I would like to at this time take timeout to wish all current, past or future veterans a Happy Memorial Day. You service to our country is beyond appreciated.
Happy Memorial Day!
I hate to be 'that guy', but today is the day to honor and mourn those who died while serving. Veterans day is the day to celebrate all veterans. It's still ok to always thank any member of military for their service though of course.
Happy Memorial Day!!!
@MrAdmirer it's okay to be "that guy." Accuracy is important.
@MrAdmirer You're correct. I appreciate you mentioning it. It's sometimes difficult to remember in the middle of a family BBQ.
This Memorial day, should you see a vet offering up a toast while alone....they aren't alone.....
@KaaGee fortunately my dad came home from Vietnam, but that last picture is pretty much him every year. He keeps those memories 'bottled up' for sure. I'm sure he still suffers from PTSD but will never admit it nor seek therapy. I will never forget when I took him to see Saving Private Ryan in the theaters in 1998. That movie really hit a nerve with veterans. It was too heavy for some of them to watch. My dad literally snapped and stood up in the theater and screamed at Upham to get his ass up the stairs when Mellish was being slowly stabbed to death. I've never seen him act like that before over a movie nor have a since.
A good friend of mine also lost 2 brothers in arms in Afghanistan post 9/11 and he will be drinking alone with them today as well.
@MrAdmirer My VFW will be having hotdogs and beer specials today, along with a VPR (Veteran's Participation Report) presentation on Memorial Day as well. I served with quite a few Vietnam vets back in the day and there were stories about reactions to movies like your dad had to Saving Private Ryan. Back then it was "The Deer Hunter" that hit so close to home. My friend's neighbors had to come over and turn off the TV/VCR for that one for him.
@KaaGee
Ah, yes....Deer Hunter!! I was 9 when that cane out. I was the youngest of 3 boys, and me and my brother are only 13 months apart. My dad came home to meet his first son for the first time and then quickly produced us...haha.. I think my mom must have shielded us from the most us PTSD, but I do have memories of his explosive temper outbursts. To this day he still does not really talk about it other than minor details. He is still in contact with a couple of surviving members of the army he served with.
i'm actually going to call him now and check in. sadly I live 800 miles away from them now.
happy memorial day everyone 🤍🤍🤍 Thank you for your service for everyone it applies to 💕💗💝
And it’s not really a “happy” day…it’s a day to pause and reflect on those who never came home from war.
@MrMarkAndrew Agreed. I've always thought it ought to be referred to as Somber Memorial Day. If as much thought was given to the Fallen as it is to the Angus beef franks, I'd be more flexible on the "happy" part. But sadly, I don't think it is.