BajaNomad

Lets not forget

Howard - 5-28-2011 at 07:39 AM

In your own way, take a moment to reflect on what the 3 day Memorial weekend is all about.

Even better, tell a young person why we celebrate the weekend.

Howard
USMC 1965-1967

Skeet/Loreto - 5-28-2011 at 07:45 AM

Howard. Well said.

Never forget those that put their Life on line for all of Us.

Skeet
USNAVY 1950 -1954

Marc - 5-28-2011 at 07:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
Howard. Well said.

Never forget those that put their Life on line for all of Us.

Skeet
USNAVY 1950 -1954

Marc
Amen USNAVY 1959 - 1962

[Edited on 5-28-2011 by Marc]

Dave - 5-28-2011 at 08:11 AM

Memorial day is for honoring those who gave their lives in defense of our nation.


CORPORAL
JASON L. DUNHAM
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, First Marine Division (Reinforced), on 14 April 2004. Corporal Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in the town of Karabilah, Iraq, when they heard rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire erupt approximately two kilometers to the west. Corporal Dunham led his Combined Anti-Armor Team towards the engagement to provide fire support to their Battalion Commander's convoy, which had been ambushed as it was traveling to Camp Husaybah. As Corporal Dunham and his Marines advanced, they quickly began to receive enemy fire. Corporal Dunham ordered his squad to dismount their vehicles and led one of his fire teams on foot several blocks south of the ambushed convoy. Discovering seven Iraqi vehicles in a column attempting to depart, Corporal Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles to search them for weapons. As they approached the vehicles, an insurgent leaped out and attacked Corporal Dunham. Corporal Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade. Corporal Dunham immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat. Aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Corporal Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast. In an ultimate and selfless act of bravery in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Dunham gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service"

TMW - 5-28-2011 at 09:50 AM

From the battle of Yorktown, to the beaches of Normandy and to the mountains of Afghanistan, the Warfighters of our armed forces have dutifully served, bravely protected and honorably defended our country and our Republic. On Memorial Day we pause to remember and honor the sacrifice of the Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who fought and died so that we may enjoy freedom and liberty. All gave some...And some gave all. And let us never forget the folks who stayed behind to serve and keep the home fires burning.

The first Memorial Day, celebrated nationally as Decoration Day in 1868, represented a spirit of healing and reconciliation after the Civil War. General John A. Logan gave the General Order proclaiming the day of remembrance as he encouraged his countrymen to "cherish tenderly the memory of our heroic dead." During the first observance of Decoration Day, James A. Garfield spoke at Arlington National Cemetery and after his speech 5,000 people helped decorate the graves of Union and Confederate Soldiers buried there. Since then Memorial Day has come to symbolize remembrance of those who gave their lives to this country.

As we celebrate this holiday with family and friends on Memorial Day, let us remember those who have served and take a moment to reflect on the dedication of our brave service members who risk their lives every day to defend our rights and freedoms. Spend some time with your children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and the kid that lives down the street explaining the sobering importance of this specific Holiday. Memorial Day is so much more than a backyard barbeque and the beginning of summer. Let's take this holiday back.

Tom
US Navy 1962-1969

baronvonbob - 5-28-2011 at 10:54 AM

In Memory To Fallen Comrades

Bob
US ARMY 1965-1969

woody with a view - 5-28-2011 at 12:27 PM

Bia wants me to get the nieces and nephew together and go put flowers on random graves at Ft Rosecrans on monday.

she said we could go somewhere different every year to spread the love.....

Major Megan McClung

Gypsy Jan - 5-28-2011 at 12:33 PM

Megan Malia Leilani McClung (April 14, 1972–December 6, 2006) was the first female United States Marine Corps officer killed in combat during the Iraq War. Major McClung was serving as a public affairs officer in Al Anbar Province, Iraq when she was killed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megan_McClung

Thanks, Woody

bajaguy - 5-28-2011 at 12:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
Bia wants me to get the nieces and nephew together and go put flowers on random graves at Ft Rosecrans on monday.

she said we could go somewhere different every year to spread the love.....





I would really appreciate that!!!

CPT, MI, USAR (Ret)

Jim/Liisa - 5-28-2011 at 01:19 PM

I agree...

Jim, USN Active Service 1969- 1973 (5) Westpac tours Vietnam USS Henderson DD785


























9 USS Henderson DD785 1969- 1973

bajamedic - 5-28-2011 at 01:34 PM

My eternal gratitude to each and every one that has served. JH

Cypress - 5-28-2011 at 01:35 PM

Thanks to all who stood strong and proud for the good old USA!:yes:

BajaBlanca - 5-28-2011 at 01:41 PM

Thanks to all that served and serve.

ELINVESTIG8R - 5-28-2011 at 02:41 PM

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

SERGEANT RICHARD A. PITTMAN
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS


for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a member of First Platoon, Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines during combat operations near the Demilitarized Zone, Republic of Vietnam. On July 24, 1966, while Company I was conducting an operation along the axis of a narrow jungle trail, the leading company elements suffered numerous casualties when they suddenly came under heavy fire from a well concealed and numerically superior enemy force. Hearing the engaged Marines' calls for more firepower, Sergeant (then Lance Corporal) Pittman quickly exchanged his rifle for a machine gun and several belts of ammunition, left the relative safety of his platoon, and unhesitatingly rushed forward to aid his comrades. Taken under intense enemy small-arms fire at point blank range during his advance, he returned the fire, silencing the enemy positions. As Sergeant Pittman continued to forge forward to aid members of the leading platoon, he again came under heavy fire from two automatic weapons which he promptly destroyed. Learning that there were additional wounded Marines fifty yards further along the trail, he braved a withering hail of enemy mortar and small-arms fire to continue onward. As he reached the position where the leading Marines had fallen, he was suddenly confronted with a bold frontal attack by 30 to 40 enemy. Totally disregarding his own safety, he calmly established a position in the middle of the trail and raked the advancing enemy with devastating machine-gun fire. His weapon rendered ineffective, he picked up a submachine gun and, together with a pistol seized from a fallen comrade, continued his lethal fire until the enemy force had withdrawn. Having exhausted his ammunition except for a grenade which he hurled at the enemy, he then rejoined his own platoon. Sergeant Pittman's daring initiative, bold fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty inflicted many enemy casualties, disrupted the enemy attack and saved the lives of many of his wounded comrades. His personal valor at grave risk to himself reflects the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

/S/ LYNDON B. JOHNSON

I served with him in Camp Pendleton California. One hell of a good guy!

God Bless all of the Armed Forces of the United States of America active duty, veterans and those civilians who serve and served alongside of them keeping us safe 24 hours a day.





[Edited on 5-28-2011 by ELINVESTIG8R]

BajaGringo - 5-28-2011 at 02:51 PM

The US military and those who served are without a doubt something that all Americans can and should take pride in. As someone who wore the uniform I stand and salute our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless each and every one of them, as well as their family and loved ones left to mourn them...

ELINVESTIG8R

Howard - 5-28-2011 at 04:12 PM

What makes this story even more amazing that according to the ribbons on his chest, SERGEANT RICHARD A. PITTMAN does not have a Purple Heart!

Bajahowodd - 5-28-2011 at 04:23 PM

The past few days have been nagging at me. Maybe it's just me. Probably. But in my mind, the word celebrate denotes something much more positive than why we are having a Memorial Day.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/celebrate

I know. The first definition seems to fit the use I've seen posted.

But I just cannot eliminate my feeling that the Memorial Day observance should be about honoring those who contributed, and those who sacrificed. A celebration just seems to me all too often as a party.

"Celebrate" just rubs me the wrong way. Observe,reflect, honor, and thank.

JMHO

wessongroup - 5-28-2011 at 04:32 PM

It is the thought that counts ... and I'm thinking of those folks that gave it all...












USAF- 616 AC&W
59-63

[Edited on 5-30-2011 by wessongroup]

Cypress - 5-28-2011 at 04:33 PM

No matter what you want to call it, it's an attempt to express thanks and gratitude to those who gave all for you, me and lots of other people that are enjoying freedom. Thanks to one and all.;)

What an insult to our brave Medal Of Honor recipients!

Howard - 5-28-2011 at 04:33 PM

Below are the benefits that a Medal of Honor recipient receives. Seeing the amount that we tax payers spend on welfare, section 8 housing, and God only knows what else we support our non tax paying citizens with, I find this to be an injustice to the soldiers who have been awarded only 3,471 Medals of Honor in over 150 years!

Medal of Honor recipients are given the following special privileges and special benefits:

Special Medal of Honor pension of $1,194 per month above and beyond any military pensions or other benefits for which they may be eligible. The MOH pension is subject to cost-of-living increases.

Special entitlements to Space air transportation.

Enlisted recipients are entitled to a supplemental uniform allowance.

Commissary and exchange privileges (includes eligible dependents).

Admission to the United States military academies for qualified children of recipients – without nomination and quota requirements.

10 percent increase in retired pay.

Medal of Honor Flag.

Allowed to wear the uniform at anytime as long as the standard restrictions are observed.

Many states offer Medal of Honor automobile license plates.

Interment at Arlington National Cemetery if not otherwise eligible.

If you are a Hawk or a Dove, one should recognize that they did it for our government (allegedly you and me) and the above should be closely looked at and reviewed to have the award truly special and have much better benefits to them and their families.

I will now get off my soapbox!

[Edited on 5-28-2011 by Howard]

[Edited on 5-28-2011 by Howard]

BajaGringo - 5-28-2011 at 04:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
"Celebrate" just rubs me the wrong way. Observe,reflect, honor, and thank.

JMHO


And "remember"...

Lee - 5-28-2011 at 04:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by baronvonbob
In Memory To Fallen Comrades

Bob
US ARMY 1965-1969


What he said.

Lee
USMC '64-'68

monoloco - 5-28-2011 at 05:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaGringo
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
"Celebrate" just rubs me the wrong way. Observe,reflect, honor, and thank.

JMHO


And "remember"...
Remember that many good men gave their lives based on lies and fabrications to advance the financial and political goals of an elite few.

ELINVESTIG8R - 5-28-2011 at 05:09 PM

Howard, He was a fearless man even after the war. And you are right he was not wounded during that ordeal so no Purple Heart. I agree that our Medal of Honor recipients sure do deserve more than currently awarded. When we had Staff Call at the Staff Noncommissioned Officers' Club he never bought his own drinks and he never spoke of his ordeal even when we got him intoxicated.

Truly a Man’s Man!


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_A._Pittman

baitcast - 5-29-2011 at 08:55 AM

I for one don,t wait for Memorial Day to remember the good guys I do it year round.
USN 54-58 BM-3
Rob

DENNIS - 5-29-2011 at 09:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ELINVESTIG8R
I agree that our Medal of Honor recipients sure do deserve more than currently awarded.


One thing a MOH recipient gets is lifetime immunity from any kind of harrasment from the IRS. That's worth a lot. :yes:

Curt63 - 5-29-2011 at 09:04 AM

Huwa!

Freedom is not free.

US Army '83 - '86

watizname - 5-29-2011 at 09:29 AM

God Bless all our Men and Women who have served our Great Country, and remember always those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
USN- USS Arnold J Isbell, DD869 Wespac '68-'69

wessongroup - 5-29-2011 at 10:38 AM

And they are still out there taking it ... and showing who and what they are...

Live bomb in soldier's body... normal day outside the wire... super example of what heroism is all about...

http://tinyurl.com/3o9a57s

CDB - 5-29-2011 at 12:09 PM

Thank you to all that served and especially to those that gave all.

USAF '71-'75
366 TFW Da Nang

Couldn't Agree More...

Bajahowodd - 5-29-2011 at 04:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by monoloco
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaGringo
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
"Celebrate" just rubs me the wrong way. Observe,reflect, honor, and thank.

JMHO


And "remember"...
Remember that many good men gave their lives based on lies and fabrications to advance the financial and political goals of an elite few.


But, this thread is about reflecting on the sacrifices made.

Curt63 - 5-29-2011 at 04:37 PM

"Freedom is only one generation away from extinction"

Ronald Reagan

vgabndo - 5-29-2011 at 05:11 PM

I regularly weep for the stranger's faces I see staring back, now dead, from the official military photographs. I ache for their families. Our best, our most patriotic, our most idealistic young men and women have been wasted for a lie in Iraq. Poisoned by our own depleted uranium, shredded by every manner of killing device, ordered to kill innocents by the thousands our troops and their loved ones have suffered immensely to gain a dozen permanent military bases and permanent control of Iraq's oil. Those who lost everything did not die as warriors defending their village and family, they didn't die fighting in an allied army against an aggressor bent on world domination, but they are just as dead as any other hero who bled out on Omaha beach.

I would dishonor my fallen comrades, and dishonor the many who have fallen since if I did not here shame anyone responsible for sending our best and bravest to die for political and economic reasons and a lie.

The unnecessary loss of any single warrior is a tragedy, to forget that thousands died for falsified reasons is a crime against their memory.

America is better than that. I've always believed that America was better than that.

All honor to the fallen warriors. I hope every one died believing that what they were doing was both right and unavoidable.

Special mention to my six buddies who died in a 6x wreck training in the mountains of Camp Pendleton. Hardly noticed, un-heroic, but still very dead all these years that I've been loving life. I haven't forgotten brothers.....


Perry Sims USMC '61-'64

[Edited on 5-30-2011 by vgabndo]

woody with a view - 5-29-2011 at 05:40 PM

right on Perry!

it is the heroic spirit that makes a man fight for his homeland, wherever that may be in America. i sometimes regret not having enlisted, of my own free will.

i try to honor every upcoming generation by building the best BEQ, Battalion Op's Centers, SmartMed Facility, or Family Housing my sweat and labor (and a few braincells) can muster.

all gave some, some gave all.....

monoloco - 5-29-2011 at 07:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Quote:
Originally posted by monoloco
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaGringo
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
"Celebrate" just rubs me the wrong way. Observe,reflect, honor, and thank.

JMHO


And "remember"...
Remember that many good men gave their lives based on lies and fabrications to advance the financial and political goals of an elite few.


But, this thread is about reflecting on the sacrifices made.
If more reflected on the why maybe future sacrifice could be reduced.

woody with a view - 5-29-2011 at 08:00 PM

Lovehammers "Guns" Lyrics

Left to the right foot,
Left to the right foot,
Left to the right foot,
Out the door,

Left to the right foot,
Left to the right foot,
Left to the right foot,
Out the door,

Black knights,
Who fight alone in the desert heat,
One life,
One life lost,
And now it's clear to me,

Who deserves to live,
Who deserves to die,
Protect the truth from a lie,
Run for your life,

Let's pray for all the sweet lives,
That die with a gun in their hands,
Let's pray for all the sweet lives,
That fight for our lives 'til the end,
'Til the end,

Your life, a sacrifice in the name of love,
Tonight, we greet those who rise above,
Where it is, the body lies,
Without a chance to say good-bye,
Good-bye!

Let's pray for all the sweet lives,
That die with a gun in their hands,
Let's pray for all the sweet lives,
That fight for our lives 'til the end,
'Til the end,
'Til the end,

Fire, Fire at me, Fire, Fire at me,
Fire, Fire at me, Fire, Fire at me,
Fire, Fire at me, Fire, Fire at me,
Fire, Fire at me,
Fire!

Who deserves to live,
Who deserves to die, die, die!
Good-bye!

Let's pray for all the sweet lives,
That die with a gun in their hands,
Let's pray for all the sweet lives,
That fight for our lives 'til the end,
'Til the end,
'Til the end,


[Edited on 5-30-2011 by woody with a view]

monoloco - 5-30-2011 at 07:08 AM

I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a high class thug for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902–1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested. Looking back on it, I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents.
Smedley Butler Double Medal of Honor recipient.

You woke up today being a free man

mcfez - 5-30-2011 at 07:32 AM

To the guys that didn't come back home, to the guys that did come home with memories of horror, and to the guys that just got home in one piece........thanks!

It is on this day we all really should just take a few minutes of our busy life to appreciate what these men did for us. From defending our freedom of speech to rights of choice. Thanks the Gods we do not have a government such as Cuba!

Thanks Dad for your service in Italy during WW2. Rest in peace. Hope they have your cigars up there.

Thanks brother Gary for your service in Nam. I will be seeing you soon...we can resume our brotherly fights and fishing.

Dean Deno ******, USN Samuel Gompers AD 37 "Fat Sam Gives A Damn".

[Edited on 5-30-2011 by mcfez]

flag.jpg - 9kB

DENNIS - 5-30-2011 at 07:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Dean Deno ******, USN Samuel Gompers AD 37 "Fat Sam Gives A Damn".



Welcome back, Bro.

bajalou - 5-30-2011 at 08:47 AM

The Final Inspection



The soldier stood and faced his God
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as brightly as his brass

"Step forward now you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek,
And to my church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be saints

"I've had to work most Sundays
And at times my talk was tough
And sometimes I've been violent
Because war is awfully rough"

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got to steep,

And I never passed a cry for help
Although, at times I shook with fear
And sometimes, God forgive
I've wept unmanly tears

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here
That never wanted me around
Except to calm there fears

If you have a place for me here O' Lord
It needn't be so grand
I've never expected, or had so much
But if you don't I'll understand"

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the Saints had often trod
As this soldier waited quietly
For the judgment from his God

"Step forward now you soldier,
You've borne your
burdens well
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell"

Author Unknown

"I'll Shine It on My Heart..."

Mulegena - 5-30-2011 at 09:33 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x11NA63gLDM&feature=playe...

"Memorial Day...is a day of Compassion. It is a day for Reflection.
Above all, it is a day for Healing." my friend Larry from Florida

elgatoloco - 5-30-2011 at 03:21 PM

We rode our bicycles today on one of our favorite routes from the casa out to Point Loma thru Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary. The ride always results in much reflection on the sacrifices of the many interred there. Today was no different except that the area was filled with many many people honoring friends, family, loved ones, comrades. The sight of each of the thousands grave markers adorned with a small American flag waving in the breeze was a beautiful sight to see.

Lets never forget, indeed.