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Another Memorial Day!!

It is the holiday of the Indy 500 - and dragging out the barbecue or heading to the lake. Whatever you find yourself doing, take a minute to remember the reason for Memorial Day. You  enjoy freedoms because people have fought and died for your liberty. These soldiers that have made such a huge sacrifice for you do not ask for much. They frequently receive even less. Take a minute over the holiday to return some thanks for these people. Snap a salute to the flag or actually sing the National Anthem - -

This is excerpted from a writing by Major Micheal Davis O'Donnel - January 1969 - Republic of Vietnam - Three months before the Major and his helo went missing over Cambodia.


"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places that they can no longer go. And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes that you left behind."

Enjoy a happy and addiction free holiday!!     Thanks
Best Answer
511409 tn?1373395178
Great Post. I just  hope the Generations that came after mine can learn to understand that Memorial day is a day of remembrance. Not National BBQ Day.  A few months back my youngest was learning about his lineage and doing a report for school. As he worked on his "Tree" he found out we descended from J. Adams. Which my son thought was cool. But as he worked his way up the tree, he begins to to see just how many men were not only in the service, but how many gave the ultimate sacrifice for the message of freedom.  It was tough to explain.  Especially knowing, that this ten year old was destined to follow.(he's been obsessed with military life since he could walk.. Not too many ten year olds that can tell the difference between a C7 and C16).  It's something in the bloodline.  And it weighs heavy on my heart, as I watch so many take these freedoms for granted.  But, for all who take the time to remember those who walk the walk. Thank you.  And to all my brothers, keeping us safe in an uncertain world. Thank you, and may the Lord bring you back to your Families.  Happy Memorial Day.
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495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
I think DoDo park is gone now.
Helpful - 0
1720423 tn?1390185068
Ha! Altus is about an hour away, I think. I am near Sheppard AFB. Sound familiar?
I was thinking of this after I posted. My dad & his best friend were drafted & allowed to go thru the war on the "buddy system". Fortunately, they both made it thru alive & were both stationed @ Sheppard AFB. They met 2 yound sisters & both married them. My older aunt was already married to a man who also served in Vietnam in the same camp/base (?) as my dad & his friend. So after all that, they found themselves stationed @ the same base, married to 3 sisters! How's THAT for a small world?!?! ;-)
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Avatar universal
Altus?  Magnum?

this world is getting smaller by the minute.
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1720423 tn?1390185068
Thank you so much for your service to our country (as well as all the others that served)! My father also fought in Vietnam, as well as 3 uncles. He was also spat upon & called a "baby killer" upon arrival home. While he didn't give his life, he may as well have, as he's never been the same since. It still effects him very much to this day. I don't think people truly understand what these men & women give when they serve in combat. You all have my deepest respect & gratitude.
~Sarah, Lawton, Ok? Thats a 40 minute drive from where I live, I know it well! It is still very much a thriving military town! Small world...
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Avatar universal
There were many boys in my hometown who served in Vietnam; including my cousin whom I adored...all those young guys were drafted except for Larry; he enlisted.   He was killed in 1969, on Memorial Day. It still hurts to think about that time,but I know I need to. I'm so grateful for his service and passion for our country although his death forever changed my family...

The way our vets were treated after that war is sickening to me...I will never forget the sacrifices made and the honor they deserve today.  

Thank you, eagle, for posting this thread and thank you for YOUR service.
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Avatar universal
pm'd you bud, only 3 others on here know my past.  I've done the ptsd therapy off and on for 30 yrs.  Somedays like today are the worst.

But hey, our greatgrandfathers had it worse, no radios using pigions, nothing for pain and infection.  

Took my dad to the wall, he had a hand written paper with 23 names, he found 22 on the wall.
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495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
I hope you know how much you are appreciated here eagle for your sacrifices~
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Avatar universal
Todays the day for remembering sacrifices made. Few realize that the Infantry casualty rate in Vietnam was 40% higher than that in the European Theater of WW2.....mostly because if improvised explosives and booby traps. And no one else received the welcome home that Vietnam Vets got. I was spit on and called a "baby killer" in Atlantas Hartsfield Airport.    Fortunately our current Troops and Vets dont have that to contend with!

Everybody have a great Holiday with friends and family......that is what will make these Veterans Happy!!!  And I might add that the USofA is the greatest country on the face of the earth!!!!!!!!!!!!  Honor those who fought to make and keep it that way.
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495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for my freedom~
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Avatar universal
Bump this for the Monday Holiday.........lest we forget how our country came to be. And what is required to keep our country. We owe many people through the ages for the right to live in freedom.  Have a great holiday - -
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495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
I will be taking a trip to the cemetary tomorrow to pay my respects.  The Avenue of Flags just takes my breath away~
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Avatar universal
Well put, all of you.  Thank you to the men and women and families who sacrifice so much. More than I can ever imagine. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
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Avatar universal
lets bump this for the Monday Holiday!
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Avatar universal
Memorial Day Parades arent until Monday - - bump for the night
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Avatar universal
Hi Eagle.. I Pray that " And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call war insane,' This is happening for you..  Thank you for you Sacrifices and Thank you to the many other Men/Women.. Our Flag is waving Proudly.. lesa
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4522800 tn?1470325834
AMEN Sarah..I just get all teared up on the commercial about that..Do you know which one..It is so so good!! The one with the Kid in the coffee shop with the Young and then the Older Vet! Oh that one gets to me in a good way every time!
Bless them All!!!
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495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
It was very hard times during the Vietnam War.  So much hate and protesting.  I remember the protestors by the base and comments even made to us kids on our way to school.  They thought they were doing the right thing but they didnt understand that they could protest cuz of the ones who sacrificed their lives for our country.  They didnt have a real grasp on freedom at that time.  I remember when my best friends dad died.  Her 2 brothers were in Vietnam.  They came home for the funeral and my dad and our neighbor(Korean vet) walked over to them and shook their hands, gave their condolences and thanked them for serving our country.  Military runs thru my blood as i lived it all my life.  If you see someone not standing, not taking off their cap or not putting their hand over their heart it is me who will walk up to them and kindly ask them to respect our flag and our servicemen both past and present.
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4522800 tn?1470325834
Hey Nice Post!! I two have lost many to these Wars. Like a Uncle in the Korean & many, many Friends in Vietnam. I have relatives that are still in service too!! This day should be looked at as the biggest most important day of the Year!! Because with out all the Men & Women who fought for the Country, We might not be on here right now!!
Oh The Guns & Rifles..Alot of Hunters where I live..I have many Rifles too! But I Love my Critters and so we Do Not Hunt!! If we needed it right now to Survive then Yes. But thanks to these People who have fought... I still can drive, work, have fun and go to the stores..Ya!!!!
God Bless America!!!!
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Avatar universal
Sara - - My TI in basic in 1969 continually drummed one thing into us......We only give you a pistol in order for you to fight your way back to your rifle, which you should never have been separated from in the first place!!!!!

Have to tell ya - - ya get out a Colt model 1911 - preferably a lightweight combat commander - -  and we could have a good time!!  

Thank you sara, for your fathers service and for experiencing those tender young experiences during a war that few understood - -  It was very hard on many entire families.
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Avatar universal
Thank You!  
Unable to finish reading this thread for the tears.  Thank You for posting!
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Avatar universal
eagle.....you better what out...a sara smackdown is headed your way.. or she  will shoot your antennas off......oh my sara. when i read what you wrote about the antennas i laughed out loud.
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495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
Remember the antennas they had on cars?  My dad and i used to go best of 5 to see who could hit the antenna with a bb gun.  I beat him everytime!!!
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Avatar universal
Sara - gun control is being able to hit what you shoot at!! I have no doubt that you would give me a run for my money with a wheelgun.......eagle
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495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
I remember living on the military base, Lawton Okla. 1967.  I remember the times the big black car pulled up and 2 men always got out and walked up to someone's trailer.  It was never good news.  On a brighter note the ice cream truck came thru 2 times a week, he was such a friendly guy and loved us military kids.  We also had a park, just for us...Dodo Park.  The peacocks were friendly and would fan their magnificent feathers out for us.  We shopped at Piggly Wiggly where the carry out guy would tell us in his southern accent, Y'all come back now!  I also met Ronald McDonald and got a balloon from him as they had just opened one up in that town.  I experienced all of this becuz of all of you, the veterans, who fought to keep us free~

eagle..I can still shoot a mean .357!!!
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