Over the Memorial Day weekend, Moonhowlings.net will pay tribute to those who have fallen. I hope you will drop by to help us remember those who gave all. On Memorial Day proper, Monday, George Harris will share his thoughts with us.
So, as we move into the holiday weekend, let’s remember that many, many warriors have not returned and that some who have will never be as they were.
Freedom has a huge price tag.
If you see a vet, I have never met one yet who doesn’t beam when you thank them for their service. Rolling Thunder is usually a big giveaway.
Thanks to all our special vets here at Moonhowlings! Thanks for your service!
Kelly**, George, Steve, BS, Moe, Starry, Ivan, Cargo….Roll call! Who have I left out?
** a special shout out!!!!
Thank you for remembering the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is unfortunate that Memorial Day coincides with the start of summer vacations, because it is too easy to get wrapped up in our barbecues and parties and forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
I am friends with a commander that lost seven people in an ambush in Afghanistan. There was nothing that he did wrong, but he was faced with an enemy that used the terrain and familiarity with the area to prepare a lethal attack. He lost people who were very, very young, a fact that still haunts him to this day.
Thank you for the shoutout.
@Kelly_3406
A very Strong +1
Please thank your friend for his service.
@Kelly, you are welcome!!!
@Kelly_3406
Kelly, I don’t think any of us can imagine the pain and suffering your friend has gone through. It has been 50 years since I was in Vietnam and there are things I still don’t like to think about. I hope your friend finds peace. From one serviceman to another-Thank you for your service to our Nation.
@George S. Harris
Thank you, George. Coming from you, that means a lot. I thank you for your long, distinguished service also.
Thanks Moon.
Each Memorial Day, I remember my HS friend Pete, who died in Beruit, and Johnny Mike Spann the first American killed in Afghanistan, with whom I served in the Corps. He’s buried at Arlington. I remember Bart, my grandfather, who at 38, volunteered to go to war, even though at his age, and with 5 kids, was exempt from the draft..
I always think of Lori Piestawa, first woman killed in the Iraq invasion. She was also the first Native American woman killed in foreign combat. Lori was a warrior.
Did your grandfather come home? I know you have told the story but my memory is weak.
@MoonHowler
Moon,
Bart came home, and had 5 more kids. He walked a postal route until he retired. He made sure I understood what being a Veteran meant. There was a man who lived on my street, a heavy drinker. Tough old guy, but often drunk in public. Some of the older kids used to make fun of him. My grandfather wouldn’t stand for it, and he made sure I knew who “Old Man Connelly” was. He fought with the 5th Marines at Belleau Wood in 1918, and Patton from North Africa…all the way to Germany. My grandfather said that some had a tough time “over there”, and Joe Connelly did twice the duty, and saw 10 times the fighting, and that’s why he drank. I’d often see my Grandfather sitting on Mr. Connelly’s steps with him, smoking a cigarette, while Connelly chomped a cigar and drank his beer. I can imagine the things those warriors talked about.
What a great memory! Thanks for sharing.
I am reading The Wild Blue by Stephen Ambrose about bomber crews in WW2. Very interesting and moving.
Thanks for the recommendation, Starry. My uncle was part of a B-17 crew. He plotted something out…like where to either drop the bombs or where they were.
Please check your email
@MoonHowler
Which email?
Admin please check your email.