Memorial Day

rogdochar

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Certainly, one of the very best ways of honoring our patriotic dead is to live patriotism forward. (Too many are dismissing that.) But since 2016, patriotism is taking bigger, prouder deep breaths. As always this flows from the leaders we choose = another way to honor all military heroes.

Memorial Day represents all us Americans' chance to repay the debt of honoring our heroes for how they embraced America, America's ideals, America's traditions = all presently under assault here at home. Let the "old-fashioned' spirit continue to advance. Let's carry it ourselves. We have these debts to honor.
 

Durfish

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Yours truly at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, Bellau, France for Memorial Day 2012. This is the place where US Marines earned the title Teufelshund, or Devil Dogs. Belleau Wood was a defining moment for our Marines. I was honored to attend the annual Memorial Day recognition, where the Vice Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Commandant of the French Marines, along with numerous state and local dignitaries as well as both Marine bands and the US Marine Corps Silent Drill Team annually recognize 1811 members of the 2nd and 3rd Marine Divisions who gave their lives to repel the Germans despite being massively outnumbered. Most of those lost in the battle are interred here under the care of the American Battle Monuments Commission.

If you ever travel overseas I cannot more strongly recommend that you take any opportunities to pause at our overseas cemeteries. I've had the honor to visit six of these cemeteries in Europe and can tell you that they are all quite striking and that each chapel carries a distinct character.

412747_3902437435370_152997368_o.jpg
 

78

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Great thread. Thanks.
 

NVGator

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This week and next week the Coast Guard is having the "change of watch" for Vice Commandant (held on Thursday), next Friday is the Change of Command for the Commandant. I "volunteered" on Thursday. Here's a shot I snuck of the outgoing Vice, Admiral Michel - he has the distinction of being the first 4-star Vice (the Coast Guard used to only have one 4-star, who was obviously the Commandant).....and for those of you who are non military, a 4-star Admiral is totally different than a 4-star recruit!

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Is @CGgater one of those in the picture?
 

NVGator

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Yours truly at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, Bellau, France for Memorial Day 2012. This is the place where US Marines earned the title Teufelshund, or Devil Dogs. Belleau Wood was a defining moment for our Marines. I was honored to attend the annual Memorial Day recognition, where the Vice Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Commandant of the French Marines, along with numerous state and local dignitaries as well as both Marine bands and the US Marine Corps Silent Drill Team annually recognize 1811 members of the 2nd and 3rd Marine Divisions who gave their lives to repel the Germans despite being massively outnumbered. Most of those lost in the battle are interred here under the care of the American Battle Monuments Commission.

If you ever travel overseas I cannot more strongly recommend that you take any opportunities to pause at our overseas cemeteries. I've had the honor to visit six of these cemeteries in Europe and can tell you that they are all quite striking and that each chapel carries a distinct character.

9391
To my civilian eye, you seem to have a lot of strips and decoration. Thank you for your service.
 

CGgater

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Is @CGgater one of those in the picture?

Nope! Those are all officers. The easy cue for you is the shoulder boards on the officer uniform. My uniform looks similar to Durfish’s with rank high on the left sleeve and slanted service stripes on the forearm, but navy blue instead of black.
 

CGgater

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This is probably gonna make its way to the political forum. Although I agree with a lot of what’s being said the fact that it even brings the part about kneeling for the national anthem in aggravates me.

I served. My father served for 30 years including Vietnam and the 1st Gulf War. My grandfather fought in WWII. My great, great grandfather fought in the Civil War.

Freedom of expression and speech are protected freedoms and has no place in a discussion of Memorial Day.

If you want to have a real memorial thread without this political propaganda I’m all for it.

HOWEVER, minus that stupid sentence the rest of it is excellent.

Actually, I thought he framed his comments very well. He didn’t bash anyone. He stated the priorities of military members while acknowledging the constitutional rights of citizens.

Maybe those comments weren’t necessary, but it is a great reminder of the high standards and character of those who serve. Unless someone wants to pick a fight on the topic (and I haven’t seen anyone cross or even flirt with that line yet), I see no reason to rush any shift to the PF.

 

NVGator

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Nope! Those are all officers. The easy cue for you is the shoulder boards on the officer uniform. My uniform looks similar to Durfish’s with rank high on the left sleeve and slanted service stripes on the forearm, but navy blue instead of black.
You aren’t an officer?
 

CGgater

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BTW, while Memorial Day is meant to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, please also take a moment to acknowledge our MIA/POWs. I can’t imagine how much “the unknown” affects a service member and their family.

 

NVGator

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Nope. Master Chief is the top enlisted rank for both Navy and CG. BMF is the officer around here - Lieutenant Commander.
I knew you were a Master Chief. Therefore, you’re above an officer. I’m guessing Durfish is also a MC?

Thank you for your service as well.
 

CGgater

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I knew you were a Master Chief. Therefore, you’re above an officer. I’m guessing Durfish is also a MC?

Thank you for your service as well.

Yep, Durfish is a Navy MC. He’s like a brother from another mother.

We’re technically not above officers, but they tread lightly around us. At least the ones with a good survival instinct.
 

SeabeeGator

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BMF is a hinge? Who knew?

While thoughts and prayers for vets are always appreciated, keep in mind that Memorial Day honors those who sacrificed their lives. It’s also about their families. Send your prayers their way today - I know I will be.
 

ChiefGator

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This is probably gonna make its way to the political forum. Although I agree with a lot of what’s being said the fact that it even brings the part about kneeling for the national anthem in aggravates me.

I served. My father served for 30 years including Vietnam and the 1st Gulf War. My grandfather fought in WWII. My great, great grandfather fought in the Civil War.

Freedom of expression and speech are protected freedoms and has no place in a discussion of Memorial Day.

If you want to have a real memorial thread without this political propaganda I’m all for it.

HOWEVER, minus that stupid sentence the rest of it is excellent.

Yes those freedoms are great, but they have no place at work. I don't get to protest at work without consequences, they don't either. Perhaps this day is not for such.
 

rogdochar

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Just think about the reverence if everybody sat down to meals of K-rations today ?
 

CGgater

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Yes those freedoms are great, but they have no place at work. I don't get to protest at work without consequences, they don't either. Perhaps this day is not for such.

Easy there, Chief. We’re trying to keep this thread OUT of the PF for at least one more day. Please get back on topic.

‘Merica!
 

B52G8rAC

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When I was growing up in Pensacola, my role models were men who had served in World War II. My Dad, my uncles, and my teachers; those fortunate enough to come home. My Scout troop was on a Navy Base and two of my Scout Masters died in aircraft "mishaps." My high school class has two names on the Wall. My first cadet commander in AFROTC didn't come back from Vietnam. Four members of my pilot training class died after graduation in "peacetime training accidents". Men (and now women) who choose to serve and offer the last full measure of devotion in defending the finest, noblest, and most just nation in history. Today is the day to remember their sacrifice and thank God for raising up such heroes.
 

aka

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Today we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you to them and to all of you who have in the past or are now willing to do the same through service to our country. Much respect.
 

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