Quote: connie sutherland

... It's not "either or" for me.

 Quote: scott garrett

You don't have to like it but, you don't have the right to tell me that I'm wrong either.

I wonder how in the world you got from what I said to what you said.

"For me" means "for me." It means that "for me," it's not "either or." It wasn't about you.




Kelly, I just got back from a memorial too. It was really nice, if "nice" is the right word. As always, I was struck by how many servicemen and servicewomen were in the group, along with other mourners (both specific and general). There was a lunch afterwards, and that was really good. Connections were made as the fallen were honored.

I was telling someone else on the board in a PM that I knew I would feel like lying in the yard with a book today but that I'd be glad once I got to the cemetery. And I was. Sometimes just showing up is the crucial action. For me, I too often choose not to show up. I have to work on that. This ceremony was part of something so much bigger than me with my self-absorbed wishes for the day -- wishes, after all, that I can fulfill 364 other days.

Being of an age that many of my schoolmates ended up in Viet Nam, this is a day that reminds me not to forget the ones who did not return alive.

Kelly, you attended a memorial for a serviceman you knew? Or a community memorial for all the fallen?

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

Kelly, you attended a memorial for a serviceman you knew? Or a community memorial for all the fallen?

An Uncle that was more of a father to me than my own blood. He died in Vietnam. The family was there, and the men that carried his body out... at great risk to their own lives.

 Quote: Kelly At Leerburg

... An Uncle that was more of a father to me than my own blood. He died in Vietnam. The family was there, and the men that carried his body out... at great risk to their own lives.

One of the things a mourner suggested (and it was carried out) was that anyone who wished to would say a name, each name followed by a moment of silence. Next year, if no one else suggests that, I will. The names resonated. I'm sure that the name and face of your uncle is filling your heart and mind today.

MSG Tommy Carter
SGT Jeffrey R. Shaver
SPC Daniel P. Unger
2LT Andre D. Tyson
SPC Patrick R. McCaffrey
SPC Jeremiah W. Schmunk
SPC Donald R. McCune II
SGT Qouc Tran
SFC Michael Ottolini
SGT Damien T. Ficek
CPL Glenn J. Watkins
CW2 David Shephard
SSG Christopher Vanderhorn
1LT Jamie Campbell
SGT Velton Locklear
MAJ Guy "Bear" Barattieri
MAJ Alan Johnson
SPC Samuel Stone
SFC John J. Tobiason
CPT Michael S. Fielder
SSG Lillian Clemens
SPC Samuel F. Pearson
SPC Melvin Henley*
CPT Donald Brakeville*
2LT Mary Vanry*

May a prayer be whispered and a tear fall for each and every one.

I feel so lucky only to know survivors, though those men have lost a lot of good friends.

I like to thank everyone who is serving and who has served, whether they paid the ultimate price or not. I think maybe because we do so often take our freedom for granted I like to use today as a reminder for both groups.

Thought you guys might enjoy this picture...or tell me why I shouldn't.

http://i.imgur.com/5Qs83.jpg

Thank you, Scott. The dogs of War should not be forgotten either.

Just once, can this not be about you?
Its about them.

 Quote: Aaron Myracle

Just once, can this not be about you?
Its about them.

I'm with you Aaron. How can something as precious as this day, become a day to be debated and hairs split? If we honor and remember those who serve(d) whether currently or the past, whether living or deceased, is it ever appropriate to critique how we remember, honor and mourn? Can't some things simply be beyond reproach??