Memorial Day

[sorcererdale]

It seems more and more younger people are not taught what Memorial Day is for, they think parties and summer begins. But in our little town of 500 people, the ceremony takes place out at the cemetery. There is usually a guest speaker, placing of a wreath, and then the names of all who died in any wars that are buried there are read, slowly, and with each name is a base drum beat. The firing squad gives its 21 gun salute, and taps is played, with an "echoe" being played off in the distance.

Each year there are less and less people in attendance, but I always like to go. I also remember others who have died and are burried there too. I wore my Mocker last year, and probably will wear the Survival this year. I was in the military as most males of our family were, and now my daughter is. She is in the army band but will be going to Afaghanistan for a year. Please keep her in your thoughts for a safe return.

DALE.

[Kilted KT]

When I was growing up and a Boy Scout, every Memorial Day my troop would join the local parade. We would march to each cemetary in town, performa 21 gun salute and Taps, and decorate the stone of fallen vetarans.

Now I'm not sure what happens, other than a whole army of drunken bums floating on a lake somewhere.

it rather disgusts me how little the american people honor those who have fallen to make this land free. My entire family was in the military, brothers and cousins too. Too see how easliy trodden upon their honor is is revolting.

That is why I wear the BlackWatch tartan this memorial day. In their honor.

[GlassMan]

I wholeheartedly agree that we don't do enough to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. For most people it's just an extended weekend, if that. Even here in the nation's capital I haven't heard anything on the news about events.

[ckelly327]

I will be marching in my Black Watch in Saratoga Springs, NY in the Memorial Day parade. We have a strange tradition that I don't know the history of but, our parade is on the Wednesday evening before Memorial Day weekend. There's no drunkeness and a lot of families every year. We have many members of our division who will be kilted but we also have many veterans who will be wearing their uniforms - some from as far back as WWII vets. We also have our share of VN vets and others who have served at different times in the Marines and RAF. There is also a ceremony each year at the cemetary for veterans in the Saratoga National Battlefield Park. It's always a good day to honor our heroes and I look forward to all of the ceremonies.

[davedove]

She is in the army band but will be going to Afaghanistan for a year. Please keep her in your thoughts for a safe return.

That's an interesting coincidence Dale. My brother is in the Army band. He is currently teaching percussion at the Joint Army/Navy music school at Little Creek Navy Base in Norfolk. He won't be going anywhere for a little while, but you never know after his current assignment.

A lot of people think the Army Band can be a cushy job, and it can at times. My brother tells me that a lot of band members got a real wakeup when Iraq was invaded. When the push was made to enter Baghdad, the band was right there with them with their M16's.

Your daughter will be in my thoughts and prayers, as are all the troops in harm's way.

[macgreggor]

While I am NOT a fan of our current administrations policies, I am not a little awed by those who put their lives between 'us' and "them". I hope to be attending the sunrise ceremony at http://www.thehighground.org/. Always moving and a beautiful site.

macG
(Greg)

[Jerry]

It's probably not going to happen, but I'd love to visit the Viet Nam memorial on memorial day.