Many have died for the free air that you breathe.

We all need this reminder, thanks Rob. Many gave their all for our freedom.

Indeed. My dad served in Iraq and my grandpa in Germany during the Vietnam era. My neighbor is a Medal of Honor winner - Master Sergeant Leroy Petry.

Nice post - many of my friends are still deployed, many never came back, but none will ever be forgotten. I like to try and celebrate their lives by living mine for better purpose.

Thanks Boji.

Good reminder to why we have this extended weekend and to be thankful.

May god bless them all, past, present and future

Boji, thank you for your post, but as a retired Navy veteran I need to sound off and let some of my frustrations out.

This weekend is about remembering those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. They had a love for country and those that live here. They most likely felt great pride in the flag that they were willing to defend. I know as a veteran I still get goose bumps with seeing the flag paraded down the street and hearing our national anthem. The flag was draped over their caskets and folded with great respect and turned over to their families from a grateful nation for the sacrifice made by their loved ones. However I frequently read that citizens of this nation are being told that they can't fly it or display it because it is unsightly and against the rules of a home owners association. Or that some student can't wear it in school or fly it in the back of their pickup because it might offend some one. I go to different events where the flag is raised and the national anthem is sung and I see kids goofing off while this is happening, I see grown men wearing their hats while this takes place. Some will say that that is what freedom is about but as a veteran I see is as lack of respect for our flag and those that sacrificed for it.

We live in a country ran by people that don't give a damn about the veterans that made all of our freedoms possible. We hear of scandals in the treatment of our veterans. Congress has televised hearings about the improper care of our veterans and make policies and promises that this will not happen again. The people responsible will be dealt with severe consequences. It's a great show and wonderful sound bits and yet a year later only one person was fired and 2 others were allowed to retire with all of their benefits. Veterans still have long waits for care and fight for benefits that they deserve but are denied. I do realize that there are veterans in congress that do actually care about our veterans but the majority of them are more concerned with their next re-election than doing what is right for our country and those that have sacrificed for it.

And while I am on the subject of our great lack of leadership from our elected officials, How about a damn commitment to allow our troops to win a war! Get the politics out of the way and let our troops do what they are trained to do. We have the best trained and equipped military in the world and we haven't "won" a war since WW2.

The movie "American Sniper" was made about the life of a Navy Seal and his service in Iraq. It was produced to show the sacrifices he made and the problems that he and so many other veterans faced when they returned. It was a Hollywood movie and may have contained inaccuracies and untruths to make it more dramatic for it audiences. Within hours of it being released it was being labeled as a pro war movie and spoke of the cowardice of the man portrayed in it. He was a veteran that served and protected his country and deserved better than that. The movie was played in theaters all over the country and people went to see it, however when it was scheduled to be shown on college campuses it was protested. It was claimed to be be pro war, anti Muslim, and it was offensive. I wonder if the same was said about John Wayne war movies or the movie "Patton" when they were released. The freedom to voice out against it is granted and protected by the sacrifices of the men and women of our military forces. The protesters exercise that freedom with what seems to be little understanding of how or why they have it and the cost paid for them to do it.

The men and women of our current military forces and the veterans that have served before them deserve more recognition, respect and remembrance than Memorial Day Weekend and Veterans Day. Put up a flag, fly it with pride, show it the respect it deserves. Show those people that have made the sacrifices that there are others that have patriotism and pride in our country and that their sacrifices have not been made in vain. The price of our freedoms was never free, many have paid the price for us to have them and it is something we must remember and teach to the next generations so they know the real truths of those costs.

If my posts seems out of context or too lengthy please forgive me but I see the country I would have sacrificed everything for and dislike the directions that I see it going in. It should not be a crime to be patriotic or to have pride in our country. Being an American should be an honor and not something just taken lightly or for granted. If this is not true then why do so many come here to have the freedoms and opportunities we were born with?

So shed a tear with me the next time you see our flag waving and remember that that flag waves on the breath of dying veterans.

Took Mom to fort Snelling cemetery Section30 grave 2352 where dad is. On the way out after paying respects(as so many were today) there was a internment going on at the pavilion we were at not so long ago.

I am thankful for those who served and those who payed the ultimate price of their life. So many Vets pay every day of their life for being in situations of witnessing the brutality of war we humans do to each other. I pray they can find peace for their minds and lives. Too often what has been and is still being sacrificed is not remembered or respected.

Thank you to all who have served or is still serving in our armed forces. You have my respect for your sacrifices.

--------------------THANK YOU----------------------


Ken

Remembering my grandfather William Henry Lloyd. Two time Purple Heart recipient and due to a snafu finally awarded a Siver Star posthumously.

Toughest son of a gun I have ever known.

Been watching old war movies all day. I salute you all.

quote WhiteWolf: " "

A picture says a thousand words......beat your drums, fly your flags, pound your chest all you want......and when you are done with all the patriotic stuff.......take a minute to remember who the ultimate voiceless victims are........reach out to the young widow and the orphan....and ask them if their sacrifice was worth whatever the politicians told us that we would attain.

What it all boils down to is that less then 1% of our population now is sent off to fight our wars.............we fly our flags, we beat our drums, we sing our anthems......but we're eternally grateful that it's not our kids who have to serve........It's easy to be patriotic when you don't really have to make a sacrifice......

A huge thanks and tip of the hat to all veterans and currently enlisted members out there. Always miss you but especially this weekend grandpa Lenny.

A simple "thank you" really isn't enough...but there aren't enough words to describe the gratitude I have for all of those individuals and families who have put their lives on hold, and on the line, for my liberties and freedom. And oh so many who's lives were sacrificed for our country, a truly wonderful country to live. With a great deal of sobriety I wish each of you a thoughtful Memorial Day.

Mac

My respect goes to those that served and especially those that made the ultimate sacrifice.

Bad people exist who would gladly harm any number of us, given the opportunity. Surely protecting our freedom and our very lives is worthwhile.

The men and women in military service protect all of America’s citizens, without regard to whether those who benefit from it openly express a great love for their country, keep their feelings to themselves, or simply enjoy the benefits of living here without any particular affection for this country.

As for myself, I am grateful for the men and women who willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect those I love, those I encounter each day, and those whom I may never meet. On Memorial Day, I think of those who gave their lives in service to this country, and I pray for those who have lost a loved one in this way.

Remember all that have served and are still. I once was at a gas station where there was 3 service personal checking out one didn't have money for a energy drink. I felt like it was my duty to buy him something and his partner to show respect. And honor for what they do without thinking twice about it


Thank you all

Thanks for posting this, Rob... and thank you to all the veterans for their service.

Amen!

quote dblwhiskey: "Boji, thank you for your post, but as a retired Navy veteran I need to sound off and let some of my frustrations out.

This weekend is about remembering those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. They had a love for country and those that live here. They most likely felt great pride in the flag that they were willing to defend. I know as a veteran I still get goose bumps with seeing the flag paraded down the street and hearing our national anthem. The flag was draped over their caskets and folded with great respect and turned over to their families from a grateful nation for the sacrifice made by their loved ones. However I frequently read that citizens of this nation are being told that they can't fly it or display it because it is unsightly and against the rules of a home owners association. Or that some student can't wear it in school or fly it in the back of their pickup because it might offend some one. I go to different events where the flag is raised and the national anthem is sung and I see kids goofing off while this is happening, I see grown men wearing their hats while this takes place. Some will say that that is what freedom is about but as a veteran I see is as lack of respect for our flag and those that sacrificed for it.

We live in a country ran by people that don't give a damn about the veterans that made all of our freedoms possible. We hear of scandals in the treatment of our veterans. Congress has televised hearings about the improper care of our veterans and make policies and promises that this will not happen again. The people responsible will be dealt with severe consequences. It's a great show and wonderful sound bits and yet a year later only one person was fired and 2 others were allowed to retire with all of their benefits. Veterans still have long waits for care and fight for benefits that they deserve but are denied. I do realize that there are veterans in congress that do actually care about our veterans but the majority of them are more concerned with their next re-election than doing what is right for our country and those that have sacrificed for it.

And while I am on the subject of our great lack of leadership from our elected officials, How about a damn commitment to allow our troops to win a war! Get the politics out of the way and let our troops do what they are trained to do. We have the best trained and equipped military in the world and we haven't "won" a war since WW2.

The movie "American Sniper" was made about the life of a Navy Seal and his service in Iraq. It was produced to show the sacrifices he made and the problems that he and so many other veterans faced when they returned. It was a Hollywood movie and may have contained inaccuracies and untruths to make it more dramatic for it audiences. Within hours of it being released it was being labeled as a pro war movie and spoke of the cowardice of the man portrayed in it. He was a veteran that served and protected his country and deserved better than that. The movie was played in theaters all over the country and people went to see it, however when it was scheduled to be shown on college campuses it was protested. It was claimed to be be pro war, anti Muslim, and it was offensive. I wonder if the same was said about John Wayne war movies or the movie "Patton" when they were released. The freedom to voice out against it is granted and protected by the sacrifices of the men and women of our military forces. The protesters exercise that freedom with what seems to be little understanding of how or why they have it and the cost paid for them to do it.

The men and women of our current military forces and the veterans that have served before them deserve more recognition, respect and remembrance than Memorial Day Weekend and Veterans Day. Put up a flag, fly it with pride, show it the respect it deserves. Show those people that have made the sacrifices that there are others that have patriotism and pride in our country and that their sacrifices have not been made in vain. The price of our freedoms was never free, many have paid the price for us to have them and it is something we must remember and teach to the next generations so they know the real truths of those costs.

If my posts seems out of context or too lengthy please forgive me but I see the country I would have sacrificed everything for and dislike the directions that I see it going in. It should not be a crime to be patriotic or to have pride in our country. Being an American should be an honor and not something just taken lightly or for granted. If this is not true then why do so many come here to have the freedoms and opportunities we were born with?

So shed a tear with me the next time you see our flag waving and remember that that flag waves on the breath of dying veterans. "

That was by far the best post this year, I hope you dont mind if I post it on my facebook page I would like a few million people to read it, but I wont do so unless you tell me its ok to do so. It was very inspiring !!!

My dad served in WW2. My oldest son was in the Army reserve, and I have 2 sons currently active Navy. I didn't serve because of vision loss in my right eye, but would have done so proudly. I'm mighty proud of my military history. FRED

Basspro69, you may post that anywhere you like. It will not bother me to know that others see how I and I am sure many other veterans feel. If it can help just one person in a positive way then I have accomplished something good.

Thanks for all the Vets who gave so much. Maybe it would also be nice to remember them bywe all could give an some little way to make this a better place to live. Many sacrifice,so give a little time of your own to help others.
Thank you.

We can never say thank you enough. Not much makes me tear up, but this picture did.

Amen, brother!

quote awbrown: "

quote WhiteWolf: " "

A picture says a thousand words......beat your drums, fly your flags, pound your chest all you want......and when you are done with all the patriotic stuff.......take a minute to remember who the ultimate voiceless victims are........reach out to the young widow and the orphan....and ask them if their sacrifice was worth whatever the politicians told us that we would attain.

What it all boils down to is that less then 1% of our population now is sent off to fight our wars.............we fly our flags, we beat our drums, we sing our anthems......but we're eternally grateful that it's not our kids who have to serve........It's easy to be patriotic when you don't really have to make a sacrifice......"

+1 This especially applies to all those politicians who are quick to send off are troops into foreign civil wars or other situations where American security really isn't at stake.

quote dblwhiskey: "Basspro69, you may post that anywhere you like. It will not bother me to know that others see how I and I am sure many other veterans feel. If it can help just one person in a positive way then I have accomplished something good."

Thank you very much I will for sure !!!

Just got done with a parade - love for my boys to watch - and pay tribute to my comrades families that lost their fathers. One very special soldier Sgt. Eckert always comes to mind. Missed the birth of his first child while in Iraq, and wounded on that deployment. Was able to be there for the birth of his second child on his second deployment, and killed 6 days after he returned. This solider could have been my son(age wise) - did not have to deploy the second time on account of being wounded first time - but could not stay back while his friends deployed. Not sure what his political few points were and frankly don't give a sh*t, but he exemplified service, dedication and paid the highest price. His sacrifice has made me a better father , husband, and teacher. Politicians will continue to do what serves them best - while our best will continue to sacrifice, for what they love, and their fellow soldiers. Proud to live in this country and would deploy again, but can't hide my disdain for our political machine.

This is what I put up on my FB page this morning. My kind of teacher:

Here's a little "Thought for the day" on this Memorial Day:
Little Rock teacher Martha Cothren uses some unorthodox teaching methods in her social studies classroom at Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. But she gets her message across.

On the first day of school in September 2005, with permission of the school superintendent, the principal, and the building supervisor, she had all of the desks taken out of the classroom.

When the kids walked in for first period, there were no desks. They looked around and asked, “Where are our desks?”

The teacher said, “You can’t have a desk until you tell me how you earn them.”

They thought, “Well, maybe it’s our grades.”

“No,” she said.

“Maybe it’s our behavior?”

She told them, “No, it’s not even your behavior.”

And so they came and went in the first period. Still no desks in the classroom. Second period, same thing. Third period, same.

By early afternoon television news crews had gathered in the class to find out about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of the classroom. The last period of the day, the instructor gathered her class.

They were sitting on the floor around the sides of the room. She said, “Throughout the day no one has really understood how you earn the desks that sit in this classroom ordinarily. Now I’m going to show you how and why you have the right to sit in this class.”

She went over to the door of her classroom and opened it, and as she did 27 U.S. veterans, wearing their uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk.

They placed those school desks in rows, and then they stood along the wall. By the time they had finished placing the desks, those kids, perhaps for the first time in their lives, understood how they got the right to sit at those desks. FREEDOM!

Their teacher said, “You don’t have to earn those desks. These guys did it for you. They put them out there for you, but it’s up to you to sit here responsibly, to learn, to be good students and good citizens, because they paid a price for you to have that desk. Don’t ever forget it.”

Awesome posts. Much respect to all of those who sacrificed for the things we often take for granted. All of those folks deserve our respect and gratitude.

They are the best we have, and prayers for the best who gave all for our freedom.

quote jswamp: "Just got done with a parade - love for my boys to watch - and pay tribute to my comrades families that lost their fathers. One very special soldier Sgt. Eckert always comes to mind. Missed the birth of his first child while in Iraq, and wounded on that deployment. Was able to be there for the birth of his second child on his second deployment, and killed 6 days after he returned. This solider could have been my son(age wise) - did not have to deploy the second time on account of being wounded first time - but could not stay back while his friends deployed. Not sure what his political few points were and frankly don't give a sh*t, but he exemplified service, dedication and paid the highest price. His sacrifice has made me a better father , husband, and teacher. Politicians will continue to do what serves them best - while our best will continue to sacrifice, for what they love, and their fellow soldiers. Proud to live in this country and would deploy again, but can't hide my disdain for our political machine. "

A touching post. It brings to mind what I was told moments after I was sworn in upon enlisting in the Navy nearly 50 years ago. A chief petty officer told us we had just signed a blank check to Uncle Sam.

This picture gets me every time I see it, and as a vet I've seen it much more often than I care to admit. A toast to all my brothers in arms, may you come home safely to those who love you! And for you "old-timers" who served...we can never thank you enough. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

thankful for all who serve/served.
grateful and humbled by those who paid the ultimate price.
best I can think I can do is train/pass this on to my children.

great posts bring a tear and a smile, thanks for sharing.