[Lynn O. Doughty]

Setting here listening to the morning news there seems to be more coverage of Linsey Lohan's DUI crackup than any news of just what this long weekend and holiday is supposed to be about. That's really too bad and to me exposes just what's wrong with American these days. People are so tied up with themselves and things totally meaningless that they have forgotten about the countless others who paid the ultimate price to let them enjoy the easy life they experience today.

I am fortunate in that I can trace my family's involvement in defense of this country clear back to the Revolutionary War. My two Great Grandfathers both fought in the Civil War, one just down the road from where we now live. My Grandfather in the Philipines during the Spanish American War, my Father in WWII, me during the Viet Nam period, both our boys during Desert Storm, and now, our youngest again dodging motars and rifle fire while serving in Baghdad. Our family was lucky as we didn't lose anyone who served. But I guess thats why I feel so sad and proud for those who did. The least we can do is set a little time aside over the next few days to reflect back on their service and just exactly what they've done for us.

[xsailer]

Amen.

Comments required one word, as above, forum required ten.

[santagibbs]

Thank's Lynn for bringing it to our attention! You are lucky to be here . My Great Grandfather also fought in the Civil War.. I have Harper relatives going to the seventeen hundreds.. Somehow my son's missed the wars . Not the right age and I guess. it is good, as they are six foot seven.. an easy mark..
We can't imagine the men that are buried on this earth that have fought for freedom in our country and other countries.. How fortunate you are to be here to have had so many relatives fight for freedom.. The Lord must surely have a plan for your life! Charlotte

[Kenny_S]

Thanks Lynn from One VietNam vet to another and to all who served in the past, present and future. Understand where you are coming from and the lack of good press for our fighting men and women.

We have a MAYFEST every year during this time but this one was different as several Vet got together and asked the city fathers if we could erect Flag polls for those who are in harms way from our town.
We have 45 young men and women who are in the service of our country and 22 are over seas. Odd thing, Our congregation had 6 who are in Iraq now. The poles were donated and we got the last one up Friday evening and painted. there are 22 poles with new flags and name plates on them. When a person comes home, he is given that name plate and flag and if another goes over, their name and flag goes on the vacant pole. Problem is, out of the 6 from our church, 4 have made repeated tours

God bless you Lynn and the other Vets.
God bless our troops
God Bless the United States of America..

[Nancy_G]

Many Memories .........

[Tom H]

In our family, we never forget. The memories of past and present. Memories of our own, and of others. Memories that make us proud, sad, thankfull, and even happy. But most of all proud to remember those who have made, and are continuing to keep this great country free. At times like these I am only sorry that I am not better with words.. Tom H

[AlArchie]

Years back, standing in front of the Vietnam Memorial Wall, a name jumped out at me, and I vowed then to rmember him forever. Since then I have suggested to all the Boy Scouts I have counseled over the years to find ONE name of a Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman, Coastguardsman, or Merchant Marine killed in action, learn what you can about him or her, and REMEMBER that name always.

Maybe we should all do that! One hero at a time will not be forgotten.

Al

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Lynn, I too had relatives in the revolutionary war, one a Lieutenant and another fought with the "Swamp Fox!" Had relatives on both sides in the civil war...family goes all the way back to the pilgrims.....which now days means nothing as our school system does not teach this to the kids, they want to dumb down and remove our history...can't blame the kids, they know nothing of whats happened...can you imagine asking a kid today who the "swamp fox" was? he would probably say it was some rock group............lay it where it belongs at the feet of the NEA and the school system...kids and people have no sense on pride in the country and patriotism if they have no idea what it means! God help us all! I keep forgetting there are some very young people here, do a google of the Swamp Fox, Francis Marion, he and his men were a major part of winning the war....for generations afterwards, the men and families of those that served with Marion were honored...!)

[Tom H]

I agree with Kenny, what a great way to honor those who have served and gave the ultimate. Kids need to have experiences where they are given the opportunity to understand and honor our service men and women who have given their lives for the country. Having grown up in a small town, every Memorial Day started with a parade to the cemetery to place flags. As I remember it, it was the kids who placed the flags. It was an honor to do so. The picnics that followed the parade were always the fun part. But I can remember sitting by some of the old veterans and listening to them talk and remember the friends who never came back. I still live out in what passes for country today, and I plan to check out the local small town school and see if they might be interested in starting a project where the kids do go to the local cemetery and pick out a veteran who was killed in service to our country; and learn about them. I know that they used to have a similar program where the kids kind of adopted a veteran, and honored them on Veterans Day. On the local level, I am sure this would be possible.

Tom H

[Robert Cahill]

They had a roving Vietnam wall that some business people bought and set up. We also have a state veterans home here where I worked for sixteen years (janitor) and got to know a lot of veterans. Of course I had family in Korea, I was in during the cold war and my daughter (50% DAV) was in during desert storm.
Untill the local paper really blasted the school system they did not even have the day off or know what it was for. They are now off and they have a small parade. I have much respect for all who served war time or peace time

Robert