It is true. The actual meaning of this particular holiday seems to have gone as far off the rails as what used to be ‘the true feeling of Christmas.’ Commercialism at its most tawdry.
To reiterate an earlier comment:
Bless the fallen, the wounded, and the survivors of conflict brought about for whatever reason, whether conquest, retribution, or to make things right. They have suffered for the rest of us, with little return from our government for their sacrifices.
If. _before_a conflict began, political and military leaders took tours of the ’enemy’s’ cemeteries along with the parents and survivors, then followed-up with a similar tour of their own burial grounds, would that bring about a different approach to settling conflict? Or would the tours just offer another opportunity for political bombast and rhetoric, like the crocodile tears they shed on the tours conducted in the years after the conflicts.?
Contrary to contemporary practice, regret is never an acceptable substitute for taking action to avoid war.
A lot to unpack in three simple cells. BBQ, long weekend, friends, family,… war, death, grief, flawed foreign policy, greed, more or less qualified people in positions of extreme power who have won a popularity contest.
One of my grandfathers fought in WWII, injured during the Battle of the Bulge. The other grandfather was not allowed to serve despite trying three times. He was the only commercial refrigeration repairman in Texas at that time as was too valuable to let go. Both of my wife’s grandfathers also Were in WWII. Neither came home, one was never found. Today, I remember all four and many other family member who served.
Today, and other days, I remember a man whose name I do not know. It is my dad’s comrade that helped get him to safety and medical, then himself died of what was THOUGHT to be a “head bump”. Dad never told me his name. He tries not to remember…..
I go through old pictures of my dad’s, that my mother kept to her death and then dad did not want back. I remember what dad is always trying to live beyond, what he dares not stop and focus on, for fear he will again be trapped by those memories. They are memories of laughter and camaraderie in the midst of Hell, of locals being good and unique individuals, of buddies dead by your side in the morning light, then the next night wondering who was next.
Last picture I contemplate, is of a man left in Vietnam. Robust, whole, full jaw in relaxed and slightly cocky smile. With that, I remember the man my father could never again be, with a smile I never did see. The shrapnel blew out half his jaw, left him almost dead, and took his music (gifted brass player) forever from him. The recovery left him wasted. The memories left him torn.
Those lost in combat I think sometimes are not noticed, because what LOOKS and SOUNDS like them comes home. But those from combat can never be the same again, and in ways that go beyond many other “life experiences”. My Daddy came home. My Grandmother’s Son never did.
To paraphrase a saying that’s out there – “To support our troops, one must also support the truth.” Or my own – “Let Truth NOT be counted among the fallen, as we honor and remember them this memorial day.” …. please note, I am NOT saying what that truth IS. This is meant to be unifying, not I inflammatory. Actual truth, embraced, need not be feared. I’m just encouraging ALL to look for it.
Well said, all. As you enjoy the day, do stop to remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their all so that we can enjoy this day. As you think of them, do not forget to think of their families as well. I have no family members (as far as I know) who fell in service to this country, but three of my uncles did wear the uniforms of the army, navy and air force in peace time.Thank you to all who sacrificed, to all who served, and to all who were left behind.
There was a car commercial a few years back that musically touted “baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet” as either the most American things ever or the last gasps of the Baby Boom generation before all them damn vegan, gluten-free, soccer-fan millennials who don’t drive started to take over.
I digress, but I wonder how many years that was before I bought my Vibe, which was a Pontiac, which was kind of a Chevrolet and was made mostly by Toyota.
Not that I’m sticking with any thought long enough to call it a topic, but back to the topic at hand: I’m not sure anything smells more American than burgers on the grill. And I’m pretty sure there IS nothing more American than the sacrifices we honor today. It’s hard to be somber sometimes, but it’s impossible not to be grateful all the time.
At least we have something to celebrate about. Actual it shouldn’t be a celebration. It should be something we at least now our heads BEFORE we celebrate! Hats off to those who gave for us!
ruthkando almost 5 years ago
Anybody noticed that Jordan Klepper looks like Frazz? Similar outlooks too…..
Bilan almost 5 years ago
How can he go bicycling with the aroma in the air?
asrialfeeple almost 5 years ago
Don’t somber. Be happy and grateful for their sacrifice.
PoodleGroomer almost 5 years ago
Pulled pork, chicken, and brisket in the smoker until evening.
sandpiper almost 5 years ago
It is true. The actual meaning of this particular holiday seems to have gone as far off the rails as what used to be ‘the true feeling of Christmas.’ Commercialism at its most tawdry.
To reiterate an earlier comment:
Bless the fallen, the wounded, and the survivors of conflict brought about for whatever reason, whether conquest, retribution, or to make things right. They have suffered for the rest of us, with little return from our government for their sacrifices.
If. _before_a conflict began, political and military leaders took tours of the ’enemy’s’ cemeteries along with the parents and survivors, then followed-up with a similar tour of their own burial grounds, would that bring about a different approach to settling conflict? Or would the tours just offer another opportunity for political bombast and rhetoric, like the crocodile tears they shed on the tours conducted in the years after the conflicts.?
Contrary to contemporary practice, regret is never an acceptable substitute for taking action to avoid war.
kenharkins almost 5 years ago
Originally, the day was called decoration day—refering to decorating the graves of the dead.It’s easy to be somber in a graveyard.
cervelo almost 5 years ago
A lot to unpack in three simple cells. BBQ, long weekend, friends, family,… war, death, grief, flawed foreign policy, greed, more or less qualified people in positions of extreme power who have won a popularity contest.
rlaker22j almost 5 years ago
on your journey raise a glass to all the old dudes
TMMILLER Premium Member almost 5 years ago
One of my grandfathers fought in WWII, injured during the Battle of the Bulge. The other grandfather was not allowed to serve despite trying three times. He was the only commercial refrigeration repairman in Texas at that time as was too valuable to let go. Both of my wife’s grandfathers also Were in WWII. Neither came home, one was never found. Today, I remember all four and many other family member who served.
Keep on keepin' on almost 5 years ago
Today, and other days, I remember a man whose name I do not know. It is my dad’s comrade that helped get him to safety and medical, then himself died of what was THOUGHT to be a “head bump”. Dad never told me his name. He tries not to remember…..
I go through old pictures of my dad’s, that my mother kept to her death and then dad did not want back. I remember what dad is always trying to live beyond, what he dares not stop and focus on, for fear he will again be trapped by those memories. They are memories of laughter and camaraderie in the midst of Hell, of locals being good and unique individuals, of buddies dead by your side in the morning light, then the next night wondering who was next.
Last picture I contemplate, is of a man left in Vietnam. Robust, whole, full jaw in relaxed and slightly cocky smile. With that, I remember the man my father could never again be, with a smile I never did see. The shrapnel blew out half his jaw, left him almost dead, and took his music (gifted brass player) forever from him. The recovery left him wasted. The memories left him torn.
Those lost in combat I think sometimes are not noticed, because what LOOKS and SOUNDS like them comes home. But those from combat can never be the same again, and in ways that go beyond many other “life experiences”. My Daddy came home. My Grandmother’s Son never did.
To paraphrase a saying that’s out there – “To support our troops, one must also support the truth.” Or my own – “Let Truth NOT be counted among the fallen, as we honor and remember them this memorial day.” …. please note, I am NOT saying what that truth IS. This is meant to be unifying, not I inflammatory. Actual truth, embraced, need not be feared. I’m just encouraging ALL to look for it.
Thanks.-KOKO
Fido (aka Felix Rex) Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Well said, all. As you enjoy the day, do stop to remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their all so that we can enjoy this day. As you think of them, do not forget to think of their families as well. I have no family members (as far as I know) who fell in service to this country, but three of my uncles did wear the uniforms of the army, navy and air force in peace time.Thank you to all who sacrificed, to all who served, and to all who were left behind.
jvn almost 5 years ago
God Bless everyone serving and those that gave their lives so we can spend the day with our families.
tee929 almost 5 years ago
Donald Trump lives his life in a haze of burgers….
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] almost 5 years ago
Blog PostsFrazz15 hrs ·
There was a car commercial a few years back that musically touted “baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet” as either the most American things ever or the last gasps of the Baby Boom generation before all them damn vegan, gluten-free, soccer-fan millennials who don’t drive started to take over.
I digress, but I wonder how many years that was before I bought my Vibe, which was a Pontiac, which was kind of a Chevrolet and was made mostly by Toyota.
Not that I’m sticking with any thought long enough to call it a topic, but back to the topic at hand: I’m not sure anything smells more American than burgers on the grill. And I’m pretty sure there IS nothing more American than the sacrifices we honor today. It’s hard to be somber sometimes, but it’s impossible not to be grateful all the time.
aunt granny almost 5 years ago
Memorial Day is Thursday. Enjoy the previous weekend.
poopsypoo Premium Member almost 5 years ago
At least we have something to celebrate about. Actual it shouldn’t be a celebration. It should be something we at least now our heads BEFORE we celebrate! Hats off to those who gave for us!