USO Canteen FReeper Style....Memorial Day....May 27,2002

FRiends of the USO Canteen FReeper Style and Snow Bunny

[Snow Bunny]

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day to remember those who have died in our nation's service. In 1971, it was declared a national holiday to be held on the last Monday in May.

A day when we remember those heroes who have suffered and perished so that we can live and stay secure.

Those souls who were just like us in every way, except that we did things for people we knew.

They fought for us, whom they didn't even know.

Memorial Day gives us the opportunity to show our respect and to pay our tribute to those great soldiers, and we have made an attempt to do the same.

Memorial Day 2002 Message from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

“Across our great land, thousands of American flags, proudly waving, mark the final resting place of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and merchant mariners who had their lives cut short so that we may live freely and enjoy the blessings of liberty

Memorial Day is the one day of the year that we set aside to remember and honor our country's patriots, yet we owe them a debt of gratitude, every day of every year.

This Memorial Day finds our Nation at war -- a war we did not seek, but one we will decisively win. However, our victory will not come without its costs.

Once again, we are witnesses to America's sons and daughters being brought home, solemnly and respectfully, in flag-draped coffins. They join those who lost their lives in the attacks of September 11, 2001.

We are deeply saddened by their deaths, but eternally grateful for their sacrifice. It remains our challenge to do our very best to remain true to the principles and beliefs in which they so fervently believed and which they so valiantly fought to preserve. Their loved ones who carry on remain in our thoughts and prayers.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff and I join every American this Memorial Day, to pause and reflect upon the sacrifices made by so many of our fellow citizens in times of war and conflict throughout our Nation's history. We also salute the dedicated men and women of today's Armed Forces, whether defending our homeland or serving around the world.

They are preserving and adding to this noble legacy.

Gen. Richard B. Myers, USAF

"Tell them, tell them when you get home that I gave all of my tomorrow's so they could have today!"

Those are the words on a tombstone, far across the Pacific, of someone who gave up his life for our future.

Were those words uttered so that those of us who are left could just enjoy our lives without "getting involved", or were they written to remind us that the work of freedom and liberty is never done?

Were those words written ,to suggest to us that it is not our job nor our responsibility to keep alive what they fought and died for, or were they written to remind us that we were given the opportunity of life so that we would continue to defend, and keep alive the memory of what they gave their last full measure for?

Let us here today, tonight, tomorrow, next month and next year - remember these gallant defenders of our freedom.

Most were not heroes as defined by the most hallowed Medal of Honor nor even as defined by the silver or bronze star.

They were ALL Heroes

Yes they were heroes, because without hesitation they fought for our country when they were asked to defend her.

Most didn't die throwing themselves on a hand grenade, charging a bunker or manning a machine gun until their ammunition was gone.
Most didn't die diving their airplane into an enemy ship or marching in the infamous Bataan Death march -- but they are heroes because they fought when asked to fight.

They left their families, friends and good times behind and went to fight for our freedom without hesitation.

Some -- never even fired their weapons because they were killed before they ever reached the beach.

But they were heroes because they were there, ready to fight for America - for family, flag and country.

Most were scared to death as they prepared to meet the enemy. Their stomachs were turned upside down and they prayed to God and wished they were with their moms, dads and sweethearts rather than being where they were.

But they were where they were, fighting an enemy that was threatening their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
They were fighting an enemy because they believed in America, they loved Her flag and they wanted to protect American's right to worship as they chose.
They were there, without hesitation, fighting for what they believed in and dying for what they believed in so you and I could live the way we chose in a free country. But they did not die so that we would stop fighting for what they believed and died for.

They fought and died knowing that we, the living, would go on fighting for that same freedom, that same country, that same flag and for that same right to worship as we choose. Abraham Lincoln, at Gettysburg, said:

"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth."

It is for us the living to go on defending what they died for.
It is for us the living not to allow history to forget what they gave up all their tomorrow's for.

If when we attacked Guadalcanal and landed at Salerno, we found that "they" were going to fight back, we didn't give up because they fought back. We continued to fight because we knew our cause was right!

When Americans rode in the landing craft before storming the beaches at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Sicily, Anzio, Normandy, Peleliu, Saipan, Iowa Jima, Okinawa, Inchon and many other places we had never heard of before and when they fought in North Africa, the Philippines, Italy, France, Bastonne, Germany, Korea and Vietnam -- most were scared to death; their stomachs were turned upside down and they wanted to be back home with their loved ones.

But that did not stop them from attacking America's enemies bravely and without hesitation. They fought, and many died, but they did not give up because someone shot back at them.

It is for us the living to continue to defend and keep known what they fought and died for -- what they gave up all of their tomorrow's for.

They did not die so that we could become complacent; nor did they die so that when we, the living, reached a single obstacle --- we should quit

They died knowing that we would go on defending their actions, defending history and defending what they gave up all their tomorrow's for.

If WE don't remember ---if WE don't defend what they fought and died for and what we fought for -- who will remember? Who will care?

How many of them and you who fought for our flag and our country and remember the feeling as Old Glory" was being raised over a piece of land we fought for ---- and many died for?

How many remember seeing or hearing about our valiant warriors, who were fighting on Iowa Jima, as they stood and cheered when they saw the flag being raised over Mt. Suribachi.

From AFVetGal The president has called for a "National Moment of Remembrance" at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day with a one-minute pause to remember those fallen in service to the country.

[MistyCA]

[Howlin]

Yes. I'm a boomer......and I'm here to tell you, Bill Clinton is NOT the best we had to offer. I'm happy letting George W. Bush represent myself and my friends!

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

BTTT

[Howlin]

[ST.LOUIE1]

For Their Country -
They Served With- "Honor - Dignity - Pride"







'KEEP THEIR MEMORY ALIVE '

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii*******************************************

[MistyCA]

I agree and I have spent years being embarrassed by my generation (some of them)....starting with the burning bras and the desire to leave child-rearing to someone else so that some of our generation could spend their time doing things more fitting their "intellectual capacity". Sorry..I gave them the dunce cap then, and I am ashamed they are too stupid to recognize it's significance now. I think it was a failure in the water system or something....

[dansangel]

"A heartfelt salute to all the military and to all who make this USO Canteen Forum a success.

Especially to the one and only SNOW BUNNY.."

I second that salute, adding one for Billie, as well. I also want to say that I am proud of all veterans, but most especially my dear .45MAN, my father and my son-in-law.

God Bless America.

[MistyCA]

That's a beautiful post, Louie.

[Jen]

In loving memory of my brother,

Ronald Wallace
Disabled Army Veteran
Oct. 31, 1960 - July 3, 2000

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Thanks for posting this picture. I saw him walking there today on the news. I have to say, it is a reassuring feeling, and a feeling of PRIDE to have him in charge. I could just see a mulititude of "salutes" as he walked past.

We know he "means" it when he speaks with respect of and for our troops. He knows he is handling "precious" cargo when he makes decisions. I guess to us, that is his most important job. Taking care of those who are taking care of us. We all know he isn't treating the lives of our people carelessly. THANK GOD for this President!!

We thank God for the lives, limbs and minds given for all of us. We will never forget...

[Diver Dave]

Reveille occurred at 0700 this morning and after consuming large quantities of coffee, reading the paper, checking in at FR, followed by showering etc. I had to decide on the Uniform of the Day. In the service, I wore many uniforms. Dress Blues and Whites, Mark V diving suit, wet suit and dungarees, but today called for Dress Blues

A trip to the cedar chest and digging to the bottom brought out my Dress Blues. I donned my uniform, had to iron the neckerchief and I was ready to take on the rest of the day.

I placed Old Glory in her holder on the front of the house, snapped a sharp salute and made final adjustments to my uniform.

The short drive downtown to the 7th St. Bridge took me past 3 cemeteries along the way. Flags lined the cemetery traffic lanes and scattered thoughout were flags on individual graves. A beautiful sight to behold.

I arrived at the north end of the bridge and saw about 6 vehicles parked on the side of the road and pulled in beside them. A small group of people were gathered together which included a Boy Scout troop and their Scoutmasters. Several Scouts were carrying baskets full of flower petals. I squared my white hat and got out of the car to be greeted by one of the Scoutmasters with a two-thumbs-up signal.

An older gentleman pulled in to the same parking area and motioned me over to his car. He asked if this was were the ceremony was to take place. He said that he was asked to play taps on his trumpet during the ceremony.

We all began to walk the sidewalk of the bridge which spans the Tuolumne River to the point where the river passes beneath. I was a bit concerned that such a small crowd was present, but that concern was quickly relieved when I looked to the south end of the bridge. Police motorcycle officers drove past us to the south end. The bridge was closed to traffic at 0900, and the officers then began to lead the way for an American Legion Color Guard, a VFW Color Guard and about 100 people as they began to march down the bridge.

As the Color Guard approached my location, I snapped to attention and rendered a salute to the Colors as it passed by. Another bugler dressed in Navy whites passed by and took up a position about 20 ft. away from me.

The ceremony began with prayer offered by two individuals. The Scouts, and several citizens dressed in red, white, and blue manned the bridge railing. A small flock of white birds were released from a cage. Up they flew as a group and as if they were following orders, they circled the bridge three times before flying away to the south.

The American Legion, Post 74, provided riflemen who rendered a 21 gun salute. As the two buglers blew echoing taps, the Scouts and others scattered flower petals over the side of the bridge. The petals fluttered down to the river below and were slowly carried away by the currents. The ceremony concluded with a recessional by the Color Guards to which another salute was rendered with tears streaming down my cheeks.

May God Bless those fallen sailors who were recognized in this simple ceremony today in Modesto. Salute.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Diver Dave.. THANK YOU for serving,..and for sharing so poignantly your day. Gave us both goose bumps, from much pride.

God Bless!

[ST.LOUIE1]

Thank you, Misty, appreciate it. : )

[4TheFlag]

A special SALUTE to Pray4's Father who was a gallant Fighter Pilot who entered WWII before America declared war and flew for the British. He was shot down over the English Channel and served the remaining years in a German POW Camp.

Salute P, to You and Your Dad, may he Rest in Peace.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Sam, I know this is going to be difficult for you but, I'm praying you're alright.

FootPrints in the Sand

One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand;
one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened
at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

[ST.LOUIE1]

RE:186 Oooops! Forgot to tell you.....excellent graphic! : )

[Mama_Bear]

Thank you Dave for sharing your day with us. My heart just fills with pride because of people like you. I always look forward to your posts. You are appreciated.

I have 8 more e-mail messages to send to our military and then I will have fulfilled my pledge to D1, so I best get to it. :-)

[tomkow6]

More pictures from Streamwood:

Streamwood Honors her Veterans!

Women of the Armed Forces

Streamwood NEVER FORGETS the POW's & MIA's

[MistyCA]

I sure do like that picture! :)

[Cap'n Crunch]

Happy Memorial Day

I called cadence today for the police dept. when we marched in the Memorial Day parade. While we were waiting to go and in formation I had a captive audience so I read them a story that I had found on the web.

The story was written by Gen. Charles Krulak USMC about a firefight that happened in Vietnam, June 3rd 1966 in which a Marine Lance Corporal (LCpl. Grable) charged an NVA machine gun position when it had Gulf Co., 2/1 pinned down. LCpl Grable was killed in action and won the Navy Cross.

I'd post the story but I'm a knuckledragger. Here's a link if anyone would care to read it for themselves.

http://www.newsmax.com/articles/?a=1999/8/2/95625

God Bless LCpl Grable and all Veterans who fought and died for our freedoms.