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View Full Version : Memorial Day: Honoring our Veterans



vnmsss
05-07-2011, 11:29 AM
Many of us here are veterans ourselves, or are the children, grand-children or are related to members of the military service. My father served in WWII as a civil engineer, building bridges and roads during the Battle of the Bulge in France. Myself, and both of my bothers served in the military as well, and over the years, our family has been a supporter of the memorials in Washington DC.

All of us enjoy the many freedoms in our country through the sacrifice of so many Americans, and the national memorials honor all service members, including those serving in Vietnam, the Korean War, WWI, and the legendary battle at Iwo Jima. One cannot visit each of these places and not be truly moved. The memorial to Women in Military Service graces the entry to our nationa's most holowed ground, Arlington National Cemetary. The experience of visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, witnessing the vigliance of the guardians of the memorial that serves as a rememberance of the un-named and never to be forgetten soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice, is perhaps the most moving of all.

My dad was born November 11, 1919, and he had already begun supporting the effort to build the newest memorial in Washington DC; The World War II Memorial. He passed away in 2003, never having the opportunity to see the memorial open.....Now eight years later, this memorial will host a huge gathering on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2011. As we move toward Memorial Day this year, I would encourage all of us to remember each of the thousands of veterans who served in all of our wars, and to remember those who are serving in distant, dangerous places around the world today. Thanks to each of them for their sacrifice and service.

Take 2-minutes and remember our WWII vets.......Their memories are vivid, their burden and sacrifice great, and in Fall 2011, they will have an amazing place for visitors to remember their eternal place in our great history.

http://media.causes.com/1060527?p_id=175378540

Karen
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r27/snkbtn/2011%20FFR/2004-5memorial_plaza.jpg

LuckyWinner
05-07-2011, 07:15 PM
"Never in the face of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few."
- Winston Churchill

We should never forget the lifes that have been lost so that we may live in freedom

65 Cobra Dude
05-07-2011, 07:55 PM
Awesome post Karen. My Father in Law was born in 1924. He was in the Army during WWII and was wounded while advancing to Berlin. A shell landed next to him and he actually died on the battlefield and was revived. He used to tell me the stories about how he felt when it happened. He heard a whistle and remembered great pain. The pain went away and there was a bright, soft light. He then heard a voice saying it's not your time. He actually argued with the voice saying he wanted to stay. Next thing he knows, he wakes up in pain in the hospital. He told me last year that his biggest regret was that he did not receive the Army Good Conduct Medal. I wrote a letter to the Army and he received the AGCM last week (his 87th birthday). I signed the order and read it to him over the phone because I am still in FL and he is in MA. He cried like a baby. My sister in law made him an awesome shadow box and gave it to him with the AGCM in it. He looked at the medals and said it was wrong - that's when I got him on the phone and read the order. He is one of the Greatest Generation and I am proud to know him. Ever time I meet a WWII Veteran, I take the time to talk with them. They have great stories.

Because of your post, I am going to figure out a way to get him there in Nov 2011 as I will be back in MA by then.

Henry