Memorial Day 2011-The debt we can never repay....

[mikey23545]

"From these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."


Probably the greatest speech ever given by any American President.

And as always, a great reminder of what this holiday is all about.

[KCFalcon59]

God Bless our troops!

[Phobia]

Oh - you could try. Shall I post my paypal?

[kcfanXIII]

here is the story of my grandfather's first purple heart.

http://www.purpleheartaustin.org/cook.htm




Leslie Stockdale, the tail gunner mentioned in this story, didn't survive his second PH. He was shot down over Yugoslavia during his 24th mission. Survivors state he could have got out in time, but went back to help a wounded crewmen and didn't make it back out. My dad was only two when Leslie was buried and he swears he can remember taps and the 21 gun salute from the funeral.

[HonestChieffan]

http://chivethebrigade.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/photo-week-b-05_28_11-500-52.jpg?w=500&h=767

[Mr. Laz]

sticky for the day?

[HonestChieffan]

http://weaselzippers.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/4cf9cdd917589.image_-550x418.jpg

[WV]

<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ydWhRObVxrM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Yes it's Billy Ray Cyrus, but it's a great song and so appropriate today.

[mikey23545]

<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ydWhRObVxrM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Yes it's Billy Ray Cyrus, but it's a great song and so appropriate today.


Seems like my allergies always flare up when I see that video.

[Marcellus]

Here is to Marty Davis and Andy Alaniz, both died in Iraq in 1991.

Cheers boys!

[mikey23545]

here is the story of my grandfather's first purple heart.

http://www.purpleheartaustin.org/cook.htm




Leslie Stockdale, the tail gunner mentioned in this story, didn't survive his second PH. He was shot down over Yugoslavia during his 24th mission. Survivors state he could have got out in time, but went back to help a wounded crewmen and didn't make it back out. My dad was only two when Leslie was buried and he swears he can remember taps and the 21 gun salute from the funeral.


It's always incredible to me what extraordinary courage can be displayed by very ordinary men when it is needed.

Great story.

[HonestChieffan]

On the trip I took last summer to tour the Normandy Invasion and WW2 key areas west, we had a lady who's brother was a B17 Pilot. My dad was a TG'er. We got to talking about them and she told how he was a rarity. He flew his 25 missions, re-signed for another go, and completed 10 more. I have not been able to find how many ever completed 35 missions over Germany out of England but must be a small number.

Another with us was a man who went ashore at LaHavre France, fought across Germany till the end and his Unit was sent by boat to Invade Japan. Lucky for them, Truman ordered the bomb dropped 3 days before they steamed into the area.

Makes you realize how brave and how dedicated those men were and how much we and the world owes them for standing up and doing the task at hand.

http://chivethebrigade.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/memorial-day-05_30_11-929-36.jpg?w=920&h=657

[GloryDayz]

For all of us who made it back to all of the who didn't, and especially their families, we love you, and I'm sorry. No day will ever pass with out the memory, respect and regret.

[SCTrojan]

For all of us who made it back to all of the who didn't, and especially their families, we love you, and I'm sorry. No day will ever pass with out the memory, respect and regret.

Amen.

[kcfanXIII]

It's always incredible to me what extraordinary courage can be displayed by very ordinary men when it is needed.

Great story.

I grew up knowing the general story, but about five years ago my dad was contacted by a historian researching my grandfather for a documentary and gave us copies of reports, letters, and pictures. I learned more in four hours then my entire life. I was filled with pride when i read the stories.