Enjoy (And Remember) Memorial Day
May 25th, 2009
Joe isn’t about to tell you how to think or what to do. But in between beers, grilling and the beach, Joe just asks that you remember why you have the day off today. And if you can, raise a glass at 3 p.m. to remember those who can never share a drink with you.
Joe’s dad was a naval officer in World War II on an aircraft carrier that was sunk by a kamikaze pilot so Joe was brought up to learn the value of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so Joe could trash helmet-wielding Aqib Talib and interception machine Son of Bob.
Joe hopes you can also remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice fighting those animals on the other side of the world who fly planes into buildings.
If it wasn’t for people who gave their all for our country, Joe (and the rest of us) might be forced to watch kickball on Sunday afternoons. Remember, Japan during World War II banned baseball because it was too American.
Imagine what other Axis nations, or those savages that behead people, would do to football if given the opportunity?
May 25th, 2009 at 7:27 am
a day for solemn thought and reflection…….
27th MASH Chu Lai
95th Evac Hosp Da Nang
May 25th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Great post and I wholeheartedly agree. I am named after my uncle that was killed during the Korean conflict. My dad was in the Navy in WWII and suffered injuries that were disabling. ALL veterans deserve to be remembered today…and everyday.
May 25th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Thank you. “All gave some, Some gave ALL.” I remember my brothers who I could not save in Iraq, then I think of all the Vietnam, Korean, WWI and WWII vets and the many others. I also do not forget those that fought alonside of us the Brits, the Aussie’s and many others that I call my brothers. While I raise and lower the Flag at BAMC today and cook out in between times I give thanks to not only my military brethren but the many folks that support us here including past vets that were not supported as well as I have been. I give thanks to my wife and my family. I give thanks to my 83 yr old Grandma who managed to write me a letter at least once a month during the three years of my deployments to Iraq even though she is legally blind and only see’s fuzziness. She did this because she understood being a WWII wife of how important it was to recieve something from home. I give thanks for my parents who gave me the strength to face the blood and guts of being an infantry medic. Once again I thank all of the people who regardless of belief in the wars support us.
OIF III 04-06 1Bn 155Inf MS Gaurd, Iskandiriyah, Iraq Jan2005-Jan2006
OIF III 06-08 1Bn 8th Cavalry, 1rst Cav Div, FOB Rustamiyah, Baghdad, Iraq Oct2006-Jan2008 (COP Commando BAR)
Combat Medics! Hooah!
May 25th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
http://www.users.interport.net/m/k/mklweb/illyria.com/www.illyria.com/dustyhp.html
a melancholy day each and evey year…
so many have no clue….it’s a shame it’s not on the 30th of May as the meaning has become to so many just another paid day off tagged on to another 3 day weekend………
May 25th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Thanks Joe for your kind words. I have just recently made contact with some old friends from 1/227th AHB. We had a good time talking about old times. Some of the guys have read your site. They all agree your site is a keeper. 1st Cav. salutes Joe.
May 25th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Great post!!!! Too many people take our freedoms for granted and we are living through a time when freedom in this nation is under assault by politicians. Furthermore, there is a violent, freedom-hating contingent of people across this globe who are warring against us and our freedoms. Thank God for the brave men and women who are willing to defend us at their own peril.
While we celebrate this day with leisure, family and fun, there are many who know up close and personal the true price of freedom. To those of you whose family members have served our nation and spilled their blood, we honor you and your loved ones.
Thanks Joe for taking the time and space to remind us what today is about and that the blood of great men and women is the reason why we’re free!