Happy Memorial Day

Wishing people a happy Memorial Day seems odd to me. Memorial Day is a time to remember and reflect on this country's soldiers who were killed defending the country from enemies. Wishing a happy Memorial Day seems to infer a celebration, a time to make merry and party. Lets keep Memorial Day what it is and not cheapen the memory of our soldiers killed.

I am glad that some have never been touched by the horrors of loosing someone while serving in the USA military. It is exactly why those of us who served did it. We served so others could enjoy "celebrations!" Let them celebrate. I served so they could celebrate, even if they don't understand! Others also died so they could too.

I have never forgotten who I am. Even though I am no longer in service, this IS who I still am. Even with all the failing body parts and medications I am on, I would do it again if called, without any reservation or forethought! I served so others CAN celebrate.

Before graduating Basic Training in the Army, we had to memorize this (below). It's never left me. It is who I am, still today.


Article 1: I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which
guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

Article II: I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command I will never surrender my men while they still have the means to resist.

Article III: If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Article IV: If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with all my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any actions which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

*Article V: When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am
required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

Article VI: I will never forget that I am an American fighting man,
responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

*By Executive Order signed on November 3, 1977, President Carter
amended the original statement in the Code which read, “bound to give
only name, rank, service number, and date of birth.”

I think that those of us that have served (USN) look at Memorial Day just a little bit different than those that haven't.

I'll NEVER forget!

In Canada, we call it Remembrance Day and it occurs on Nov. 11. It is not a national holiday. There are services all over the country. I'm a Canadian Army Vet myself and our Legion here in Canada has a saying and it is, "We will remember them". I have a saying when proposing a toast and it is " to those who have given and to those who are still giving". So I raise a glass and I say to those of you in the United States, to those who have given and to those who are still giving. Just remember that you are "celebrating" because of those who have given and still are.

Splashers3 wrote:
I think that those of us that have served (USN) look at Memorial Day just a little bit different than those that haven't.

I'll NEVER forget!

As a civilian who never served, but has worked in Aerospace & Defense for 30 years, I have to agree. You have a perspective that cannot be synthesized by the rest of us.

For whatever it is worth, we put a missing man table in the center of our house for the weekend, and nothing has been more of a reminder about what today means.

treeofliberty
Nice post! :) Thank you.
Barney

X2 - treeofliberty!

I fly a "special" American Flag on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and 4th of July..it was flown for 1 minute over the USS Arizona at 1706 on July 4th, 2004.

I was flight testing with 3 Marine Corps Helicopter Squadrons in K-Bay at the time.

What "DownTheAvenue" said!

It's unfortunate that many civilians who have not served feel like today is a day of celebration. Those of us who served, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice did it so our fellow Americans can live free and to protect our way of life. I have no doubt that those of us who served would do so again. It was a calling, not a job.
I know many who say Happy Memorial Day aren't really thinking. They are merely seeing another holiday and wishing folks a Happy Holiday. This is one holiday that should continue to be viewed differently.

Mike

BarneyS wrote:
treeofliberty
Nice post! :) Thank you.
Barney

It is nice to see so many people who still care...