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Remembering the American Military personnel who gave all for our freedom. "Thank you" just doesn't seem to say nearly enough.

Falcon Fanatic wrote:Remembering the American Military personnel who gave all for our freedom. "Thank you" just doesn't seem to say nearly enough.

I completely agree - wish there was something to do that really shows our thanks other than "Thank you."

On another note - did anybody watch the National Memorial Day Concert? I thought it was phenomenal - there were times the stories that were being told almost brought me to tears.

So, on Memorial Day, I decide that the Princess (age 11) needs to understand that the day isn't just about cookouts, swimming, parades and baseball games.

We've got a pretty impressive Vietnam Veterans Memorial here in Rochester, so I tell her we're going there in the morning (about 10 minutes from home). She fights me the whole way in the car. I'm mean for doing this, etc. etc.

We get there and walk through the Memorial. By the time she's done, she's reading the names and figuring out how old they were when they died -- "Dad, this one was only 18!" Some of the families had left pictures, flowers, and other mementos.

At the end of the trip, I think she may have gotten the message. One hour well spent.

When the boys were in Cub Scouts, we always participated in the Flag Ceremony at the Dayton National Cemetery (located at the VA). In about 20 minutes, all 41,500 graves would get an American Flag. After doing it once, it was an event the boys always wanted to participate in each year.

I am a Civil War reenactor and I spent all weekend not only doing what I love (which is to spread knowledge of history) and we also got to contribute to the village of green springs festival which honors a man named Jeremy Shock who died in Iraq. Along with the Civil War reenactment, there is a 24 hour softball tourney and concert that collects money for fallen soldiers. This is the second year I have been a part of this event. I also was able to march in both the Green Springs memorial day parade and Fremonts memorial day parade.

Lord_Byron wrote:So, on Memorial Day, I decide that the Princess (age 11) needs to understand that the day isn't just about cookouts, swimming, parades and baseball games.

We've got a pretty impressive Vietnam Veterans Memorial here in Rochester, so I tell her we're going there in the morning (about 10 minutes from home). She fights me the whole way in the car. I'm mean for doing this, etc. etc.

We get there and walk through the Memorial. By the time she's done, she's reading the names and figuring out how old they were when they died -- "Dad, this one was only 18!" Some of the families had left pictures, flowers, and other mementos.

At the end of the trip, I think she may have gotten the message. One hour well spent.

Byron, this story from two years ago is one I still remember, and I certainly hope that the now 13 year old still remembers this trip. While many, including me, have plans to enjoy the beautiful day, we cannot now or ever forget about the sacrifices so many men and women have made in order for us to enjoy the freedoms we have.

A HS friend of mine back in January made such a sacrifice in a severe injury in the battleground in Afghanistan. He lost both of his legs after stepping on an IED and has since received new prosthetic legs. I thank God every day for Josh and remember all he has done for his country.

Actually, Mark we went to the memorial again yesterday. She still fought it a little before we left, but by the time we got through it, I think she understood. In fact, as we were ready to go home, she walked back to the overlook by herself for one last look.