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USO Canteen FReeper Style....Memorial Day....May 27,2002
FRiends of the USO Canteen FReeper Style and Snow Bunny

Posted on 05/27/2002 12:02:56 AM PDT by 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.


TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: usocanteen
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The great intangible of America's wars beyond logistics, beyond strategy, beyond wonder weapons and Generals, is the spiritual force of its fighting men and women - and that is the force that the USO so serves.


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Thank you from all those that frequent the FReeper Canteen to Jim Robinson, Founder of FRee Republic and Navy Veteran.

1 posted on 05/27/2002 12:02:56 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: Snow Bunny

Click on the Flame to hear Echo Taps

"... from these honored dead, we take increased devotion to that cause for which
they here gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve
these dead shall not have died in vain..."
Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address



On This Memorial Day, I Remember...

Freedom is not free. Those of us who served know this all too well.

This is why we take time every Memorial Day to honor those whose ultimate sacrifice has helped ensure we live in freedom. Our storied history is filled with names and accounts of our fallen military warriors,
and I ask that you take time this Memorial Day to pause and reflect on the high price they paid for the liberties we enjoy today.

First observed in 1868, Memorial Day honored the memory of those who fought in the Civil War. Flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers to honor the fallen of the war between the states.
It has since encompassed recognizing the dead of every war in which the United States has been involved.



Whether you're performing your mission deployed around the world or at home,
know your country appreciates your commitment to the ideals and values our lost warriors demonstrated in putting their lives at risk
for the betterment of our country.

Also know that your pride in duty and willingness to be put in harms way doesn't go unnoticed by your commanders, the American people or me.
I am very proud of each of you.


2 posted on 05/27/2002 12:14:44 AM PDT by SAMWolf
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To: SAMWolf;*USO Canteen; archy;alamo-girl;angelwood;AFVetGal;abner; AtBay;A Navy Vet...
Beautiful Sam ....AWESOME !!!!!
3 posted on 05/27/2002 12:19:20 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: Snow Bunny
Good morning to you, my friend =^)

To all our men and women in uniform, America salutes you!

We can never thank you enough for all your sacrifices.

4 posted on 05/27/2002 12:24:47 AM PDT by JohnHuang2
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To: AuntB;nunya bidness;GrandmaC;Washington_minuteman;buffyt;Grampa Dave;Jolly Rodgers;blackie...

5 posted on 05/27/2002 12:25:17 AM PDT by JohnHuang2
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To: JohnHuang2
Good morning John. Thank you for the King of Ping touch...giggle...
6 posted on 05/27/2002 12:27:30 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: Snow Bunny
You're quite welcome, friend.
7 posted on 05/27/2002 12:28:08 AM PDT by JohnHuang2
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To: DoughtyOne;68-69TonkinGulfYatchClubMistyCA;Diver Dave;
We are conducting a Memorial Day Weekend Email-a-Thon as an effort to send over 10,000 emails to the members of our military over this weekend. This effort is being supported by VetsCor (A Navy Vet) and at the Free Republic USO FReeper Canteen (Snow Bunny and 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub)

Please drop by to help boost the total emails over the goal.

CLICK on the Picture to go to the Thread to send emails for the Email-a-Thon thread. Thank you. DoughtyOne A Navy Vet and Snow Bunny and Tonkin.


8 posted on 05/27/2002 12:28:51 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: d4now;Iowa Granny;Aeronaut;The Thin Man; Mr_Magoo;A Navy Vet;
The USO Canteen FReeper Style has been given permission to have an address where you can write snail mail and or send packages to our Soldiers in TF Rakkasan.

We are proud to adopt this Sergeant Major to our FReeper Canteen

"I can not say how to get a package to the Ranger Bns, but if you want to send one any way there are some great soldiers right here in TF RAKKASAN that would enjoy the package and most of them have been rangers anyway since that is where they seem to flow to when the get to the 101st. You can use my address if you want and I will pass it out to the grunts on the line for you and damn sure let them know."

Address:
SGM R A Herman
TF Rakkasan
HHC 3Bde
APO AE 09355


9 posted on 05/27/2002 12:30:16 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: Snow Bunny
American society many years ago twisted the purpose of Memorial Day to include all their lost loved ones. There's nothing wrong with honoring lost family members, but Memorial Day was created to remember those who served their country in the Armed Forces.

Let us keep our focus on the real meaning of Memorial Day.

Salute to all who served and died to make this country great.

God Bless the USA and God Bless our Armed Forces at home and abroad, past and present.

10 posted on 05/27/2002 12:31:40 AM PDT by Diver Dave
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To: Snow Bunny;All
The third and fourth grade students of Granville Village School reflect upon what Memorial Day means to them.
I will be posting this series of student essays throughout the day.

Louis
On Memorial Day most people have the day off from school or work. They go to parades, have cook outs, and play games. Only some people think about what Memorial Day is for.

Memorial Day is a day to pay your respects to the people who gave their lives for our country in wars. It is also a day to honor veterans who are dead or still alive. I think that these soldiers had a bad time being away from their families and fighting in wars.

When I think of Memorial Day it reminds me of my Grandpa. He didn't die in a war, but he was an M.P. in the Air Force. He died two years ago from cancer. I think of how my Grandma felt when he went off to war. With all the violence in the world, I think there should be a holiday like Memorial Day to remember all the people who were murdered like the kids in Colorado. There are more people who have been killed by other people without even being in a war.

On Memorial Day, my family and I will probably go to the parade in Rochester. We will have a cook out, play ball, and work in the yard. Other families might celebrate differently.

Rosely
Memorial Day is a day to celebrate the men and women who served in our war, and I'm going to tell you what Memorial Day means to me. I think that Memorial Day is a day to remember men and women who sacrificed their lives to keep our country strong. I also think that people who served in our wars are thinking about the day they died doing something right. I hope you liked my essay, because I liked it too.

Jack
Here is what Memorial Day means to me: Memorial Day is a very special day because you get to honor the people who died serving the country. On Memorial Day you don't only honor people who served in war, but you honor everybody who has died. Memorial Day is not about throwing candy. Unlike Fourth of July, Memorial Day should be calm because you're honoring the dead. That's what Memorial Day means to me.

Sam M.
Memorial Day is an important day to remember people who died. I'm going to tell you what Memorial Day means to me. One thing is to remember people who served in the war who are dead. Last year we did a parade. We went to the cemetery and put new flags by the graves of people who served in a war. Another thing to remember is people you know that died. For example, I would remember my Grandma Norris and my uncle's partner, Wendell. Sometimes my family goes to graves and picks the weeds and puts flowers beside them. On Memorial Day I usually have company from my mom's side of the family. I think Memorial Day is a good day to honor and remember people who died.

11 posted on 05/27/2002 12:32:22 AM PDT by SAMWolf
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To: AFVetGal;Snow Bunny;DoughtyOne;Billie; FallGuy; JohnHuang2; Mama_Bear; Victoria Delsoul...
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.


To All the Brothers and Sisters
who gave their lives for our freedom,
I Thank You.



This graphic is updated as the new e-mail count gets tabulated.
Click on the graphic to make your free pledge to e-mail our military.

Be sure and ping DoughtyOne on the thread and
let him know your free pledge so he can update the count.

12 posted on 05/27/2002 12:34:17 AM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
Good morning, friend -- thanks for posting.
13 posted on 05/27/2002 12:35:19 AM PDT by JohnHuang2
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To: Snow Bunny
Thanks, Bunny. Another superb thread!
14 posted on 05/27/2002 12:39:30 AM PDT by MistyCA
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To: SAMWolf
This is so beautiful Sam, the words and the graphics. The whole thing !!!!!!


15 posted on 05/27/2002 12:41:00 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: SAMWolf
That is a beautiful post, Sam! The graphics are really good! Thanks!
16 posted on 05/27/2002 12:41:15 AM PDT by MistyCA
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To: JohnHuang2
Good morning, John!
17 posted on 05/27/2002 12:41:59 AM PDT by MistyCA
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To: MistyCA
Good morning, friend =^)
18 posted on 05/27/2002 12:43:04 AM PDT by JohnHuang2
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To: Diver Dave
I agree Diver, It breaks my heart to look down our street. Omly two houses, ours and the one the house over from us are flying Flags and we always fly ours everyday.

I agree, never ever loose the meaning of Memorial day.

Thank you.

19 posted on 05/27/2002 12:43:29 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: MistyCA;Snow Bunny
Thanks Misty, Snow Bunny.

That Echo Taps just tears me up, but it's such a perfect sound to Honor our fallen.

20 posted on 05/27/2002 12:44:58 AM PDT by SAMWolf
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