Funny..... many who will celebrate this weekend will do so by camping, cookouts, drinking till they can't anymore... having a good time! The official start of summer. Perhaps I used to join in too readily with that crowd. But after my son served in the army and did 2 tours over in Iraq, this holiday means so much more to me than before. You see he had a buddy killed by an IED while they were out escorting convoys. That kid was a son to one of my classmates when I was in high school many years ago. Now today.... this weekend...I'll quietly reflect on the time the phone rang at 2 am and it was my son. Calling from Iraq. He told me he was ok but they got Ben. I said what do you mean , captured? No killed. My son .... a full grown man... fighting to defend freedom in a far off land.... a brave soldier, but still needed to share with his dad something that scared him. I'll go to the cemetery and kneel by that kids grave, perhaps my son may go too if he can find time to get away from his young family. There I thank God for the men like Ben Slaven and so many others. Men and women I never knew. Who gave all so we can have freedom. The word Freedom...... ironic in its spelling....what it means, what it represents. But Freedom is never free, someone... perhaps in a different time other than the present (past or future).... someone always wants to take it away.

Frankly I can't wait till its over. To many people racing around with they boats alcohol infused and music blaring. It should be renamed national BBQ day. i stay home ( on my boat ) during this time as I don't like the whole " thanks for your services "stuff less so from folks who just babble it because of the date.

That's fine and dandy scuba , what about the rest of us that know , and still wanta say thanks and truly mean it . vets and there families have made huge sacrifices for this nation and other nations as well . that my friends is thanks worthy 365 days a year , not just this given day !

Thank You scuba .

Catman you just put my day in perspective.

While I served I lost my best friend standing right next to me.

Don't let it harden your son as it did me.

Thanks

Sorry scuba 1 for your inability to relise that some of us actually like to give thanks for our fallen comrades I know it’s and inconvenience for you to have to put up with the likes of us!

Pretty much amateur weekend here also.

Thanks for this thread, and if those pics don't make you swallow hard, and fight back tears, your either unAmerican or dead inside.

I will bow my head and thank my Uncle and cousin for their sacrifice.

Yep

My dad was the Commander of both the VFW and the American Legion, so every Memorial Day I was at Custer Battlefield or the Battle of the Little Big Horn to try being politically correct, helping out throughout the day or weekend with what ever dad needed help with.
I miss my dad and oldest brother and a cousin I stop by to say hello every chance I get they have a great view of the cemetery and were laid to rest with many friends past military and civilian.
Thank you for your service to all past & present military personnel.
Allan

Amazing your ability to take something that's not about you at all, and make it all about you.

Those pics put it in perspective.

Thanks Catman

It makes me sick that some folks don't know or don't care what it's really for