Memorial Day....

[runswithscissors]

As I was packing my bags earlier for yet another trip to another country, I was reflecting on Memorial Day...

Flying across our country, looking out the window at the landscape below, I realized that from the sacrifices of many we have the privilege to join forums such as this, argue and debate, meet each other, travel whenever and wherever we wish, live our lives with limited interferences.

We often think of Memorial Day Weekend as a time of grilling, drinking and going to the lake or river...

From the sacrifices of many, I realized they gave us the privilege of going to the lake or river and grilling and drinking...

From the sacrifices of many, remember those who have served and fallen, and those who are in service today.......

[DallasRain]

nice read----i agree!!

you have a safe trip babe!!

[TexTushHog]

In the spirit of the day, Abraham Lincoln's letter to Mrs. Bixby (who was thought to have lost five sons in the Civil War*):

Executive Mansion, Washington, November 21, 1864.

Mrs. Bixby, Boston, Massachusetts:

DEAR MADAM: I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant-General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours very sincerely and respectfully,

Abraham Lincoln.

http://www.bartleby.com/43/38.html

*Seems like I've read somewhere that some of her sons actually turned up alive after all.

[charlestudor2005]

I highly recommend HBO's original movie, Taking Chance. I watched it quite by accident, and it is powerful. It has been released for purchase.

[charlestudor2005]

HBO is re-running Taking Chance tonight at 8PM Eastern.

To find other instances of the show, go here: http://www.hbo.com/#/index.html

In the lower right hand corner click on "Full Schedule." When the dialogue box opens double click the first listing of the show. A complete listing of showings of Taking Chance will appear.

[DallasRain]

whats everyones plans for monday?????????????????????

[charlestudor2005]

I'd love to create a memory (or memorial) with a lovely provider. But currently, I'm in a provider wasteland.

Anyone want to make a gratuitous 90 minute drive from Memphis let me know. But I don't hold out much hope for this Memorial Day.

[Bliss]

Originally Posted by charlestudor2005

I highly recommend HBO's original movie, Taking Chance. I watched it quite by accident, and it is powerful. It has been released for purchase.

I've been wanting to watch that movie. But, since I lost my son (not biological, but he was my son), in Iraq three years ago, I can't watch any movies that depict war. It is just too painful. But, Taking Chance is about the honor that this man feels about accompanying this soldier during his body's return home. That might actually be cathartic and good to see. I think I will find some time to watch that one by myself and just let the tears and memories flow.

Please everyone, remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. When my boy died we made packages from home our pet project as a family to continue to honor him. http://www.packagesfromhome.org/
I especially love the troop wish list because I can pick up one or two of the things every time I go to the store until I have a good stock up and then drop the items off. This is local to Az, but I'm sure they have something like this in every major city if you look into it.

To date, over 15,000 dollars has been donated in the name of my fallen hero. My daughter also started a letter writing campaign through her elementary school, and sent the troops letters and art work. There are so many things we can do.

[DallasRain]

thats so cool Bliss!!!

[charlestudor2005]

I agree. I think it would be quite cathartic. Especially the last 15-20 minutes. I didn't realize it until I Googled it, but this is based on a true story. Bless you, Bliss, for getting so close to such a kid.

Originally Posted by Bliss

I've been wanting to watch that movie. But, since I lost my son (not biological, but he was my son), in Iraq three years ago, I can't watch any movies that depict war. It is just too painful. But, Taking Chance is about the honor that this man feels about accompanying this soldier during his body's return home. That might actually be cathartic and good to see. I think I will find some time to watch that one by myself and just let the tears and memories flow.

Please everyone, remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. When my boy died we made packages from home our pet project as a family to continue to honor him. http://www.packagesfromhome.org/
I especially love the troop wish list because I can pick up one or two of the things every time I go to the store until I have a good stock up and then drop the items off. This is local to Az, but I'm sure they have something like this in every major city if you look into it.

To date, over 15,000 dollars has been donated in the name of my fallen hero. My daughter also started a letter writing campaign through her elementary school, and sent the troops letters and art work. There are so many things we can do.