Force people, etc. sure didn’t give up. Actually, they never lost a major battle during the entire Vietnam conflict.

[bicyclemike]

My dad served in WWII and Korea. While he did not pay the ultimate price, I honor him and all of those who served, but especially think about those who lost their lives, and the repercussions it has down through the years in their families, friends and loved ones.

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