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.

[Humidston]

Hi Lady X!!

I promise I'll wave as they're dragging us into a paddy wagon, LOL!

I think I'll bring smelling salts along because you never know when you'll catch the drift of sweaty anarchists when they get too close.

There's a saying here, "DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS!" We'll make sure they understand its meaning.... ;-)

In the meantime, hold down the fort. The "troops" return Wed. evening and if we're up to it, we'll give a full report. Stay well and take care.... AND AWAY WE GOOOO!

[The Mayor]

Hi all, I just wanted to stop by and say hello and GodBless!
I spent alot of the time today with the family.
I did take some pics of a Grand Island NY tribute to the Vets.
Here's one and i'll post the rest tommorrow.

I enjoyed the Peace and Quiet, it's easier to reflect..
God Bless you all...

[Pippin]

HEY! COWBOY! How are you doing today?

[LadyX]

We look forward to your report!
Great to see you here.

[Tanglefoot]

Thanks for the hospitality. I like Texas, a cow chip would do just fine.

[LadyX]

I'm putting in my request for one of your off-the-wall, frontline reports, Humidston..:))

Godspeed, and remember to wave at the FOX News cameras to me!

[COB1]

One more thought before I retire:

I never had to face the enemy in combat, and for that I feel guilty sometimes.
When I saw "Saving Private Ryan", though, I was reminded of the many beach landings we did in Coronado in preparation for a kind of war that was fought in WW II.
I suppose helicopters have supplanted the landing craft we used, but I can imagine the fear and the horror our men went through during those many beach landings in Guadacanal, Iwo Jima, Normandy, etc.
When that door dropped open in the front, there was no place to hide from the hail of bullets that must have greeted them.
They were completely exposed.
Not having been there, I have to think that the movie depicted that scene of absolute hell on earth in a very realistic manner.
To think of the courage that was required to press forward against the enemy in the face of that slaughter is, to me, very humbling.
May God bless those men who died for us on those beaches, and those who went before, and those who came after.
Only a nation spawned and nurtured under the loving hand of God could breed such men.

Goodnight, all.

[Tanglefoot]

Your welcome. Thanks for all your service too. I'm going to hit the sack. It's late here in Kentucky. Good night all.

[SAMWolf]

Good Night COB! God Bless.

[Jen]

HAHAHAHA! Sam, you are so funny. You always find the best stuff to post. Tell that varmit to 'Bring it On'! hehehe

[Jen]

Hi Tanglefoot! Welcome to FR and the Canteen. This is the best group of people in all of FR in my opinion. So glad you found us and decided to come out of lurkerdom and post! Jen

[SpookBrat]

I'm sending emails during commercial breaks. LOL Thanks for the reminder.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

I just got off the phone with Snow Bunny.
She is still cleaning her computers.
She expects to be on in a few hours.

[WVNan]

Hi SAM. I posted and ran, didn't I? Trying to catch up on the news. (((hugs)))across the miles.

[WVNan]

Welcome to the Canteen TF and good night from next door in WV.

[Diver Dave]

Another gem, who.

I do believe your figment is starting to fade away.

I'm beginning to see Red, White, and Blue. It was there all the time, I'm sure, and one of the veils has slipped away. ;^)

Thanks for your great posts today.

[Diver Dave]

Victoria, you've got some excellent graphics posted today.

Thanks.

[4TheFlag]

Good night Brother, hope to see you Home tomorrow!

[4TheFlag]

I'm off folks, thanks for a good day, see everyone tomorrow, Beamer and I are heading upstairs, snorkle and mask securley in place!

[SAMWolf]

Good Night all, see you on tomorrows thread.