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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

Posted on 05/29/2004 8:18:53 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

Edited on 06/26/2004 5:25:06 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]

 
 
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The United States Armed Forces.
 
 
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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

 


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KEYWORDS: chaplain; memorialday
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To: LindaSOG; blackie; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; Kathy in Alaska; Old Sarge; Long Cut; MS.BEHAVIN; ...

Tom Selleck: An American Patriot

http://www.nationalreview.com/miller/miller200405291425.asp

Here's the money quote:

 

NRO: Did you serve in the military?

Selleck: I'm proud to say I was in the Army National Guard, infantry, for six years, from 1967-73. I'm sick of hearing people trivialize that service. It was a tremendous honor to put on the uniform.

321 posted on 05/30/2004 6:24:13 PM PDT by MoJo2001 (?sdrawkcab siht gnidaer eb uoy dluow esle yhW .derob eb tsum uoY)
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To: LindaSOG; TexasCowboy

322 posted on 05/30/2004 6:24:47 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Thank You Troops! Past, Present and Future)
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To: LindaSOG
One of those ducks is a male.

I'm going to get him a vasectomy.

323 posted on 05/30/2004 6:25:07 PM PDT by TexasCowboy (COB1)
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To: LindaSOG; TexasCowboy

324 posted on 05/30/2004 6:26:12 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Thank You Troops! Past, Present and Future)
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To: LindaSOG

*YAWN*

Please do!

I'm eating ice cream right now and need something entertaining. Besides, I'm making The Sailor finish something up for Queenie.

I'm bored! LOL!


325 posted on 05/30/2004 6:26:31 PM PDT by MoJo2001 (?sdrawkcab siht gnidaer eb uoy dluow esle yhW .derob eb tsum uoY)
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To: TexasCowboy

*SMOOCH*


326 posted on 05/30/2004 6:26:49 PM PDT by MoJo2001 (?sdrawkcab siht gnidaer eb uoy dluow esle yhW .derob eb tsum uoY)
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To: MoJo2001
"It was a tremendous honor to put on the uniform."

I agree with Tom Selleck.
It's a tremendous honor to put on any military uniform of America!

327 posted on 05/30/2004 6:27:26 PM PDT by TexasCowboy (COB1)
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To: All

THE POETRY CONTEST ENDS AT MIDNIGHT EDT!

STOP SLACKING OUT THERE! GET MOTIVATED!

*HUGS*

328 posted on 05/30/2004 6:28:45 PM PDT by MoJo2001 (?sdrawkcab siht gnidaer eb uoy dluow esle yhW .derob eb tsum uoY)
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
Hey, Tonk!

That last one looks like my rubber ducky I have in the bathtub!

329 posted on 05/30/2004 6:29:31 PM PDT by TexasCowboy (COB1)
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To: MoJo2001
*SMOOCH*

You keep that up and things will get very lively, very quickly!

330 posted on 05/30/2004 6:30:45 PM PDT by TexasCowboy (COB1)
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To: TexasCowboy

Yeah, I like those old beer drinking songs. :-)

Some things don't change. How about a boot scotting song TC?? Some where I have that old favouite of mine. Waltz Across Texas.... :-)


331 posted on 05/30/2004 6:31:33 PM PDT by Soaring Feather (~The Dragon Flies' Lair~ Poetry and Prose~)
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To: MoJo2001

Tom Selleck: An American Patriot . bump


332 posted on 05/30/2004 6:33:50 PM PDT by Soaring Feather (~The Dragon Flies' Lair~ Poetry and Prose~)
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To: tiamat
No, Sarge is right HERE!!!
{{{{{ TIA! }}}}}

Made it back, didn't I?


333 posted on 05/30/2004 6:34:31 PM PDT by Old Sarge (It's not Bush's fault - It's THE MEDIA'S fault!)
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To: MoJo2001
{{{{{ MOJO! }}}}}

Hey, Lady, you okay tonight?


334 posted on 05/30/2004 6:35:51 PM PDT by Old Sarge (It's not Bush's fault - It's THE MEDIA'S fault!)
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To: bentfeather
{{{{{ FEATHERS! }}}}}

I'm still alive, Hon...


335 posted on 05/30/2004 6:37:04 PM PDT by Old Sarge (It's not Bush's fault - It's THE MEDIA'S fault!)
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To: TexasCowboy

~Waltz Across Texas~
Here we go TC.

336 posted on 05/30/2004 6:41:07 PM PDT by Soaring Feather (~The Dragon Flies' Lair~ Poetry and Prose~)
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To: Old Sarge

Is it REALLY you or one of tomkow6 voices?


337 posted on 05/30/2004 6:42:18 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Thank You Troops! Past, Present and Future)
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To: Old Sarge

{{{{{{{{{{Sarge}}}}}}}}}}

Wow I have missed you!!


338 posted on 05/30/2004 6:42:30 PM PDT by Soaring Feather (~The Dragon Flies' Lair~ Poetry and Prose~)
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To: bentfeather

Oh, it was a GREAT FReep-meet! And we had WAFFLES!!!

And, for those of you listening at home, Sarge can report that Tomkow's "condition" is benign: he's not the nutcase certain folks have made him out to be.

He can be quietly worse...


339 posted on 05/30/2004 6:43:00 PM PDT by Old Sarge (It's not Bush's fault - It's THE MEDIA'S fault!)
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To: Old Sarge

LOL Tomkow !!!

You're still out in the field I believe, right?


340 posted on 05/30/2004 6:47:24 PM PDT by Soaring Feather (~The Dragon Flies' Lair~ Poetry and Prose~)
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