saltwind 78 Loc: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Memorial Day is on Monday. This is a good opportunity to thank all those vets that served in our armed forces, so that we could live our lives in freedom and peace. I especially like to thank those families that gave up a loved one for our nation.

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

Amen Amen Amen

EmilyD

Ditto Ditto Ditto

Trooper745 Loc: Carolina

I fully agree with your comments, and I would add a sincere thanks to the spouses that supported their service. My thoughts and sincere prayers go out to the family members who care for and support those of the military who came home with both visible and invisible wounds.

Although I enjoy the good-natured ribbing between the branches, I have great respect and appreciation for every man and woman who "signed on the dotted line" and wore the uniforms of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines.

Thank you, and Semper Fidelis to all.

son of witless

Thank you.

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

I can't add to this picture!

teabag09

Trooper, while I agree 100% with you, don't forget the Merchant Marine. Without us you wouldn't eat, be clothed or have bullets to fight with. Happy Memorial Day to all. Take a moment and say a prayer for our troops of all stripes. Mike

Trooper745 Loc: Carolina

I overlooked some very brave men, Mike, and I sincerely apologize!

Michael Rich Loc: Lapine Oregon

Yes indeed..

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Thank you, Salty 78. I return the thanks to you, fellow Vet. You epitomize all that is an American patriot.

Floyd Brown Loc: Milwaukee WI

Wars have been & always will be hell.

But I am not in agreement that putting your life on the line to fight for the economic gains of others makes a person a Patriot.

What makes a solder a hero & a person to be respected is in the code of honor that each of them bring to each other.
It is on the field of battle that the caring & respect for each other brings out the best in each other.

As I see it my time in the Army only pointe out that it was the very few that were face with fighting on the front lines.
I was drafted. I participated I don't consider my self a Patriot.
I sat behind a desk & only played war games a couple of times.
I didn't shoot to kill as much as I shot to discourage advancement.
It was about fire power. Or noise as they were blanks.
It was clear to me that I & those around me would have to depend on each other to survive.

The figure that comes to mind is: only 1 in 9 actually were on the front lines.
There was risked for others. But in lesser ways. But with the ultimate sacrifice.

To the one in nine go the praises. Because they were hero's for each other.
A bond that only a few really have.

ldsuttonjr Loc: ShangriLa

For those who fight for it, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know. -- L/Cpl Edwin L. "Tim" Craft, B Co 3rd AT's, Khe Sanh Combat Base, February, 1968

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I was speaking not only to Saltwind 78's service, but to the quality of his thoughts & input on the forum. IMO, he warrants the label of Patriot.

Mike Easterday

As a Vet myself , THANKS! Families of the fallen should be remembered also!

Floyd Brown Loc: Milwaukee WI

You are a fine & moral person & a true friend to have.
I had some misgivings putting my thoughts down to you on this issue in the way I did.
In no way did I or would I consider my self a Patriot.
It was not with disrespect intended for any one that I wrote down my words.
But I do stand on the issue that serving together in the military builds the best bonds that can be between people.
To fight & possibly die beside others is the true test of caring for another.
It belongs along side the bonds of marriage.

Any one you grant friendship to is a deserving person in my eyes also.

But so many on this site pledge their patriotism & to me that speaks of a hollowness.
We as a Nation of Individuals are greatly divided.
Divided on important issues that have to do with the course we are on as a Nation.
People on both sides of important issues claim to be Patriots.

Most people have a hard time putting thoughts down on paper.
As I have opened up on issues & my thoughts on those issues It has been easier to do.
I may have become to easy to put down my thoughts & I do feel that I over do it.

I just have to much time to fill in a day,
Sharing it with others on his site is like a magnet drawing me in.