Memorial Day
- Thread starter Ben
- Start date
When I was a kid, if some valiant men at Omaha Beach, Iwo Jima and a thousand other places during WW II had not done their job, I'd have been in a school wearing a black swastika arm band and eating with chop sticks.
I don't want to only isolate the WW II vets with my comments above , ALL our vets are very important to us ! Their sacrifices and service to our country should never be forgotten.
Ben
I don't want to only isolate the WW II vets with my comments above , ALL our vets are very important to us ! Their sacrifices and service to our country should never be forgotten.
Ben
RBHarter
West Central AR
Joseph Hart Army 19 - 21 UNAS
Kenneth Hart Army 54 - 56 Korea
William Mitchell Navy 36 - 38, included because his employer made him a boatman @ Pearl 12 / 7 / 41
Joseph Hart USN USS MUSTIN DD413
Levi Gaskins USMC 43 - 77, Omaha @Iwo Jima and 2 others. Cancer 1977.
Owen Hughes Army 18 - 20 Artillery, France
William McKinley 1861 -65 Ohio infantry , CIC 1896-1901
Plenty more in the family those I know from memory.
I don't recall that Levi had so much as a bullet burn and made 3 beach landings . Cancer took him in 77, it reduced a 6'3" 230 lb Marine that was a wedge from his shoulders to his ankles in 76' at Thanksgiving he passed away opening weekend of goose season 77 at 92 lbs .
Kenneth Hart Army 54 - 56 Korea
William Mitchell Navy 36 - 38, included because his employer made him a boatman @ Pearl 12 / 7 / 41
Joseph Hart USN USS MUSTIN DD413
Levi Gaskins USMC 43 - 77, Omaha @Iwo Jima and 2 others. Cancer 1977.
Owen Hughes Army 18 - 20 Artillery, France
William McKinley 1861 -65 Ohio infantry , CIC 1896-1901
Plenty more in the family those I know from memory.
I don't recall that Levi had so much as a bullet burn and made 3 beach landings . Cancer took him in 77, it reduced a 6'3" 230 lb Marine that was a wedge from his shoulders to his ankles in 76' at Thanksgiving he passed away opening weekend of goose season 77 at 92 lbs .
KHornet
Well-Known Member
An excellent video Ben! Thanks!
I believe that one of the most difficult things I have ever done was to present the flag to a widow.
My father in Law was battlefield commissioned on Iwo! He was on the invasion fleet headed into
Japan when they dropped the bomb.
Thank God for Harry Truman!
I believe that one of the most difficult things I have ever done was to present the flag to a widow.
My father in Law was battlefield commissioned on Iwo! He was on the invasion fleet headed into
Japan when they dropped the bomb.
Thank God for Harry Truman!
KHornet
Well-Known Member
Being long of tooth, I remember as a kid going to the cemetey and decorating headstones of relatives, and it was called back then "Decoration Day". I believe congress changed the name to Memorial Day in the early 70's.
When in Normandy, and at the American Cemetery, two years ago, it was my honor to place a rose on the cross of a fallen SSgt. from Ne. There was a ceremony for Americans, where the Star Spangle Banner, and Taps were played, and each couple was giver a rose to place on a grave. A very humbling and thoughtful experience.
Paul
When in Normandy, and at the American Cemetery, two years ago, it was my honor to place a rose on the cross of a fallen SSgt. from Ne. There was a ceremony for Americans, where the Star Spangle Banner, and Taps were played, and each couple was giver a rose to place on a grave. A very humbling and thoughtful experience.
Paul
Difficult in this day and age to visualize everything the greatest generation did. And not only did what had to be done but stood in line at the recruiting office for the chance to do it not to mention the sacrifices made by all on the home front. So many of the same age group today stand in shock when they hold out their hand and the world doesn't fall all over itself trying to fill his hand. 
Old Glory is flying on my house this weekend, at half mast tomorrow until noon in honor of those that gave everything and then flying high & proud.
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Old Glory is flying on my house this weekend, at half mast tomorrow until noon in honor of those that gave everything and then flying high & proud.
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Missionary
Well-Known Member
Good morning
If you ever desire to receive and be a big blessing... Go to a grave yard and help some older seniors or others who have obvious physical need get to the grave site of their loved one who gave their all for each of us.
If you ever desire to receive and be a big blessing... Go to a grave yard and help some older seniors or others who have obvious physical need get to the grave site of their loved one who gave their all for each of us.
462
California's Central Coast Amid The Insanity
Thanks, Ben.
My father enlisted in the Army in February of 1942 at the ripe old age of 30, and served in North Africa and Italy. His brother, almost two years older, was refused by the Army because a lumber mill accident had left him blind in one eye, but the Merchant Marine accepted him.
My father enlisted in the Army in February of 1942 at the ripe old age of 30, and served in North Africa and Italy. His brother, almost two years older, was refused by the Army because a lumber mill accident had left him blind in one eye, but the Merchant Marine accepted him.
Pistolero
Well-Known Member
My much beloved nephew, Capt. Matthew Freeman, USMC was KIA in Afghanistan in August, 2009. He was
a USNA grad, aerospace engineer, Marine pilot and was leading ground troops as part of his
ground tour. Matt earned a Bronze Star on that day. This has certainly changed our family permanently, and
how I commemorate Memorial Day. There is a flag flying in front of our house, of course, for all the troops who
didn't make it back.
I always pray that any of our troops who go into battle make it home safely to their loved ones.
Bill
a USNA grad, aerospace engineer, Marine pilot and was leading ground troops as part of his
ground tour. Matt earned a Bronze Star on that day. This has certainly changed our family permanently, and
how I commemorate Memorial Day. There is a flag flying in front of our house, of course, for all the troops who
didn't make it back.
I always pray that any of our troops who go into battle make it home safely to their loved ones.
Bill
smokeywolf
Well-Known Member
What pains me is that not all Americans understand or realize that those of us who enjoy this hobby, our chosen career and the ability to speak our mind and worship how and where we please, can never show or express adequate gratitude to those who selflessly put themselves in harms way, so that we can continue to enjoy these rights and this life.
I fly the American flag 24-7. After midnight I will lower my flag to half mast.
I fly the American flag 24-7. After midnight I will lower my flag to half mast.
KHornet
Well-Known Member
Have Old Glory in it's holder on the front of the house, and smaller flags lining the drive and front of the house. Did a drive around the neighborhood this a.m. I live in a subdivision of probably 100 houses. Only saw about 5 houses with flags out. Was about the same last year for the 4th of July. We need a rebirth of patriotism in this country and a whole lot more flag waving.
I have been to the Wall 2-3 times, and have put my hand on the name of the brother of an old girlfriend (high school years). I held that young Sgt. as a baby, and he was killed in Nam the same time I was in country.
I have been to the Wall 2-3 times, and have put my hand on the name of the brother of an old girlfriend (high school years). I held that young Sgt. as a baby, and he was killed in Nam the same time I was in country.