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

[Lady Jag]

It's not "Kerry", it's "sKerry" for me. Until his campaign gets blown into oblivion I will not call him by any name he wants. He's rich, lying scum and there's not much worse.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"My little bit of discomfort is nothing, compared with what those that I come to honor endured, to give me the freedom to choose whether I want to be there or not."

220 posted on 05/30/2004 3:22:49 PM PDT by tomkow6


Well said

Probably one of the best posts on FR today

[tomkow6]

Piranhas ain't so bad! I used to have a black Piranha. I actually had other fish living in the tank with him! Even put my arm into the tank to retreive something that got dropped in by accident!

[tomkow6]

....still have ALL of the arm, too! LOL!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

From the men in the Military and the Canteen

[tomkow6]

I did have a little bit of fun, with some sailors that were down for the event, from Great Lakes!

I noticed that their trousers had regular pockets, rather than the "slits" we had in our whites. I inquired as to whether the trousers still had buttons (you know what I'm talking about). They chuckled, & told me "No, the Navy had finally discovered ZIPPERS! LOL!

Dress blues still have & always WILL have the 13-buttons.

[Lady Jag]

I just wanted to share this picture I took on Sunday morning May 25, 2003. I was riding in the annual ride to the wall in Washington D.C. known as Rolling Thunder. I can tell you that I have never been so proud to be able to call myself a Marine, as I was when I saw this lone Marine standing in the middle of the street. He was standing there at attention, saluting until each and every motorcycle that participated in this event had gone by him. I don’t know the exact amount of time that took, but I know that it was over three hours never moving from this position. After I took this and a few more pictures, a man stopped me and said “excuse me, I noticed you were taking pictures of the Marine there. You know he has been there all morning since before the first motorcycles rode past.” I said I know, and he will be there until the last one rolls through. The man then said. “That’s just amazing! That’s an awesome show of strength, will and discipline.” I looked at the man and said yes sir, and I couldn’t be prouder to be able to call myself a Marine than I am right now. http://www.grunt.com/thunder.htm

[tomkow6]

FYI: I was telling my wife about the "buttons" thing. She asked me "How did you cope with that, if you were drinking?"

To which I answered:" You plan ahead, WAY AHEAD!" LMBO!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

[MoJo2001]

Paying Tribute In Our Own Little Way! (Click on the photos to see the larger image. It began raining a bit and we had to hurry. So? Sorry for some of the images looking kind of weird.)
We visited the local Veterans Cemetery. It's not too far from where we live. This is one of the memorials that you will see. It is absolutely a beautiful resting place. The outer perimeter is lined with Magnolia trees. It is also well taken care of. Which I absolutely appreciate.	This is an image that many have seen before either on TV or in person. The magnitude of what this country has paid is so overwhelming. What an exceptional country we live in. We should be proud of our history.
The people in this photo were here to place flowers on the grave of one of the tombstones. The lady in the background was a child when her uncle and dad were sent to the European theater. Needless to say, her uncle and father were both killed in action. Rest well brave heroes. Our country is grateful.	This is a photo of the USS Iowa Memorial. It's located on the Naval Station in Norfolk. If you want to see it, just ask for the location of "Iowa Point" and they'll tell you. Every ship that sails from the base must pass this memorial and the USS Cole memorial.
Click to see more about the USS Iowa Memorial. I tried to stand there and read it all, but it was beginning to rain.	The Sailor and I are proud to introduce our boys. Timmy, on the left, and Bobby stand in front of the USS Iowa Memorial. Timmy is 5 and Bobby is 9.
This is a neat little tidbit of information. If you look towards the left hand side of this sign, you'll see a bridge. That is the Monitor Merrimac Tunnel Bridge. The Bridge is named after this incident.	Timmy and Bobby are standing "watch" over the golden retriever and jogger that you don't see in this photo. In the background, you will also see the USS Harry Truman. There are 3 other ships, but I can't remember their numbers.
Sorry about the glare. It was raining and I really wanted to get a picture. This is a photo of the USS Cole Memorial. (The bigger part of the memorial is on the right hand side.) Like I stated before, all ships must pass this memorial before they head out to sea.	This is the actual Memorial to the USS Cole. You can see spots on the picture because it was RAINING. And of course, Timmy wasn't in the mood to pose. So? Bobby did the honors. It is a beautiful memorial, but a sad reminder that we didn't do enough in the previous administration to stop terrorism.

[tomkow6]

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

When the Chicago Cubs go to the WORLD SERIES in 2004,

I WILL TAKE A b......, ba......ba....

I just can't say that word.....

 

[tomkow6]

FINAL

CUBS 12

PIRATES 1

 

TOMORROW

 May 31@ 3:05 p.m. CT
 Radio: WGN 720

  VS 

[MoJo2001]

GO ASTROS!

WOOHOO!!

Oops! Did I say that out loud? Hehe!