Memorial Day

[Jbb]

I hope everyone will pause to give some thought to its meaning this weekend...
http://www.strangecosmos.com/images/content/6924.jpg
http://www.strangecosmos.com/images/content/100032.jpg
http://www.strangecosmos.com/images/content/9052.jpg
http://www.strangecosmos.com/images/content/9051.jpg
http://www.strangecosmos.com/images/content/3659.jpg
http://www.strangecosmos.com/images/content/6483.jpg
http://www.strangecosmos.com/images/content/9125.jpg

[twistedpair]

Memorial Day History (http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html)

[Tom Brown]

I didn't understand what that top picture was about at first. Powerful stuff.

[Hallett]

VERY COOL.

[Mandelon]

Ya mean its not about drinking beer? :rolleyes:
Well tip one back for a vet then. :cool:

[Kilrtoy]

Nice pics thank you.....

[HighRoller]

I was listening yesterday to a guy who took a trip to see Normandy. I started thinking about it and was floored. To stand on the beach where so many gave their lives would be too much to handle for me. I thought about that a lot yesterday, and today I called up the VFW headquarters here and left a message telling them I'd like to volunteer to bartend whenever I can because I want to contribute in some way. Also, I'd love to hear some of the stories these guys have. I've decided that someday, somehow, I'll take a trip to Normandy someday. If those guys could face German machine guns, I shouldn't sweat shedding a few tears, right?

[Outnumbered]

Cool Pix...thanks.
OL

[Rexone]

I just returned from a welcome home party held for a good friend of mine who returned from 14 months of service in Iraq and Kuwait last week. This grandmother in her 50's is an Army reservist pulled out of her life here to serve our country. Don't let the grandmother part fool ya, this woman is tough as nails. She is a Sergeant in charge of a platoon that runs the heavy transports that move our largest tanks. Many trips back and forth to Baghdad from Kuwait and elsewhere. Anyway it was a very moving experience to hear the stories, see the joy in her eyes to be back on US soil, and be reminded again that freedom isn't free and free life here in the U.S.A. isn't a birthright, but must be continually earned by the soldiers on the front lines thoughout the world fighting those whose desire it is to take freedom away. Not everyone is as lucky as she to be returning home from this hellhole.
I thought I'd share a message that was read at the party... no I didn't write it.
It has always been the soldier
It is the soldier, not the President, who gives us democracy.
It is the soldier, not the Congress, who takes care of us.
It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us Freedom of the Press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us Freedom of Speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the Freedom to Demonstrate.
It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and who's coffin is draped by the flag, that allows the protester to burn the flag.
by Father Dennis O'Brien, Chaplain United States Marines
I know this Memorial Day whether I'm at a barbeque, at the beach, at the river or lake drinking beer, or working, I will pause and give thanks to all the soldiers who have made any and all of those activities possible for me to enjoy and experience.
and welcome home Sgt. Freeman

[Outnumbered]

Here is a cool shot of some old and some new...
http://www.cebudanderson.com/images/budeagle.jpg

[Krazy K]

Originally posted by HighRoller
I was listening yesterday to a guy who took a trip to see Normandy. I started thinking about it and was floored. To stand on the beach where so many gave their lives would be too much to handle for me. I thought about that a lot yesterday, and today I called up the VFW headquarters here and left a message telling them I'd like to volunteer to bartend whenever I can because I want to contribute in some way. Also, I'd love to hear some of the stories these guys have. I've decided that someday, somehow, I'll take a trip to Normandy someday. If those guys could face German machine guns, I shouldn't sweat shedding a few tears, right?
Damn, HighRoller! You and me both. I sit here and try to imagine what was going on through the minds of those young men as they approached the beach. After Saving Private Ryan, I told myself, I want to go to Normandy someday.

[shueman]

JBB,
Way to go...!!!
Thanks for bringing to light the real meaning of the week-end...
:)

[bilgewiper]

Yesterday I watched the "live" broadacast of the dedication of the WW II Memorial on the History channel. It was a great tribute to the men of WW II. My only "non-problem " with the event was the formation fly-by of the modern F-16s(?). Why in the heck didn't they use time era correct machines such as the P-51, P-40, Corsairs, or Hellcats. There has got to be at least 5 of those around still. Just my observation. By the way my Flag is flying on the front of my house........hope you all havent forgot to do the same.

[Uplink]

Good pics Brian, we must never forget those who died for us, and why we have this great country to live in.
Here's some Eagles.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/194f15burn-med.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/194f1503-med.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/194XX5-med.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/194f1544.jpg
P.S. Its never been shot down by another aircraft since it first flew in '72. A perfect score of 104 kills to nothing, an amazing track record for the pilots and the F-15.
My hats off for our military... Mark