I don't have any to list to remember.
However as I went to start a new thread on "in Memoriam" I found yours, and hope what i have to offer adds, and is not seen as a hijack, for that would sadden me.

Today I did, at my hometown memoriam, that which I have not in 20 years.
I played Taps.
I played the Echo taps, on My instrument, a baritone horn, not a bugle or trumpet.

I did this for years for my town, but as life moved on, so did their need for me, and the chance for other young musicians to do the same was granted to them.

I have not played my horn in 19 years, and only practiced Taps because last year I was saddend when no one was available to play the last call. So this year I was asked to be on stand by, and then to play echo, which i happily did, clearly, proudly, and (relatively) flawlessley, despite many flaws when practicing his week.

And with a lump in my throat while doing so.

So again WM, I have no specific to list, but I remembered those who gave all, and am glad to have been able to do my small part again.

Yes, Playing the Last Call still chokes me up.

Thank You all.

(And thank you WM for this thread)

niadhf,

Not a distraction at all.

Taps ... I cannot hear it without tears forming. I first really heard it in 1971, and now its impact is profound. I wish I could have heard you play.

My dad belongs to the American Legion.

At the age of 83, he stands out in the blistering Arizona sun, or in its infrequent rains to hold a flag and play taps for those veterans who have died.

"Playing taps" in his case, means turning on the Boombox and playing a CD. That cannot possibly be has hauntingly meaningful as hearing it played in person.

Thank you niadhf.

WM

WM,
I am sorry for the loss of your brother.
I understand that was when you first really heard it.
Thank you for the sacrifice your family made, I am sorry you have missed those years with him.
Niadh

Private Jerome Higgans, KIA, Vietnam.

My grandfather, Officer, USS 'Minnie', Navy. Survived a lot of action in WWII (still alive today). I won't even get into it all, but lets just say he has pieces of a Zero that tried to kamikaze his ship, but was shot down mere dozens of yards before hitting their ship. The shrapnel killed some of the semen aboard. Luckily, my grandpa wasn't one of them or I'd never be.

These are some pieces of a Zero he kept. My dad has them; I've seen them a few times. Everytime I take them out, the history and sacrifice (not only of our guys, but even the pilots) is just mind numbing. They're as real as you or me...

Thanks, again niadhf.

Spartan, those are incredible reminders.

WM

This year we will raise our glasses to, and a have a moment of silence for, Staff Sergeant Charles Browning and Private First Class Mykel Miller. Both fell in Afghanistan in OEF VIII, as part of the 1-158 Infantry "Bushmasters."

http://www.militarycity.com/valor/2813611.html
http://www.mco.com/valor/3027015.html

Its Memorial Day again!

Who will you remember this year?



WM

I will Remeber Airman Eugene Russell (grandfather) Bombadier WW2 Pacific Theatre Retired LAPD detective.

I will remember the unborn who lost the battle without getting a chance to fight.

I will remember....

First and foremost I will remember and honor my Dad. WWII, Korea and Vietnam Vet. Second all the men and women who have fought and died to keep America and the world safe. Also I salute all who are presently serving at home or abroad.


W

Well I would say my Dad but if he was alive he'd smack the back of my head and remind me that he come back from WWII and Korea while many didn't. So to that gave it all you have my undying gratitude.

Those still at it right now, you walk in the footsteps of some really great people.

I guess I should honor my stepfather, an out-and-out bastard, but an unsung hero of the Aleutians campaign.
He and his orderlies and nurses, and even many of his patients, defended his field hospital against the Japs' last Banzai attack in the islands. Medical personnel are supposed to be non-combatants, but he was using a Thompson at the time.
(He would never talk about his wartime experiences. I found out about it by reading a book, maybe 20 years after he had died.)

This year, in addition to my brother, I will remember my father-in-law, William F. Allen and my neighbor, William H. Moore.

Both men served in WWII.

My neighbor crewed in a bomber in WWII, was shot down, captured, spent time in a German prison camp, escaped.

The VA assessed my neighbor a few years ago to see if he was due any compensation for PTSD or physical problems. He laughed at them for waiting so long to evaluate him, and assured them he had no problems.

I think he suffered frost-bite while escaping, so they added a small amount to his pension.

In memory of two great, warm humans, and life-long friends.

RIP.



WM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6I4GDhHgxU

I will remember and pray for all who have sacrificed for my freedoms that I too often take for granted.

I will remember and pray for the families who have also sacrificed in a way that I can't imagine.

Originally Posted by DevilsJohnson

Well I would say my Dad but if he was alive he'd smack the back of my head and remind me that he come back from WWII and Korea while many didn't. So to that gave it all you have my undying gratitude.

Those still at it right now, you walk in the footsteps of some really great people.

My grandfather was like that. He always said he was just doing what he had to do, and the only heroes were the ones who didn't come back.

So, here's to you Marine Sgt. Marcus Cobb, 1st Marine Division. Survivor of Okinawa. He would stand at attention any time the Marine Corps Hymn played. He joined his fellow heroes in August 2007.



I also want to salute the members of the Mississipppi Army National Guard 155th Brigade Combat Team. They leave for the sandbox for the second time in four years next month. Good luck and Godspeed, folks.

Lcpl Kenneth W Saunders Killed in H53 Crash 4/11/1992
Lcpl Scott B Paul killed in H53 Crash 4/11/1992

Both Outstanding Marines.
Gaurd the Streets of Heaven Well. SEMPER FI, DEVIL DOGS.

I had a couple great uncles that served in WWII. One I knew who would never talk about the war, one who I never met because he was KIA.

One thing that really pisses me off is my son has school tomorrow because they have year-round schools here. Something about not having the day off seems very disrespectful to the day and I may keep him home as a protest.

The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice:

* by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

* by visiting memorials.

* by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.

* by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).

* by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.

* by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

source memorialday.org

I remember FREEDOM, and all that have paid the price that can never be repaid.
And remember the Freedom is not Free.
Tony Blair said it best " Theres only 2 that have died for you, Jesus for your soul and the American GI for your FREEDOM"

God bless the ones that are not home to celabrate Merorial Day.

I don't have anyone to list, but I've got three friends currently serving with the Army over in Iraq. I said an extra prayer for them today.

I remember.....

My sisters husbands Father's funeral and the Naval Hero's send-off when he passed.

My father talking about Korea and other action.

My Grandfather speaking of the sacrafices made, the gut-checks that went down, and how America won this planet back from the brink of destruction.

I also pay respect each year at the Merchant Marine Memorial in town as well.

*

It's a different place now, and, not very much better IMHO.
We really could use an injection of the Greatest Generation right about now.


My home butt's up against the Fort MacArthur museum and base. I come from a war-time town. I tear up everytime the Freindship Bell rings.

I will never Forget and I owe my Freedom to those that have gone before me and paid the ultimate sacrafice. I am so very, VERY proud of them that words cannot do my feelings justice.

Thank You.

Hey...Next week is Memorial Day,for most folks it's the unofficial start of summer. espescially out here where I live, a couple miles from Seaside Park N.J. They don't think about what the meaning of this holiday is. Anyway I will remember my father Francis J. he was in the Army from 1937 to the end of WWII. He was with General Patton as an infantryman,and was on the second wave on Omaha Beach, and he and his company never stopped fighting until it was all over. My father never talked to me about the ugliness of that conflict. He would only tell my mother things..pretty wild stories. I lost my Dad last October to several illnesses. He was one month shy of his 90th. birthday. I miss him. Here's to my Dad and to all the other men and women who served this great nation in our time of need. God Bless each and everyone of them.

I will remember my Father, Lawrence C. USAF, veteran of Korea and Vietnam.
On duty Wheelus AFB Tripoli, 1955


retirement 1971


Also a special salute to my Step Son Zachary G. who reports to Lakeland for USAF basic training in August and to his friends Mike L. and Andrew B. serving in the Army and Marines. Stay safe guys, I'm proud of you.

I'll remember my father who served in the 107th Cavalry, and yes they were the last of the horse Cavalry in 1937. They went mechanized in 1940 and off to WW-II.

I'll remember my father in law who served in the USN in WW-II.

I'll remember Uncle Mike who served in Vietnam War.

I'll remember a lot of friends to numerous to list.

I was going through Military.com and came upon a whole page of Memorial Day writings, I thought may interest some. It starts off with the history of the holiday, but if you look at the tool bar on the left there is more...the one titled Memorial Day's Meaning is long but touching.
Memorial Day - Military.com