Yes a very special day indeed to honor those that served and protected our freedom that we love so dearly. My dad served in WW11 and he has always been my hero for everything in life that he did for me. He is gone to a better place now but is always close to my heart. A big salute to all our vets. God bless.

I'm with you Dan. My Dad served in N. Africa and Italy. 2 Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Still trying to talk my sister into sending his ashes to Arlington. Lance

Your not a wuss, there is nothing more heart wrenching than young men sent off to kill or be killed. So many lives unrealized. I got choked up reading your post.

Dan- if I didn’t know anything else about you- the fact that you get stirred up over things like this makes you A-1 in my book.

My dad put in his time well before WWII. My uncle Dave was a paratrooper with Merrill's Marauders during the war and was wounded several times. He also served in Korea. My brother-in- law John Jones served in Korea also, and I lost two very good friends in Vietnam.

All of us, I'm pretty sure have been affected by conflict...if not personally, certainly by relatives and friends who were in combat somewhere. My heart goes out to all families of those who gave all. They didn't go there to die, but they did. No bigger heroes than them.

They are not sure where the quote comes from, but the lines are truthful. I must presume that this might have been before there were WOMEN WARRIORS between me and people of evil intent? "We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence upon those who would harm us." We will have to change that a bit since there are LADIES who also protect us. "NEVER FORGET!"

I am right there with ya my friend....lots of my family served including 2 uncles in Vietnam...Dads dad was in Europe WWII and Moms dad served a pacific campaign including Okinawa. I have so much respect for our men and women in the armed services giving us our freedoms to do what we do every day. Those of you that have served or currently serve....I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I am remembering as well. Some more than others, think it is because I was close to those I still see on a daily basis in my minds eye. Then I think, why them and not me I was no better than they were. A question I will carry to my grave.

A day to honor those that fought and died serving this great Country.

Box Call - Your dad and my dad may have eaten some of the same dirt. My Dad was also a Marine and in Okinawa. I don't know many details, he died when I was young.

Yep same here. Have to visit some fellow brothers and uncles this weekend. Semper Fi

My dad was career military, served in Pacific during WWII and then in Korea just a few years later. Dad passed in 1999 and rests now in Arlington National Cemetery. We will be going to see his grave in a few weeks, perhaps for the last time. I plan to sprinkle a few ounces of Wisconsin soil over his final resting place.He loved WI, and now will always have a bit of it near. In 1957 dad took me on my first bowhunt for deer at Necedah here in WI.

A lot to remember and be thankful for.

AS a Vietnam Navy Vet and my father a WWII tank commander with General Patton, Just like to say have a moment to think and thank those who gave the ultimate passing. Lord Bless them.

My grandfather was a marine in World War II he fought in and survived the battle of Iwo Jima. A lot of great memories with my grandfather hunting and fishing.

Sipsey, my grandfather was there, too.

Steve

Memorial Day is not for active military or Veterans. Memorial Day is for those who fell in combat. They are to be remembered, forever. Frank

Well my dad was a veteran but was not killed in combat. I still remember him though.

May the Good Lord Bless and Keep Them All.

My dad was a WWII Navy vet. Monday, early morning, I'll be at my parents grave side with my bagpipes to play them a couple memorial tunes.

Dad was fiercely proud of our Scottish ancestry, and loved the pipes.

Thought about my Dad, my Brother and my service time this week too.

Also thought about those family reunions at the Forty Four in Bristow, OK, at Memorial Day that went on until just a few years ago. Those reunions, which were huge and had part of an old oil boom town attending, had a history clear back to when my in-laws could remember attending them when young and their folks would get there using horses and wagons. Miss all the old folks bringing a dozen variations of fried chicken, maybe a smoked brisket, but there were always lots of pies and cakes. My wife's cousin, who owned a meat processing plant at her farm, would bring home made rolls and mountain oysters. It was a day to honor all the folks of the past, not just those of us who were lucky to serve, but all members of all the families. Each family would place flowers over their own. My wife was always amazed I also had a relative on my side of the family 100yd from her family down the hill in her own town cemetery. He was honored too as anyone who gets to the forty four had a journey in life and something to celebrate.

I just visited my Dad and Mom's gravesite at the Military Cemetery by Otis Air Force Base on Cape Code, Massachusetts. Dad was not only a National Barebow Archery Champion for men over 50 in the early 70's, he was also in Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked on the morning of December 7th. He didn't talk about his Navy days much to me. But he shared an abundance of time and advice regarding hunting, shooting, fishing and living an ethical life. His smiling face and comforting voice are well imprinted upon my memory. He passed in 1989 while on his way to my house for a fishing trip. Everything about him is still crystal clear. I was and am lucky he made it through the war to create me and give me a great start. I pay him back by treating my four children as he treated me. When I am faced with a challenge, I always asked myself... "What would Dad do?"

Not that I need it to remember it but, Dad was a Petty Officer on the S.S. Barnstable. Wasn't one to talk about it. Sure miss him.

God bless America. God bless all the men,women and their families who have sacrificed everything.

Me too, Box Call.

I posted the cougar thread but it fits here too.

I went yesterday to visit the graves, and plant flowers, of my mother and PFC Christos Tsoukalas, my father. He was a decorated infantry combat vet from WW2. This brave man was wounded twice and almost died in the service of this great country of ours.

He could have stayed in Greece where he grew up but came over to fight for the country where he was born. Thanks, Dad. I love this country too.

They were both great parents.

SP5 USAR George C Tsoukalas

My family was lucky. Everybody served on both sides. Ever since the family came here from Europe.

In recent memory though we've only lost 1. Junior Music on a frozen hill in Korea.

God Bless them all!!!!

I am proud of my father who severed in the army from 1941 to 1946. He took part in three invasions of Japanese islands. He was awarded a bronze star. He was very lucky and was only injured two times both small shrapnel cuts. I salute all that have served and fallen for the freedoms we enjoy.

I am a Navy Vietnam vet, My Dad was a tank Commander with Patton, Father inlaw a POW in the Pacific, Told me he never met a Jap he wouldn't shoot.

My maternal grandfather fought during WWI. My dad was in Korea 2 weeks after the conflict started and was there for almost the duration of this war. His 3 brothers were in Vietnam.

Great pic woods walker. Lot of truth in that

Yes there is. And that's what I envision when I see the NFL'ers "taking a knee" during the anthem, and it makes my blood boil.

I had the privilege of helping put out flags in a local cemetery this weekend. It sickens me how our nation's elitist take their freedoms for granted. All the movie stars and socialites that gripe about being here,, take off. Merle Haggard said it best in song. As I'm reading this thread my peripheral vision sees my flag flying outside my window. Yes I'm not dry eyed at the moment. Semper Fi nybubba

With you Dan. Dad and all my uncles fought in WWII, son is career military.....oh, and by the way, I don't watch the NFL. Message to Pelosi...you'd have no first amendments rights to b***h about if it weren't for those we remember tomorrow!

“It is the Soldier, not the minister Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the Soldier, not the reporter Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer Who has given us freedom to protest.

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Soldier who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, And whose coffin is draped by the flag, Who allows the protester to burn the flag.”

? Charles M. Province

A lot of vets in my family as well,and they all deserve a vote of thanks. My dad was a Korean War and Viet Nam vet,a SeaBee. Several uncles in the army,my dad's oldest brother,my uncle Jim was wounded during the Normandy invasion and died several days after,he's buried in France. My father-in-law was a Navy vet ,he served in 3 wars,WWII,Korea,and Viet Nam. He was on a troop transport during WWII,the USS Hermitage,he told me during the war he crossed the Atlantic close to 40 times.He had two brothers also in the Navy,both of them survived the war,and the attack on Pearl Harbor. I've said for many years,this country in no way does enough for it's veterans.

Woodswalker-it was written by Charles M Province.

It was erroneously attributed to a minister who sent a copy to Dear Abby in the 70s.

I am with you Dan. It was a tough day many years ago the only time me and my buddy went to the Wall. Our wives stayed back as I walked and he rolled his wheel chair along the Wall as we looked for some old friends. I had tears the minute I saw the Wall from a distance. I have to go back one more time before I depart. Also want to spend some time at the new Marine Corps museum.

Memorial day is to honor and pay respects to those who died while serving. They should have kept the day May 30th but the week- end fun/party folks got that changed. Veterans day is for all the vets, Memorial day is for those killed who never got the chance to have the life that many here have enjoyed.

Amen SteveD.My Dad was in Korea and never talked about it even when we tried to get him to when he was old.I do quite clearly remember him not wanting any attention on Memorial Day-he said it was not for him and for him Veterans Day was enough.All that period of his life was unknown to us.

We owe a debt a gratitude that we can never repay to those that have fallen.

AS THEY STAND ETERNAL GUARD,

VETERAN'S FROM ALL WARS, THOSE FROM PEACE TIME. ARE OWED OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE AND SINCERE RESPECT,

WHEN TAPS ARE PLAYED OVER A VETERAN'S COFFIN OR FOR THOSE WHO NEVER RETURNED, LET US BE REMINDED THEY GAVE ALL FOR THE COUNTRY WE SO LOVE.

WHEN YOU HEAR TAPS BEING PLAYED, PAUSE TO REFLECT, TO GIVE RESPECT TO THEIR SACRIFICE FOR THIS COUNTRY, FOR YOU AND I.

REST IN PEACE MY BROTHERS.

My hunting partner, left me when I was 15.... I had to ID my dad, and bury him. He made me strong, and had me squared away.

He was part of the 32nd, in New Guinea, Ghost Mountain Boys, going over the Owen Stanley Mountains....

I think about him every day,,,,, he was the best, and I can assure you, he watched over me overseas, and all of my life,which has been a great one

Remembering and Paying Homage on Memorial Day... I'd like to respectfully introduce you to #728...13 years ago, with my family, we visited Gettysburg...Among the rows of numbered rocks at Gettysburg...#728 caught my eye-along with something else...an instant bond happened I don't know why or how...BUT...#728 profoundly changed my life that day... I assume that #728 loved God-family-life-freedom...enough to give his life for it...and just guessing...at a young age...The shorted opportunities-experiences-dreams-hunts and Life he gave up...so I could have mine...no words can express my gratitude...same goes for those unknown-untold thousands since time who fight/fought for what's right...God-Freedom- Family...I promised #728 that I wouldn't let him be forgotten...this is the 13th year of that promise...I look forward to shaking his... along with all the others hands one day...right after I hug my Grandpa... Remember Memorial Day... God Bless America...4finger

I just returned from our local cemetery, "up on the hill".

My parents rest there, as do too many friends. The flags and flowers are all in place.

After tuning my chanter and drones at a country wayside park, I walked to my folks'grave and piped "Going Home" & "Amazing Grace" for dad...who loved the Great Highland Bagpipes.

If I dare say...I've never played better...

Rest in peace....

For rallsion............

https://youtu.be/BB2Ad04mukI Sgt. McKenzie

Woods Walker...I love that tune! Haunting melody. I've got the sheet music, but haven't begun working through it yet.

My grandfather was one of Mousilinis interpreters we found out he defected and came to America.

Dad was in Korean war. Cat was # 36 in draft to go to Nam I had elevated BP when got physical and they were bringing me back in couple weeks to retest. All my buddy's went. Next day draft was stopped and they canceled bringing me back draft was cut off.

I always felt left out wanted to enlist father fought me because he wanted me in his body shop to work. I wanted to go in navy to try to get on as gun boat Capt. Everyone told me I was nuts they didn't have much life expectancy on gun boats. I still felt left out didn't get to serve with my budys. It didn't go so well for any of them though. God bless them and all the fallen and wounded and those who have the scares.

one more thing,,, today was not a good day,,,,, lots of memories,,, both in military and LE career,,,, you would not believe what I survived,,,,, I deal with a lot of guilt, all the time,,,,,

why should my life been so great and fun,,,,,, now I volunteer, some times giving back is the best thing you can do for your self,,,,,

I have no idea why I am typing this on the computer,,,,,,

God bless all of you

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