Memorial Day...any former military here?

For too many Americans, Memorial Day (also referred to as Decoration Day) means a day off from work with picnics, pool openings and barbecues. But for those who have lost a comrade or loved one in combat, the day takes on a whole different significance. The observance of Memorial Day in the United States in commemoration of those members of the armed forces killed in war.

For those of us that have served in the military (I am retired, with 16 years of service), it represents comrades and like minded individuals who paid the ultimate price for our country. These men and women are true patriots and I hope that you all take the time to think of them this weekend and thank them for all that they have done to make all of these picnics and pool parties possible.

Have a great weekend!!

Absolutely!

My close friend and fellow jarhead, Bob Kempkes, paid the ultimate price on September 4, 1967, as our unit was assaulted by NVA at Con Thien. I think about Bob a lot...

Thank you, sincerely, for your service guys. Since we don't have a "salute emoticon" please accept this:

VERY well said Mark ! I DEFINITELY appreciate, and salute our veterans !!!! They are our
TRUE HEROES !!! It is an honor to thank YOU and THANK ALL OF YOU !!!

I always feel my service pales in comparison to other's.

My brother is currently in Eye-rack. Or is it Ear-rock?

Whatever, I miss him dearly and can't wait for his return. All of the men in my family have worn the uniform.

GO ARMY!

I want to say thank you also to our men and women for serving our country. Both of my Grand fathers served this country in WWII. So god bless our vets and god bless this country.

Thanks to all our service men and women, past and present.

I always remember a friend that died while trying to stop a fuel leak in the Titan II missile that I was
assigned to as a launch crew member. About 1 month after I got out of the USAF, there was an accident at
missile silo 373rd - 7. My old crew was there at the time and was evacuated due to a massive fuel leak.
10 parts per million, if breathed in will kill you. My friend was on the refueling crew and was there trying to determine some sort of action to take when ( they think ) a pump or fan kicked on automatically and the spark caused the fuel to ignite and explode. My friend was killed instantly. It could have been me.
They actually made a movie of this accident. It is titled Silo 7. I will be thinking of my friend and his family
this weekend.

Thank you today for ALLLLLLL our soldiers that keep our country safe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Personally I never had the privilege of serving...

In my day of eligibility (Vietnam), the lottery was used and I cannot deny that thankfully I didn't win that one.
Still, I've always been enamored with the military - the cutting edge tech, camaraderie, and honor.
My dad served in WW2 and used to comfort me with - "Don't worry son, the Army's got some shit for their ass"

But the closest I ever got was the ROTC.
To those that have served - I am deeply humbled by your commitment and sacrifice.
I for one remain extremely grateful and will never take my freedom for granted.
Thank you
--
jaw

Yes, thanks to all who have served our great nation for the freedoms that Americans enjoy as well as many accross the planet.
Also thanks to all those from other counties who serve like Canada, England, Austrailia and others who have fought with the USA.

I want to thank my dad for his service on the USS Oriskany in the early 60's

This is my grandfathers metals. He passed away 56 years ago so i never met him. My father was only 2 years old when he passed. My other grand father was in WWII also. Here is a pic of my grand fathers metals that i am so grateful to have.

Every male on my fathers side of the family has been in the service including myself going back at least 4 generations,all were very lucky and never injured. Thanks to all the others out there that have served our wonderful country !