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

[MoJo2001]

OMG!

ROTFLMAO!

Yeah! Well, since you are a Sailor. Is there something that you have to tell us? Go ahead!

We'll make today: CONFESSION SUNDAY!

CONFESS YOUR SAILOR SINS TODAY!
We'll absolve you! Um, maybe. Hehe!

[tomkow6]

Naval SECRETS!

Ask the Sailor about them, IF he talks.....

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

[tomkow6]

I would have wore my dress blues ( WHICH I STILL fit into), but, somewhere along the way, I'm missing a hat & neckerchief.

[tomkow6]

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

[Soaring Feather]

WOW, Burkaman way cool!!

Hey you two are looking like you were having fun!!

[tomkow6]

UN cooth dog!

[Soaring Feather]

LOL, yeah Goddess, and look at the ribbing some of us get from Burkaman!!!

[Chieftain]

I met this gentleman, James 'Blinky' Taylor at the Jacksonville, Florida Memorial Day Rod Run car show this past Saturday.

While I was walking around looking at all the really neat old cars and hot rods, I saw this gent sitting in the trunk of his 1941 Cadillac Fleetwood, under the shade of the trunk lid. Yesterday was bright and sunny and very HOT, (about 98 degrees), so I was concerned about him overheating. I stopped and asked if he was OK, and he said he was 'just gettin' some shade'. The front wheel of his motorized wheel chair had gone flat and a couple of the host car club members had gone to find him another inner tube.

Being a retired Marine, I was immediately drawn to his ball cap, which said Marine Corps Veteran, and had a small pin on it that said Korea. I talked with him for awhile about the Corps and what he did during his time. He told me that he served in the Marine Corps from 1950 - 1954. I asked about Korea, and he shared his story with me. He was initially assigned an MOS of 3500 Motor Transportation, but was sent to be a drill instructor at Parris Island once the war broke out. He was one of the first DI's to be courtmartialed for maltreatment of recruits. He said that what had happened is that he had a new group pf recruits all in their teens, and one Army re-tread. The Army re-tread was older and more experienced in the ways of the military, and was ruining the atmosphere of teamwork in the platoon. He said the re-tread was generally being a pain in the ass. Finally after disobeying an order, Cpl Taylor ordered him to lay on the deck and the other recruits to march over him. Blinky didn't think it caused him any serious harm, but it should have been enough to teach him lesson in teamwork.

Well, that night, the re-tread snuck out of the barracks and found the company commander and complained about what happened. The company commander reported the incident and Blinky was court martialed. At his court martial he was found guilty and the judge, a Colonel told him, "Son you're either going to the brig for 6 months or you're going to Korea!". Blinky didn't hesitate, and said "I ain't ever been locked up and I don't plan on starting now!"

He soon shipped out to Korea. He was still there near Panmunjon, at the signing of the cease fire. He said he was still digging trenches weeks after the POWs were repatriated, when a Captain came to the group of them and asked if there were any 3500 MOS Marines in the group. Blinky said "I am", and he turned his shovel and B.A.R. (Browning Automatic Rifle) over to another Marine and went on to become the battalion CO's driver. That assignment ended up bringing him home on time, when he finished his contract. The CO landed a job in Washington and called Blinky to be his driver, but he turned it down to stay in sunny Florida.

Blinky is PROUD of his service as a Marine as evidenced by the fact he wears his Marine Corps Veteran ball cap 50 years later! He has a collection of old cars that he has 'street rodded' and enjoys going to car shows.

He started a roofing business some 35 years ago and still works there, though the management of it has been turned over to his son. He now lives in Ft Pierce, FL, about 4 and half hours south of here.

I was honored to meet him and thank him for his service to our country and Corps!

Semper Fidelis, Blinky!

[MoJo2001]

Um, is it me or did the Goddess not mention sending any of us cookies? Huh?

What's up with that? Hehe!

That is absolutely awesome. I know they will absolutely adore the cookies and the Goddess bringing it in.

[Soaring Feather]

*HUGS* and awwwwwww thanks so much for sharing the photos of you lovely children! The field trip is great, too. I am sure I will never get there.

[tomkow6]

Thank you, Chieftain, for that wonderful post! AND>>>>>

Hi, Chieftain!

Welcome to the Canteen!

Wanna buy a burka?

 

 

[John Lenin]

WE SUPPORT YOU FLASH VIDEO





The body of Army Pfc. Karina Lau is carried out of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Livingston, Calif., on Nov. 12. Lau died Nov. 2, along with 15 other soldiers, when their helicopter was shot down over Iraq.



Capt. Kelly O’Lear, from Ottumwa, Iowa, chaplain for 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, performs a baptism Dec. 3 at Camp Udairi, Kuwait, for Spc. Derrick Wilkerson, from Lagrange, Ga., and several other soldiers as the brigade prepares to enter Iraq.



Soldiers from Charlie Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division relax July 1 in one of the buildings they are staying at in a compound in Balad, Iraq. The troop was involved with operation Sidewinder, a mission to clear the area of people fighting America’s presence in Iraq.



Capt. Jon Cecalupo and his 2-year-old son, Josh, spend some last minutes together Nov. 8 before he heads back to Iraq after two weeks leave. Cecalupo, visiting family in Virginia, flew out of Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Linthicum, Md.

[tomkow6]

Might have to boogie out of here REAL FAST!

Severe THUNDERSTORM warning posted for my area, I just heard some THUNDER!

Oh, well! Guess we have to change the menu from grilled hamburgers to soup sandwiches!

[Lady Jag]

That's what they said about Clintoon...TWICE!

And they were still wrong.

[Mudboy Slim]

Looks like a wonderful, despite the inclement weather!!

"Timmy is 5 and Bobby is 9."

Fer me and the Missuz, JakeyBoy is 6 and JessieLee's 9.

Happy Memorial Day weekend...MUD