Sorry to change the course of the convo, Memorial day is always a hard one for me. I went to Iraq and came back short a very close friend. My buddy Jimmy and I grew up together from diapers, he lived down the street from me, and he house was my second home, and mine was his. We joined the Army together and trained together, and got assigned to the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) We were even sent to the same squad. We even went to Air Assault school together. It was the greatest gift to be able to fight side by side with my best friend. When we got deployed to Iraq we grew closer as we helped each other through the struggles of war. The horrors we saw, the lives we took, the fear we faced, we did it together, it helped us cope. He got killed by a sniper in Sadr City. It is hard to describe the pain of losing someone like that, he was brave, and proud of serving his country, we both did not agree with the war in Iraq but we helped people, but losing someone closer to me than my own brother was like losing a whole part of myself. To add to this, that same week I escorted his body home, to his mother who was a second mom to me, to deliver the news her son had died in battle. By far the most difficult thing I have ever done.
Memorial day is about remembering the ones we have lost, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their cause, their country, their home, family, and friends. For me, every day is Memorial day, I am still sad at the loss of such a fine man, and it drives me to live life to the fullest, to enjoy and savor every moment, because to me, that is the freedom we enjoy.
=/\= =========================== =/\=
Ensign Artilleryman08 Engineering Charlie Squadron
Current Location: Williston, North Dakota
Current Assignment: Oilfield Operations
12th Fleet, United Federation Of Planets
=/\= =========================== =/\=
***EARTH FIRST! Well drill the other planets later!
I couldn't of explained that any better buddy. Thank you for sharing.
This is why I posted.
To remember those who couldn't post here....
We should all be grateful for the sacrifices these brave men and women have given for us to enjoy the freedoms we take for granted.
For me I'm truly grateful for their sacrifice, and also saddened that not everyone came home.
They are the true super hero's for their is nothing greater than giving your life for others, for something you believe in, the preservation of life, liberty and peace for all mankind.
Very touching reading that, Artilleryman - as you say, the best way to honour those no longer with us is to enjoy the life people strive to protect. And no need to apologise for changing the course of this conversation, if anything it was me that did that
And let's not forget the work of the services too - police, fire, medical etc. I know some of us have had people close to us give their lives in that line too. Like for Mercy, I remember a very touching tribute you gave about your Dad, who was a police officer who gave his life in the line of duty. I think anyone who puts themselves on the front line in such a fashion deserves our respect.
Baz wrote:Very touching reading that, Artilleryman - as you say, the best way to honour those no longer with us is to enjoy the life people strive to protect. And no need to apologise for changing the course of this conversation, if anything it was me that did that
And let's not forget the work of the services too - police, fire, medical etc. I know some of us have had people close to us give their lives in that line too. Like for Mercy, I remember a very touching tribute you gave about your Dad, who was a police officer who gave his life in the line of duty. I think anyone who puts themselves on the front line in such a fashion deserves our respect.
I'm very Proud of my Dad, like artillaeryman i am almost certain is very proud of his close friend. Let us not forget that as long as we remember them, they are never truly gone, never truly forgotten in the sands of time.
Let us all hope that our brave men and women who are still fighting....
However yes I do agree to always honour those that died in the line of service.
Patrick
Former Section 31 Field Director (Fleet Captain)
Former Forum Administrator / Former Ops Team
Former Command Advisor / Former FXO You name it, I've done it...