Memorial day

[blackZZR]

My father is in his late 80s, he is a veteran of both WWII and Vietnam. On days like today I especially get a bit of a heart jerking thinking oh how a man could spend his life in military service, serve in 2 war zones and still believe war was wrong. I have many of his writings, I guess I was the son blessed with his memoirs, and when reading them I realized he did what he did out of duty for his country and the people living in it. He never outwardly spoke these thoughts that I know of.
I consider people like that truely those we need to remember on these weekends, Ones who did without hesitation what they knew needed to be done, whether they believed in basic principles of war or not. I truely believe we have more of these than we care to put a number too. It is what has made this country so great for so long. People who fought and people who died to protect the right of the people at home who they may not even believed in the same principles or ideas.
I have said it many times, we have to fight to preserve freedom as we know it in the USA, we are the only country in the world that stands up for the rights of those we do not even agree with. That is a beautiful thing.
My father shaped my values in more ways than I can express, God bless him and his comrades in arms.

[itsmy49willys]

tell your father thank you for us! and thanks to all you other veterans out there! Its important to remember what memorial day is about.

[curtis]

Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin

All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that
America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought.
Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our
Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about
this Nation's history.
Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud
of those who serve to protect our 'GOD GIVEN' rights and freedoms.


I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag
draped coffin really means ... Here is how to understand the flag that
laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the
sum of the numbers in the year 1776?



Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to
correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You
probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we
learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing
the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the
country to attain peace throughout the world.


The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens
trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in
time of war forHis divine guidance.


The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen
Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always
be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'


The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart
that
they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America , and
the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible,
with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the
Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all
her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of
their republic.



The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the
shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.



The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been
through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character
of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his
sons
and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first
born.



The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David
and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob.



The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the
Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are
uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'



After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the
appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served
under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served
under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and
shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them
the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep
meaning.

In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is
referred to, the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'


MAYBE THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD READ THIS EXPLANATION BEFORE THEY RENDER
THEIR DECISION ON THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. FORWARD IT; MAYBE
SOMEONE WITH THE NECESSARY POWER, OR POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL INFLUENCE,
WILL GET IT TO THEM.


IN THE MEANTIME, MAY GOD PROTECT US ALWAYS.

ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.


Our Soldiers have preserved your right to make this choice!

[Geebo]

Awesome stuff from you guys..I too want to Thanks ALL those who served and gave their lives so that we could enjoy the rights and freedom to say (PROUDLY) I AM AN AMERICAN!! and I enjoy the freedom because of those men and woman.. Thank You Veterans...Geeb