Memorial Day

[ab2cmiller]

I’m not totally sure why I’m more focused on it this year. My appreciation and respect shouldn’t change from year to year.

Thank you to all that have served.
Thank you to all those that paid a physical or mental price in performing their service.
Thank you to all that paid the ultimate price.

My freedom was bought with a price and I’m eternally grateful. Thank you!

 

[Irish2155]

https://www.indystar.com/videos/news/history/retroindy/2018/07/30/james-odonnell-if-you-didnt-stay-group-sharks-got-you/865795002/

 

[NDBoiler]

Honoring our servicemen and women is always an admirable thing, whether they are living or deceased. I would just like to make the distinction that Memorial Day honors those who died while in service of our country. I know that many service members think it is odd when people thank them for their service on Memorial Day (had this conversation with a veteran family member this weekend) as they are still living, and will make the comment that that is the purpose behind Veterans Day. No ill will towards anyone here, but wanted to point that out in the hopes it might help someone avoid an awkward situation.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Honoring our servicemen and women is always an admirable thing, whether they are living or deceased. I would just like to make the distinction that Memorial Day honors those who died while in service of our country. I know that many service members think it is odd when people thank them for their service on Memorial Day (had this conversation with a veteran family member this weekend) as they are still living, and will make the comment that that is the purpose behind Veterans Day. No ill will towards anyone here, but wanted to point that out in the hopes it might help someone avoid an awkward situation.

Three distinct holidays/observances for our military.
Memorial Day honors those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Veterans Day honors all those who served.
Armed Forces Day honors those currently serving.

Our pastor makes it a point to thank any person he sees in uniform, wearing a hat or shirt that signifies they served, or finding out through conversation that someone served. A great example of someone who honors and respects those who have, at one point or another, given up their freedom so that we may have ours.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

To my brothers and sisters that didn't come home and the ones that fell before and after my time in the desert. God bless you and your families and thank you for my freedom.

 

[Irish#1]

Prayers and appreciation for those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.

 

[MacIrish75]

I think part of the reason I love the Indy 500 so much is how much reverence they have for Memorial Day and our fallen heroes.

When I was in 9th grade in 2002, a guy from my school who had graduated the spring before lost his life in combat in Iraq. His sister was in my grade and it changed their family’s life. That’s really the first time Memorial Day hit me and what it means.

Later in life I found out that my grandfather, who was employed as a medic in the Army in WWII, would’ve been a part of Operation Downfall—had the Allied Forces gone that route as opposed to using atomic weapons. I quite possibly owe my own existence to that choice. My grandpa never talked much about his service, but I know he carried seeing lots of fallen brothers with him daily and that he was grateful to have had the chance to survive and go on with his life.

 

[calvegas04]

 

[calvegas04]

If anyone hasn't made it across the Atlantic... try to at some point. It is such a special place to visit.

 

[IRISHDODGER]

If you get a chance to read this guys story (“Fearless”), it’s miraculous. Surprised it hasn’t been adapted into a movie. RIP Adam Brown and all those who sacrificed for our freedom.