Never forget! (Memorial Day)

grege345

Let us never forget what this weekend is all about! I like many here are former service or current service. Point is we are still here. A lot are not. Thank you to all the families who are w/o their loved ones this weekend. They are the ultimate Americans!

HDumptyEsq

Hear, hear to that. Freedom isn't free. Thanks to all who have served or continue to so.

I don't agree with all the causes we're fighting for but I salute your unquestioned loyalty and valor.

Best to all this weekend, especially those who gave it all.

chashans

Aye!

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery this morning. I thought that the miniature flags would be up by now. They will be installed tomorrow morning by truck loads of boy and girl scouts. I shall return! No wasted time here as this is a very short bicycle ride from my house and a beautiful place to spend time.

grege345

@chashans‌ yep that's amazing. Hoorah

bud812

And fly your flags this weekend. Mine is up year round. L-)

grege345

@bud812 agreed!

henapple

There's the CIC.

SenecaTheYounger

It is not a sign of disrespect to not have your hand over your heart for the anthem. People have become convincedl that any patriotic song, especially the anthem, requires the hand over the heart. No. You are rememberig grade school, and the pledge.

When my father went to school, he was taught the Bellamy salute. Should we all do that now?

I saw someone throw a beer at a woman because she didnt have her hand over her heart during the 'anthem'. It was 'America the Beautiful', during the seventh inning stretch

I actually don't put my hand over my heart during the anthem either. One, because it's not the pledge of allegiance, which is where the hand-over-the-heart idea actually comes from and Two, just so I can see who the outspoken so-called 'patriot' will be that calls me out on it.

Those who put their hand over the heart for the anthem do it because everyone else does. Not because it is appropriate.

We aren't reciting the pledge here.

The Anthem should be observed with silence and respect, and a doffed hat.

The brow beating of those who know this, by those who don't, is a sign not of patriotism, but of ignorance.

grege345

During revelee we never put our hand over our heart. However, a hand over the heart can't hurt durin anthem. @SenecaTheYounger‌

SenecaTheYounger

Can't hurt. Agreed

But only a judgemental 'patriot' thinks less of someone for not doing it.

A lot of people fly the flag and are proud of it.

I do too.

They judge me about not putting my hand over my heart during the anthem (something they invented, and only a recent development).

Should I judge them when they let the flag fly unlit at night? Or in a storm? Or when the flag is tattered, faded?

Do they take it down every day?

Usually the answer is no. Sometimes they have a flag on their antenna, tattered to pieces. Or a bathing suit printed as the flag.

And somehow they feel comfortable judging who and who isn't "patriotic".

An oddly patriotic thing for a man to do is to not berate the person who sits during the anthem, or not assault the one who burns the flag. Because as offensive as those things may be, exercising that right is an American privilege.

I'd rather put up with the Westboro idiots than suffer the idea that rhe Republic is in danger because of them. It isn't.

I was lucky to escape war. And I thank God for those who had the courage to go. And I thank God especially for those who didn't have the courage to go, but went when they were called.

But I'm no less a "Patriot" because I don't put my hand over my heart. What I am is not a demonstrative chest thumper.

lousubcap

I had no intention of getting into this thread but I do have a question (and yes, I have defended the burning flag right) but those who think it is fine to not salute (hand over the heart, stay seated,  fail to remove the hat and more), did you sign the blank check to the US government?  If you did then I'm sure that while you may be able to rationalize the behavior I would hope that it did not sit well.  FWIW-

BYS1981

All gave some, some gave all.

SenecaTheYounger

Lou, observing the Anthem respectfully INCLUDES saluting, and the hand over heart, but does not require it, and never did.

And it is NOT a sign of disrespect to clasp your hands in front of you and stand silently in observance.

And although I can certainly see why some might believe otherwise, and I appreciate their service, having served does not make you better than those who haven't, or make anyone more qualified to judge people.

Unless of course you are saying it does.

I once watched a flag burning. In public. I found it offensive.

You know who was burning flags? The boy scouts.

They were accepting flags that were damaged and in need of disposal, and burning them as a service. They'd take them, then squirt lighter fluid on them in a metal patio fire pit set up on the town common. They'd light them and then salute them as they burned

Being a hardass, and former scout, I mentioned to the scout leader that, well, actually, a flag burning done to remove a wasted flag from service is to be done in private

Which is my way of saying that quite a few of the chest thumping, judgemental, self-professed patriots aren't even familiar with the rules they purport to be enforcing.

One of them is believeing that saluting is a requirement for properly observing the anthem.

It's like praying in public. Just about the very thing a truly observant person SHOULDN'T do. It's not about making a show.

SenecaTheYounger

Wife said, or used to say, I should recognize when I was out of place, and then remove myself.

So I think I should.

stemc33

I'm pretty sure the topic of the thread is Never Forget! (Memorial Day). Often times our forum strays off topic, but this is one that should NOT. It's about remembering, not about customs and courtesies. Even a flag burner should have the common since to remember who gave them that right to burn the flag. To all, enjoy your Memorial Day, just never forget.

nolaegghead

@Seneca jr.  I'm a patriotic American, huge history of service in both our family bloodline, and blood was paid.  I think I love ya, man.  Love henapple too.  There's a poisonous politics going on.   The country supersedes politics.  You'll find more patriotic paraphernalia in the average  secessionists home, but isn't trying to break up the country the most unpatriotic act?  Both sides have trumpeted "terrorist!" to the other.  I don't listen to volume.

Anyway, well said.  These are nothing but hollow ad ad hominem attacks.

Tjcoley

Back to the original topic - thank all of you for your service. Happy Memorial Day to all. My Dad and two brothers were career military 20+ years, and while I never served due to other circumstances, I truly appreciate all those who have fought for our freedom. Let's all honor those who have sacrificed and celebrate this holiday as it was meant to be observed. Thank you all again for your commitment and service.

NPHuskerFL

henapple said:

There's the CIC.

They need a whole new "flag" for this! Don't get me started.

I salute all my fallen brothers and sisters. Let not your memory fade. And may we ALL always remember that your sacrifice was not in vain. Thank you for protecting our Freedom and our American Way of Life. God Bless America.

nolaegghead

Memorial day everyone should come together.   The point should be we all are a country. 

nolaegghead

and that should be every day.  Look out for yourself, but be kind to others.  Respect their beliefs.

NPHuskerFL

nolaegghead said:

Memorial day everyone should come together.   The point should be we all are a country. 

Totally agree! Memorial Day is not politically motivated. It is to remember those who selflessly died for us to remain a free country. I salute my fallen brothers and sisters. May they rest in peace knowing they served our country well. And to their families the same. God Bless America.

msloan

Thanks to everyone that has served or is currently serving!  I truly appreciate the freedom you have provided me and all Americans!

henapple

I guess I'm ignorant @SenecaTheYounger‌ ...I didn't say you have to put your hand over your heart but this the president or CIC. It's not political to call a guy out for being a bad president. He's made no bones he dislikes our country from his apology tour to the continuation of the VA hospitals.

I didn't say I hate democrats or liberals. I'm ashamed of most of the people that run for the presidency. If this is the best we can do we're surely f@$&ed.

I'll agree thiugh...this isn't the place so I'll drop it.

Thanks to all ya'll that have served in any capacity.

revolver1

God Bless them all.  

travisstrick

I know how to get this back on track. 

This is my friend Juan. I went to basic training with him. We lived across the hall from each other in the barracks in Alaska and deployed to Iraq together. He was my driver on a Stryker. He has one son. He grew up in Venezuela and came to the USA to serve and EARN his citizenship. He died in Afghanistan. Lets all remember him. 

PNWFoodie

I am a proud veteran of the US Army. While I appreciate all the comments thanking me, please know that Memorial Day is not my day. My day is Veterans' Day. Memorial Day is dedicated to those who died in service to their country. It is my belief our words on this day should honor only them. Please don't wish anyone "Happy Memorial Day". I know you don't mean to offend, but there is nothing happy when we think back to our brothers/sisters lost in battle. Have your BBQ (duh), but please remember this holiday wasn't meant just as the start of summer or so people could light their lump. I salute those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to their country and send thoughts of thanks and love to their families.

shadowcaster

Thanks to my Grandpa and everyone else who served for this great country!

billyray

Thanks to all who gave.

Aquacop

SEMPER PARATUS - Have a great Memorial Day Shipmates!

GeorgeS

Thank to all, past and present who have served this great nation! I go every year and lay wreaths for both my grandfathers and for many other brave souls who's family cannot!

warwoman

PNWFoodie said:

I am a proud veteran of the US Army. While I appreciate all the comments thanking me, please know that Memorial Day is not my day. My day is Veterans' Day. Memorial Day is dedicated to those who died in service to their country. It is my belief our words on this day should honor only them. Please don't wish anyone "Happy Memorial Day". I know you don't mean to offend, but there is nothing happy when we think back to our brothers/sisters lost in battle. Have your BBQ (duh), but please remember this holiday wasn't meant just as the start of summer or so people could light their lump. I salute those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to their country and send thoughts of thanks and love to their families.

 

Likewise, army vet here, and yes, our day is Veteran's Day! But on Memorial Day I certainly remember my fellow OBC classmates and friends who's names are on the wall.