"Happy" Memorial Day BOTLs/SOTLs...

[MiamiCubano]

Never really found Memorial Day to be a particularly happy affair, rather have always found it a time, more than usual, for somber reflection on, not only my past, but that shared by Marine brothers and our other brothers/sisters in the Armed Services, those continuing to serve, and how it has made our great Nation. As I get ready to head out of town again, wanted to wish "Happy" Memorial Day to everyone, and post, yet again, another little something I was emailed.
FWIW...

Memorial Day
( More than just a day off work )

M is for the memory we have of those who put their lives on the line to give us the freedom and privilege of living in this blessed nation...

E is for the enduring gratitude we have for the sacrifices these men and women make for those who stayed at home...

M is for the merit we recognize in those who serve our nation when such service comes at such a high price...

O is for the obedience we honor when those in uniform follow orders that may, and many times do, cost them their lives...

R is for the reverence we give to the thoughts we have on this day, or any day, when we remember those who give so much...

I is for the integrity we salute when those in uniform stand up for all of us even when some of us do not stand up for them...

A is for the allegiance we have to the nation that these brave warriors fight and die for...

L is for the love that goes with those who are in harms way, and who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for you and me...

Offered respectfully by,
W. Larry Chapman, Jr.
Capt. USMC - Vietnam Era

Something else I was emailed...

Moments In This Marine's Life

Day I grew up more than any other;
The first Day of Boot Camp, MCRD San Diego.

Second day I grew up more than any other;
The first time I heard shots fired in anger, and I realized they were meant for me.

Proudest day;
My son's graduation from MCRD San Diego when I was asked to stand and be honored as a Marine no longer on active duty.

Day most grateful to the One who listens to my prayers;
Last week at 29 Palms, when my son stepped off the bus returning from his tour in Iraq. He followed my instructions to NOT bring home any Purple Hearts.

Happiest moment;
Taking the Blue Star off my car and giving it to my son's Gunny for bringing him home safely. Yes, we all know that the Gunnys run the Corps, don't tell the Commandant.

Olsa, M. A. Sergeant of Marines,
Released from active duty, August, 1969.
Proud Father of Olsa, J. W. Lance Corporal of Marines, TOW Platoon, 1st Tanks.

Take care and stay safe brothers/sisters.

Semper Fi.

 

[preembargo]

Thank you Marine.

I've always had difficulty with hearing someone wish me a 'Happy' Memorial Day. I'm grateful that there are those who would place themselves between tyranny and Freedom in order to preserve a way of life that many take for granted. I'm blessed that in the course of defending my freedom, some have sacrificed all they had to give. I am Honored to remember those who have fallen to ensure that my wife and children sleep in peace and safety tonight.

But happy?

My brother served in the first Iraqi conflict. He came home with a variety of medals and decorations. His evals sound as if he won the war single handedly. But he in turn left his kidneys in the desert somewhere outside of Baghdad. Even still, I believe that if it were possible, he'd be there serving today.

Happy? That just doesn't seem adequate or appropriate.

 

[mysterea]

Damn fine point.
'happy' should never be something associated with memorial day, and I'm glad you point it out. Just like veterans day, it's a time of reflection for the people who've served.
Thanks for tossing this out there brother, I never served myself, but appreciate and support those who did.

Rob

 

[stogieman]

I'll be out Monday morning saluting the Flag as it gets flow and carried on the Cornwall, NY parade. Thank you my brothers for serving and have served to keep this country of ours free.

 

[Mr Peat]

Only 2 holidays that make me take the time and think. Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Any other holiday is just another day to me. My Grandfather was a hard core B-17 Tail gunner. My dad was a Torpedo man on a Destroyer and his brother aka my uncle was on a Frigit. My brother was a Seabee and me, the oddball was a Army Scout. I think it was my Great Great or Great Great Great Grandfather that served as a Scout for the US Army in the Civil War. There is a strong tradition of our family serving the good ole USA as both sides came over from England in the early 1600's and its nice when a Country that takes for granted of people that serve in order for them to have freedoms actually take the time to remember. I will be smoking a good cigar in honor of all the fallen and for those that have served, are serving, and in the future, will serve.

 

[sack]

As a member of the American Legion, i'll be at Mt. Emblem cemetery on Monday for the Memorial Day observances, that's in Mt. Prospect, illinois. There is no happy that day, just rememberance! God bless the USA!

 

[jfields]

Thanks to all of my fellow Marines and, other brothers / sisters in arms. I will not ever forget you............ some of the best days of my life were spent serving with you.

Sgt. Robert Furr USMC, I still miss you bro. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and wish you were still here.