My heart goes out to you.

The Lighting Ceremony

Down the lane
decked with lights
thrills for the looking
magic and bright.

No one noticed
the little child who
stared in silence
looking down at his shoe.

Seemed a sad shuffle
as he walked slowly along
while Carolers kept singing
the old Christmas song.

T'was a grand gathering
of people around
made little difference
his silence was bound.

His Mum, I suppose
was holding his hand
She tried to look happy
part of her plan.

Perhaps it was just
the thoughts I was thinking
The lights were so bright
in the beautiful twinkling.

There was quite a long line
round the man in the suit
greens, not red
and his laugh was a hoot.

All of a sudden
they met eye to eye
this quiet boy
and the man not so shy.

The smile on his face
could light up the dark
Hello there son!
ignited the spark.

Dad! he exclaimed
when did you get here
I've waited and waited
it was a long long a year.

His Mum was a cryin
and laughin too.
They held each other tight
what else could they do.

So the crowd cheered
as they were leaving,
wrapped in each other
Love's gift receiving.

SadieLu 12/2011

Today, I think about my Dad. A WW11 vet. 90 years old. Love you Dad.
90 years...Philip Henry Miles Jr. Navy

Kitty's brother
90 years...Robert Nutter, Army

can you imagine

Yesterday marked 19 years of my eldest son's faithful service to our country, 6 years of serving as a Gunny in the Marines. OORAH!

Special respect and comfort to all our military and their families for their sacrifices.

Those who have made the ultimate sacrifices are not forgotten and never will be in my books.

im a navy man at heart, but i have a great deal of respect for those who are witnessing combat. makes me appreciate being on my ship. scary stuff

Where have you been young man??
I hope somewhere safe and happy!!

http://youtu.be/sHOq6Sl9u38

http://youtu.be/yJybwgtR970

http://youtu.be/bNGBY4yVQgQ

http://youtu.be/SwS6OkgUXKE

I live in Colorado Springs where there are Army and Air Force Bases and of course the AirForce Academy.

I thank military any time I see them .. which is a lot. Nice idea for this!

And to the military who read it ..

(((((((( THANK YOU FOR DEFENDING OUR SHORES, OUR FREEDOMS & OUR FAMILIES ))))))) Many times at the expense of your own. You guys (women and men) ROCK

Memorial Day in United States

Memorial Day commemorates all Americans, who have died in military service for the United States.

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formally known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women, who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.

What do people do?
It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half mast from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is combined with Jefferson Davis' Birthday in Mississippi.

Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold picnics, sports events and family gatherings on this weekend. This day is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season for cultural events. For the fashion conscious, it is seen as acceptable to wear white clothing, particularly shoes from Memorial Day until Labor Day. However, fewer and fewer people follow this rule and many wear white clothing throughout the year.

Public life
Memorial Day is a federal holiday. All non-essential Government offices are closed, as are schools, businesses and other organizations. Most public transit systems do not run on their regular schedule. Many people see Memorial Day weekend as an opportunity to go on a short vacation or visit family or friends. This can cause some congestion on highways and at airports.

Background
Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers, who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women, who died in any war or military action.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.

Im sorry babygirl, but you will see him again.

Some of us are talked out (VA Nam counseling group) and are trying to forget. More power to those of you who still need to share.

I hope you find peace.

Vietnam Vet here......Served 69 to 75 Vietnam campaign medal with device [1960] Combat action ribbon, Vietnam Service medal with bronze star. I know what a lot of you guys are talking about!! Trying to deal with day to day life since coming home. I have fought with the VA since back in 78 till about two years ago, they finally gave me an 80 % disability for my PTSD and agent orange. The best advice I can give you is don't give up, keep banging on their doors...let them know you are not going away!!!!!!!



I salute all of you,my fellow comrades!!!!!!!!




And to the woman that lost her husband .....my heart goes out to you!!!!!

don't give up Hippie!!!!!!!