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

[Kathy in Alaska]

I just got home from the Viet Nam Vets Motorcycle Club Memorial Day service. It was great!!

Alan Jackson

[Fawnn]

Okay. I'm here now (for awhile); where's everybody else at!?

I'm gonna get pouty if I think you're all busy off avoiding me. ;)

(Tornado WARNING lifted for my area now! Whew! Especially considering I was protecting myself by putting a paper bag over my head!)

[tomkow6]

I've found that plastic bags work better!

[tomkow6]

I'm nothing but twisted steel & sex-appeal!

[tomkow6]

Hi, Ma!

[Fawnn]

I'm nothing but twisted steel & sex-appeal!

LOL!!! (And modesty.) ;)

[radu]

Good evening y'all!!

To our troops, veterans, and military family members, and to our allies who stand with us,
THANK YOU!

Tossed hubby dear out of the way so I could get on the computer for a couple of minutes before the storms arrive. LOL! He'd been hoggin' it long enough.
I hope everyone is having a fabulous holiday weekend so far and that none here have been in the path of those storms. Tornado warnings in TN. at the moment and more than likely, more will crop up as the system rolls through. I wanted to pop in to say "Howdy" before we start getting ready for whatever may blow our way tonight. First order of business will be getting all the kitties inside.....no surprise there, huh? LOL!
But as we get things set, my thoughts will be with our troops overseas, as always. It'll take more than wind and rain to take my mind off of them.
*HUGZ* all 'round!
I wonder if they have computers in ....

[tomkow6]

Hi, Radu!

[tomkow6]

MINE!

[tomkow6]

MINE!

[tomkow6]

...would my "voices" lie to you????

[radu]

Did the city survive you two? LOL!

Looks like you had a great time together this morning. Love the pics! Did I save 'em? You bet!!! Now I'll have to get a nice frame so I can print the shot of you two and set it on top of the computer desk. Thanks for posting them!

[tomkow6]

FYI: I'm the good lookin' one!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Sorry everybody, I thought I told y'all where I would be today. I hit preview, but not Post! I left about 10:30am and my Dad and I drove to Mile 147 for the Viet Nam Vets Motorcycle Club's Memorial Day Service. My Dad got lots of digital pictures, so when he does what he does and sends them to me, I'll post some. It was a fantastic day!! More later.

[Fawnn]

tomkow6!!! #450!!!


(Nope. Your voices wouldn't lie, but they would work to distract me -- and others -- while you grab the numbers.) ;)

[radu]

Glad to know you made it to Ft. McCoy safe and sound, Sarge. Got, um, extended a bit did ya? Now why is it I get this feeling you don't mind? :-)

Don't fret about limited 'puter access. At least you have it and we'll look forward to your reports when you get a chance.

*HUG*

[radu]

Howdy tomkow!

FYI: I'm the good lookin' one!

Now waitaminute! You're BOTH good lookin'! Bet those Hooter's girls were fighting to be the one to wait on y'all. I'll bet the place was rockin' while y'all were there, too. LOL! Double the pleasure, double the fun.

I'm glad you two got to meet while Sarge was passing through. FReepers getting to meet each other is a blast, huh?

[Kathy in Alaska]

We also went to Sonic for lunch, but don't tell Ma. She might get really mean about it. (Since I told her yesterday that I wouldn't go to Sonic without her. LOL! Oops!)

Oops? Oops? Oops is all you can say????

[radu]

I hit preview, but not Post!

Don'cha just hate it when things like that happen? LOL!

Looking forward to seeing the pictures your Dad took when you post them!

[Kathy in Alaska]

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I've done that several times lately. The whole day was so neat! On the way a blackhawk hopticopter passed DIRECTLY overhead less than 50 feet above the ground (they just followed the road from Anchorage to the Byers Lake Memorial). When we got to the Memorial, we went over to the blackhawk and one of the crewmen immediately came up to my Dad, (he had seen the CBI patch on his cap) and shook his hand and said you don't see very many China Burma India vets any more. I was on cloud nine for my Dad!! I posted the stained glass yesterday on the live WWII Memorial Dedication thread when a FReeper said her Dad was in China Burma India.