MEMORIAL DAY, 2002

[oracle]

MEMORIAL DAY, 2002 (http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/editorial/48794.htm)

Editorial
New York Post

May 27, 2002 --

Too many of us often see Memorial Day as just a day off from work, rather than the solemn occasion for communal grieving and commemoration that was intended when the holiday was first proclaimed in 1868, only three years after the Civil War.

But this Memorial Day is not the same as those of recent years: This Memorial Day, America is at war.

It's a different kind of war to be sure, but a war nonetheless.


...


The sentiment most appropriate for Memorial Day is perhaps best summarized in the 1914 poem "For the Fallen" by Laurence Binyon:

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.


Click here to read more (http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/editorial/48794.htm)

[2Cent]

How does one humble oneself enough to say, "Thank you"?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR> Too many of us often see Memorial Day as just a day off from work, rather than the solemn occasion for communal grieving <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I support the thrust of this quote.
I certainly don't want a bunch of rowdy drunken frisbee throwers stinking up our Veteran's Cemeteries today; or any other day.
Clearly those for whom grieving is appropriate should be allowed to do so in respectful, solemn calm befitting the occasion.

I am grateful to every U.S. veteran that has fought & or died for our Creator endowed, Constitutionally enumerated, unalienable rights. That gratitude extends to those that participated in any conflict including and since our Revolution.

However; their sacrifice was (I infer) to enable us to enjoy a way of life which includes Liberty. And Liberty indulges each citizen's right to decide for him or her self how best to celebrate this day.

I don't think those that suffered the way those in The Battle of The Bulge did, endured those hardships (or not), so that we would stay home and mope.

For those that wish to grieve, I think, perhaps particularly today, but perhaps every day, their needs for courteous silence or calm should be respected.
But as a U.S. military veteran that has lost comrades in arms; I do not begrudge even the invincibly ignorant for partying away the day. If they are so self-preoccupied that they do not recognize the value of what they have; or the sacrifices made by others to secure it for them, then perhaps it's their loss. I'll let god make that call. I will not judge / condemn them; provided they do not disrupt those of us that wish to pay our respects in a more formal way.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR> "How does one humble oneself enough to say, "Thank you"?" 2cent <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I respect those that have alternate opinions. But for me 2cent, "Thank you." seems to me to be both eloquent and adequate.

For me Memorial day brings to my mind the sacrifices made. The terrible hunger & cold Washington endured with his troops at Valley Forge. The blood-spilling mess at Iwo Jima.
But I also count the blessings their sacrifices have provided us; perhaps chief among them: Liberty. From memory, I define Liberty:
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR> Liberty means the right and power to think, act, and express ones self in the manner of one's own choosing; provided that Liberty does not infringe or usurp the Liberty of another or others. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Thank You veterans one and all, living and dead. It is to you we owe our thanks for this precious gift.

[2Cent]

Sear, that was swell.

[Warlady]

Well said sear. Beautiful actually. "Lest we never forget".

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Memorial Day for too many is synonymous with BBQ Day. What a shame.

We should be remembering those who have sacrificed for our nation, especially those who have died.

025,325 died for freedom in the American Revolution

002,260 died for freedom in the War of 1812

013,283 died for freedom in the Mexican-American War

558,052 died for freedom in the Civil War

002,446 died for freedom in the Spanish-American War

116,708 died for freedom in the World War 1

407,316 died for freedom in the World War 2

054,246 died for freedom in the Korean War

058,168 died for freedom in the Vietnam

000,293 died for freedom in the Gulf War

1,238,097 Americans have sacrificed their lives for our freedom in all of our nation's wars
www.cwc.lsu.edu/cwc/other...arcost.htm (http://www.cwc.lsu.edu/cwc/other...arcost.htm)

[Warlady]

rg I think this year may be different for many Americans who never gave it much thought before. I'm watching GW live in Normandy and they just played taps. That always puts a lump in my throat. The first time I heard it I was just a kid at my brothers military funeral. My heartfelt thank you to all who served. And your families who sacrificed. I owe my freedom to you.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Thanks to ES, R, and The S in the "Patriots in Uniform Past & Present" forum for providing the text.

In memory... (http://www.geocities.com/stuff_a_sock_in_it/MemorialDay.htm)

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Donna that is a great link, thanks.