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Thanks very much, Jaycee. It's 43 years since I took the field in Vietnam - I was still a boy then in many ways. I saw a lot of good men die - I believe it was not in vain because Freedom still lives in our Nation, though it is under attack like never before in our lifetimes.

Without trying to sound self-serving, I will honor my Fallen Bothers and Sisters. I will honor those presently serving - particularly those in battle in Afghanistan under the most draconian ROE's that our military has ever had to endure.

Tomorrow is the 43rd Anniversary of the commencement of Operation Pipestone Canyon, in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. This was a clear and defoliate action in an area known as Gonoy Island, an infamous lair of the enemy. We saddled up and hit the trail at 0200 from our rear area in An Hoa and set out for Gonoy.

It was during that operation that I was exposed to Agent Orange. At the end of the operation in mid-June, we were still in the area when the bulldozers and sprayers came through. They totally denuded the area of foliage and sprayed enough Agent Orange to contaminate the place for years. It took almost 40 years for the exposure to Agent Orange to manifest itself in prostate cancer.

I'm in no way bitter over my injuries and the exposure to Agent Orange - no one knew at the time how deadly it was. What I can't abide are the Sunshine Patriots and posers who show up and lie about their (false) service and exploits at the expense of guys who have rendered genuine service, often paying with their lives.

This Holiday is about the Fallen - the men and women who gave the last full measure of devotion in service to our Nation.

When I'm grilling my perfectly seasoned monster steaks this weekend, and sipping my Cabernet, I will be thinking about my Fallen Brothers - they shine forever in youth and Heroism!

God Bless them all, Gallant Heroes!

Nos genuflectitur ad non princeps sed Princeps Pacem!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list

Stand Or Go?
May 26, 2012

The Israelites were trapped. Soon after leaving slavery and Egypt behind, they looked up and saw a distressing sight. A cloud of dust was moving their way, and in that dust was a massive army. Pharaoh’s “disease” had returned—hardening of the heart (Ex. 14:8). As a result, he sent his chariots after Moses and his people.

Once the Egyptian army caught up with the Israelites, all seemed lost. They were trapped between a wall of soldiers and a sea of water. In panic, they cried out to both Moses and God.

Both of them responded with instructions. Moses said, “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. ” (14:13). And God told them, “Go forward” (v.15). While that may seem to be contradictory advice, both commands were from God and right. First, the people had to “stand still” or “firm” long enough to get instructions from God. What if they had rushed headlong into the Red Sea without consulting the Lord? But in standing still, they heard God’s instructions, which included both what they were to do—move on, and what Moses was to do—stretch out his hand over the sea in obedience and God would part the waters.

Do circumstances have you trapped? Stand still. Take time to consult God and His Word. Then, using His instructions, move ahead and let God guide you.

It matters not how dark the way,
How thick the clouds from day to day,
God will direct in all we do
If we take time to pray it through. —Mead

If you’re looking for guidance, follow Christ as your guide.

Read: Exodus 14:5-22

Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord”—Exodus 14:13

Bible in a Year:
Psalms 1-4

Conor, I truly enjoyed your writing today reminding some out
there what this Holiday is all about. There are some out
there who think “oh boy, another day off!” I believe most
on Amy’s Place and other Freepers know and respect what
Memorial Day means.

None of us can help but think of those who did give their
lives for all of us and for those who were willing to do so.
Let us never forget. I didn’t know you were exposed to
Agent orange and probably did cause your cancer and lots of
others, I suppose!

As they say “War is Hell” but some are willing to go through
it for America’s Freedom. Like you say, “many are fighting
today and dieing under the worst of circumstances and more
will be killed until we’re out of there. But they fight on
with all the bravery they have.

I’m always glad to hear the stories of friends who served
in Vietnam and how horrible that war was and then you and
they were shown no appreciation when they came home.....
how sad!

I can’t think of the Senator who got elected not long ago
who bragged about being in Vietnam over and over
before crowds of people and then later confessed when he was
caught and what really ticked me off is that the people
voted him in anyway. Its the lowest of the low of him
and the people who voted for him. I wished I could call
his name but at the moment I can’t remember, but I know
you and others know this story!!!!

May God bless all those who died in all wars for us and for those still dieing.

My son and I went for breakfast this morning and then to get
some dirt and flowers and the other son came and we all worked to get them planted. Thats why I’m so late getting
to Amy’s.