Posted on 05/30/2004 5:38:27 PM PDT by redrock
You put on the uniform.....and you do so of your own Free will.
You put on the uniform ...be it that of the Army...or Navy...or Air Force...or Marine...or Coast Guard.
And you do so with the understanding of some very simple promises.
YOU promise to uphold the Constitution....
YOU promise to help defend your Nation ...your family...in every which way that you are asked.
YOU promise to put up with doing duty in the coldest places...and the hottest. YOU promise to put up with bad food sometimes. YOU promise to follow orders (as long as they are lawful)..even tho those orders may put you in danger...in 'Harm's Way'.
YOU promise to put your life on the line...even unto death.
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And the Nation promises that they will provide you with shelter....with uniforms.....with food...with even a little money.
And the Nation promises that they will make sure that you are taken care of if you are wounded....or are permanently disabled.
And the Nation PROMISES that they will Remember you should you die...should you pay the ultimate price...should you be brought Home to your family in a box.
....and tomorrow is the day....the very day...that will decide if the Nation has told the truth or it has lied.
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It's a simple thing.....Memorial Day.
Just ONE day...set aside for a real reason....to Remember those who have died....been brought home in a box....to fulfill THEIR promise.
Just ONE day....set aside for a REAL reason....to Honour those who have fallen in the defense of Freedom.....to Honour those who have fallen in the defense of their Nation and their Families...your Families.
It is NOT a day for barbecue.....
It is NOT a day for 'Memorial Day Sales'.....
It is NOT a day for extra overtime......
It IS a day to Remember...and say 'Thank You'.
It IS a day to Remember...that YOUR Freedom is paid for in the blood of America's sons...it is paid for in the returning of Fathers to their children in a box.
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Tomorrow is Memorial Day.
Perhaps the real measure of our success as a Nation (and how long we will last ) is how well we Honour those who have provided this Freedom.
Tomorrow is Memorial Day.
Or, perhaps, tomorrow is the day of Betrayal.
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LONG ISLAND, N.Y -- Honor guard members from the 305th Air Mobility Wing at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., perform a 21-gun salute during the funeral of a fallen Airman. The nation observes Memorial Day on May 31 to remember and reflect on the selfless sacrifices of America's armed forces. ~ www.af.mil |
Bump
Yep ! Bob Hope was a BIG morale booster for MANY years.When our family was stationed at Lajes Field, The Azores, Portugal, Bob Hope stopped on his way to or from Germany (I think) and we were treated to a short act by him. He was a great human being.
redrock
redrock
Memorial Day, to me, is the best day and the worst day of each year. Many Vets feel the same but rarely say so out loud. Remembering Bobe Hope makes it a part of the best day.
We'll always remember and never forget
Those of our number, the enemy met
Who paid highest dues for our Liberty Nation
The bravest, most loyal from each generation
Excellent post!! I have remembered, I do remember!!!!
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