Happy Memorial Day in the Precinct

[lpara]

Memorial Day Essay (http://www.usmemorialday.or g/essay.html)
by Kathlena Peebles [Copyright, 1996]



Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day set aside for remembrance of those who have died in our nations service. Memorial Day was first proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, in his General order number 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868; when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. The South, at first, refused to acknowledge, Memorial Day, honoring their dead on separate days until after WWI. It is now observed in almost every state of the union on the last Monday of every May. Since the Civil War more than 1.1 million veterans, both women and men, have lost their lives in service to America. Indeed the Civil War alone accounted for more than 600,00 dead.

On Memorial Day I had the opportunity to witness a memorial in San Francisco, aboard a submarine, the USS Pampanito, a submarine that was used in WWII and Korea. The United States submarine service suffered the highest percentage of casualties than any other of the services that served in WWII. They also sank over 55% of all Japanese shipping sunk in WWII. This was all pointed out to me with pride by several of these veterans.

As our National Anthem was played over the speaker system some of them started to cry as they remembered all of their fallen comrades, the ones that served with them, and the ones that did not. I thought about how many of these veterans brothers had made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may all enjoy the freedom this country offers.

As we stood for the Pledge of Allegiance I saw the reaction on their faces, it was a thoughtful, respectful look, a look of such sadness. I thought about what my dad's submarine veterans group was really all about "To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives while serving in the United State Naval Submarines" I then started to cry myself with the realization of what that really meant . All those old sailors, my dad included, standing on the deck of an old submarine holding the flag with such pride and sadness.

Then it was time for the speakers to give their speeches about their experiences and the meaning of Memorial Day. A WWII veteran talked about the hardships and struggles and the fact that he was lucky to be alive when so many of his brothers had fallen victim to the war. One talked about how it was up to the veterans to teach "our children about the sacrifices made by so many". Another said, "that America will only be the land of the free so long as it is the home of the Brave". So many of the speakers spoke with so much pride about America that it was hard not to think about all the people who have no idea what this holiday is really about. While they go to their Bar B Q's and beaches there are some who keep up a tradition of pride in service to the United States of America and remember all those who had fallen, and rejoice in the ones who still live and remember. Let none of us ever forget what Memorial Day really is.


COMMENTS

Kathlena Peebles was a Junior at Highlands High School in North Highlands, CA when she wrote this. The essay was punishment for missing a band function on Memorial Day to witness a Memorial Day presentation by her father's submariner veterans group aboard the USS Pampanito [US Sub Vets, Inc. Mare Island Base]. She wrote an essay about what Memorial Day really is, she succinctly expressed the Spirit of Memorial Day. The day is a day to remember and honor those who fell in battle. Which is what she did, and was punished for.

Ms. Peebles' essay is one of the more popular writings on this site. Permission is granted to reprint her essay, as long as it is not altered, and that she is given full credit for it.

[ReneeCA.]

What a beautiful essay and one that truly reminds us of the sacrifices our soldiers have made for us which is never to be forgotten.

So heart wrenching and touching!

[Ben_Colder]

TAPS
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, And the night
Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest.
Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.
Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.
http://www.west-point.org/taps/Taps.html

[Terri]

http://www.gopusa.com/images/cartoons/2009/thumbnail/mr400_0525.jpg
(http://www.gopusa.com/cartoons/)

[Mary-Lou]

A Blessed Memorial Day To All.

Humble Thank You for all who serve.

I have one appointment this morning and then I will return to share my thoughts.

Great drawing, Terri.

[KatyJ]

Happy Memorial Day everyone. :salute1:

A big thank you to our veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Please remember to let your liberal friends this day isn't a day for cookouts. This is a day to remember our veterans who have died for us.

:salute1:

[RW]

Pretty day in Paradise, but we ain't doin' real good right now....both Kid and I feel yucky poo. Funny thing, tho....both our temps are below normal! I keep waiting for us to either get better and get on with our lives or crash and get it over with!

Got the go-ahead as to when we can take over the new digs. Landlord has given me another chance to decide if I want sumpin' other than white on the walls.....I'll stick to the white...all my taste is in my mouth!

Yup, this is when we remember our fallen heroes and this day and age...heroines. All I can say about war, is that technology has advanced where we don't lose so many, but losing one is terrible. THESE people, in God's Hands now, and those in uniform, are what keep our freedoms. Or at least danger from abroad, and keep those where they are, safe. And hopefully, make them free.

Our enemy within? Just as dangerous as those with bombs strapped on them, wandering into cafe's and bazaars. Maybe more so since we will not know what hit us until we are no longer able to be free.........when we cannot hear God's word, when we cannot speak God's Name, when he whose name we must not speak, truly rules the planet. That day is coming quickly, and unless we the people act, and act as one, there will be one free sunset and at sunrise, we will be slaves. And looking at the threads over this weekend, the day is soon....regulation of free speech is about to happen, the government deciding who gets treatment and what kind, if any. mr. o is being portrayed more and more as a heavenly, messianic figure, our press has shackled itself....

[BILLY T.]

Thank you madam Moderator(Ipara) for that very nice tribute from the young lady in Washington State.It was a very good read.

Terri-Thank you for that Lady Liberty pic.I have saved it, and will use it from time to time, when communicating with the Veterans community.

Also want to pass to you, a fine BRAVO/ZULU, for the Trivia team concept.I think it will take off and be something we can all share in.

RW-I think a wee glass of White Zinfidle will take that nasty taste out of your mouth. :D

[qrayjack]

Kathlena Peebles would probably be permently expelled from school and given a mental exam if she'd written that today.

God bless the United States military and those who have sacrificed so much.

(Re Terri's tagline - Norman Mattoon Thomas (1884—1968) was a leading American socialist, pacifist, and six-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America.)

"I have no illusions about what little I can add now to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly for their country. Words are even more feeble on this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved and who, in return, loved their countrymen enough to die for them. Yet, we must try to honor them -- not for their sakes alone, but for our own. And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice. Our first obligation to them and ourselves is plain enough: The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper."
--Ronald Reagan

[RW]

RW-I think a wee glass of White Zinfidle will take that nasty taste out of your mouth.

Why, Thank you, Dr. Billy! I think I shall! It sure as heck can't hurt, at this point...

[candles]

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1788/americanflag.png (http://img38.imageshack.us/my.php?image=america nflag.png)

http://smileys.smileycentra l.com/cat/8/8_13_106.gifhttp://smileys.smileycentra l.com/cat/8/8_13_107.gif

A huge "Thank You" for all that has served our great nation, you will never be forgotten.


I need to get ready for work, but had to come in here to say thanks. :wavey:

[Mary-Lou]

I just fertilized and re-seeded the lawn in time for another thunderstorm, to water it all in. The grass seed is green and covered with something wierd so hopefully the birds wont eat it.

I used to always have a lovely concert on Memorial Day and then tell you about it here on the Forum. But the Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and Senior Centers of South Florida no longer hire me, because I show up on time when hired and expect to get paid for my performances as contracted.

I am SUCH A BEYOTCH! :laff:

[stormy]

Just found a very interesting site where you can put a tribute to anyone who has served and paid the ultimate price or served in any branch of the service.

Looking at it, I realized I could put a tribute in every branch of the service-some more than one:

Alphabet Soup Memorial (http://www.alphabet-soup.net/mem/memorial.html)

Seems to have stuff for all ages.

Have you ever wondered what the level of Human Sacrifice has been to establish & preserve The United States of America?
Numbers Here & Much More (http://tinyurl.com/q2agjr)

Posted yesterday, but just in case some missed it:

Have any of you seen this yet?

CURRAHEE (http://www.theneweditor.com /index.php?/archives/9550-Currahee.html)

Note in the comments after this who was given credit and rightly so! :)

The only negative thing I have to say is that when BHO was a senator and voted against war funding, it's hypocritical now to say they are our finest when you didn't believe it then!

But, guess we're supposed to forget those days!

I really do appreciate all who serve or have served! They are in my prayers daily!

Stormy the OLD :granny: of :gopusa:

[Mary-Lou]

Stormy, the Lyin' King says whatever is convenient at whatever time. :(

[schillerbjr]

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY 2009!!!

GOD BLESS all our fallen heroes of every military stripe. You make us "PROUD"!!!

Drinking some 2004 Charles Shaw Merlot, eating some cheese, and watching "KELLY'S
HEROES" on Turner Classic Movies.

More later!!

[Mary-Lou]

According to Drudge, The Lyin' King is Playing Golf on Memorial Day.
POTUS is, reportedly, golfing with Marvin Nicholson. No actual glimpses of the presidential golf game. Aides say POTUS paused at 3 p.m. to observe a moment of silence.

From 9/11/01 onward President Bush ceased to play golf because he felt it was no longer appropriate for him to "play".

Just a little rememberance to share with you.

[Danny]

I think someone double dog dared me!? I say bring it on woman...

Now I want the title to go along with it.
Unless I'm too late.

[oldjules]

God bless all that served and made this the greatest country in the world.

You will never be forgotten.

[Mary-Lou]

Did danny say "bring on the Women?"
I am not wearing my glasses. :laff:

[Ohiowoman]

No, he didn't say "bring on the women", Mary-Lou, but I'm sure he would have if he'd thought of it! Especially if they had baked goods.

[Luckyme]

Terri hasn't responded yet to Danny. Do you suppose she fainted?

jjI think it was LM's hubby who had the birthday this week although Joe said to tell you all he appreciated the thought. :HB: to LM's Hubby.

LM, did your GD have a good time on her trip? How did she survive being away for so long for the first time?
Yes, it was my Hubby's birthday on Thursday. Just like wine, he's gotten better with age. :)

:tails: had a wonderful time. Leaving Wednesday morning and coming home late Friday afternoon was probably just about right for her first time away from home. She didn't even find the note I had placed in her luggage to surprise her until she was unpacking here. She did call me Wednesday night before bed, but that was it.

She really enjoyed the whale watching boat ride and learning about salt marshes. She refused to disect a fish though, and didn't get much sleep. That didn't come as a big surprise to me.

For the first time in memory, the parade portion of the Memorial Day activities had to be canceled because of serious thunder storms in the area. Instead, the ceremony was held in the old schoolhouse across the street from the cemetary. Everything else was the same from the roll call of every veteran who died from the Revolutionary War right up to the present wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who are buried in the cemetary. The ceremony ends with the playing of Taps off in the distance (this time behind the schoolhouse).

:tails: didn't want to go, but I insisted. The girl scouts don't march in this one and I think she was afraid she'd be the only girl there. I heard it mentioned that 30% of Americans don't know what Memorial Day means. I find that shocking and my little ones aren't going to be part of that percentage.

Just as we discuss politics, we also discuss the meaning of our holidays and who is responsible for our freedoms (and it's not politicians.)

After the ceremony, we left for the campground and returned home early this evening.

[Terri]

I think someone double dog dared me!? I say bring it on woman...

Now I want the title to go along with it.

Hmmm....now we'll need a bigger team to keep you in line. :yes:

Or maybe a bigger stick. :D :hit:

[KatyJ]

Terri, I will provide the baked goods for Danny. :laff:

[Mary-Lou]

Well, Katy, he ALREADY has a crush on you! You're just FEEDING his obsession! LOL

[Terri]

Well Katy, you'd best provide baked goods for the rest of the team or you may end up in as much trouble as Danny's always in. :D

Terri hasn't responded yet to Danny. Do you suppose she fainted?
Nah, I'll just have to draft you and Ohiowoman if he's too incorrigible. :yes:

Ok, we have a trivia thread pinned to the top of Misc. Member Topics. Please let me know if I've missed anyone.

AND, we can use a couple more people if anyone is interested. It's fun and not hard when it's spread out among many.

[Ohiowoman]

Nah, I'll just have to draft you and Ohiowoman if he's too incorrigible.
Ready for duty whenever you need me, Terri!

[schillerbjr]

Good Evening GOPUSA Forum:

Sunny AM, cloudy PM...some sprinkles of rain here and there just recently.

Another HOLIDAY just about over and a 4-day
workweek becons.

Watching "MIDWAY" on AMCTV right now!!

Good Night and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

[Terri]

You are most welcome to sign up for the trivia team, OW. Then you'd be in position to carry the big :hit:

[KatyJ]

Terri, I will provide the baked goods for all on Sundays.

[Mary-Lou]

I just signed up for June 7th. D-Day + 1.

[KatyJ]

I signed up for June 28th.

[Mary-Lou]

And I am hitting the sheets. Goodnight my friends.

[Luckyme]

Terri, I don't have a problem contributing to the trivia, but my problem is that during the summer months, from now until mid October, we often camp from Friday through Sunday. I'm not sure if it would be fair to the rest of the team if I'm not able to take my turn in a timely manner. I'll leave that up to you.

[javajoy]

LM, you can either PM or Email your trivia to one of the mods or to Terri and it will be posted for you.

Things do happen where you can't always post them yourself.

We are delighted to have many team members.

[candles]

It was a very sloo-oo-oowwww day at the store today, I wonder if they made enough money today to pay our wages. A few people were sent home an hour early.

I am off the next two days. I would be out planting more of the dahlia but we are to get rain the next two days. :(

I picked June 14th to post trivia.

[Terri]

Luckyme, we will work with you on that, as Joy says, or it's ok for you to join in the fall if you prefer. No pressure.

Looks like we're coming along swimmingly with trivia. I'll check out the thread after morning chores are done.