Memorial Day

[Eddies66]

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

[Ed Fernandez]

Well said Eddie.







15 more to go.

[FED 387]

X 2-- unfortuantely things like this have to been done---what a total waste of people/equipment/money WORLWIDE-- It's a tragedy we all cannot just get along!!!! Think how much better off we all would be or would have been..... FED387

[Eddies66]

Just in case you would ever need to be reminded.

[SStockDart]

Approximately 2.7 million Americans served in the war zone; 300,000 were wounded and approximately 75,000 permanently disabled. Officially there are still 1,870 Americans unaccounted for from SE Asia. Approximately 1200 of these are listed as missing (MIA's, POW's, and others).

And to my 58,215 Brothers and Sisters who never returned from Viet Nam, God Bless You All.

[jmcarter]

Originally Posted by SStockDart

Approximately 2.7 million Americans served in the war zone; 300,000 were wounded and approximately 75,000 permanently disabled. Officially there are still 1,870 Americans unaccounted for from SE Asia. Approximately 1200 of these are listed as missing (MIA's, POW's, and others).

And to my 58,215 Brothers and Sisters who never returned from Viet Nam, God Bless You All.

God Bless them indeed...and Eddie is right about remembering the ones that suffered the loss of a loved one. I wish the rising generations would all visit the Wall in D.C. and perhaps grasp the enormity of the sacrifice.

[Eddies66]

Originally Posted by SStockDart

Approximately 2.7 million Americans served in the war zone; 300,000 were wounded and approximately 75,000 permanently disabled. Officially there are still 1,870 Americans unaccounted for from SE Asia. Approximately 1200 of these are listed as missing (MIA's, POW's, and others).

And to my 58,215 Brothers and Sisters who never returned from Viet Nam, God Bless You All.

DEATH OF A SOLDIER

He fell
On a foreign battle-field
And thought himself forgot.

In flag draped coffin he returned
Home to his beloved country
And crowds lined the streets in homage
As the hearse went slowly by.

He is not forgot
With name inscribed
Upon the roll of eternal honour
For the sacrifice he made.


Colin Ian Jeffery

[chris ok]

Thank you for the lesson Eddie, it's much appreciated.
Happy Memorial to our soldiers here. I posted the following on a local race site. People sometimes forget what this weekend means. Some do not, thank goodness.

Thank you all service members. Spent this a.m. at local parade and spoke to a few Vets, seeing and speaking with some 25th Infantry men which my father was in in Korea.
Went to Pinelawn National to visit after. Took some pics of American flags at the gravestones of those who have passed. Very moving.
This weekend is about the Vets who are here and the families of those who have lost a loved one to war. Not for us regular folks to party.
Thank a Vet anyway you can, not just today, but whenever possible.
Thank you Veterans.

Chris.

[SStockDart]

I was making a little humor in the other thread we have going tonight. Hope ya all join in...btw, I don't drink. Memorial Day is especially important to me. My Dad was born May 30, 1918. Often Memorial Day falls on his birthday. Memorial Day is intended to recognize our fallen soldiers that helped keep this country free and helped keep the world from the evils, such as Hitler. My dad was a POW to Hitler's Germans. He was not a hero in his eyes....but he is forever my hero. To me, the word "hero" is not the appropriate word to use to our fallen soldiers.....in the history of the United States, most of the fallen soldiers were inducted into the military to serve their Country.....they were doing what they were told to do..(We had to) .to the best of their ability. My dad survived WWII, but suffered the physical effects until his demise in 2005. I would suggest that those buried in Arlington and other National cemeteries would not consider them selves heros. I am a Veteran that was drafted, like the rest of us, willing to give our lives for our country.......this country has changed....let me remind those that think this country owes them something....freedom isn't free.....and to our fallen military men and women.....you are my heros.