Happy Memorial Day!

[airtwardo 7]

Respect & Honor those to whom we owe so much.

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[BIGUN 1,486]

Amen.

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[masterrig 1]

...and take the time to thank a service man or woman.


Chuck

[jcd11235 0]

masterrig

...and take the time to thank a service man or woman.

Isn't that a bit like cursing them to die an early death? Memorial Day is for remembering fallen troops.

Math tutoring available. Only $6! per hour! First lesson: Factorials!

[Krip 2]

***...and take the time to thank a service man or woman.


Absolutely and while your at it take the time to write your congress person about the fubar at the VA.

Remember what happened when Gen Patton started to scream at a wounded soldier suffering from shell shock in the field hospital. Screaming cussing etc. To bad he did it in front of the Drs.

The same shit is going on again except now the Generals in their rush to downsize have figured out a way to do the same thing with a less than honorable discharge.

TBI and PTSD wounded the generals are looking for any excuse to issue these wounded soldiers the less than honorable that strips the vet of all benifits including medical care etc and their the ones that need it the most.

Google stars and stripes the reporter asks the man with the 3 stars, how many G.I.s this is happening to. Ass wipe had the nerve to say he didn't know because they didnt keep track of those numbers.

Remember the propaganda program with the slogan We support our troops and the yellow magnetic ribbons that some folks put on their cars.

That was supposed to show our troops, their family and john q public we wouldn't forget them like the troops coming home from the nam.

Propaganda works and the vets that are injured but not missing a limb are getting screwed.

I'm disgusted with the whole situation. To bad so sad.

One Jump Wonder

[masterrig 1]

Good post!

I have friends who fought in Nam and are still, suffering the consequences. Mostly PTSD and have had some bad experiences with 'the system', all these years. That's a horrible way to treat our service men and women. It's good to remember those who have given their lives to keep us free and spoiled but we need to take care of those with us. You're right! I need to write a letter.


Chuck

[Krip 2]

***Good post!

I have friends who fought in Nam and are still, suffering the consequences. Mostly PTSD and have had some bad experiences with 'the system', all these years. That's a horrible way to treat our service men and women. It's good to remember those who have given their lives to keep us free and spoiled but we need to take care of those with us. You're right! I need to write a letter.

Hi Chuck

http://www.stripes.com/critics-fort-carson-policy-targeted-troubled-wounded-soldiers-1.160871

Could't find the quote from the man that wears the 3stars
But Did find the above link that basically says the same thing.

Its not just Ft Carson Its Ft Hood and and the rest of the army bases that are lead by the ring knockers leading from the rear. The armys willingness to throw away these wounded troops without benifits to save a buck after pissing away $ Bllions in the sand/rock pile is what it is.

"We support our troops"
Unless your missing a couple of limbs because taking care of those guys make great photo ops at Walter Reed and fool some of the american public into believing that all wounded troops are being cared for.

General Patton all over again with a better PIO (propaganda) dept.

Rant over

One Jump Wonder

[masterrig 1]

'Throw-away soldiers'! Looks to me like some way the government has to save money. You talk about cold blooded!! The one soldier mentioned that he was 'basically homeless'. I'll bet that no one knows just how many soldiers live under over-passes, back alleys and doorways.


Chuck

[-Joey- 0]

The most effective way to support the troops is to not vote for politicians who are eager to send them off to fight unjust wars in foreign countries that pose no threat to us and then throw them away.

Skydiving is serious business

[promise5 17]

I know everyone is busy but next time don't just take the time to thank a vet but visit with one. I don't know if its just me and the way I was brought up but I love visiting with older people. You hear the most amazing stories and can really have a good time,I've never laughed so hard. Especially when they get on the if they were 30/40 years younger. lol lol You can usually find them having coffee somewhere in the morning and wearing caps with their branch of service.

No matter how slowly you say oranges it never sounds like gullible.
Believe me I tried.

[JohnMitchell 16]

Nice pic, Twardo. I read that piece of yours about your dad at Remagen bridge.

[Machupo 0]

masterrig

...and take the time to thank a service man or woman.


Chuck

No, please don't.

I can't count how many people I had to stop mid-stream and politely describe the difference between Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. It's easy to become cynical (because being thanked for this particular job is a profoundly uncomfortable thing), and I'm trying really hard not to, because it's not your fault :)

I drove my family down to Arlington to pay respects to a handful of close friends and a large "extended family"; Section 60 has grown immensely since the last time I was able to visit.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/27/opinion/americans-and-their-military-drifting-apart.html?hp

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[masterrig 1]

Machupo

***...and take the time to thank a service man or woman.


Chuck

No, please don't.

I can't count how many people I had to stop mid-stream and politely describe the difference between Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. It's easy to become cynical (because being thanked for this particular job is a profoundly uncomfortable thing), and I'm trying really hard not to, because it's not your fault :)

I drove my family down to Arlington to pay respects to a handful of close friends and a large "extended family"; Section 60 has grown immensely since the last time I was able to visit.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/27/opinion/americans-and-their-military-drifting-apart.html?hp

I thought it was a good idea at the time but you've opened my eyes a bit. A real good friend of mine is a graduate of West Point. He's served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is now in Alaska. He thought it was a good gesture. I'll be a bit more careful in the future. I don't want to offend our troops by any means. I just wanted to let them know I appreciate what they've done. Thanks for setting me straight.


Chuck

[Machupo 0]

masterrig

I thought it was a good idea at the time but you've opened my eyes a bit. A real good friend of mine is a graduate of West Point. He's served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is now in Alaska. He thought it was a good gesture. I'll be a bit more careful in the future. I don't want to offend our troops by any means. I just wanted to let them know I appreciate what they've done. Thanks for setting me straight.


Chuck

Chuck,

I didn't mean to give the impression that I was offended (or that I speak for anyone other than myself), sorry if I did. I've just noticed over my short years (especially since Memorial Day has become deeply personal over the past twelve years) that few have the time to reflect on the deeper reasoning behind this solemn day.

I would humbly propose that the most effective way to honor fallen soldiers is simply to exercise those freedoms that were part of the original real-estate deal; perhaps taking a moment to spread the knowledge that to enjoy whatever activity we're enjoying, it may have been necessary for people to die.

Personally, this Memorial Day reminded me that I can't just be a passenger, that I must take time out of my busy schedule to hold my representatives accountable for their decisions (or at least attempt to influence their future decision making process), because these decisions have more than abstract consequences.

-Nick

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-05-24/opinions/39502742_1_soldiers-civil-war-junger

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[JerryBaumchen 1,468]

Hi Machupo,

Quote

the difference between Veteran's Day and Memorial Day

My grandmother ( born 1879 ) always called it Decoration Day. She said it was the day that you go out & decorate the cemetaries of the fallen.

I'm thinking that maybe it was originally known as Decoration Day.

JerryBaumchen

[masterrig 1]

Machupo

***I thought it was a good idea at the time but you've opened my eyes a bit. A real good friend of mine is a graduate of West Point. He's served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is now in Alaska. He thought it was a good gesture. I'll be a bit more careful in the future. I don't want to offend our troops by any means. I just wanted to let them know I appreciate what they've done. Thanks for setting me straight.


Chuck

Chuck,

I didn't mean to give the impression that I was offended (or that I speak for anyone other than myself), sorry if I did. I've just noticed over my short years (especially since Memorial Day has become deeply personal over the past twelve years) that few have the time to reflect on the deeper reasoning behind this solemn day.

I would humbly propose that the most effective way to honor fallen soldiers is simply to exercise those freedoms that were part of the original real-estate deal; perhaps taking a moment to spread the knowledge that to enjoy whatever activity we're enjoying, it may have been necessary for people to die.

Personally, this Memorial Day reminded me that I can't just be a passenger, that I must take time out of my busy schedule to hold my representatives accountable for their decisions (or at least attempt to influence their future decision making process), because these decisions have more than abstract consequences.

-Nick

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-05-24/opinions/39502742_1_soldiers-civil-war-junger

I feel, you were expressing your thoughts and I can appreciate that. I try to keep an open mind. I grew-up with a father who served in the Navy during WW-II as well as uncles in all branches of the service. I believe, that instilled in me a real respect for our service men and women. Sadly. our service men and women have been drug through political ugliness for too long.


Chuck

[airtwardo 7]

Machupo

***...and take the time to thank a service man or woman.


Chuck

No, please don't.

I can't count how many people I had to stop mid-stream and politely describe the difference between Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. It's easy to become cynical (because being thanked for this particular job is a profoundly uncomfortable thing), and I'm trying really hard not to, because it's not your fault :)

I drove my family down to Arlington to pay respects to a handful of close friends and a large "extended family"; Section 60 has grown immensely since the last time I was able to visit.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/27/opinion/americans-and-their-military-drifting-apart.html?hp

Good point & I appreciate hearing it from your perspective.

Personally, I knew the difference because growing up we'd hang a flag out only on certain 'holidays' and my folks always explained why we were doing it THAT day in each case...

Few years back, we had the honor of attending Memorial Day service at the Normandy cemetery... the words that were spoken as well as the time we spent just walking around reading random markers really brought home to me the importance of never trivializing the sacrifice put forth FOR me by so many unknown to me.

It's a special day indeed.

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[TriGirl 343]

Machupo

No, please don't.

I can't count how many people I had to stop mid-stream and politely describe the difference between Veteran's Day and Memorial Day.

After a while (and several times hearing it), I just started to reply with, "thanks for paying my salary." I've been lucky enough that, despite trying to take my turn (to keep my friends from having to do it several times), the closest I've come to combat is having my embassy bombed while I was a couple miles away at a meeting. The visitor I was preparing for still came two days later. Not all of us have had to fight directly for any freedoms, but we all do a unique job that few others want to do. However, I have learned HUGE appreciation for those serving the nation in other ways -- foreign service, alphabet soup agencies, etc. All of those who should also be honored for giving their lives in the service of the nation.

airtwardo

Few years back, we had the honor of attending Memorial Day service at the Normandy cemetery... the words that were spoken as well as the time we spent just walking around reading random markers really brought home to me the importance of never trivializing the sacrifice put forth FOR me by so many unknown to me.

It's a special day indeed.

I have also been fortunate enough to participate in the Gallipoli commemorations here in Turkey. I was trying to prepare the Consul General for what he could expect at the Dawn Service on April 25 at ANZAC Cove. Besides how to dress for the weather, I told him that a pack of tissues in his pocket would not at all be inappropriate. He told me later that I was spot on. Absolutely unreal, amazing experience. Any time anyone can get to one of these locations, I highly recommend it. It's difficult to appreciate fully what happened without being at the event, but these commemorations certainly get you close.

See the upside, and always wear your parachute! -- Christopher Titus

Shut Up & Jump!

[Krip 2]

Hi Machupo

I'm a RVN vet, how dare you even suggest who we can say thank you for your service to and when.

Its called free speech and its protected by the US constitiution.

The retired 3 star that wrote his opinion to the NY times. Is what it is. Do you really think the way the military is treating their TBI's and PTSD wounded is going to help us accept another draft with hollow promises.

Machupo: I hear what your saying and I understand your concerns but what the hell.

Thank you for your service dude. Have a nice day.

One Jump Wonder

[Machupo 0]

Krip

Hi Machupo

I'm a RVN vet, how dare you even suggest who we can say thank you for your service to and when.

Its called free speech and its protected by the US constitiution.

The retired 3 star that wrote his opinion to the NY times. Is what it is. Do you really think the way the military is treating their TBI's and PTSD wounded is going to help us accept another draft with hollow promises.

Krip,

I'm fully acquainted with the concept of free speech, thanks :)
Nothing that I say can in any way prevent you from saying whatever you want, and I'm o.k. with that.

What I posted was merely a suggestion from my perspective: on a day dedicated to those who have gone on to Fiddler's Green, when I'm remembering brothers who died in my arms or as a result of my orders, the last thing I want is someone thanking me for *my* service; it was nothing compared to those who gave all. I'll be more than gracious on any other day of the year, but on this one day I just want a neat dram, some time to walk among the markers and let the ghosts out for a bit.

As to the various proposals in the linked articles, I believe that a populace more involved in the day to day sausage-grinding which is "international relations by any means necessary" may make us more reluctant to hastily apply large-scale military force as the cure-all ;) (And conversely, if we have the social/political will to engage in a large conflict, everyone is truly behind it and mentally engaged). If anything, a draft is the antithesis of an effective personnel strategy during a persistent conflict :p

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