Memorial Day

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Never forget the troops who died for our freedom.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Never forget the troops who died for our freedom.

[Pooky 3,849]

Never forget the troops who died for our freedom.

[Ban Hammer 13,709]

all gave some, some gave all.

[Danno 1,228]

[Obama 2012 1,714]

and you do realize you're a day late... Memorial Day was actually yesterday.

[ValerieA 350]

Every day should be Memorial Day. We should never forget those who gave up everything to protect our way of life.

[Nagishkaw 510]

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced his God

Which must always come to pass

He hoped his shoes were shining

Just as brightly as his brass

"Step foward now you soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek,

And to my church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

"No Lord, I guess I ain't,

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be saints

"I've had to work most Sundays

And at times my talk was tough

And sometimes I've been violent

Because the streets were awfully rough"

But I never took a penny,

That was'nt mine to keep

Though I worked a lot of overtime

When the bills just got to steep,

And I never passed a cry for help

Although, at times I shook with fear

And sometimes, God forgive

I've wept unmanly tears

I know I don't deserve a place

Among the people here

That never wanted me around

Except to calm there fears

If you have a place for me here O' Lord

It needn't be so grand

I've never expected, or had so much

But if you don't I'll understand"

There was a silence all around the throne

Where the Saints had often trod

As this soldier waited quietly

For the judgment from his God

"Step foward now you soldier,

You've borne your burdens well

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell"

[one...two...tree 2,762]

(F) (F)

[KaiserD 12]

I wish I had half the courage and discipline our soldiers have. Thanks for everything you've done!

[Sofiyya 1,687]

How many of us can remember when local stations signed off at night with a video version of "High Flight", a poem written by American RAF Pilot Officer Gillespie who died in flight in 1941 at the age of 19? As a kid, and the daughter of a USAF fighter pilot, I used to stay up just to watch it, it is so beautiful. Memorial Day always makes me think of it again.

Edited May 31, 2010 by Sofiyya

[Sofiyya 1,687]

My editing feature isn't working well today. The author's complete name is John Gillespie MacGee, Jr.

[tmma 467]

How many of us can remember when local stations signed off at night with a video version of "High Flight", a poem written by American RAF Pilot Officer Gillespie who died in flight in 1941 at the age of 19? As a kid, and the daughter of a USAF fighter pilot, I used to stay up just to watch it, it is so beautiful. Memorial Day always makes me think of it again.

Thank you so much for posting this.

This was one of my mother's favourite poems and I can remember her reciting (sp?) it to me like it was yesterday. She too was stationed near Digby ( although much later than Officer Gillespie). My mother told me that 2 of her Uncles ( my grandmother's brother's) were pilots and stationed with the American RAF Pilots there also. They were shot down over Holland; and are buried there.

Have a good Memorial Day everyone. Spend a moment or 2 considering the enormous sacrifices made by so many, both past and present.

Bless those that can now 'reach and touch the face of God'.

[GabiandVi 34]

[Ban Hammer 13,709]

one of the best pics i've ever run across for memorial day.