I’m not worthy
I joined during VN, and retired after Desert Storm. Brother, that you joined is, in itself, justification for saying thank you. We wrote that ultimate blank check, and luckily we’re still here. Do not forget, that check has no expiration date. We swore to support and defend the Constitution, and that was for life.
Service is service. You were away from family and loved ones and >potentially< putting yourself in harms way, so from those of us who couldn’t serve it still deserves a measure of our respect.
Posted by TimO
05/25/2012 at 08:02 PM
Certainly true cmblake6. And I’ve taken that oath twice. Had to take it again when the Postal Service hired me. I take it seriously to this day. But, unlike my friend flapjawman, and his wife, I was enlisted. The gov’t couldn’t call me back after 9/11. Believe me, I wish they could have, and would have. But they did recall flapjawman and his wife, both of whom are officers, and both of whom had retired and married each other. We were at the wedding reception. (’We’ being myself and my wife.) I know his wife did at least one tour in Iraq, possibly two. Flapjawman also did at least one tour in Iraq, and I know he’s done two tours in Afghanistan. As far as I know, the family (children included) are currently at an unknown (to me) base in Germany. Both are awaiting reassignment.
But I stand by my previous statement. Memorial Day is not for us who
wrote that ultimate blank check, and luckily we’re still here.
No. They (whoever ‘they’ are/were) made a separate day for guys and girls like you and me: Veteran’s Day. Sunday, November 11th this year.
Also, and I don’t know how widespread this is. But, based you what years you served, you might qualify for a relatively new ribbon: Cold War Veteran. This may also include VA benefits. My years fall within that range. I’ve certainly been using basic VA medical since I’ve been unemployed. I suppose that one of these days I’ll apply for my ribbon. Beats me when I’d wear it. I can’t fit into any of my old uniforms.
Yeah? You’ll hear my “thank you” and like it, sailor. You too, Cmblake6.
I thank every person I meet who has served or is serving - every single chance I get.
In case you don’t know it, that was MY ass (among others) that you were protecting. And I’m rather grateful.
Thank you all.
Yeah? You’ll hear my “thank you” and like it, sailor.
I hope you don’t mind if I quote this on my Facebook page. Several have said the same thing, but nobody ordered me like that.
Yes, I do like it. I’m just trying to keep the distinction between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. And believe me, if the Navy would take me back, I’ll be happy to do it again.
This ex-sailor saluted you!
Quote me all you want!
I understood your intention, Chris, and - my jesting nature notwithstanding - I completely respect it. I just had to let you know that there’s plenty of thanks left for you anyway, even when its not Veterans Day.
Christopher,
Like it or not, all veterans will be thanked on Memorial Day - because those who have benefited from our decision to pay the ultimate price in defending their freedom and liberty are grateful. They choose do thank us; we soldiers, sailor, airmen, and marines who are visible and able to receive their thanks.
Those who have paid the ultimate price, be it life or limb, will be honored by those who remember their sacrifice. When you lower your flag to half-staff on Monday - you honor them. When you salute the flag during your cities parade - you honor them. When you silently pray and thank them for their sacrifice - you honor them.
So, hoist your drink in remembrance of your fallen father, uncle, brother, cousin, wife, sister, niece, and aunt. Remember their sacrifice to keep this nation free and strong. And at the end of the day, shed your tears openly as taps is played for the fallen.
I understand how you feel. I too spent 6 yrs in Uncle Sam’s Canoe Club and did nothing more dangerous than removing a R-390-A from an equipment bay, put it on a cart, and roll it to the shop to begin repairs. It actually angers me when family and friends make a special effort to thank me on Memorial Day. This day is for those that gave “[T]he last full measure of devotion”, not for shlubs like me. Many in my rating DID see combat and some were lost (USS Pueblo and USS Liberty), but by and large we were shore whores.
Nov 11th is the day to remember ALL veterans.
Thanks for agreeing Corsair. My friend flapjawman also thought my post was good and the distinction was important to make.
Having said that though, I’ve got my orders from ‘ooGcM taobmaetS’:
You’ll hear my “thank you” and like it, sailor.
In some ways, my oath still holds. I’ll take orders from the public, as long as they don’t violate my oath. I’ll obey this one. In fact, I’m thinking of heading to the garage, picking out a nice piece of wood, dragging out my router, and engraving that quote, along with the date, and who gave it. Then I’ll hang it in my library. One of the nicest orders I’ve been given since my Honorable Discharge. Other than some orders my wife has given me. But this is not a porn site, so I won’t repeat those.
So since you are all quibbling over whom to Thank - On Monday please remember Army Air Cadet Carl Geoffrey Stridsberg - my uncle - who died in a plane crash in Aug of 1942.
I will only say I back those who thank all Veterans on Memorial Day - for at least they are close to it’s actual meaning than those who don’t have a clue - ‘like, the first day of summer vacay - you know, like isn’t that it?!?’
I will be at the cemetery again this Memorial Day - since I seem to be the last member of the family who gives a damn. And I didn’t even know him at all, ever.
I wouldn’t call it ‘quibbling’. I’m honestly embarrassed when people thank me on Memorial Day.
But I’ve got my orders from ‘ooGcM taobmaetS’. And I am going to engrave those orders. Picked out a nice piece of wood yesterday. Dug out the router–it still works. Checked my router bits–still have a sharp (very sharp, I cut myself on it) straight bit, perfect for engraving letters. Now, if Mr/Mrs/Miss ooGcM taobmaetS would contact me privately with a real last name, that would help. ooGcM taobmaetS is going to be difficult to engrave. If ooGcM taobmaetS doesn’t know how to contact me through BMEWS, get hold of Drew or peiper. Both of them know how to get messages to me. Don’t need your email address, just a last name and the proper ‘honorific’ to use.
Tomorrow I’ll post my Memorial Day tribute. I’ve had it ready for over a month. Just for peiper’s peace of mind, this will be a serious post. Nothing like my Valentine’s Day post.
