Amen Brother.

Not a day goes by I don't pray for our men and women in the Armed Forces around the world.

Now that The United States of America are the "Police" of planet Earth
we owe them all a very special debt.

As they join voluntarily to serve for our country and it's political views
they deserve a special prayer every day from each of us.

It's not that much to ask. What they give up,learn,endure and provide to global security is immeasurable. Our debt to them... is a prayer,or if you prefer no religion, just a kind word or thought every day.

That is the every least we can do for them all.

So please remember all the veterans who joined,trained,fought,died and especially those who lived with their memories of the horrors of war forever burned in their minds.

They give,gave and continue to give so much of themselves to keep our freedom and ideals inviolate.

God bless them all each and every one.

Peace... around the world.

I warms me to see the patriotic words in these forums, not just in this thread, but all the time.

I am thankful for not just the warriors who made the ultimate sacrifice, but those back home who support the ones out there fighting and standing their post.

The military isn't for everyone. Our lives guide us in different directions and the military doesn't fit all our paths or something prevents us from taking that road.

However, I am very honored to be part of a country that, for the most part, supports tour troops.

Semper Freakin' Fi, my friends!

Now ... who's getting the beer for the BBQ tomorrow? I already got the meat.

Figured this would be a good thread to show off the coolest sliver dollar ever minted. My grandad gave me this when I was a boot private first class with about one year in service. It is the first and so far only, I think, U.S. coin minted in honor of a specific branch of the military. It commemorated the 230th birthday of the Corps.

Really nice JJ! That IS something to be proud of. And you can pass it on down to your own heirs in time.

JJ, that is AWESOME!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Jayge, THAT is NOT one of it is THE coolest Silver Dollar I have EVER seen!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

As a Grand Dad myself, I can appreciate these gestures. When given to a loved one it has as much if not more meaning to the giver as to the recipient. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

What a treasure for both of you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Guard it with your heart. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

Peace,
David

Thanks to everyone who has taken the oath and served for the sake of all of the civilians like myself!

Like many days we have sort of perverted this day, and YES I am including myself as a 20 year Vet. We have turned it into a celebration NOT of remembrance but joy and a free day off work. We as a people, and I don't necessarily JUST mean the U.S. have forgotten to a large extent the commitment, the sacrifice those that came before us made so that we all can enjoy a lifestyle of freedom many in the world today do not have.

A day of joyous celebration is not wrong, but we need to remember what it is we are celebrating. IF we celebrate the dedication, the sacrifices made for this and future generations, and GIVE THANKS for those brave souls, then this is good.

IF it is just a free day off to party, well let's just say that those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it as the famous quote goes.

SO, enjoy the day and give thinks for those that came before and are at present giving all they can so that WE may continue to give thanks in celebrations for ALL their sacrifices.

Amen Brother! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

Completely agree, Randy. Thank you for posting that. On Saturday morning the wife and I ran into a vet who was raising money for a non-profit vet service (name escapes me). My wife wanted to continue her shopping spree, so I had to "kindly" remind her about why she's able to sleep in such comfort at night. She quickly went and pulsed some cash and donated it, thanking him for his service. Good girl...

Thank you to all that have served, or are serving to protect our country. I am grateful.

Every Memorial day The Yard waves the flag. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I just searched Memorial Day in years gone by. THIS Yard never forgets.
Every year gone by the most beautiful words are offered up for our guardians of peace. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I understand this is a day of remembrance in The United States of America but, If I were in Germany,The Netherlands,Japan,China,Finland...
well every country on the planet has been touched by wars and conflict at some time during their existence.I would feel the same reverence. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

I see no reason why ALL Nations don't celebrate their respective guardians of freedom in their country.
We have NO country who seeks war. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

No country that seeks only pain and suffering. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

All peoples want only the most basic things for happiness.

Peace. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

That is the number one on that list I'd bet. I have used it as my last word in all my posts here since 2006. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Because in my small way I strive to remind people that Peace IS what all of us want. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


I will always hold out hope for humanity as in Star Trek. One common humanity united in moving forward as a species. Dedicated to discovery,harmony,advancement of knowledge... oh yes....

Peace. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

Before our obligatory BBQ today, me and a couple Marines went to Birkenkopf here in Stuttgart. It is known in English as Rubble Hill and is the highest point in Stuttgart.

Here is a wiki excerpt:

Between 1953 and 1957, 15 million cubic metres[1] of rubble from 53 bombing missions during World War II were moved to the top of the hill, which resulted in an increase in height of around 40 meters. It is 511 meters now. At the summit there are many recognisable facades from the ruined buildings. The locals colloquially call the Birkenkopf "Monte Scherbelino", which roughly translates as "Mount Shards" but in childlike language[1]. One of the pieces of rubble has a plaque attached to it, which says: Dieser Berg nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg aufgetürmt aus den Trümmern der Stadt steht den Opfern zum Gedächtnis den Lebenden zur Mahnung. This translates roughly as: This mountain was built after the Second World War from the rubble of the town to stand as a memorial of the dead and a warning to the living.

From the summit the whole city center can be seen, and on a clear day the view extends to the Swabian Alps, to the Black Forest, and the lowlands of Württemberg. On the summit there is a steel cross, which in 2003 replaced the original 1953 wooden cross. In the summer, early morning services are sometimes held here.

Here are pics from a past visit. I didn't have a camera with me today.