It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not ! the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.


It is the VETERAN,
who salutes the Flag,


[IMG][/IMG]

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD,
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

Funny, our US Senate/House took 2 days off as they couldn't work because of the expected storm.

On the ABC evening news, it was reported that, because of the dangers from Hurricane Isabelle approaching Washington DC, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment.

They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!"

Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson.

The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.



We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.

God Bless them.

 

10-4 good buddy, and AMEN!

Ryan

 

Very well put.

As we all enjoy our activities on this holiday weekend we should not loose sight as to the costs and by whom we have to thank for being able to enjoy them.

 

:-x22 :-x22 :-x22 :-x22 :-x22 :-x22

 

Those are some people that will always have my deepest respect and gratitude. To all who have served THANK YOU!

 

<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZNxdm006BQUS' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/14/14_1_107v.gif' alt='Saluting The Flag' border=0></a> AMEN

 

You're welcome. Thanks to all my fellow veterans as well. They had us all stand up in church this morning. It was surprising how many of us there are, from WWII vets to the kids that have just got home this year.

 

I wouldnt change a thing about being in the Navy for this great country

 

Not to detract from all those veterans out there who have put their lives on the line (and those currently doing so) for my freedom here in this country, but I think it's important that we remember what this holiday is really about. Today, Memorial Day, was originally called Decoration Day (a day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers), made a National Holiday in 1971, and is now intended to be set aside to remember those who have fallen in military service of this country. Veteran's Day is November 11, which is when we honor those who have served in a war and are still living.

The "National Moment of Remembrance" act was passed in December of 2000, which asks that Americans everywhere observe a moment of silence or prayer or listen to "Taps" at 3PM local time on Memorial Day.

So, here's my memorial: I pay my respects to my closest relative who died in wartime, my Great (maternal) Uncle Jacob Ham, who was killed in France by enemy artillery in 1942 (before my mother was even born).

Jason

On edit: Oh, yeah, here's a URL I found without too much trouble:

http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html

 

The first post pretty well says it all and kudos to all our vets on both sides of the 49th .

May they all have a great day and be with us for Memorial Day again next year .