[MomwithHope]

I'll be making my own entry, but wanted to start this thread. For many this holiday is not about vacation or picnics, but to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Post about your loved ones and their service and sacrifice, photos welcome.

[immadashell]

May God bless ALL who gave the last full measure!

[Alas Babylon!]

The True Significance of Memorial Day

As our nation heads into a long holiday weekend, I’d like to take some time to reflect on the meaning behind Memorial Day. First recognized nationally in May of 1868, the holiday previously known as Decoration Day grew out of local tributes in the 1860s to those who died during the Civil War. Eventually the holiday became a day to honor all those who died in America’s wars and became a national holiday in 1971.

Parade Magazine writer Tamra Bolton said this about Memorial Day: “This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home. This is not Veterans Day, it’s not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom.” I concur, and encourage all of you to think about what freedom means to you the true meaning of service.

While this is a very meaningful day in our AFCEA community, Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer. However you choose to observe this holiday, I hope all of you are also able to take some time to relax and recharge with loved ones while still remembering our fallen heroes so we are at our best as we take on our mission of national security.

--Lt. Gen. S. S. Lawrence, USA (Ret.)

[MomwithHope]

My uncle, who I never got to meet.
Died Oct. 14, 1943 at Anzio.
Attached to 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.
Nick Vukmirovich is buried or memorialized at Plot I Row 15 Grave 62 Sicily-Rome American Cemetery Nettuno, Italy. This is an American Battle Monuments Commission location.
★ Purple Heart
★ Combat Infantryman Badge
★ Marksmanship Badge
★ World War II Victory Medal
★ American Campaign Medal
★ Army Presidential Unit Citation
★ Army Good Conduct Medal
★ European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign

[Perseverando]

Outstanding!

Let's all remember this Memorial Day those (and their loved ones) who paid the ultimate price for our freedom!

Let's not forget their sacrifice, nor shirk from our oaths to defend the Constitution from ALL enemies, foreign and domestic.

For those who gave all, we remember!

Thank you Gold Star Families! We remember, and grieve with you this weekend.

[Southside_Chicago_Republican]

Albert Lawton Wiley was my grandmother's cousin. He was killed in action in the Meuse-Argonne Campaign about two weeks before the armistace. He rests in the quiet, rural Union Cemetery outside Sparta, Illinois.

[RideForever]

Given the current state of our Republic, I would tender the following thought -

At the conclusion of the Memorial Day ceremonies, with the flag at half-mast, do the following:

retire the flag, turn it upside down, and return it to half-mast to illuminate the Communists in D.C. and their effect on our nation. And leave it that way until we see LAWFUL elections nation-wide.

[SisterK]

my prayers and respect for all the Gold Star Families

[Jet Jaguar]

Bump.

[caww]

Thoughts of my Uncle and my Father who died in wars....

and to my mother who raised 4 kids on her own.