The true meaning of Memorial Day...

Don't forget the true meaning of Memorial Day.

It's not about having a day off, or BBQs, or sales at stores.

It is about remembering the men and women who have given their lives to ensure your freedom, so keep them in your minds and hearts.

Remember those near you who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

My very good friend:

LCpl Nicholas Anderson
2/03/85 - 11/12/2004
Baghdad, Iraq

Semper Fi buddy...


Taken from Ka-Bar on CAOC:
"as usual i will watch war movies.

i have a film called...IWO JIMA 36 days of hell.

the price that the corps paid on those islands like saipan, tarawa, and bloody IWO was steep. 28,000 men dead or injured on Iwo alone.

when i watch the show, i try not to pay attention to the explosions and carnage, instead, i live free and breath clean air, drink clean water, am well fed and educated and have had a great live, all because so few gave their last measure of full devotion to the contry they loved. the United States of America. i watch the vets tell thier stories, i read the expressions of pain and loss, and some filled with guilt for comming home and their friends did not.

i look at the age of these individuals, not just the physical age, but the weary grinding of time upon thier memories. the fact that many have stories that go untold, that deserve....no DEMAND that we acknowledge the fact that they died for us. they are not messiahs, or saviors, just average human beings protecting that which they live with life, limb and sacred duty.

we are losing people from the "greatest generation" on a daily basis. when was the last time you walked up to a complete elderly stranger and said thank you? chances are she was a nurse, or he was a airman, or in the reg. army. sit with them and ask them to speak with you. it is important to your HUMANITY AS A INDIVIDUAL. are you a taker or do you give back, ever?"

Truer words were never spoken.

Take a moment out of your life today to think of those who took an eternal moment to protect yours.

Very well said. I am truly touched, Before this, I knew it was about the casualties of war, but I have never thought of it this way, I have never been so interested in this. I am a proud american, and I believe that all the other people on this forum, should say or think of something in recognitionin what happened, and is still happening today.

Very, well put Booligan. For all of you who didn't take the time to read this or only read it half way SHAME ON YOU. Read it and comprehend it very good story. Two years ago on memorial day (I think it was two years may have been last) I watched Blackhawk Down with a Marine. He cried throughout most of the movie. It was inspirational and depressing to see him cry and watch that movie, but now I understand a bit more its about brotherhood in the military.

EDIT: Adding Soldier's Prayer for the Fallen on Memorial Day

To fallen soldiers let us sing
Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing
Our broken brothers let us bring
To the Mansions of the Lord
No more bleeding, no more fight
No prayers pleading through the night
Just divine embrace, eternal light
In the Mansions of the Lord
Where no mothers cry and no children weep
We will stand and guard though the angels sleep
Through the ages safely keep
The Mansions of the Lord, Amen

It is also interesting watching Letters from Iwo Jima, It is from the Japanese side, but you still see whats going on. I agree theprodigy, You MUST read the whole thing. Shouldnt we give to the people who fought for our country, and died for who they believed in, So we are the people who we are now, Not Something else, or someone else. To keep America the best country it is today, To keep it an independent and free country. Now if you dont support these troops, in the world war, and even today in Iraq. Are you a true supporter? are you not giving to those who fight for you and everyone elses freedom? Not even a though.

Another insperational movie, I dont know why, but to me, Saving Private Ryan