It's the start of summer, a 3-day weekend, and we are opening up the pool today.  But on this day, Memorial Day in the US, I always make sure I remember those who died to provided us the freedom to play this silly game. 

One of my father's best friends was at Iwo Jima and still tells stories about it.  26,000 Marines were killed or wounded in just 36 days.  And in the paper today is an article about a local Marine who was killed in Afganistan.  In total 2,527,494 have died, been injured or are missing in defense of our country.

So here's to all of those brave men and women who gave their lives so we can live ours as free men and women!

Agreed. My brother in law just deployed with the Marines to Afganistan a few weeks ago.
I can only imagine what its like over there: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/world/battalion.html#/NYT/Features/36

"Uncommon valor was a common virtue."  - Adm. Nimitz, on the Marines at Iwo Jima.

Grandfather, who just died recently, was a combat medic at the battle of the Bulge, Managed to get him to the World War Two memorial before he died, which was cool.  My other grandfather was a combat enginieer.  I have also three first cousins in the marines.  Damn sight better people than I coudl ever hope to be, every one of 'em.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to talk several times with one of the Windtalkers. He didn't share much about his experiences but he was obviously proud of his contribution. He was more interested to hear about my time in service and what activities my family and friends were involved in. He was genuinely pleased that we had so many choices and the freedom to do what we wanted. I want to say thank you too, to all the brave men and women who have died for this great country.

Freedom isn't free. My thanks to all those who have paid the price to cover the rent for the space I've occupied. 

My grandfather never shared stories of his time in Europe during WWII. Always wish he would have...feels like a huge hole in the family history that'll never get filled in now. 

Posted by 2bounce on 5/30/2011 9:45:00 AM (view original):
It's the start of summer, a 3-day weekend, and we are opening up the pool today.  But on this day, Memorial Day in the US, I always make sure I remember those who died to provided us the freedom to play this silly game. 

One of my father's best friends was at Iwo Jima and still tells stories about it.  26,000 Marines were killed or wounded in just 36 days.  And in the paper today is an article about a local Marine who was killed in Afganistan.  In total 2,527,494 have died, been injured or are missing in defense of our country.

So here's to all of those brave men and women who gave their lives so we can live ours as free men and women!

Well said 2 bounce, well said.  As a veteran myself, I've had friends killed in the line of duty and have known several others (I guess you'd call them acquaintances) that died also.  I try my very best to honor their memories on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.  I know it sounds like a cliche, but freedom isn't free, sometimes it comes at a terrible price.

Posted by rednu on 5/30/2011 1:12:00 PM (view original):
Freedom isn't free. My thanks to all those who have paid the price to cover the rent for the space I've occupied. 

My grandfather never shared stories of his time in Europe during WWII. Always wish he would have...feels like a huge hole in the family history that'll never get filled in now. 

Tell me about it. . I never heard any stories either, until after he died from my grandmother.

Posted by dcy0827 on 5/30/2011 1:29:00 PM (view original):

Posted by 2bounce on 5/30/2011 9:45:00 AM (view original):
It's the start of summer, a 3-day weekend, and we are opening up the pool today.  But on this day, Memorial Day in the US, I always make sure I remember those who died to provided us the freedom to play this silly game. 

One of my father's best friends was at Iwo Jima and still tells stories about it.  26,000 Marines were killed or wounded in just 36 days.  And in the paper today is an article about a local Marine who was killed in Afganistan.  In total 2,527,494 have died, been injured or are missing in defense of our country.

So here's to all of those brave men and women who gave their lives so we can live ours as free men and women!

Well said 2 bounce, well said.  As a veteran myself, I've had friends killed in the line of duty and have known several others (I guess you'd call them acquaintances) that died also.  I try my very best to honor their memories on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.  I know it sounds like a cliche, but freedom isn't free, sometimes it comes at a terrible price.

I'm in the same boat. I've been fortunate to have only lost a few brothers-in-arms, but it's still tough. All gave some, some gave all. And we need to remember the sacrifices those have made. I was in Iraq, my dad in Vietnam, my Grandpa in WW2 and my Great Grandpa in WW1, so I definitely understand the meaning of Memorial Day. Wish more people did. Thanks for starting this thread.