Memorial Day
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Every year I send a message to a dear friend who is a Gold Star Mother. Her son was killed in Iraq when a large explosive was dropped on him & his buddies taking a chow break next to a building in an unknown city there. If you know someone who has lost a loved one while in service to our country, let them know you don't ever forget the sacrifice. Thanks, Bill in Texas.
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Well put. I also try to remember first responders along with all branches of the service.
And my late father a WWII and Korean War veteran and great guy.
Also raised 5 boys was a cub scout, boy scout and Explorer leader and one of the best electrical minds I ever met, he taught me plenty about life and being self sufficient from an early age.
Oh and he was also a volunteer fireman and helped build our local firehouse and hall.
God bless them all.
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Raised in a military family and being acitve right now for the last 15 years, today always makes me remeber back to why we do what we do. Its for the greater good of my kids and theirs, no matter the sacrifice. One tradition I love is listening to taps tonight. Listen to it alone, its a fantastic
tribute. For those who have fallen and will fall, thank you.
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I usually think back on this day to a neighbor whose son was older than me and they gave me a bunch of his old toys and stuff and it was like Christmas for me at age 12 (he was 18 or 19). He had just gotten married and had been drafted right away. He was only in Viet Nam for less than a month when he stepped on a mine and was killed. I remember how awful and sad his widowed wife looked even though I wasn't old enough to fully understand all of the grief she had to have been going through with just getting married and now being widowed.
On this Memorial day thank you Bill Miller for your sacrifice for our country.
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Raised in a military family and being acitve right now for the last 15 years, today always makes me remeber back to why we do what we do. Its for the greater good of my kids and theirs, no matter the sacrifice. One tradition I love is listening to taps tonight. Listen to it alone, its a fantastic
tribute. For those who have fallen and will fall, thank you.
Raised in a military family and being acitve right now goe the last 15 years, today always makes me remeber back to why we do what we do. Its for the greater good of my kids and theirs, no matter the sacrifice. One tradition I love is listening to taps tonight. Listen to it alone, its a fantastic
tribute. For those who have fallen and will fall, thank you.
Nice post.
As a parent who's daughter was a graduate of West Point, we made the trip up there countless times for various functions.
One tradition I loved, a tear jerker for me, was the "The Fallen Comrade Table". (also Missing Comrade table for those MIA)
Before every banquet or dinner a solitary table is set up with one chair, one plate, an upside down wine glass,salt.. and a few other dinner items of symbolism, the table remains unoccupied... then these word are recited:
The table that stands before you is a place of honor. In setting this table, we acknowledge those missing from our celebration today. And we remember them. The table is small, and set for one -- Symbolizing the vulnerability of a lone prisoner against his captors. Remember! (ring bell) The tablecloth is white -- Symbolizing purity of intention in responding to the nation's call to arms. Remember! (ring bell) The chair is empty, for they are not here. Remember! (ring bell) The wine glass is inverted -- They cannot toast with us this night. Remember! (ring bell) The slices of lemon -- Reminding us of their bitter suffering. Remember! (ring bell) The grains of salt -- Representing the countless tears of the families. Remember! (ring bell) The single red rose -- Reminding us of loved ones who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember! (ring bell) The burning candle and yellow ribbon -- Symbolizing everlasting hope of a reunion with the missing. Remember! (ring bell) Remember! -- All who have served alongside them; we who have donned the same proud uniform, being sworn to the same faith and allegiance -- We will never forget their sacrifice. Remember! (ring bell) Remember! -- Until the day they return home, or find eternal peace, we will remember. (ring bell)
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Our local Chick Fil A had a similar table set up on Veteran's Day and a table for veterans to write their name and location in service with colored pins to place on a map of the world. The owners also greeted every veteran in person and would allow no veteran to pay for their food or for anyone who came in the door with them. The place setting for the MIA was quite moving.
Just this month an A&M grad who had been shot down in 1969 was finally laid to rest in Arlington with full honers after his remains were identified in Dec. at the center in Hawaii.
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