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

[SevenofNine]

Actually I had to work today but Sunday and MONDAY DAY OFF Rack ittt

I be gone majority of the day those days I go to my parential unit house tommorow then go to my aunt house for something

So I be in and out on Canteen most in the morning and evenig on Sunday on Monday so don't worry I be stay close to da hood

BUT rest of the afternoon you are on your own

And report breaking off Hareetz wire has Hamas run smack chat on israel over hit job on Hamas leader you knew that going happen

Sunday UK Observer also reporting that UK and Europe is in trouble with some observers are claim that Muslum youth are blend in with Euro society probably in 10 years Europe going face imploation of Muslum population which they might start LA Style riots in Europe

[Military family member]

Here's who went from our Family: Here's why she went:

Anyone driving West on Interstate 70 from Illinois heading to Indianapolis for the 500 will pass through my hometown, Terre Haute, Indiana. If you have the time, get off at U.S. 41 and Head north to the Vigo County Courthouse and see our new Veterans Memorial Plaza.

The was a real labor of love for the community and all the Veteran's organizations. We have monuments to the fallen from every war since the Civil War. It is truly a beautiful park. Obelisks give all the names. There is a life-sized bronze statue of a local Medal of Honor winner from the Korean Conflict.

The trip is well-worth the few minutes it will take to see it.

Terre Haute is the home of 181st Fighter Wing, which lost one of its own almost two weeks ago. The 181st will again be doing the flyover for the start of the race. When you see the four F-16s fly overhead, remember for a moment Major William Burchett, who died in that crash. Those pilots were his comrades.

On the way to Indianapolis on I-70, take a quick exit at Highway-37 (Putnamville exit). There is a small Fireworks stand just off that exit that has been organized by a group that is raising funds for several Veterans groups, including homeless veterans in and around the Hoosier State, and for the Fund that provides support and assistance to the families of our military who are deployed. Right now, there are several units from Indiana—National Guard and Reserve Units— on Active Duty, maybe close to 100,000 men and women. They are in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq and elsewhere around the world protecting our freedom.

I know this because my children's mother is one of them.

Others are my friends, fellow business owners, one of my employees, fellow Hoosiers, all.

If you find the Fireworks stand, buy a package of Sparklers. It won't cost much, but the money helps those who have sent theirs to help us all.

God Bless, enjoy the race and this weekend, and have a Great time visiting my state!!!

[Military family member]

I was there in 1992 while my brother attended Georgetown. We have a cousin on the center panel on the left about 7 feet up. I was 8 when we attended his services at Arlington.

Captain in the green berets.

I can still see the horses and the entire ceremony in mind's eye.

[Military family member]

I almost forgot to put my flag up this weekend. The bracket broke and I had to run to the store and buy a new one for my front porch. Here, I'll put it up virtually as well. Here's one for anyone who wants one for their desktop. I actually made this myself using a word processor and several fonts.

[lainde]

bttt

[armyboy]

#50!

[armyboy]

#50!

[armyboy]

#50!

[armyboy]

#50!

[armyboy]

#50!

[armyboy]

#50!

[Fawnn]

armyboy!!! #50!!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Wishing all our Jewish troops, veterans, families, allies, friends, and Canteeners
a peaceful and prosperous week.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Prayers for our troops, veterans, families, allies, friends, and Canteeners
for a safe and peaceful week ahead.

[Aeronaut]

G'morning Kathy.

[Kathy in Alaska]

WTG, armyboy.....#50!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

G'morning to you too. Did you get to enjoy any festivities today? Tomorrow, no, later today, my Dad, a WWII vet, and I are going to the Viet Nam Vets Motorcycle club's Memorial Day celebration.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Red Sovine ~ Deck of Cards

[Kathy in Alaska]

Rock of Ages

[Aeronaut]

Did you get to enjoy any festivities today?

I watched the dedication yesterday. It really inspired me. Thank God we didn't have today's media then. We'd all be speaking german now.