What is Memorial Day?

[LLogann]

These days young people call it a day off, but seem to not realize what it really is.  Meanwhile hundreds of American families go abroad, to Europe, some to the south Pacific, to go to a cemetery, to visit a person that their children never knew, never will............. Over 73,000 American soldiers are buried in Europe.  In places like Belgium, Norway, Luxembourg, France and England.  30 years ago I went to Europe with my family.... I was young, I didn't fully understand.  The funny part about that is my family members died in the Pacific, but we go to Belgium, to the Ardennes:


We go there because of my Uncle John Courtney's only friend got stuck out there, died out there and had no family.  We go there and put a wreath on his grave.... Nobody else will.  Silly?  I guess it depends how you understand this holiday we have coming up.  


What does Memorial Day mean to you?

These days, out of all the souls I could reflect on, and remember, I remember Staff Sgt. Ryan Means, US Army, Green Berets.  

Far after any type of career working as a civi for the USN, I started my current job... Where I met Ryan Means.  He was a sales guy, had a 6 figure salary, handsome, had it all.  Then, 9/11 happened.  He volunteered for the Army, took the SF test and passed with flying colors, at the age of 31.  (1 year younger than the cut off)  He became a Green Beret.  He had served in Iraq for about 8 months before he got sick.  They sent him to Hamburg.  

He had cancer.  He came home.  He died in New York City.  He passed Tuesday, July 7th, year of our Lord 2009, holding his newborn baby with his wife by his side.

This is what Memorial Day means to me.  What does Memorial Day mean to you?

My Uncle....


Staff Sgt. Ryan Means....


He is Buried at Arlington:
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/rpmeans.htm

This is a weekend I am going to shed a few tears.  I don't want to be the only one.  Let me know I'm not alone....  What does Memorial Day mean to you?
































What does Memorial Day mean to you?

(I'm traveling through Monday)  

[Rash]

My moms brother.  All I heard is he started in North Africa.  He's on the right.  Family reunion in two weeks.  I will try and learn more.  He was one of my favorite Uncles growing up.  He passed in 1986.

[Rash]

oops

[guncrasher]

my uncle who moved to the U.S. and was drafted one year later, his mother got a letter soon after boot camp, she never heard from him again. and 2 other uncles on other side of the family, who were called to fight in the German navy, they had never been to Germany before, they also never came back, nobody knows what happened to them.

and my gf's grandpa who was an f6f pilot.  and my brother who was in desert storm.  and my nephew who just enlisted in the AF.

semp

[pipz]

LLogann.....I found this link.

http://www.sophieandelizabeth.com/ryanmeans/

[Blooz]

The end of the fearful slaughter in which Americans killed Americans wholesale for four years.


The end of the American Civil War.

[Penguin]

Memorial day is a reminder of the horrors of war, and a caution against engaging in it without severe and direct provocation (e.g. invasion, bombing, genocide).  Along with that, it serves as a warning to all those who wish to join the military.  It serves as a day of remembrance for all those who died in the carnage.

 
-Penguin

[badhorse]

I honor the memory of all who served. From the unnamed farmer that took his musket in hand to fight the British to the young lady down the block that just joined to get an education. Everyone who served over the years did their part in making our country what it is.
For even with its faults, it is the best country in the world.

 

[SFRT - Frenchy]

To me, memorial day is the reason why there's an American flag at the top of that pole. 

[redman555]

Memorial day is the same as any other day to me. The reason? Because I thank every vet for serving every day if I see one. I always and will always have respect for those that serve or have served.
 


-BigBOBCH

[Maverick]

Memorial day is for remembering those who gave all of their tomorrows so we can have our todays living free in this country.

Specifically for me, Dad, Uncle, multiple cousins and absent friends.
Rest in peace.
 

[TOMCAT21]

LLogan, you saved me the work of making a post of this. The story behind memorial day as a holiday is a lost concept. Most look at it as a day or two off. Before I dismissed my platoon Thursday for the long weekend, I instructed all of them ( most are new) to go to Battalion and look at the pictures of the 6 soldiers we lost last year in Afghanistan, including a soldier , whose passing, was only a year ago. My arm isn't big enough to fit memorial bracelets for all those who have been lost. I keep in my memories and in my head. I still weep for them all and will do so until I pass. Both of my late uncles were both vets as well.

[flight17]

My Grandpa

He served in the navy During WWII. He was an gunners mate on the Earl K Olsen and on another ship that was a destroyer minesweep which i can not remember the name or number. While serving he recieved a purple heart. He left the navy after the war after serving four years i believe. He also had two brothers that served 20+ years.

He died last Thursday.

George Warren Pinkerton, 84, of Big Beaver Boro, passed away Thursday, May 19, 2011.

Born March 28, 1927, in Christiana, PA, he was a son of the late Frank and Martha (Knott) Pinkerton. He was a World War II veteran of the United States Navy having received a Purple Heart. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Beaver Falls, where he served as a trustee and Pastoral Parish Relations Committee Chairman. He was a retired charter member of the Big Beaver Boro Volunteer Fire Dept. where he served for over 60 years, having held offices as president, treasurer and chairman of multiple committees including the carnival, 20-20 Club Picnic, breakfast, dinner, calendar committees and co-founder of Jr. Firemen.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Catherine (Brenzo) Pinkerton, Big Beaver Boro; four children and their spouses, John and Autumn Pinkerton, Big Beaver Boro; Tom Pinkerton, Big Beaver Boro; Nancy Bressler, Hollywood, MD; Jeff and Cheryl Pinkerton, Big Beaver Boro; seven grandchildren, Bethany, Eric, Tyler, Justin, Ashton, Caitlyn and Megan; one great-grandchild, Kaci, and a sister, Alice Nickel, Christiana, PA.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers and four sisters.

[FiLtH]

 Best thread Ive seen on here for quite awhile! <S>

[F22RaptorDude]

M great grandfather served on the European front in World War II was going to get his stories on tape but he passed before I could. He Died 2 years ago to colon cancer but left me his WWII Veterans hat.