FReeper Canteen ~ Guest Military Chaplain Memorial Day Message ~ May 30 2004

http://www.ussv-centralregion.org/District%207/Placoderm/Chaplains_Message.htm ^ | Chaplain Neal Hanley

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday...
Thank the Veterans who served in
The United States Armed Forces.

Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States Armed Forces Today!

	Memorial Day Message Once again, we come to a Memorial Day service. And once again, I am reminded that we stand here today with a purpose. That purpose is to recognize and remember. And once again I am reminded that “Freedom is NOT free.” Our country’s Freedom has been paid for again and again. In his Gettysburg Address Abraham Lincoln said several things that are memorable. There are two things that he said that I want to mention today. The first is “We can not dedicate--we can not consecrate--we can not hallow-- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.” While we do not stand on a field of struggle today, we live in a world filled with struggle. And we cannot dedicate, consecrate, nor hallow the efforts of men and women to obtain and maintain freedom anymore than they already have. There are no words or actions that can fully recognize the efforts and sacrifices that these people, both living and dead, have made and continue to make. This past year, our country once again has gone to war. The casualties were few, but for all of us and especially for the families who lost loved ones, they were too many. This war is ended, but not over. Does that sound a little strange? Well, I guess it is. What I mean is, that our Armed Forces have been Victorious in Iraq, but the war against Terrorism continues. As we all know, there are still those who, for whatever reason, want to “kill” Americans. I am sure I do not understand why. We are the most helpful, considerate, kind and honorable country in history. Please do not misunderstand, I don’t think every one in America is that way, but I do think that as a Nation, we demonstrate those attributes again and again. Americans are good people. As I look around at those to whom I speak today, I see people who have been and are willing to help not only their Iowa neighbors but also their neighbors in this country and their international neighbors as well. It is a great country and we are a great people. The second quote from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is, “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what THEY did here.” Isn’t that true. Every year for the past several years, I have written and delivered this address in this very spot. Who remembers what was said? And, for that matter, why should they remember? It is not now, nor has it ever been my intent to be remembered. But we are here to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and those who still today give the ultimate sacrifice. We are here to remember those who gave themselves, not only in death, but also in sacrifice and effort. Even though they live, the things they were required to do to keep our Great Nation free have changed their lives forever. Since this is Memorial Day, I thought I might use the word “Memorial” to define some thoughts about the men and women who have given so much to and for us. Men: Brave men and women who fought and did many different things that were beyond what most would think themselves capable of doing. They responded to the call of their nation when needed and they MUST be remembered. Endure: Because of their love for our country and fellow man, these people endured many hardships, both physical and mentally. Many gave their lives, all endured much. Memory: We need to exercise our memories. Every day, we need to remind others, and ourselves that our freedom was purchased with a cost. Ownership: The brave ones who fought for themselves as well as for you and for me have ownership in this day and in this country. Not only do they have the right of ownership, but also they pass on to us, the responsibility of ownership. In fact, it is our country to preserve. Responsibility/Remember: As we honor the brave men and women who have served our country, we find that we do it because it is our responsibility to remember. We have the freedom to do as we like. But along with the freedom that we have been given, comes the responsibility to remember. We acknowledge a debt of gratitude and respect for all. I-you-me. Each one of us living in this great country is a part of the success or failure of our country. It is up to us. It is our responsibility to preserve and protect our country and it’s freedoms. I-you-me, we can make a difference. Accountable: We are accountable to ourselves and to each other to maintain the freedoms that we have. Memorial Day brings many people together to remember. Not only do we share in the loss of those who served their country in uniform, but also those who were so close to each of us. On this day, we perpetuate the memory of the sacrifices of the many who have given so much for each of us. Love: We love our way of life and we have a good life. And we love our country. I looked up the meaning of the word “Freedom” in the dictionary. My American Heritage Dictionary says that Freedom “is the condition of being free”. That interested me so I looked up the word “Free”. And that says that to be free, one is “at liberty, not bound or constrained”. Many take Freedom and Liberty for granted. But we are here today to celebrate and remember the many who have helped preserve our Freedom and Liberty. This service is in their honor. One of the reasons we observe Memorial Day is because we know that we must not forget. We know that many have made the sacrifice so that we can be here today. We must not forget those sacrifices. Chaplain Neal Hanley

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

~ Military Requests ~ Below you will find a list of requests by family members, Active Duty Freepers, or various sources for help. Please feel free to browse and see if there is some way you'd like to show support for our brave heroes. God Bless Our Men and Women! Thank you to their families! If you know of any other requests, please FReepmail MoJo2001 to add your request to the list. Thank you!
Operation Semper Fi (formerly Operation FR Canteen Support Our Troops!) Who: Our Wounded Troops in Iraq What they need: Toiletries, slippers, hospital pajamas, candy, reading material, get well cards, letters of encouragement. Anything you can think of. Who do I contact: FReepmail Brad's Gramma, Kathy In Alaska, or MoJo2001 for the direct mailing address in Iraq. (Make sure to put Operation Semper Fi in the subject line.) Who made the request: MoJo2001's husband, The Sailor, Division received the request from a Lt.Col currently in Iraq.	Operation Iraqi Children Who: Iraqi Children What they need: Shoes, school supplies, toys, and anything you can think of. The ages of the children are 3 years old to 11 years old. (According to the FReepmail.) Who do I contact: This request came from one of our Active Duty FReepers. So? We are not sure how quickly he can respond back to you. If you would like to help, FReepmail MoJo2001 or Brad's Gramma. They have the contact information in Iraq to send items. (Make sure to put Operation Iraqi Children in the subject line.) Who made the request: smaagee (His father is Graybeard58).
CARE PACKAGES Who: Our Troops What They Need: A little something from home. They like food, reading material, socks, or anything you can think of. If you'd like to send letters, please send those as well. Anything friendly from home is greatly appreciated. Who Do I Contact: FReepmail Brad's Gramma, Kathy In Alaska, or MoJo2001 for more information. I'm not sure what to send. What do I do? CLICK TO VISIT THE CANTEEN POST OFFICE. Who made the request: Requests have come from different places.	DONATIONS FOR CARE PACKAGES Who: Our Troops What Is Needed: If you are someone who would prefer to send donations to another trusted FReeper who will do the shopping for you, then this is your lucky day. Who Do I Contact: patriciaruth!! She is a trusted FReeper who has been receiving donations to help our Troops. She has been doing this for a long time. Brad's Gramma, Kathy In Alaska, MoJo2001, and many other FReepers can vouch for her.
OPERATION CONVOYS Who: Our Troops (specifically those in the Transportation companies) What Is Needed: Our Troops keeping the supply lines going are in need of basic necessities, reading material, candy, letters of encouragement, and anything else you can think of. They are sometimes unable to return back to their base of operations due to terrorist attacks or other adventurous Iraqi issues. Who Do I Contact: Brad's Gramma, Kathy In Alaska, or MoJo2001. We can give you the information to send it specifically to Iraq. (Please put Operation Convoys in the subject line.) Who made the request: archy. He has been in contact with a Chaplain that has asked for help.	OPERATION EMAIL AND FREEPMAIL Who: Our Troops What Is Needed: Our media is beyond pathetic. We need people to email our Troops with words of encouragement or a simple "Thank You" or "We are thinking about you". Very simple, but very effective. If you don't have money to spare, NOT A PROBLEM. This is cheap, free, and easy. We all like that, huh? Canteen Post Office Click OR FReepmail Brad's Gramma, Kathy In Alaska, or MoJo2001 to get an email for one of our Sailors. If you'd like to email a message, we would be happy to pass it along in one of the packages.
OPERATION USMC Who: Our Marines & Sailors on the ground in Iraq. (There is a contact person and all items will go through him. This is to ensure the safety and security of the other military members.) What Is Needed: Care packages and correspondences. Who Do I Contact: FReepmail MoJo2001, Brad's Gramma, or Kathy In Alaska for further details. (Please put Operation USMC in the subject line.) Who made the request: It has come from outside Free Republic.	WALTER REED & BETHESDA HELP! Who: Our Wounded Troops at Walter Reed Army Hospital & Bethesda Naval Hospital. What Is Needed: Magazines, pen, paper, hand held games, anything to help them pass the time while they are staying at the hospital. Pre-paid phone cards are greatly appreciated. Who Do I Contact: TruthNtegrity (Please put Operation Hospital Care in the subject line!) Special Mention goes to: MJY1288, Pippin, baseballmom. (They have visited the hospitals as well.) Thank you as well to: Ragtime Cowgirl & prairiebreeze for their contributions.
OPERATION TOOLS Who: Our soldiers in Iraq. What Is Needed: Monetary donations for tools to help speed up things for our soldiers. Monetary donations will then be used to purchase these tools at Sears or elsewhere. Who Do I Contact: FReepmail mrstank for further details. (Please put Operation Tools in the subject line! Thank you!) Who made the request: mrstank made the request on behalf of her husband. He is currently stationed in Iraq.	NEED HELP? WANT TO LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT OUR MILITARY NEEDS HELP WITH REQUESTS? Just Freepmail MoJo2001 and your request will be added. Thank you!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Click on the pic and I'll guide you
to the start of today's
Guest Military Chaplain Service


Please stop in and say a prayer of protection for the military. Prayers from all denominations are needed.

                                          


CLICK HERE for Troop Prayer Thread 10

Thank You TEXOKIE

Sunday Liberty starts after the Guest Military Chaplain's Service!

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD.

[no dems]

EXCELLENT !! Thanks for this Post. I was very moved by the entire dedication ceremony. In his keynote address, our President did us proud.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Your Welcome!

[Soaring Feather]

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

FYI : Look in upper right corner of "My Comments" page.
Set it for "Brief" instead of Full.
You only will get title of thread and who pinged you.
No graphics will load.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

From the men in the Military and the Canteen

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.

To our military readers, we remain steadfast in keeping the Canteen doors open.
The FR Canteen is Free Republics longest running daily thread specifically designed
to provide entertainment and morale support for the military.
The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.
We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD.

You will stay right where you are on the thread.
Please take a moment and Thank a Service Man or Woman.
Just Click on the graphic to send an e-mail.

[Smartass]

Ping.

[armyboy]

Good Morning FReeper Canteen!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Good Morning armyboy
How have you been?

[armyboy]

I've been ok.
How have you been?

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

I'm doing just fine.
Staying out of trouble! LOL

[armyboy]

a little trouble now and then can be fun

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

What kind of isp connection do you have in Iraq?

[Fawnn]

I have c-span's repeat of the WWII Memorial dedication on TV. The segment where Tom Hanks narrated the film of the memorial just ended. The memorial so beautiful! And deserves its place on the mall!

I hope to visit it someday.

[armyboy]

i don't know all the specifics on it. but about 70 of us put 100 each toward a satellite internet system. one of the flight engeneers (who does some networking stuff back in the states) went down to Kuwait and picked up the system. with wireless routers in different places around the living area.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

I'm on a satellite system in rural Oregon.
Almost 3 years now.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"I hope to visit it someday."

Someday I must go to the Viet Nam Wall.

[Fawnn]

They just finished playing Taps.

I'd missed this the first time I watched the dedication: The camera panned the audience, and after Taps ended, you could see the veterans returning their hats to their heads. (I only viewed one person -- a female -- who hadn't taken off her hat. I'm not sure about the protocol for that.)

Earlier today on the live thread, I mentioned that while watching today's ceremony, I missed being in HS band for the first time in memory since graduating from HS. (I miss the moving Memorial Day services we'd hold in our small town, too.)