That little radio report made myself look back at what I posted last year and I found that it went to some extent to try to remedy what I recently heard.
So since my thought's and heart have not changed toward our Military be they fallen, Veterans or current I wish to repost last years message in the hope that in doing so I have done my part as little as it may be to reach those mentioned above,,,,,
To those of you that have never attended a funeral for a fallen U.S. Military Service Member be they current or veteran you may not appreciate why this day is forever embedded in the hearts, minds and souls to those that have and many, many patriots as well.
The honors displayed for the valiant souls at these solemn occasions is not only deserving but extremely moving as every possible emotion known to mankind is stirred and brought to the surface, including that of patriotism reaching unbelievable levels.
Although patriotism is an honorable virtue and emotions natural, it is my sincere wish that you never have to endure the pain that comes with such a loss, not only to your family but that of an entire nation.
The loss of one is a loss to all, never doubt that.
From the Colonial Army and Navy to today's worlds greatest fighting force known to mankind, that being the modern United States Armed Forces; U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corp. and U.S. Coast Guard. These folks are your neighbors, friends and family that have defended this nation in the truest form; life and limb with the utmost bravery along with their families sacrifice as well.
I and many in this nation have had the unfortunate experience of attending such a send-off as mentioned above to those who have served this entire nation valiantly and with honor.
The following is a piece titled 'Taps' which is played at such solemn occasions, but this is the full version played by a young lass which many are not aware of existing, being the abbreviated version is what the Military utilizes.I do not mind saying that every time I hear 'Taps' no matter the length or version it produces tears and rips at my heart and soul as I remember not only my father but all those who have fought for freedom in defense of our nation.
Officially,,,,,,,
34 comments:
beautiful piece Chris...Blessed holiday weekend my friend! (hugs)
Perfection!
Many hugs back Angel and may this holiday and all days be Blessed as well! 8-)
Hi Supi, That is high praise and thank you but I wish too divert it to our standing military for I am unworthy of the terminology. If it not for them we could not communicate as we are now and on God's Earth I call that closest to perfection.
Hi Supi, I am not sure where you direct that but would assume the young Lass.That is standing military for they are worthy of the terminology. If it not for them we could not communicate as we are now and on God's Earth I call that closest to perfection.high praise and she doe indeed deserve it but I wish too divert that praise to our
Hi Supi, I am not sure where you direct that but would assume the young Lass.That is high praise and she doe indeed deserve it but I wish too divert that praise to our standing military for they are worthy of the terminology. If it not for them we could not communicate as we are now and on God's Earth I call that closest to perfection.
Nice message, Christopher.
My son and I were hitting golfballs at the Air Force Academy a few days before graduation, and the thunderbirds were practicing. Some old geezers were cheering as they watched the planes. I dropped my club and looked up with tears in my eyes. If you've ever been in a mortar attack and then heard those 16' s screaming through the sky, cutting the air, raining down fire and steel on the bad guys as you ingest the cordite, it's just an amazing thing.
I flew various times with flag draped coffins, and often stood at attention on the flightline as they put them on the plane. It still hits me. My tour over there was a lark, flying around and fixing radio systems was a blast, but others did the grim work of actual combat and came home wounded or in a box.
God bless those who have fought and died for America, and please say a prayer for those now deployed and for their families
Your son is a very fortunate soul to have you around Silver be it golf balls or just talking and please let him know I said this as I mean it.
We can replace 'things' but not humans and most especially deployed troops and veterans.
I so thank God for whom my parents were especially on this occasion being my Dad was a U.S. Army Master Sergent and he ingrained this holiday into my being from day one with my Mothers blessing.
Beautiful post, Christopher, thanks.
Yeah, everyone thinks Memorial Day is simply a day to grill hamburgers and hot dogs and hit the pool.
Oh, and GO AIR FORCE!!!
Thanks Karen as it is heart-felt and thank you for adding to it 8-)
I really have no problem with enjoying the day with food and drinks so long as ALL remember why we celebrate those that gave of this right or better said protected it, God Bless them all.
Quasi Army brat here but love'em all so GO ARMY, NAVY, MARINES, AIR FORCE and COAST GUARD!!!!!! 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Great post. Nothing else needs to be said.
Thank you Trestin as your word's are very kind but I believe there is much more to be said if what I heard on the radio remains to be true.
You've made an interesting point about mlitary funerals.
When I was quite young, I attended the military funeral of my Uncle Bill, who had served in the infantry in WW1 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His widow, of course, was presented with the flag; she turned to me and handed me the cloth triangle. I still remember her words, even though my uncle's funeral was over 50 years ago: "Keep this forever."
As I look back in my mind's eye to that day, I can see that Uncle Bill's funeral planted in my heart the seed of patriotism -- real patriotism.
On 9/11, I removed my Uncle Bill's flag from the cedar chest and flew it for several weeks from my front porch. You see, debris from the Pentagon flew all over Arlington National Cemetery, and some landed on my Uncle Bill's grave. Somehow, flying that flag gave me such comfort -- and, yes, determination to do something of my own to serve America.
Anyway, I believe that every American should attend a military funeral to see what the ceremony means. Watching on video is nothing like being there in person, believe me. That 21 gun salute stirs the heart and the soul.
A sincere THANK YOU to your Uncle Bill for his service and also for your family's sacrifice.
I share with you the inadequacy of feeling it possible to express the sacrifice that so few will acknowledge today. I did not realize "Taps" had a longer version. What a beautiful video.
Hi Maggie, It is shame that we as a Nation limit the recognition of those who have served our country and fallen with honor to just one day.
If all American's were to keep their memories alive and the reason why we do so, like all those associated with this site (see the sidebar to the left) including yourself, I believe we all would be better for it and our country as a whole.
thanks, Christopher; wonderful tribute. You make such sense and, of course, people have forgotten the true meaning of this Memorial Day or they'd not say "have a HAPPY Memorial Day", which kind of puzzles me!
It's a mindful day, a somber day, a day of remembering and gratitute....it's HAPPY if we find a mattress on sale or when friends come for burgers.........right?
Thank you Z for keeping it real.
p.s., The actual posting time of my post is strange to me as I posted yesterday and not since then? Must be Google (Blogger) as I still have trouble signing in?
This is what I think it's all about:
"That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." -- A. Lincoln
Thank you Eurip for quoting President Lincoln as it is more than appropriate 8-) :) 8-)
A very moving post. And the full version of Taps in your first embedded video is even more mving than the short, commonly known version. I'd never heard this version before.
Thanks Christopher for trying to get people to think about what the day really means.
Thank you for doing the very same Dean; http://nonsensibleshoes.blogspot.com/2011/05/memorial-day.html
It is most special to me being we share Canadian blood that you do so and I salute you for it my friend,,,,,
A reminder of those whom have fallen and what this day really means is always worth a 2nd look at a classic post from you, Christopher.
You honor them well! :)
Thank you Mark as I try every day to honor not only the fallen who protected this right to speak but also those who continue to do so as I know you do as well. 8-)
You use the word 'classic' and I hope that is in a good way *DONT_KNOW* ,,lol,,as it is just from my heart that I have had for some 46 years now and have no plans to replace it.
p.s., Thank you again for your word's on your post! :)
They will survive in the hearts of Americans always.
LOL 'Classic' =With the utmost respect, my friends. With the utmost respect! :)
A Beautiful Post~Thank You Christopher
Nice post.
Fwiw -The words of Taps are:
Day Is Done,
Gone the Sun,
From the Earth,
From the Hill,
From the Sky,
All Is Well,
Safely Rest,
God Is Nigh
What strikes me is - We can't imagine the sacrifice from such a small percentage of our population - 3 million in the military? That's one percent. Incredibe what they do and unimaginable what they endure.
Kid, Thank you.
If one thinks about it or knows as I do ': A Soldier, Airmen or say a Marine, it is quite obvious as to why they do as they do.
If one looks at real history they will find that only 1/3 of the total colonialists supported the revolution yet we won. Sure there was help but as the saying goes "all politics are local".
Put together there can no longer be a question.
Beyond any doubt to to be sure Odie,,,Welcome Home as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vise/Versa 8-)
Kind word's Joe but I will reserve them for those that serve as they need them most. 8-)
You are a stand-up Patriot and I applaud you for being so :)
Thank You Chris, this was a wonderful end to my day. I listened to Taps every evening for the better part of 11 years and it always raises an emotion inside me that is at times, difficult to control. It's not the music that does it, it's the understanding of what so many before me had gone through to see this nation become the shining city on the hill that JFK talked about. Thanks for this post today my Friend, it meant a lot to me. For the folks who don't know why this day is important I will leave you with this thought that I first read above the door to munitions maintenance building on K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base Michigan. "You have never lived until you have almost died, and for those who have, Life has a flavor the protected will never know".
Thank you Brian, the quote you share speaks volumes,,,,,,
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