Memorial Day

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KarenZ
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Memorial Day

Postby KarenZ » Mon May 28, 2007 1:07 pm

Folks,

Today is one of those days when I find it even harder to read the newspaper than most other days. Too many personal stories of families who have lost sons and daughters, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers....while serving our country. I feel so small complaining about anything. Please take a moment to give thanks for those in the military and offer a prayer for families and friends who have suffered loss. If you have suffered a loss yourself, my sincere sympathy.

I think I'll start a Song of the Week for Kiss the Sun - A Song for Pat Tillman. I think it's a good idea to revisit the song today and this week.

KarenZ
"Some people are born to make great art and others are born to appreciate it. It is a kind of talent in itself, to be an audience, whether you are the spectator in the gallery or you are listening to the voice of the world's greatest soprano. Not everyone can be the artist. There have to be those who witness the art, who love and appreciate what they have been privileged to see." -- Ann Patchett in Bel Canto.

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Postby mm » Mon May 28, 2007 10:00 pm

Karen, thanks for starting the topic.
I attended my town's annual Memorial Day parade this morning (which Sue Ellen got to experience last year), and it always is sobering and bonding. I watched the older veterans, who would have been my dad's colleagues, and the pride with which they marched....how much it means to them to display their patriotism, as it would have to my father, a former Coast Guard member in WWII, whose cutter, the Bibb, was responsible for saving hundreds of lives during an escort of some merchant ships, one taking enemy fire and sinking. My father was so proud of his role and those of his brethren and the cause they represented. Today, we heard from town police sergeant Lonchiatis, a young man whose father died 31 years ago on the beat during a bizarre routine traffic stop in which he was shot. This young man has followed in his father's police footsteps, and as well entered the reserves, having just come home from Iraq. He kept his comments well aware that there are differing opinions on this current war and its roots and reasons, but re-iterated that the support to those serving is vital, and how precious our freedoms truly are. We can all agree on that. He thanked our town for all the support and love shown to his family over the years. He said he was more nervous being asked to speak in front of our town today than being called to Iraq. I feel humbled, and of course fought the tears as a lone high school band member solemnly played Taps, standing close by the stand of speakers, then a second student further off, repeating the song like a quiet echo. Three fighter jets flew overhead as they do every year.

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Sue Ellen
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Postby Sue Ellen » Tue May 29, 2007 6:58 am

The Washington Post has been running some excellent articles on the deep layers of impact on those serving in the war, and on their lives and families and friends here at home.

A LONG TIME GONE, Sunday May 28, 2007 explores the impact of the extended tour of Minnesota Guardsmen. This article not only highlights the service and sacrifice of those serving in the military, but the service and sacrifice of their families. I think it is this article that states that only 1% of American families have an immediate family member in the war, and only 5% of American families have an extended family member, friend or neighbor serving there.
"...I implore you, I entreat you, I challenge you to speak with conviction, to say what you believe, in a manner that bespeaks the determination with which you believe it, because contrary to the wisdom of the bumper sticker, it is not enough these days to "question" authority, you have to speak with it, too."
Taylor Mali, "Like, You Know?"

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KarenZ
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Postby KarenZ » Tue May 29, 2007 1:21 pm

Folks,

Yesterday's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had an unusual editorial that used the words of Shakespeare from "Henry V" to commemorate Memorial Day. I had no idea that the term band of brothers was from Shakespeare.

these words have never been equaled in capturing the spirit and courage of all patriotic warriors

Band of brothers: Immortal words to honor the warriors. - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - May 28, 2007

KarenZ
"Some people are born to make great art and others are born to appreciate it. It is a kind of talent in itself, to be an audience, whether you are the spectator in the gallery or you are listening to the voice of the world's greatest soprano. Not everyone can be the artist. There have to be those who witness the art, who love and appreciate what they have been privileged to see." -- Ann Patchett in Bel Canto.

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Sue Ellen
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Postby Sue Ellen » Wed May 30, 2007 12:08 pm

I hear from my cousin that it was 114 degrees just outside Falujah yesterday and they haven't even felt the full brunt of summer yet. My aunt says chapstick and handwipes (water is in short supply) are useful, if anyone has a yen to support our troops in that way.

Sue Ellen
"...I implore you, I entreat you, I challenge you to speak with conviction, to say what you believe, in a manner that bespeaks the determination with which you believe it, because contrary to the wisdom of the bumper sticker, it is not enough these days to "question" authority, you have to speak with it, too."
Taylor Mali, "Like, You Know?"


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