This needs to be played every Memorial Day!
But yes... This weekend we remember the fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice for Country.
God bless and keep this great nation. May He hold in the palm of His mighty hand those who sacrificed their lives to protect her.
Now I'm crying like a baby!
HA/KS's Link
Note the tears on the cheek of the serviceman. Honoring someone he never met, but recognizing their brotherhood in serving America.
HA/KS's Link
"Today, my brother and I drove to Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati to attend the funeral of a 90 year old Korean War Veteran who would be receiving full military honors at a graveside service, but who had no family to attend.
Fox19 ran the story just yesterday, and it struck a chord with me because of my Grandpa, his age at the time of his death, and his years of service to our country.
And because, sometimes you just do the right thing because it's the right thing to do.
You guys.
It is through tears that I tell you we arrived to what I can only call insanity.
Thousands of cars and motorcycles are lining every street in the massive cemetery, and they have no idea what to do with us all.
We do not expect to see the actual graveside service at this point, and that is perfectly fine.
We were just told we can drive by the site to pay our respects, and that they will not lower the casket until we have all passed.
I have never been more thankful for the times in life when we are reminded of the good in people.
Transcencending age, gender, race, political affiliation and more, we all showed up with less then 24 hours notice because this man deserves this. And more.
Good on you, humans.
My heart is full. "
Salagi's Link
In June 2007 the cost of our freedom smacked me square in the face and I've been awake to the realities of world ever since. It was that day in June I had the privilege to carry a few brothers on their first leg of their trip to their final resting place, where there families would get to say goodbye for the last time. I never knew these men, didnt know their names or what they looked like. I remember all the men I was with that day. The smell. The feel. The air. When we flew a Fallen Soldier we'd stand out at the edge of the rotor disc at the position of attention while the unit members of the Fallen would carry their Brother to the aircraft. As they approach us I can still see the tears rolling down their faces and I can hear the sobs. They had just lost 3 Brothers to a single explosion, I can only imagine the pain. When they reach me and the crew members we make the handoff and carry the Fallen Soldier to our aircraft, entering head first, laying them head towards the front. I can feel the body bag, the black fabric straps....and so much more.
This was the first of many during the surge. We almost became numb to it. There were so many during the surge of Iraq. That's the price of freedom. Blood, sweat, tears and sobs.....and death. It hurts. Its painful. The memories are dark and wake you when you least expect it. Every detail as fresh as the moment it happens. Pray for the families of the fallen today. Honor those who paid the price and dont mourn them but thank God those men lived for without them we dont have the freedoms we have today.
I dont say all this to hear thank you or any other comment like that, I only say it so that maybe for one day it's as real to everyone else as it is for those of us that have witnessed Freedom being bought. And for my own benefit to ease my heart ache because even though I think about these men every day of life, today it's on even greater level and i need to talk about it to keep myself in check. To not let it consume me. That's not what they'd want. Be safe today. Never Forget.