Monday Brief
Memorial Day 2012
The Foundation
"Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives." --John Adams
Essential Liberty
Tomb of the Unknown SoldierCol. Tom Manion, USMCR (Ret.), wrote in The Wall Street Journal about the remarkable men and women in uniform and what they give for our great nation. He should know -- his son gave his life in Iraq in 2007.
"I served in the military for 30 years. But it was impossible to fully understand the sacrifices of our troops and their families until April 29, 2007, the day my son, First Lt. Travis Manion, was killed in Iraq.
"Travis was just 26 years old when an enemy sniper's bullet pierced his heart after he had just helped save two wounded comrades. ...
"While my son's life was relatively short, I spend every day marveling at his courage and wisdom. Before his second and final combat deployment, Travis said he wanted to go back to Iraq in order to spare a less-experienced Marine from going in his place. His words -- 'If not me, then who...' -- continue to inspire me.
"My son is one of thousands to die in combat since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. ...
"When my son died in Iraq, his U.S. Naval Academy roommate, Brendan Looney, was in the middle of BUD/S (basic underwater demolition) training to become a Navy SEAL. Devastated by his good friend's death, Brendan called us in anguish, telling my wife and me that losing Travis was too much for him to handle during the grueling training regimen.
"Lt. Brendan Looney overcame his grief to become 'Honor Man' of his SEAL class, and he served in Iraq before later deploying to Afghanistan. On Sept. 21, 2010, after completing 58 combat missions, Brendan died with eight fellow warriors when their helicopter crashed in Zabul province. He was 29. Brendan and Travis now rest side-by-side in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery. ...
"Even after more than a decade of war, these remarkable men and women are still stepping forward. As the father of a fallen Marine, I hope Americans will treat this Memorial Day as more than a time for pools to open, for barbecues or for a holiday from work. It should be a solemn day to remember heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, and also a stark reminder that our country is still at war."
For the Record
Lt. Col. Oliver North, USMC (Ret.), wrote of Memorial Day:
"As a crowd of high-school students offloaded from the tour bus for a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial aka 'The Wall,' he yelled, 'There are no good wars!' ... He held a sheet of cardboard, hand-inscribed with the words 'I'm the 99 percent' on one side and 'Help me, I'm Homeless' on the other. ...
"'The Wall' is like that. The V-shaped black granite panels with 58,282 names inscribed upon them attract visitors like no other place in our nation's capital. ...
"[T]his year, our countrymen who pause from travel, shopping, sporting events and auto races on the last Monday in May will see a very different observance: the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Vietnam War.
"For the 2.7 million Americans who fought for our nation in Southeast Asia, the Gold Star families who lost loved ones there and those who still yearn to know what happened to the 1,350 who still are unaccounted for, Monday's ceremony is a long-awaited requital for unacknowledged sacrifice. It's an overdue but welcome event.
"What is less certain is whether this commemoration finally can bring closure to the most polarizing armed conflict for Americans since the Civil War. Will it end the false mythology of the Vietnam vet as a pothead marauder, a homeless, unemployed dropout who couldn't fit in after coming home?
"The Occupy protester I confronted on my way to 'The Wall' this week probably won't be convinced by this single ceremony. It's unlikely he ever will grasp the innate decency, unstinting perseverance, quiet courage and true humility of those whose names are engraved on those black granite panels. There are no good wars. But there are good warriors. ...
"Like most Vietnam War veterans, they still are giving more than they ever asked in return. They aren't dropouts. They are American heroes -- and I'm blessed to call them friends."
In Honor of Fallen Patriots
Don't miss Mark Alexander's essay on Memorial Day and what it really means.
Also, please view our Patriot Memorial Day Tributes.
Memorial Day Challenge
Insight
"They fought together as brothers-in-arms, they died together, and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation." --Chester Nimitz
"They are dead; but they live in each Patriot's breast, and their names are engraven on honor's bright crest." --Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Gipper
"Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset telling our children and our children's children what is was once like in the United States where men were free." --Ronald Reagan
Thank You
"We pause this day in America to remember our fallen heroes, the men and women who answered the call of freedom and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Let us remember and thank them for the nights they slept freezing in a tent or sweating in the desert, for the lonely days they spent fighting boredom and missing loved ones, for the hours they spent sick in pain from battle and without someone holding their hand other than their fellow soldiers, for the moments of sheer fright in the heat of battle, for the wounds suffered fighting evil, for the endless days in hospitals undergoing painful surgeries, for the precious occasions missed at home with family and friends. For all of these sacrifices, we need to thank them on behalf of millions of Americans who are so grateful. We truly appreciate their dedication to duty. ... May their legacy be honored for generations to come, may the tears shed over their coffins fertilize the fields of patriotism in our nation. The new generations to come must be built on strength, duty, honor and country, willing and able to follow in their Warrior footsteps when duty calls to defend America. May their blood not have been shed in vain. May we prove worthy of their sacrifice." --Maj. Gen. Paul Vallely U.S. Army (Ret.)
A Final Note From the Publisher
On Wednesday of last week, I heard from our longtime, and very devoted editor, David Weed, that he would be out of the publishing loop for Thursday and Friday with "medical issues." On Friday afternoon, I heard from his lovely wife Karen that David has departed this life for the next. David was faithful in his service right to the end, and his absence will leave a large hole in the quality of our Patriot prose.
David was our token Yankee curmudgeon -- yes we have a few other Yankees on the team but not as curmudgeonly as David. It would be difficult to find the right adjectives to describe his unique "wit and charm" without the benefit of a very unabridged dictionary!
I thank God for his life and the part of it he so generously donated to advance Liberty by way of The Patriot Post. David was a brother and a Patriot, and his legacy has been quietly etched in the hearts and minds of his Patriot brothers and sisters across the nation. I would only ask your prayers for his wife, Karen.
69 Comments
Howard Last
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 1:17 AM
There is a traveling version of the wall. Last year it was in Cheyenne, WY. I went to look for the name of my youngest brother's best friend, JOSEPH LIPTON. After over 40 years it still chocked me up.
Son of Liberty
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 6:54 AM
It is quite simply put - these were the best of our society. Even those who got the sentence from a Judge "Jail or the Military", because at the moment of truth they did not fail their buddies or the rest of us. It is important we honor their sacrifice because we must always remember what they gave us - FREEDOM.They gave all of their tomorrows just so we could have today. And in it they shall be rememberedThat few, that hallowed few,That band of brothers.
Hank Karr
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 8:17 AM
Thank God for the men & women who serve and have served. Without them we would not have the great country we have today.
Ray Butts
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 8:28 AM
Re: "Former Lt. Col. Oliver North, USMC, wrote of Memorial Day:" Why do headliners continue to use "Former" when the proper term is "Retired"? Ollie didn't "resign" his commission to become a "former" officer, he "retired" from active duty.
JohnV
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 8:34 AM
as we laid mom next to dad in Fort Custer National Cemetery last monday, I saw Band of Brothers and Sisters that represented not only the greatest gemeration but the sacrifice of Korea,Viet Nam and many more that did not shirk to give the last full mesasure for God Home Country, Never has the flame of Freedom shone more brightly than through the service of those who go before us. Press On ! America.Rest in peace.Mom's and Dad.s brothers and sisters.
Charlie Seng
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 8:47 AM
I address this comment to Mr. Alexander. I wholeheartedly support the sentiments in this e-mail from The Patriot Post on Memorial Day, 2012. It is appropriate I think to call to your attention a story that appeared in the Charlotte (NC) Observer newspaper today, in which an anguished mother was complaining that her son, who died in an accidental death in Iraq, did not qualify for a Purple Heart. This was a 2 page story with a large picture of the mother, who obviously has the sympathy of the newspaper. She complained that her son is every bit the hero as those who died in combat. It disapppointed me to see a major newspaper take the side of this obviously distraught mother, but my sense tells me this plea of hers and the support from the Charlotte Observer is a sign of the times, when a politically correct interpretation of the cause for receiving a Purple Heart is mistakenly confused by this mother and who is given encouragement by a newspaper and which also cheapens the reward of a Purple Heart that is rightfully awarded only for a combat death. That the mother and especially a newspaper could not see the difference between a combat death and an accidental death is sadder still. I wonder if I could prevail upon Mr. Alexander to make a proper comment about this dilema. Thanks sincerelyCharlie SengLancaster, SC
Don
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 8:51 AM
Mostly a sad day for me. I feel a sense of guilt that i made it home from Vietnam and a lot of my friends did'nt. I am one very emotional person on Memorial day.
linda m kitchens
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 8:56 AM
my eyes well with tears thinking of the heartbreak of the families that have lost a loved one in any war...it is devastating and sorrowful but their hearts should also swell with pride that these brave men and women have died for our freedom and to have this freedom we are the most blessed people and nation in the world. Thank you to each and every one of the heroes we have been blessed and honored to know and love and thanks you to all those that will be coming home to the USA and we have the capacity to love and honor those that return ...i thank each of you for what you have sacrificed for me and my family. My God bless you .
Charlieg
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 9:06 AM
I am still in awe of my five uncles who served during WWII. Four who fought on foreign shores or waters. One was on the U.S.S. Arizona at Pearl, Dec. 7, 1941. He survived and went on to fight in the great battles of the Pacific. Two others fought also in the battles of the Pacific, while the fourth brother was wounded in Europe. The fifth brother never made in out of the states (the youngest). While he never saw any action, he is still a hero to me.I served in Vietnam. I know the heartache of losing a buddy. I know the joy of seeing them return safely again from the field. And now I know the respect that a person is due who wears a uniform.
George Robison
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 9:09 AM
Prayers offered at our cemetery today:InvocationAlmighty God,You loved mankind into beingand you bless us now with each precious moment of life.Our hearts are grateful for your loving faithfulness.Grateful, too, are we for the millions of loving actsthat blossom from human hearts around us every day.On this Memorial Dayhelp us to remember, with deepest gratitude and awe,the extraordinary men and women who, out of love, gave their livesto protect our beloved country and preserve our liberty. We wish to thank them for their courage, their sacrifice and their commitment. We want to thank them for putting on the uniform and traveling halfway around the world to protect our freedom. We now thank them for keeping us safe and making us proud. Keep these fallen heroes in your loving care.On this Memorial Day we stop and pay, with sincere conviction, our respects for these who died protecting and preserving the freedoms we enjoy, for we owe these honored dead more than we can ever repay.As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Help us to be ever mindful also of the wounded heroes in our midstwho, with heroic hearts, risked their lives that we might prosper and that our children’s futures be secured. Please hold our servicemen and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and your presence as they stand in the gap for our protection. We also remember the families of our troops. We ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes, and we pray your peace, provision, and power will fill their lives. May the members of our armed forces be supplied with courage to face each day and may they trust in Your mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support. In the name of Jesus, Amen. BenedictionAlmighty God,On this Memorial Day, let us remember with sincere respect those who paid the price for our freedoms. Allow us to keep in sacred remembrance those who died serving their country. Never let them be forgotten.On this Memorial Day, the one day out of the year set aside for We the People, as a nation, to get together to remember and reflect, let us maintain and decorate the graves of the fallen. Let us, then, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan. On this Memorial Day, let us remember our rich history and heritage of freedom. From the Minute Men who were out-manned and out-gunned by the British on Lexington Green and later that day at Concord Bridge, to General Washington and his ill clad men enduring the harsh winter at Valley Forge, to the rocket’s red glare over Fort McHenry in the War of 1812, to the blood soaked fields around Gettysburg where brother fought against brother, to the Doughboys in the trenches facing sniper fire and mustard gas in WWI, to the scores of Sailors who died at Pearl Harbor, to the Soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy, to the Airmen who went on bombing raids over Tokyo, to the Marines who fought on the shores of Iwo Jima, on the frigid hills of Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, the deserts of Iraq, and the rugged mountains of Afghanistan —these Patriots secured our liberty at a high price.On this Memorial Day, we are the land of the free because of the brave. On this solemn day, we honor those who serve and have served in our military. We give you praise and glory for the blessings you have bestowed upon us as a nation. We give you praise and glory for the sacrifices of our men and women who proudly represent us and defend our freedoms even to their last breath. As Jesus Himself once said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Freedom is truly a gift from you, O great and glorious God. On this Memorial Day, when I think of these true patriots and their patience under adversity, of their courage under fire, and of their modesty in victory, I am filled with an emotion of admiration I cannot put into words. He belongs to history as furnishing one of the greatest examples of successful patriotism. He belongs to posterity as the instructor of future generations in the principles of liberty and freedom. He belongs to the present, to us, by his virtues and by his achievements. We are here today to honor these heroic dead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tom Karczewski/GySgt., USMCR, Ret'd.
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 9:10 AM
"They will remain forever young, and we will remember them with the rising and the setting of every sun"...Anon
Charles Sproull
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 9:18 AM
I believe our Department of Defense was establihed to defend America and American citizens at sea (ie maritime sailors from islamic pirates), and that the Viet Nam and North Korean wars were unnecessary and poorly managed, and lead to the unnecessary deaths of many DoD personnel. I was working for the US Navy at the time, as a Sonar Tech and Oceanographer developing Littoral Warfare technology. Had I known the true significance of these unnecessary wars, I may nave been a conscius objector, while still developing Defense-related technology.
Pat S.
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 9:20 AM
I would like to thank those I love who have Served our Country and Given so Much. Those still giving, My thoughts and Prayers are with you every Day. May God bring bring you home Safe.
Evermyrtle
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 9:21 AM
Brave, Christian, Loyal to God people,GOD HIMSELF is what has kept this country afloat. We are fading away from GOD and our country is suffering, because of that.We must return to GOD, if we want America to remain a free, GOD loving country.
FPultro
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 9:31 AM
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of David Weed, & to the staff at the Patriot Post. Though we cannot feel the loss of this patriot on the same level as all of you, as God-fearing patriots we grieve his loss. We realize that America has lost one who was like the men of Issachar, men "who understood the times, and knew what America should do."F. PultroBlack Robe Regiment pastor