Happy Atheist Forum

Regardless of political leanings, or thoughts on the military (as this thread is NOT for political or ideological discussion), I wanted to recognize today as many of us celebrate Memorial Day. I plan to try to honor the memory and sacrifice of those who are no longer here to see a bright sunny day, or hug children, or play with grandchildren.

To those of us who recognize this day, thanks. And my humble thoughts and gratitude to those people who gave their lives so that I can be here.

Quite right. While I have never been in the military I respect those who are, but not the politicians who abuse their service. Without the sacrifices made by the members of the military services of the free world there would simply be no free world to live in.

Many years ago I went to see the military grave yard in Arnham (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnhem). My family was rather shocked to find me standing over a grave sobbing. The guy and I shared a birthday and he had been 18 when he died, what a sinful waste of a life, but how priceless his contribution to our world today.

[youtube:z617rzhu]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3srSgMEDQM[/youtube:z617rzhu]

To every US soldier, combat veteran or otherwise, willing volunteer or drafted conscript, the job you have done or are doing makes you worth memorial and praise. May we all live up to and earn the ideals you defend.

Quote from: "JillSwift"To every US soldier, combat veteran or otherwise, willing volunteer or drafted conscript, the job you have done or are doing makes you worth memorial and praise. May we all live up to and earn the ideals you defend.

Couldn't have said it better myself.  Thank you!

Thanks for that video Whitney. It brought tears to my eyes.
Jill; That is a profound and beautiful post.

Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for others.  When thinking about this day it is much like those who have served - when the job needs to be done no one sees race, religion or affiliation anymore.  To all those who came before, are fighting now and will step up in the future to put on a uniform, this former Navy Petty Officer salutes each and every one of you - past, present and future.

I observe Memorial Day on behalf of everyone who has ever died because of war, and hope that some day we can move beyond violence between nations and violence between people.

Not my kind of day to observe, really... It would have been if humanity ever learned the lessons buried in its bloody history.

Quote from: "Will"I observe Memorial Day on behalf of everyone who has ever died because of war, and hope that some day we can move beyond violence between nations and violence between people.

Quote from: "Asmodean"Not my kind of day to observe, really... It would have been if humanity ever learned the lessons buried in its bloody history.

I concur. While I'm grateful we have people voluntarily serving in the armed forces, I don't care for the war pigs like Bush or that we can resolve issues without violent acts of patriotism.

Quote from: "Oscar Wilde"Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious.

Quote from: "Edith Cavell"Patriotism is not enough.

But I digress. Thanks to anyone/everyone here who served!

I'm a little late, but I only registered last night. Either way, I spent much of Memorial Day at our local cemetery, at the Veterans Memorial site. The lady & I also visited the burial sites of my brother, aunt & grandfather. Below are the pictures taken on that day.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiendmf/se ... 094954319/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiendmf/sets/72157624094954319/)

Your brother wasn't with us long was he. What a terrible shame.

Quote from: "Tank"Your brother wasn't with us long was he. What a terrible shame.

No, he was not. He lived for six weeks. My mother, during her pregnancy developed toxemia. Her labor was induced & he was born, his lungs not fully developed. He fought a tough fight, but in the end lost the battle. Nowadays, they have steroid pills to help such a situation. Nevertheless, what's done is done & today is his birthday.

Quote from: "fiendmf"

Quote from: "Tank"Your brother wasn't with us long was he. What a terrible shame.

No, he was not. He lived for six weeks. My mother, during her pregnancy developed toxemia. Her labor was induced & he was born, his lungs not fully developed. He fought a tough fight, but in the end lost the battle. Nowadays, they have steroid pills to help such a situation. Nevertheless, what's done is done & today is his birthday.

A hard day to remember, you have my sympathies.