Memorial Day

[Mick-Boy]

Memorial Day... A day set aside to remember the fallen.

I was going to try and post something poetic and then list all my buddies who have been killed in action or as a result of war. However, I realize that there are now simply too many to keep straight. I'll mention the first I knew and most recent... hopefully the last... but that's just not likely.

Mike Speer and I went through infantry training together at Camp Pendleton in 2001. He was one of those country-strong types from KS that can carry unbelievable loads all day. One of the "Old men" at 24. He was the guy people would approach with problems. If he couldn't help you fix it, he was always willing to drink a beer and listen. He was killed in action April 9th 2004 in Lutafiyah, Iraq leaving behind a wife (23 at the time). His death was a hard reality check. He always seemed indestructible..

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/malonpm/Lightfighter/zzspeer_michael_zpscxzioczh.jpg

David Roten and I were on a team together since he left the Army in 2010. He was a veteran of 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and had spent the majority of his time stationed at Ft. Carson. He was a climbing, surfing, traveling fool and all-around stud. During a gunfight on Nov 27th 2014 he left a secure position and exposed himself to enemy fire so he could put accurate 40mm rounds on enemy machine gun positions in order to cover the extraction of a wounded man from our sister team. The wounded man was evacuated safely. Dave was killed by small arms fire.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/malonpm/Lightfighter/Dave6_zpsc8qiypbw.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/malonpm/Lightfighter/David-Roten1_zps74wmcqzk.jpg


So here's a toast, boys. 'Til Valhalla.

[wctriumph]

To my father, a better man than I will ever be.

Korea - mortar platoon and then combat medic - Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars.

[brutal]

R.I.P. Brave Warriors.

A fitting tribute Mick-Boy.

Damn allergies today.

[HoneyBadger]

Thanks for sharing, Mick-Boy.



For my Air Force brethren:

Here's a toast, to the host
Of those who love the vastness of the sky.
To a friend, we send a message of his brother men who fly.
We drink to those who gave their all of old
Then down we roar to score the rainbow's pot of gold.
A toast to the host of the men we boast, the U.S. Air Force!

[theGinsue]

They look like good and honorable men.

This weekend, and most especially tomorrow we honor the men and women who have fallen in service for the citizens of this country. We need to remember their ultimate sacrifice and carry that with us throughout the rest of the year so their sacrifice is not wasted.

On Memorial Day we remember our fallen men and women not simply because of the manner of their deaths, but more so because of the lives they led. Lives worthy of memorial, with love and honor and a calling to duty and sacrifice - leading to their ultimate sacrifice for others.

This and every Memorial Day we must remember them with love as they had such a great love for all of us that they gave their lives for us.

Remember too the broken families they've left behind and seek to repay the debt we owe to them as well - for they have sacrificed just as much.

[StagLefty]

R.I.P Brothers !!

[SNAFU]

http://www.mcl-villages.com/soldier_saluting_head_a_lc-blinking.gif

[Mazin]

[Salute]

[Mtn.man]

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/10995388_810296692400321_7664371828679857315_o.jpg

[Doc45]

Memorial Day is a time for reflection, to remember those that sacrificied and gave all defending the freedom and liberty that we enjoy.

Take a moment, say a prayer to honor them.

I'm very fortunate my father returned safely from WWII (3rd Army, 301st Signal Corp) to meet my mother and bring my older siblings and I into this world. I am especially thankful my son returned safely from his 3 tours split between Iraq and Afghanistan. We've lost friends, they will never be forgotten nor their sacrifice taken lightly.

Mick-Boy thank you for telling me a little about your fallen brethren, they will be honored and remembered.

[hobowh]

as my grandfather used to say.
(glasses raised)
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Thank you to all who have and do serve. Sorry for you losses Mick

[02ducky]

RIP warroirs, may your sacrifices not be forgotten

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[flogger]

My Dad and his 5 brothers fought in WW2. They all made it, none of them really talked about what they had done and I never really asked. Wish I had.

Remember the fallen.

[TFOGGER]

I'm sorry for your losses, and thankful for your(continued) service.

[Thanks]

[TheGrey]

Our military families, our brothers and sisters in arms, will always be in our memories and our hearts.

[james_bond_007]

My recent visit ...


58517

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[Bailey Guns]

Every single day I thank God that I was born in this country because of the greatness of all those before me that have been willing to sacrifice on my behalf.

[BPTactical]

Never, ever take for granted the lifestyle we have revered in that has been bought and paid for by the sacrifices of this nations warriors.




Thanks for posting that Mick-Boy.
Good men that laid their lives down for their brothers.
Today may we all take a moment to reflect and quietly say a prayer of thanks to the fallen.

[Joe_K]

This is what I remember today. For the 17, rest easy, we will never forget you.
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[Skully]

Went to Fort Logan, very busy, proud to see young and old out there.




First to my Father;

58530


and then all those who served, passed on, and to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving.


Thank you.

[JohnnyDrama]

I saw headlights at the cemetery as I drove past at 05.00 this morning on my way to the airport. To see folks out paying respects in the dark and rain puts one's head in a right frame of mind on this day of remembrance. I got out after for years active duty. I knew a lot of guys who stayed in. On this day I think about them and of course, those who sacrificed all.

Condolences to those who have lost loved ones.

[Mercula]

Thank you to all that have fallen. Rest In Peace.
And all that have and continue to serve.

[buffalobo]

Saw this poem a few years ago, really like it. Makes me think of my grandpa.


This Soldier poem taken from The Wall USA site...

There is discipline in A Soldier you can see it when he walks,
There is honor in A Soldier you hear it when he talks.
There is courage in A Soldier you can see it in his eyes,
There is loyalty in A Soldier that he will not compromise.
There is something in A Soldier that makes him stand apart,
There is strength in A Soldier that beats from his heart.
A Soldier isn't a title any man can be hired to do,
A Soldier is the soul of that man buried deep inside of you.
A Soldier's job isn't finished after an 8 hour day or a 40 hour week,
A Soldier is always A Soldier even while he sleeps.
A Soldier serves his country first and his life is left behind,
A Soldier has to sacrifice what comes first in a civilian's mind.
If you are civilian - I am saying this to you.....
next time you see A Soldier remember what they do.
A Soldier is the reason our land is 'Home of the free',
A Soldier is the one that is brave protecting you and me.
If you are A Soldier - I am saying this to you.....
Thank God for EVERY SOLDIER Thank God for what YOU do!

~ by Angela Goodwin ~

[Aloha_Shooter]

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/10995388_810296692400321_7664371828679857315_o.jpg

I understand the sentiment and in fact was just forwarding this to family and friends when Patton's quote came to mind (just after I hit "Send", of course):

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.

Whether you mourn the deaths or celebrate the lives, today -- like many others -- is a fine day to remember them.

[james_bond_007]

I play drums in a band.

Sunday I played an event to honor 23 WWII veterans.

Afterwards they thanked me for giving them some memories.

I thanked them for giving me and my children my freedom.

...I learn something from Vets every time I have a gig and take the time to talk to them before and afterwards.

[RMAC757]

Every single day I thank God that I was born in this country because of the greatness of all those before me that have been willing to sacrifice on my behalf.

Damn well said. I do the same thing.

[Aloha_Shooter]

Finally finished my Memorial Day repeat viewing of "Band of Brothers". Tom Hanks may be an Obama-loving leftist but he sure knows how to honor the men who fought in WW II.