“For those who fight for it, life and freedom have a meaning the protected will never know”
Each Memorial Day I think of the millions of souls who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving those words undeniable significance. As Veterans we don’t think of ourselves as special, but it takes a special person to volunteer to go into harms way so that others may go on about their daily lives without fear of oppression.
Our position as the world’s leading superpower has been earned through hard work, determination, guts, and ingenuity. It’s maintained and preserved by those sworn to protect and defend it.
Their contributions were and are immeasurable. From Valley Forge to the war against Islamofascist terrorism, Americans can sleep well knowing that their Soldiers are at the frontlines.
My Grandfather fought in World War II. I enlisted in the United States Army the year he officially retired—1976. It was a symbolic changing of the guard and I was proud to follow in the footsteps of his combat boots. Until I retired in 2006, I had the privilege of serving in peace and war, with some of the finest people ever to wear the uniform. Some of them did not come home, and I will never forget them.
With apologies to Rupert Brooke:
If I should die, think only this of me:
That there’s some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever America.
A big salute to all the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard veterans, as well as those still serving.
How Memorial Day came to be.
More tributes here, courtesy of Chip. (In the comments)
HOOAH.
While you’re enjoying your bar-b-que and beer, take a moment to remember those who gave their lives so that you can enjoy this day in peace.
Try to attend your local Memorial Day parade, stop by your VFW or American Legion, and hoist a few drinks in memory of our fallen comrades.
Duty, Honor, Country
SFC MAC
Posted by butt neckid on 29/05/2011 at 12:22
I too come from a line of warriors…my granpa won the war to end all wars with a lil’ help from pershing and sgt york…
my ol’ man won the war in the pacific…bull halsey and dougie mac helped…
me…well uncle ho got that one from me…my mom made me come home…she wanted me to play nice or don’t play at all…
may our young warriors all come home with only memories…
SARG…thank you…
Posted by Dan in NYC on 28/05/2011 at 23:22
First off thank you for your service. I did not serve but my father and father-in-law were both WWI combat vets. I know what that service cost them so I do indeed have an understanding of your statement about how freedom has a much deeper meaning for them. Things paid a precious unrecoverable cost for hold a much deeper meaning and value than a gift handed down.
So I know enough of what that price was to know how deep a debt is owed. So when I say, “Thank yoy” it’s with a deep appreciation for the high cost paid.
Posted by sfcmac on 28/05/2011 at 20:20
Chip,
I have added your link to the post.
Have a great Memorial Day!
SFC MAC
Posted by sfcmac on 28/05/2011 at 20:11
Clavos,
As always, it’s great to have a fellow veteran drop in on my site. Several of my relatives; my father, grandfather, a few uncles, a cousin, and an aunt have all served in the military. One of these days, when I can afford it, I’ll get some extensive ancestral research done. I bet there’s a lot more military history in my family that I don’t know about.
Have a great Memorial Day!
SFC MAC
Posted by Clavos on 28/05/2011 at 19:12
Nice tribute, Sarge!
Every Memorial Day I especially honor my father, who fought in World War II, and my father in law, whose 23 years in the US Army included service in World War II and Korea.
Both brave men, of whom I’m very proud.
And to you, SFC Mac, thank you for your service!
Posted by Chip on 28/05/2011 at 18:36
Wife and I are hoisting a couple of Wild Turkeys now and look forward to Monday. I hope you don’t mind my including this link:
http://blogcritics.org/culture/article/memorial-day-memories/