Memorial Day
 

This is Memorial Day weekend. Many will enjoy a long weekend with the chance to barbecue in the back yard and drink lots of beer. I ask you, however, to remember the reason for the holiday. I was born in 1940, just as World War II was getting underway. When I was a kid we called it Decoration Day as a time to decorate the graves of fallen heroes who died in service to our nation. Services were held in local graveyards and flags were placed at the graves of veterans. I have many friends and Naval Academy classmates among the fallen. Their memories deserve recognition and the thanks of a grateful nation. Memorial Day is our collective opportunity to remember these heroes and the freedoms they died to protect.

Re: Memorial Day
 

Freedom is NOT free. In order to truly honor those who gave thier all for our freedom, we must be willing to give what is necessary to maintain it. In the name of security, we are too willing to give up our liberty. In the end we have neither. (T Jefferson?)God bless those who have served well. RIP

Re: Memorial Day
 

I am the same age as you. Too many don't realize what this day is really about. God bless all who served and died for our country.

Re: Memorial Day
 

"God bless America" is frequently heard phase. Let us not forget to thank God for all those who have given their lives to keep America great - be it in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, or the currant conflict. And to bless all those past and present who have served. My father spend 28 years in the Marine Corp (WWII and Korea), my brother was an officer in the Navy, my son-in-law is a major in the Marines and I held a commission in the Army, we all lost friends who served our nation and honor them today.

Re: Memorial Day
 

thanks to all who have served in the military!

Re: Memorial Day
 

Guys, let us not forget,

Decoration Day, Memorial Day is for those who service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is not for the living veterans,

Veterans Day is in November.

I served, but I did not die for my country. This day is for those who did.

Re: Memorial Day
 

X 2 on what the previous posters have said.
Paul TD3, USN 6/65-6/69

Re: Memorial Day
 

X3, CM2,77-82...I benefited from my time in the service,learned a trade and saw the world,you don't have to thank me. The USS Juneau was just discovered she sank in '42 with 5 Sullivan boys aboard. Couldn't imagine being a dad with 5 gold stars..