Memorial day tribute
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmCbiibZvX0 and the Changing Of The Guard~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cENccFlXBdA

Thanks Eric, tributes like this are always appreciated. Maybe some day politicians around the world will come to realize that no one ever really wins in a war, I think we all come out losers and pay a price in some way.

Lon

"Well Said"!!

Five of my coworkers and I went to Moffat Field this afternoon to see the planes of the Collings Foundation. 'Got to explore a B-25, B-24, B-17, and P-51. Best part was meeting and talking with a bunch of vets who were there and who all flew in the B-17's. I made sure to thank them for their service.

I absolutely hate being "thanked for my service."

It was a civic duty that most of us met.
Some of us did not survive.

I had a lot more to say on the subject, but deleted it.

If you are a Vietnam vet, being thanked is important, long overdue, and very welcome to us. I really appreciate it. Altho I wasn't drafted into that war, those who were drafted many (most) didn't quite see it as a civic duty.

For obvious "nationality" reasons I can't really contribute so much to your "MEMORIAL DAY" but I believe that at least one thing shoud be said with respect: " Thank you. Because we in Europe we tend to forget that if it wasn't for the thousands and thousands of Americans that died during the last World War, probably, among other things, now we wouldn't be here talking in such a friendly way about our passions and interests."

Sergio

'Nothing wrong about a heartfelt thank you.

I am a veteran, but Memorial Day is not about veterans it's for those who died defending their country.

True. But the guy was there and I thanked him anyway.

It seems Memorial Day has morphed into a tribute to all veterans, and I am OK with that.

They do not get enough thanks or recognition these days.

Mike,

Jerry Burney used to have a tag line that stated: For those who have defended it, freedom has a flavor that most of the "protected" will never know.

I was drafted in October of 1967. I felt it was my civic duty. I was fortunate enough not only to survive, but to continue to serve until February 1988.

I know many that didn't get the call for a variety of reasons, including shirking their civic duty, being too young, being too old, being medically unfit, and the list can go on and on, but these same people being much older and wiser now, are grateful to those of us that did respond, and I include you in that last group.

My response to anyone who tells me "thank you for your service!" is never "your welcome"...

My response is always: "I was honored to serve."

Different people love this country in different ways... The freedom to express that love is just one of the reasons why I served, and I am sure you did too.

So I will risk upsetting you: "Thank you for YOUR service."

============

Sergio, Like many others here, my father was one for whom you have spoken your gratitude.

He was aboard a ship (USS Thomas Stone) that was torpedoed as he went to the fight in North Africa, followed by Tunisia, Sicily, Normandy, Northern France, Belgium, Rhineland, and Germany. He was also one who survived his wounds, and lived to the age of 87 years.

He lived long enough to see the completion of the World War II Memorial in Washington DC in 2005.

He stood only 5 feet 8.5 inches tall, but in my eyes he was taller than any man I ever knew. His deeds, and the deeds of his fellow soldiers live on in the memory and gratitude of people just like you... and me, and the many that have followed his example.

Thanks for your contribution to our Memorial Day. :cheers:

John, I think I found your dad's ship~~~~http://www.ww2survivorstories.com/story-new.html

John, here she is! http://home.earthlink.net/~lipp/

Yes Eric. That is the Thomas Stone. The guy who owns that website (Michael Fraticelli) is a personal friend who is in the final stages of completing a documentary about the incident, and the men of the 39th Infantry Regiment. A couple of the scenes of the documentary were re-enacted on a Liberty Ship (USS John Brown) that is moored as a museum in Baltimore. I was a guest for the shooting of those scenes as my father was portrayed as a prominent figure in the re-enactment of the torpedo explosion.

Michael Fraticelli's father was a U.S. Coast Guardsman serving on the Thomas Stone.

My Dad liked to get up in the middle of the night to take his shower while there was still some hot water. He was on his way back to his bunk when the torpedo hit. He ran through the ship waking everyone up.

If you go to the link for the "Veterans" http://www.ww2survivorstories.com/veterans-9th.html you will see my father's photograph.

John thats way too cool! I bet that brings back nice memories~

John, guys, My comment only concerns my personal attitude.

"You've never lived until you've almost died. For those who have fought for it, life has a flavor the protected will never know."

1st saw that in RVN on the wall at C3, 5th SFG. Dunno who started it.

Until the draft was ended, every male 18-32 had a 6 year obligation. It was a legal requirement which made it a duty.
Nobody wanted to be drafted, WW1, WW2, Korea, VN, or in between.
The vast majority accepted it and soldiered on when called.
Another vast number, myself included, enlisted knowing we were about to be drafted. We got a bit more of a choice. Mine, in 1966, was Airborne Infantry.
The guys who fled to Canada broke the law. Many had been notified to report and took off.
Sweden was a popular dodge as well, Sylvester Stallone was notable for that.
Jimmy Carter pardoned those who chose to break the law.
A guy from my rural home area was one. He has never returned and is not well spoken of today.
I had a friend in 1970, after I got out. He was on his way to jail for refusing induction. He stood his ground and defended his convictions. He did not run away and took the consequences.
I respect that.
Another popular dodge of those times was the National Guard-if you could squeeze in. A very few units got activated, but an anomaly, indeed.
My dad was 506th PIR in Europe.
As a kid I began collecting WW2 stuff including Lugers. Really a lot of vets around, and my buddy and me hounded hell out of them.
At one point a grizzly serious combat guy stated that we would not be so enthusiastic if we had to go get that stuff for ourselves.
He was right. I never took anything off a body and sold most of my collection when I got home.
I kept the weapons and still hunt them, but have few artifacts.
Just my personal take and opinion-I just don't like being thanked for it.
I was on the Legion Firing Party Monday and we fired volleys at 12 local rural cemeteries.
I am proud to be able to help with that.
We buried a friend and Tarawa vet the day before-they are going fast, we goy a 504th PIR guy going next, I fear.

John an eye witness account of the sinking of your dads' ship~~ http://www.ww2survivorstories.com/Fr...Mattesini.html

This is a little late for D-day,but still interesting,

Photos of D-day invasion areas and 70 years later.Some in color.
Big changes,especially the beaches!:eek:

Also check out the gallery (link at the bottom of the page)of the French town that is a memorial. Very sad.


Bob
[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/d-day-landi...-later-1450286

Thanks Bob, its never too late!