Memorial Day

[The High Heat]

Wishing everyone a great holiday today, but please take a small piece of time from your leisure to remember the purpose of Memorial Day.

The American military death toll for Iraq and Afghanistan is approaching 5000, including one from my family. My nephew and namesake was shot and killed only eight months ago during a base attack in Afghanistan on September 11, 2008, the seven year anniversary of the World Trade Center tragedy. I can tell you firsthand how much of a bewildering experience it is for the families of The Fallen. My sister has lost her only child, her son, the love of her life and it's been a tremendous struggle sometimes for her to face a new day without him. Please, please, please don't forget about the soldiers - the Fallen and the fighting, the Gold Star Mothers, the spouses, the children, and all the family and friends that live every day with pride and pain so we may all have our freedom. Peace and vibes ~ Michael

 

[buffy3kins]

I'm sorry for your loss. Your nephew gave his life to help preserve our freedoms and to help make the world a better and safer place. Just so we never forget the sacrifices other people have made to ensure our freedoms and rights are still ours and to protect us from harm. The link is to a map locating home towns of the fallen from Iraq and Afghanistan. They've given the ultimate sacrifice so we can sit in our own homes and discuss anything on such sites as Via Chicago. Other people don't have the same rights and opportunities.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_casualties_of_war

 

The Quilts of Valor foundation is a good way to help the wounded, the fallen, and their loved ones in at least a small way.

http://qovf.org/index.php?option=com_front...&Itemid=149

[jmacomber68w]

 

The President gave a great speech this morning at Arlington. I can't really do much better than him. Thank you to all those currently serving, the veterans and the fallen

[uncool2pillow]

God bless the fallen heroes.

[tugmoose]

Back in the 60s, our neighbor's son Johnny was waiting in a Nam airport, about to go on leave. The airport was bombed, and Johnny was killed. when the army came to inform the family, no one was home, so they came to our house. My father, a minister, accompanied the officer to see Johnny's dad at work.

 

God, grant strength to those in the field, and wisdom to their leaders.

[uncool2pillow]

Back in the 60s, our neighbor's son Johnny was waiting in a Nam airport, about to go on leave. The airport was bombed, and Johnny was killed. when the army came to inform the family, no one was home, so they came to our house. My father, a minister, accompanied the officer to see Johnny's dad at work.

 

God, grant strength to those in the field, and wisdom to their leaders.

That's a touching story. Thanks for sharing. I'm sure there are 1000s just like it.

[bigshoulders]

Thanks for sharing, Michael. For those who have never served or are somehow insulated from the realities of war and loss, this is somewhat of a reality check. This country is fighting 2 wars, and men and women are still dying. My condolences.

[The High Heat]

Thanks for sharing, Michael. For those who have never served or are somehow insulated from the realities of war and loss, this is somewhat of a reality check. This country is fighting 2 wars, and men and women are still dying. My condolences.

 

Thank you for the condolences. My nephew's death was quite a shock, as he was only two months into his first deployment. His "Homecoming" procession, public viewing and funeral were both heartbreaking and amazing. Mikey lived in a small town and the support was overwhleming, and it made the hardness of the reality of death a little softer. Community support for the living and the dead are extremely helpful, but unfortunately no one understands this until the war touches you directly. I know I didn't.

I also have another nephew in the Army. He's stateside now after having served in his third Iraq deployment, but now that he's just re-enlisted it's probable he'll be deployed again. We're all hoping it'll be awhile, if ever.