Happy Memorial Day

[Carnut]

Thanks to all of those who gave their tomorrows so we could have ours.

Their sacrifice was final. They should be remembered for how truly valuable it was.

Tomorrow is day set aside for that rememberance and while I will remember the many, those that I did not know, I will especially remember those I did.

So tomorrow morning, I will get up at the crack of dawn, hoist the Flag up the flagpole, look to the sunrise, give a salute and remember. I will likely shed a tear.

I will make a cup of coffee and reflect how damn lucky I am to have been left my life and what I have been blessed with because of another's sacrifice.

Then I will enjoy the rest of day, because that is part of what I have been given.

[Darkside]

Very well said Mr. Nut

[Johnny Dangerously]

Originally Posted by Darkside

Very well said Mr. Nut

+1000



`

[JTB]

Originally Posted by Darkside

Very well said Mr. Nut

Hear, Hear

[joegaz]

God bless our veterans and those serving our country.


It is the
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.


It is
the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.



It is
the VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.





It is the
VETERAN who
salutes the Flag,






It is
the
VETERAN
who serves
under the Flag,


ETERNAL
REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON
THEM.



God
Bless them all!!!

[twobjshelbys]

I got this in an email tonight. I'd stopped by my friend's house and dropped some peonie starts but they weren't home. I drove the Cobra to warm it up to see if my quick fix for the overheating (air bubble) on the Cobra worked and went back after getting trapped in a rainstorm. I had to get out the tonneau cover (and it had puddles!) rather than try to drive home. Went by to see if they got the plant starts and we were looking up some maps to the "lake" they have a membership at. Then he showed me this.

I wish this would show the pictures.

Snopes says this is true.



Viet Nam 1966

Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had ta ken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.

A few years ago, Ann Margret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to
sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing.

When I got there after work, the line went all the way a
round the bookstore, circled the parking lot and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.


Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the
photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home. Ann Margret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn.

He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, 'I understand. I just wanted her to see it.'

She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and
she said, 'This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.''

With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.

Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big strong husband broke down in tears. 'That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,' he said.

That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.

I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.

[Carnut]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

I got this in an email tonight. I'd stopped by my friend's house and dropped some peonie starts but they weren't home. I drove the Cobra to warm it up to see if my quick fix for the overheating (air bubble) on the Cobra worked and went back after getting trapped in a rainstorm. I had to get out the tonneau cover (and it had puddles!) rather than try to drive home. Went by to see if they got the plant starts and we were looking up some maps to the "lake" they have a membership at. Then he showed me this.

I wish this would show the pictures.

Snopes says this is true.



Viet Nam 1966

Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had ta ken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.

A few years ago, Ann Margret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to
sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing.

When I got there after work, the line went all the way a
round the bookstore, circled the parking lot and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.


Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the
photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home. Ann Margret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn.

He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, 'I understand. I just wanted her to see it.'

She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and
she said, 'This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.''

With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.

Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big strong husband broke down in tears. 'That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,' he said.

That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.

I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.

I believe the story, I have heard other stories about her going out of her way for her gentlemen. She is a class act.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Carnut

I believe the story, I have heard other stories about her going out of her way for her gentlemen. She is a class act.

I'd repost it but this is better just coming from her site:

Ann-Marget to VietNam Veterans, Branson, MO, July 2005

[gr8snkbite]

great story Tony...thx....

[Ebonee Princess]

Touching story..
A true Lady

[Boston Mike]

I'm a bit late on this thread. I think this says it all. I've never been to a military funeral, so Beth's grandfather's on Tuesday will be a first. Beth and her granny have been so strong so far, but I think that the emotions of a military honor will probably help them release some of those emotions.

Thank you to all of our men and women who protect our freedoms. God has a special place for them all when their time comes. For those who have left previously, I know they have welcomed Carl into their fraternity and for those yet to go, I know Carl will be there to greet them and welcome them in.

Memorial Day Message 2009 courtesy USBA

[gr8snkbite]

that is awesome Mike..even during the heavy hurricanes a few years back, the president offered to have them not stand guard, but they refused...and stood their post through it all...

if you all have never seen this in real life...i encourage you to do so at some point in your life....you will never forget...

Mike...the military service will be one your family will never forget...he will never be forgotten...i salute him with all my honor...

[Shlbylvr]

That makes me teary every time I see it.

[Boston Mike]

Homestead Funeral Homes - Grand Prairie, Texas

Carl John McLendon (should be the last one listed on the page).

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Boston Mike

Homestead Funeral Homes - Grand Prairie, Texas

Carl John McLendon (should be the last one listed on the page).

Do you know more? One does not have a National Cemetery without having been in the services. His age would put him in WWII and/or Korea.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Boston Mike

I'm a bit late on this thread. I think this says it all. I've never been to a military funeral, so Beth's grandfather's on Tuesday will be a first. Beth and her granny have been so strong so far, but I think that the emotions of a military honor will probably help them release some of those emotions.

Thank you to all of our men and women who protect our freedoms. God has a special place for them all when their time comes. For those who have left previously, I know they have welcomed Carl into their fraternity and for those yet to go, I know Carl will be there to greet them and welcome them in.

Memorial Day Message 2009 courtesy USBA

There are two honored posts.

Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown is absolutely the most honored and revered posts any soldier can have. At the end of their shift they are exhausted and do it again and again.

The second is the burial duty at Arlington National Cemetery.

[Darkside]

Originally Posted by Boston Mike

I'm a bit late on this thread. I think this says it all. I've never been to a military funeral, so Beth's grandfather's on Tuesday will be a first. Beth and her granny have been so strong so far, but I think that the emotions of a military honor will probably help them release some of those emotions.

Thank you to all of our men and women who protect our freedoms. God has a special place for them all when their time comes. For those who have left previously, I know they have welcomed Carl into their fraternity and for those yet to go, I know Carl will be there to greet them and welcome them in.

Memorial Day Message 2009 courtesy USBA

I only have one thing to say to you Mike.........Be prepared to cry like a baby. Military funerals are like that. I have been to five funerals since 9/11, including one at Arlington and they are very, very emotional.

I was on burial detail in 1996 and we did like five funerals in the three months we had the duty. That was one of the toughest things I ever had to do.

If they have a bagpiper, which many funerals do, be prepared to hear "Amazing Grace" and then the bugler will play "Taps". Both of those get me bad.

[gr8snkbite]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

There are two honored posts.

Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown is absolutely the most honored and revered posts any soldier can have. At the end of their shift they are exhausted and do it again and again.

The second is the burial duty at Arlington National Cemetery.

and we also have the first unknown soldier from ww1 buried under the Arc de Triumph in Paris..which my American Legion Post #1 honors every 4th of July. I had the previlge of attending a few years ago while there. Great bunch of vets.

[TOMMY GUN]

Just saw this, happy Memorial Day.



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