Although my present political views are highly controversial, I am not ungrateful to the men who have lossed their lives to furnish my freedom. I wanted to take this moment to remember the ultimate sacrifice that so many have given. To those who gave, The Last Full Measure of Liberty, and to the wifes and children that endured the loss of a loved one--from my family to yours--THANK YOU ! The Rosen Family.

-- Joel Rosen (Joel681@webtv.net), May 29, 2000

Answers

I too, remember and thank those who gave the ultimate, their lives, for the freedom that we have today.

I also remember and thank all veterans who gave of their time, not just time serving, but time away from their families and loved ones. I thank the loved ones of the veterans for sharing their soldier for the betterment of all.

On this day of rememberance I also remember all who have gone to their graves, whether it be loved ones, friends, mere acquaintances, or those who are now just names on stones.

I wrote more on the subject yesterday. It can be found on the Backwoods Home Magazine Forum at: http://www.backwoodshome.com/forums/genforum.cgi?read=31760

Thank you Joel for reminding us of the ultimate sacrifice. I do remember.

-- greenbeanman (greenbeanman@ourtownusa.net), May 29, 2000.

The purpose of Memorial Day is too often overlooked--drowned out by sales, vacations, parties, and "kicking off the summer", not to mention school ending and graduation ceremonies. We should all be grateful every day for the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, and we should be extra mindful of those who lost their lives defending liberty for future generations.

Memorial Day was never a big celebration in our home when I was growing up. My father was a 1939 graduate of Capital Hill High School in Oklahoma City. Nearly all of the boys in his graduating class were killed in World War II. For him, it was always a day of sorrow. I think it was also a day of guilt. I think he felt guilty for surviving the war when so many of his friends didn't. He served in the Army, but was never sent overseas, so was never really put into harm's way. He always credited my mother for saving his life. He had wanted to rush out and join the Army when his friends did, but he and mother were newly married and she begged him not to go, but to wait for the draft. He did. He lived. Most of the others didn't.

-- Green (ratdogs10@yahoo.com), May 29, 2000.

Joel, thank you for posting this.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), May 29, 2000.

Joel, Allow me to remind you, not only men lose their lives in war. Kim

-- kim (fleece@eritter.net), May 29, 2000.

Very classy, Joel. In memory of my late Father, and Uncles who served, I am ashamed not to have thought of such a post. Bravo.

-- Kathy (catfish@bestweb.net), May 29, 2000.

Amen...

We had a special blessing at tonight's table for those who fought, and especially for those (and also to their families) who died for us. It is an especially sobering moment to reflect on that enormous personal sacrifice that others made for us, so we could still carry on. I am continually amazed, and as I get older and wiser, I reflect on this more and more. May we continue to remember those men and women who gave so much, and who never even lived to see the results of their endeavors. How incredibly unselfish.

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), May 29, 2000.

I expressed my appreciation to my in-house veteran today, and saluted Uncle Harry's picture as I passed by (Germany '44). Pop helped place flags on the graves in the local cemetaries yesterday, and Jes and I were in with flowers today in time for the playing of taps.

I applaud all those who have served our country, in war or in peace time. Ladies and gentlemen, your courage and self-sacrifice have not gone unnoticed. From a grateful citizen of a free nation, Thank-you.

-- Polly (tigger@moultrie.com), May 29, 2000.

My children and their 4-H club always participate in the local Memorial Day parade and memorial service. It is always very moving. I thought about all the small towns around the country gathered together in the cemetaries to remember those who bravely defended our country. Far from the media and big government... Patriotism is still alive in the small towns of America!

-- Jean (schiszik@tbcnet.com), May 30, 2000.

Joel, your message was pure class. Thanks a lot. I lost a brother in Korea when I was a little kid. I spent 21 years in the military myself, back during Nam days. I don't know. If I had known what I know now, I might have been one of the demonstrators. There were some wonderful guys (and female soldiers) in Nam but we had some really sorry leaders (politians) in D.C. Well, it was a long time ago and no need to rehash it now. Thanks again for the classy post. Eagle

-- eagle (eagle@alpha1.net), June 03, 2000.

Goodbye, Brave Soul, our dreams are buried with you ! This romance goes down with foolish pride !

-- Joel Rosen (Joel681@webtv.net), June 04, 2000.