I get a cold chill anytime I think of the USS Indianapolis.

 

I do, too. I have read several books on the subject. Two things amaze me - that the US Navy didn't realize they were missing for five days and that any of the men survived.

Does anyone else go a cemetary and put flags on the graves of veterans? I do here in our town. One of the sites that I visit is a memorial of a 21 year old sailor that was lost at sea in the sinking of the USS Indianapolis.

 

In memory of George Stanley Abbott, USS Indianapolis, September 11, 1924 - July 30th, 1945.

There is group of veterans that do this in our area and individuals usually have the flags to put on loved ones graves as well.:thumb:

Visiting Arlington and spending time appreciating the sacrifices made by those in that cemetary should be part of the process of becoming an American citizen and a requirement for every American citizen.

 

I would love to visit Arlington someday, I have never bee there.

I would hope everyone would get a chance to visit D.C. and surrounding area it is beautiful. I will be attending the VFW Memorial parade in Erlanger and will visit the cemetary. I will also be remembering my brother-in-law this Memorial Day will be the First Anniversary of Randy Coopers death. I miss him dearly. JD

I would hope everyone would get a chance to visit D.C. and surrounding area it is beautiful. I will be attending the VFW Memorial parade in Erlanger and will visit the cemetary. I will also be remembering my brother-in-law this Memorial Day will be the First Anniversary of Randy Coopers death. I miss him dearly. JD

I remember Randy Cooper and his entire family here in Raceland. They do not get any better than that entire family. I was quite a few years younger than Randy and lived just down the road/street from them (Coopers). Even though I was the "little kid" Randy always had time to speak and not ignore bc I was younger like some older teenagers do to the younger kids. That meant something and stuck with me through the years.

 

I didn't mean to get off topic, just wanted to acknowledge a name that I recognized.

I want to start by wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. Please watch out for drunk drivers, this is a bad weekend for that.

 

Memorial Day means a lot to me, and it seems especially poignant here in Bardstown. It is the one holiday of the year where I cannot seem to keep myself from crying, at least some. While we always honor all veterans, on Monday we specially honor those who have paid the ultimate price. In Bardstown, we lost more young men in the Vietnam War, per capita, than any other town in America. My family has a great number of war veterans who survived, some who died, and I am the first of my family in several generations who did NOT serve in the military, a fact that I bear some guilt for.

 

I find some irony in the fact that I can express whatever I want whenever I want right here on this very board, no matter how outrageous or selfish, as a direct and proximate result of the sacrifice of other young men, just like me, who will never have the chance to express what they want to express because they were not outrageous or selfish.

 

What I thought I would do is open up this thread as an opportunity for one and all to share a story about Memorial Day, about a veteran they love or loved, about an experience they had as a soldier or with a soldier, whatever comes from your heart. I have a couple myself, but will reserve them to allow others to express first.

I want to start by wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. Please watch out for drunk drivers, this is a bad weekend for that.

 

Memorial Day means a lot to me, and it seems especially poignant here in Bardstown. It is the one holiday of the year where I cannot seem to keep myself from crying, at least some. While we always honor all veterans, on Monday we specially honor those who have paid the ultimate price. In Bardstown, we lost more young men in the Vietnam War, per capita, than any other town in America. My family has a great number of war veterans who survived, some who died, and I am the first of my family in several generations who did NOT serve in the military, a fact that I bear some guilt for.

 

I find some irony in the fact that I can express whatever I want whenever I want right here on this very board, no matter how outrageous or selfish, as a direct and proximate result of the sacrifice of other young men, just like me, who will never have the chance to express what they want to express because they were not outrageous or selfish.

 

What I thought I would do is open up this thread as an opportunity for one and all to share a story about Memorial Day, about a veteran they love or loved, about an experience they had as a soldier or with a soldier, whatever comes from your heart. I have a couple myself, but will reserve them to allow others to express first.

 

 

 

AMEN!!! God Bless those who serve and have served for our Beloved Freedom.

 

When times are frustrating and we get down on our government etc... I am humbled because I have travel to Asian countries, mainly China, where I can't imagine living. I have learned there are many things I take for granted every day and am so thankful for them now.

 

Trust me there is no more beautiful site when you have been in Communist China for 2 weeks, than seeing Bluegrass Airport from the air and knowing you are almost on the ground in the most beautiful state in the most beautiful country on God's planet.

Let us remember what this holiday really means :thumb: . May God Bless our military, past and present and the ones that have paid the ultimate price:cry: for our freedom.

 

God Bless America!

Let us remember what this holiday really means :thumb: . May God Bless our military, past and present and the ones that have paid the ultimate price:cry: for our freedom.

 

God Bless America!

AMEN!!!!

Remember also, those in your life who have past.

I've accomplished a lot in my life and have a blessed life. I'm very lucky. However, I marvel at those that serve or have served in the military especially during times of war. All branches of the military are essential, however, I've always been partial to the Marines. I just finished watching a documentary on PBS about them and I realize how amazing the human spirit is when I watch it. Hearing a cross-section of America speak passionately about being a Marine brings tears every time. Simply amazing.

 

So to Leatherneck and other BGPers in the USMC family:

 

Courage, Honor, Commitment

11.10.1775

Seeing the Vietnam Memorial for the first time is something I'll never forget.

I've accomplished a lot in my life and have a blessed life. I'm very lucky. However, I marvel at those that serve or have served in the military especially during times of war. All branches of the military are essential, however, I've always been partial to the Marines. I just finished watching a documentary on PBS about them and I realize how amazing the human spirit is when I watch it. Hearing a cross-section of America speak passionately about being a Marine brings tears every time. Simply amazing.

 

So to Leatherneck and other BGPers in the USMC family:

 

Courage, Honor, Commitment

11.10.1775

Well said my friend, well said....:thumb:

A couple of weeks ago, I was at Arlington National Cemetary with my son. We were looking for the graves of those who served with him and died recently in Afghanistan. While at the Tomb for the Unknown Sodier, we walked over to the Memorials for the lost space shuttle crews. What I didn't know is that there is also a memorial right there with the names of the guys who died in the Iranian hostage rescue attempt. Three of them I knew and served with. I had forgotten how hard it can be.

 

 

Arlington National Cemetery is a very special place, so much history of men and women who have help make are country what it is today. I'm sad that I couldn't make it up their this weekend. I'm very proud to say my father is buried at Arlington.

God Bless all who have served and especially those that gave all.