Memorial Day Roundup

Here's a roundup of Memorial Day postings:

Sailorcurt recalls the words of Ronald Regan:

When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to be revered old men.

As I keep getting closer to 50, I like to joke that I'm moving into "venerable" status. Today's the day to remember those who never will.

Lawdog has a picture from Michael Yon. Having been to many of these ceremonies, both on active duty and as a member of the PGR, I have to say it doesn't get any easier seeing that.

Squeeks tells us of the Star Spangled Banner:

When sung properly, this song gives me chills.

Kim Du Toit has a writeup of a veteran he once knew:

But he had done his duty, for God, King and country, and he never regretted it. Not once did he ever say things like “If I’d known what I was getting into, I’d never have done it.” As far as he was concerned, he had had no choice—and that instinct to do good, to do the right thing, governed his entire life.

A attitude not held by many in today's society.

Next is this great picture by Tam. Check out the comments, too.

Finally, I'm saving Roberta's for last, because it reflects how I feel about today:

A holiday is a day away from work (for many) for a reason and that reason is not only to make the proper Ritual Grimaces; it is a time away, a time to set down your tools and your habits and consider your world and how it got the way it is.

...

Take time to remember and honor them -- and take time to consider what you have done and will do with their gift .

Exactly.

Remember, folks, we don't "celebrate" Memorial Day, we observe it. If you do hoist a few brews today, that's fine. If I had died serving my country, I'd want you to. Just remember why you're doing it.

For me, today is for Specialist Joe Torres, the only troop of mine I've ever buried.