OT: Happy Memorial Day To All

bbnkat02

Heisman
Nov 14, 2017
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“ In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.”'

Today is Memorial Day. A day when we as a nation acknowledge and honor our fallen men and women who laid down their own freedoms and lives to serve at the alter of our great nation.

Today we remember their immense compassion and sacrifice.

SACRIFICE.

That’s a word we’ve become more familiar with and yet have forgotten over the past years. We’ve all had to give up a great deal of things that with which we’ve grown comfortable and with which we’ve gotten very accustomed.

And yet...we are still here. We are still able to live in freedom and still able to move forward as a country. And that is due to the actions of our everyday folks doing what they can to help one another.

The very nature of our country has been built upon the deeds of our fellow man. We are here because men and women of all backgrounds, throughout our age, have answered Her call for service.

So while we cannot celebrate and honor together by sporting events, or parades, or mass gatherings at memorials, we can still observe other things that make this country the shining beacon on the hill.

Let us honor our great men and women who are no longer with us by doing as they did. Engaging with a selfless compassion and sacrifice. Putting others before ourselves.

As they did and continue to do this very day.

That’s how we honor them. And by doing so show true patriotism and American spirit.
 

bbnkat02

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Nov 14, 2017
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It’s actually meant to be a solemn and reflective day. Not sure “Happy Memorial Day” is the proper expression.
But it is a happy day to a degree. We should be happy that we live in a country where we are free to express ourselves, free to live as we see fit (with in reason), and free to make of ourselves what we will.

That of course is due to the sacrifice of our brave men and women. So yes, happy Memorial Day, as long as its celebrated properly.
 

SemperFiCat

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Mar 2, 2009
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Thank you to all of our fellow Cats fans and those that have served our great nation to allow us to be as free as possible. Thanks @SemperFiCat as I know you are one of them off the top of my head.
Thank you. Had two brothers that didn't make it home. Was in one if their wedding. Always a pretty surreal feeling. I guess, all things considered, only two is a pretty fortunate number.

To all the vets and families that lost someone, my heart goes out to you.
 

*Fox2Monk*

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Jun 10, 2009
42,879
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Thank you. Had two brothers that didn't make it home. Was in one if their wedding. Always a pretty surreal feeling. I guess, all things considered, only two is a pretty fortunate number.

To all the vets and families that lost someone, my heart goes out to you.
My brother got a Purple Heart from Bush in Afghanistan. I’m so glad he made it home. His humvee got hit with an RPG and not everyone made it alive. He’s medically discharged because of it now though, luckily he has all his limbs though. I love our soldiers.
 

SemperFiCat

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Mar 2, 2009
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My brother got a Purple Heart from Bush in Afghanistan. I’m so glad he made it home. His humvee got hit with an RPG and not everyone made it alive. He’s medically discharged because of it now though, luckily he has all his limbs though. I love our soldiers.
Yikes. Glad he made it. Something like that is a lot to live with. Life doesn't get back to normal. Glad you still have him!
 

9N9

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Feb 23, 2025
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But it is a happy day to a degree. We should be happy that we live in a country where we are free to express ourselves, free to live as we see fit (with in reason), and free to make of ourselves what we will.

That of course is due to the sacrifice of our brave men and women. So yes, happy Memorial Day, as long as its celebrated properly.
Stop trying to spin it. There’s nothing “happy” about remembering young men losing their lives in war. Celebrating freedom of expression happens on July 4th Independence Day.
 
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bbnkat02

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Nov 14, 2017
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Stop trying to spin it. There’s nothing “happy” about remembering young men losing their lives in war. Celebrating freedom of expression happens on July 4th Independence Day.
Ah lemme guess I’m the un American SOB for saying that right?

Amazingly mo one else including veterans in this thread have a real problem with it. Go stir crap anywhere else but here.
 
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bbnkat02

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Nov 14, 2017
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Thank you. Had two brothers that didn't make it home. Was in one if their wedding. Always a pretty surreal feeling. I guess, all things considered, only two is a pretty fortunate number.

To all the vets and families that lost someone, my heart goes out to you.
Man I’m sorry to hear that. Were they your actual familial brothers or just your service brothers?

I’m glad you are still here with us.
 
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Skyguyb27

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Feb 12, 2008
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Went to visit my brother at the National Cemetery in Phoenix on Memorial Day. Such a site to see so many people paying their respect to fallen heroes. I had done so before but I explain to my daughter what the day is all about. She loves and misses her uncle deeply. This country is and can be divided on so many issues but paying respect to those that didn’t come home shouldn’t be one of those issues. Personally I have a low tolerance for that sort of stuff.
 
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*Fox2Monk*

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Stop trying to spin it. There’s nothing “happy” about remembering young men losing their lives in war. Celebrating freedom of expression happens on July 4th Independence Day.
I’m happy I get to spend time with my brother who made it home for sure. It is a solem day but there are good things to be remembered as well.
 
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*Fox2Monk*

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Went to visit my brother at the National Cemetery in Phoenix on Memorial Day. Such a site to see so many people paying their respect to fallen heroes. I had done so before but I explain to my daughter what the day is all about. She loves and misses her uncle deeply. This country is and can be divided on so many issues but paying respect to those that didn’t come home shouldn’t be one of those issues. Personally I have a low tolerance for that sort of stuff.
Me as well, everyone should honor those who serve.
 
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*Fox2Monk*

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Yikes. Glad he made it. Something like that is a lot to live with. Life doesn't get back to normal. Glad you still have him!
I am glad you made it back as well, I wish all our warriors could come back from every engagement. Sadly many didn’t even need to be in them in the first place. I’m hoping the new administration gets back to peaceful times and not constant war mongering and world policing.
 
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9N9

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I’m happy I get to spend time with my brother who made it home for sure. It is a solem day but there are good things to be remembered as well.
This is from a military site:
 
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*Fox2Monk*

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This is from a military site:
You can celebrate or cry or do whatever you please on this day ok? Most people know it’s a solem day but I’ve never seen anyone go out of their way to show things to those who celebrate it or say they are wrong for being thankful of some things about it.
 
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bbnkat02

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Nov 14, 2017
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That’s great and I heavily appreciate your service. I’m not shooting fireworks off or running through the streets celebrating. I’m happy I live in a country where despite all our difference we have survived and prospered. And I happy our rights are still standing. Yes it’s a solemn day. But also a good day. It’s a day to remember those we’ve lost and sacrificed. It’s not a joyous day. But it’s a day to be glad we’ve had so many men and women stand up for this country and Her ideals.