With Memorial Day just around the corner I was just wondering how many of our fellow sly brothers will be spending a part of that day honoring those of our countrymen and women who have given their all for our country.  I'll start by saying that I will be spending the day with friends who are fellow vets at a ceremony in the town of Algonguin where they lay a wreath upon the river, have a choir of the local students, a guest speaker and the parade. 

I will be at the new Veteran's cemetery that was opened last year about a mile from me. A beautiful ceremony was held last year and will be held again this year.

We have attended memorial services in the past and made it a point to explain to our kids the reason for this day. They understand the sacrifices made by our brave men & women who have served.

We're not certain what we're doing next Monday.

We don't attend any formal service but every year I explain to my kids what the day is all about. We usually enjoy the day by having some family and friends over and cooking out. Thanks to all the barve service men and women over the years I actually have the freedom to do that.

My Uncle was a Green Beret and my Dad was in Airborne when he was in the military. It's always been an important part of our lives.

Nice little story here:

 Every year for the weekend of the Holiday, some of the local veterans stand in the entry way to the local grocery store and greet everyone and pass out literature about the Holiday. Most of them are real old timers. A couple of years ago when my son was about 7 years old he saw these men as we enetered the store and he asked me why they were there. So i explained to him who these men were, what they had done in their lives, and why they were there. His simple response was "Oh".... and he never said another word about it in the store.
A little while later as we were leaving the store, he ran toward the door ahead of me and i was calling for him to wait for me (pushing the cart full of groceries). Then he slowed and approached the four veterans in the entry way. Just as I got close enough to hear, he reached out his small hand toward one of the vets and said ,"My Daddy told me what you did for us. Thank you." The old vet shook his small hand, bent down and very quietly said, 'Well you're very welcome.... try to always remember". Kody said, "I'll never forget".
Those four, great old men all just smiled and nodded at me... a little too overcome with emotion to actually say anything.


Thanks to all the Veterans in here for everything you've done for the rest of us. God Bless you.

Quote from: TheTrucker on May 20, 2008, 10:49:35 AM

My father died in 'Nam so I try to attend a service when possible.

If I don't have to go back on the road between now and then I'll attend the service here.

God bless him. We lost 58,000 good men and women back there.

Very true.

I ill be working, but all the vets and current service men and women will be in my thoughts and prayers.

All gave some and some gave all.

Although I no longer reside in the USA, I'm still just as American as the day I was born. I will take some solemn time to reflect on the sacrifice paid by many for their country. I will be raising a glass in their honor.