Memorial Dad, Dad

[Alan H]

Memorial Day, I always remember my Dad. Dad was a US Navy Officer for 22 years. He saw service in WWII in the Pacific, at Eniewetok Atoll, and as an ensign in the Atlantic, on board destroyers running convoys from Brazil to England. Dad was in the fleet that witnessed the first Hydrogen bomb detonation, again at Eniewetok, and served on destroyers during the Korean War.

Dad's only sea-going command was the LCI 983. In the summer of 1946, the USA set up a group of social scientists, doctors, agricultural scientists and engineers to do a survey of the islands of micronesia, as part of the organization to decide how those islands would be governed at the end of the war. Dad kept a photo album of that trip, and it's one of my most treasured keepsakes.

My Dad was a US Veteran, and I am proud to be his son.

[Whidbey78]

Very well said Alan! I'm a soldier now, and am also a US Navy vet. Your Dad was a part of the most incredible and dangerous time in the Navy's history. As was said before, "Uncommon valor was a common virtue."

As a military man, all I can say is "Thank You" for remembering that it's more than a three day weekend, and as a man with a lot of family on active duty around the globe all I can ask is for your prayers once in a while and to pass along thanks for the support on the homefront.

Stay classy Sir!!

[Lallans]

You have reason to be proud. Your father was from a generation of heroes and we can only hope that if the need arises we will see their like again. We Canadians seem to make frequent use of this forum to celebrate our own veterans, so I am grateful for this reminder that today is Memorial Day in the USA. All best thoughts and wishes to your dad and to all US veterans!

[sydnie7]

My mother and sister, niece, etc. were at Orange County Games this weekend in Southern California. Mother says there were many Memorial Day aspects to these Games and she found it quite stirring. She and my late father were living off-base at Pearl Harbor in Dec. '41. My niece just made 2nd Class Petty Officer and (without prior notice) carried the Navy flag at the Games ceremonies both days. Bob and I were not able to attend this year but hope to make it up there next year. Seems these Games organizers recognize the significance of their event's date and do it proud.

[DeWayne Ross]

Well said everyone.

I like to take this day to be thankful of all the freedoms and liberties we enjoy, and to remember those that have served to ensure said freedoms and liberties.

My Father served in the Korean War and was awarded four purple hearts, a bronze star, and the distinguished serviceman’s cross.
I had two Uncles that served in WWII. My Grandfather went up San Juan hill with Teddy Roosevelt.
I did my time in the first gulf war in Iraq 20 years ago in the 101st Airborne.

And there are many other in a long line back to the first Ross in my line that came to America from Scotland. John Ross born in 1695 in the Inverness area died in 1759 Hanover county Virginia. Evidence supports that John Ross stepped foot in America on 20 Aug 1716 from the ship friendship of Belfast. Set sail from Liverpool England 24 May 1776. Documentation supports that John Ross was a Jackobite soldier captured in the battle of Preston and deported to America along with 79 other political prisoners.

Seems odd that I should also give thanks to England for not executing him rather deporting him here to America.

Thank you to all that have served.

[Downunder Kilt]

Lest We Forget

[Good Egg]

Banter aside - most people on this side of the pond recognise the huge effort and sacrifices made by the US and its veterans in 2 World Wars and subsequently to ensure peace and prosperity to Europe.

Those that don't fail to see the irony in that the freedom they have to say whatever they like wasn't free. It was paid for by people like the Vets and by those who never made it to the status of Vets.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them"

'Last Post'

[Jock Scot]

Banter aside - most people on this side of the pond recognise the huge effort and sacrifices made by the US and its veterans in 2 World Wars and subsequently to ensure peace and prosperity to Europe.

Those that don't fail to see the irony in that the freedom they have to say whatever they like wasn't free. It was paid for by people like the Vets and by those who never made it to the status of Vets.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them"

'Last Post'

I could not have said it better. Well done.