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Subscribe to RSSTribute to Sgt. Robert Weinger, Staff Sgt. Timothy Bowles, Sgt. Christopher Abeyta and Spc. Norman Cain III.
As a boy, Bob Weinger played soccer and was on the school wrestling team in his hometown of Round Lake, Ill., north of Chicago. He rode motorcycles and drag raced his car as a teenager -- a “crazy kid,” said his mother, Susan Weinger.
“He always wanted to be a GI Joe,” she said.
Courtesy Susan Weinger
Sgt. Bob Weinger
In 2006, Bob joined the Illinois National Guard, went to boot camp and then straight to Iraq. There, he guarded prisoners. His mother later learned that one of them was former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
Bob came home, but after trouble finding a job, signed up for another tour of duty, knowing he was heading to Afghanistan.
On March 15, 2009, Sgt. Robert Weinger was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in the village of Kot, in eastern Afghanistan. He was 24.
Susan Weinger is one of thousands of mothers of fallen soldiers who each year take part in annual Memorial Day services across the country. For many Americans, the holiday marks the traditional start of summer. But for loved ones of the fallen, it's a somber day to honor the dead.
Like Weinger, many mothers of fallen soldiers belong to a group called the American Gold Star Mothers, named for the traditional gold star put in windows of homes signifying a family of a fallen soldier.
Killed in the same attack as Bob Weinger were Staff Sgt. Timothy Bowles, Sgt. Christopher Abeyta and Spc. Norman Cain III. Cain’s sister, Bree Otto, has posted a video on YouTube titled 'Never Forget' to remember the fallen Illinois guardsmen.
A short time after Bob’s death, a soldier in uniform knocked on Susan Weinger’s door. “I knew if they came to the door he was dead,” she said. “If he was just hurt it would be a phone call.”
Courtesy Susan Weinger
From left: Bob's fiancee, Tanya Colatorti; Bob; Bob's younger brother Paul Weinger; his aunt Vicki King; and Bob's mom, Sue Weinger.
The man asked if she was Sgt. Robert Weinger’s mother. “I just kept asking, ‘is he dead, is he dead,’ and the man kept repeating ‘Are you Sgt. Bob Weinger’s mother?’ and he wouldn’t answer. Finally, he just bowed his head, and said, ‘he’s dead.’”
“I was numb for almost a year,” Susan Weinger, a middle school librarian, said. “I finally went back to work just because I wasn’t any good at home anymore.”
She became involved in the American Gold Star Mothers -- she’s now the president of the Northern Illinois chapter -- because she said she knew her son wouldn’t want her to grieve forever.
Betsy Schultz, of Port Angeles, Wash. started a foundation to honor her son, Capt. Joseph Schultz, 36, who was killed in action in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, on May 29, 2011.
The Captain Joseph House Foundation is meant as a living memorial, with the organization funding a retreat for service members and their families at a former bed and breakfast on the scenic Olympic Peninsula.
Schultz is bracing for the year anniversary of her son's death.
Courtesy Betsy Schultz
Capt. Joseph W. Schultz
“The last four to five days for me is just getting to the 29th, Betsy Schultz said. “And it’s really hard. I feel like I’m putting the breaks on. I don’t want May 29 to come. It just brings it all back very fresh.”
For many mothers, as time passes by, public service helps them through the sorrow.
“We’re not a grief organization,” national American Gold Star Mothers president Norma Luther told msnbc.com. “We are here to support each other. We do that by banding together and working for veterans in the hospitals and nursing homes and just stepping in wherever we see that they have a need. By doing that we begin to heal.”
“At the bottom of our list are barbecues and picnics and the like,” Luther said. “We hope everyone can try to remember what this day is for.”
Luther lost her son Glen. P. Adams Jr., a 27-year-old West Point graduate, to a helicopter accident in Germany in 1988. She said her emphasis has been to bring home the message that all mothers who have lost a son or daughter while serving in the military are gold star mothers, not just moms who have lost their children from combat deaths.
“Those deaths deserve as much recognition, respect and honor as someone who was killed in a war zone,” Luther said.
This weekend, services to honor veterans are planned in nearly every city and town in the country.
Luther will be at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Monday when, on the 50th anniversary of the war, President Obama and other officials will pay homage to those who served there.
Susan Weinger will be in Chicago on Sunday for a Memorial Day parade, and on Monday will be at the cemetery to honor her son by planting a tree.
Betsy Schultz will spend Friday at Fort Bragg, N.C., for memorial services for Joseph, who was an Army Ranger in special forces. On Saturday, she will go to Arlington National Cemetery, where her son is buried. On Monday she will attend a breakfast at the White House for gold star families.
"It’s an honor to have them honor Joseph in this way," Betsy Schultz said. "He believed and he gave everything. I supported his decision to do what he does. He was proud to be an American and be there for his country. How could I not feel proud."
On Sunday night, a national Memorial Day concert called “A Night of Remembrance” will take place on the Capitol Mall in Washington, D.C., to pay tribute to Americans who have served and their loved ones. It will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET on many PBS stations.
NPR is also hosting a Virtual Wall of Remembrance, where people can post memories of their loved ones who died in war.
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Follow US News on msnbc.com on Twitter and Facebook
Leave a Comment:
I salute my brothers who didn't come home, regardless of where they fought. Thank you for your service.
All of those who served deserve our gratitude, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I salute all of those who have served this country so honorably.
Gilmore.... take your advertising, ESPECIALLY on a thread like this and shove it!!
Unfortunately, most died for Corporate America.
You don't see politicians sons and daughters dying in these territory wars.
How many people fall for this "Fighting for Freedom" garbage
kaptainkrunch,
As a combat veteran still in the Army, and I would think on behalf of all the others who served and are still serving, eat me. We do this for our families and our buddies sitting next to us. Your misguided and outright offensive remarks are neither warranted nor welcome. Whether you agree with the politics or not, at least respect the sacrifices made and not belittle our losses or the grief of those left behind. Or is that concept too much for a self-indulgent D-bag to grasp?
Damn JS thats mighty white of you! You know Politicians should all go to hell for sending these guys to die in the name of Special Interest and idealism.
I hope all of the fallen have the piece they deserve.
@kaptainkrunch & kevinoffsite --- Thank a dead GI and his/her family for YOUR RIGHT to sound like the phooking pond scum you are.
All of the WW1 veterans are dead. WW2 veterans are passing away at an alarming rate. A lot of Korean/Vietnam veterans have diseases. We must make sure that we will always remember these men. Schools need to teach more about wars to honor the soldiers. In my sons school, they only spent a week learning about WW1, BUT THAT ISN'T ENOUGH. Some schools are not teaching enough about wars. Many teenagers know the leaders of WW2, but when asked about the leaders of WW1, they don't even know who our president was at the time (Woodrow Wilson)! I hear some people saying that there is no need to learn about history, they ask about how it will help them in life. Well here is the answer:
"Those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it"- George Santayana.
In other words, if we don't know enough about evil leaders like Hitler or Stalin, we will elect a leader that is just like Hitler or Stalin without even knowing it! Then another war will start. Educate everyone or America will follow the path of evilness!
Ease up brother. My generation was sacrificed to the Viet Nam "conflict," a half of a generation, Korea. My father was a WWII Submariner, I served in the USN during Nam, my brother in country in Nam, and my son is a Lt Cdr in the Navy with 15 years in.
We do have a right to question these wars, and their causes. Every conflict, post WWII has been about politics and greed, not our freedoms. They hype the "need" and the "duty." If that need and duty is there, why aren't the children of the corporate elite or the politicians not engaged in combat in Afghanistan? Now, as you know, the Military Industrialists are constantly screaming that we should invade Iran, N Korea, put more troops on the ground in Africa or any other place on the globe where "they" can stir @!$%#. I respect your service, yet not those who command you to risk your life on a daily basis while the sit on K Street in Washington or in a government building, making $M's while kids like my brother and I were and that you are lay it on the line.
kevinoffsite~ A piece of what? You failed the ASFAB, didn't you..........
ouch Pepster.... That burn backfired. I'll let you find the mistake.
I will remember that I did my bit for God and country. But in thinking of those that didn't come home, I can't help but feel I didn't do enough. Tomorrow, I will remember them.
For those wishing politicians kid were sent to war please note:
Biden's kid went to Iraq as a lawyer. Big deal, that is not combat you say. I agree.
Palin's kid went as a infantry 11B enlisted soldier. That is combat folks.
Ever wonder why a "combat" vet never wishes anyone a "Happy" Memorial Day?
To ALL Vets: Thank You Men and Women. To ALL Fallen Vets: Thank You, Enjoy Eternal Peace and Happiness with THE MAN. There is nothing else to be said.
My bad...ASVAB, easy mistake.
Here's to Cody and all our fallen, you are all missed. God bless and protect our troops. No BBQ for us tomorrow.
Yeah, thanks for your service! Thanks for working for less than minimum wage! Only true heroes can live in poverty while fighting to ensure corporations and mercenaries continue to make billions.
To all of you wannabes. You libs make me want to puke. We served to honour our nation. We did not do it for corporations or oil. We did to keep faith with our fathers, grandfathers and their service we did it for our buddies, we did it to get laid, we did it for thousand of reason, but most of all we did so that we could stay free. The sacrfice the men and women of the United States of America made since begininng of our nation traces back to 1776. On this day go visit a vet and remember you are free to be a piss ant becuase of their sacfrice. God Bless this once great nation of ours. I will never apologize for my service so go pound some sand.
old fat guy-1144960 wrote: "For those wishing politicians kid were sent to war please note: Biden's kid went to Iraq as a lawyer. Big deal, that is not combat you say. I agree. Palin's kid went as a infantry 11B enlisted soldier. That is combat folks."
It's also a cheap shot. The military has needs for lots of different skills. JFK served in WW II and performed a heroic rescue when his PT boat was shot up. President Bush (41) served as a pilot in WW II and was shot out of the sky. President Bush (43) served as a pilot in the USAF Reserve during Vietnam. In my day, which was Vietnam, that meant he found a legal way to dodge the draft and service in Vietnam. But, heck, at least he signed on, unlike so many folks today who are quite willing to vote such that we send our men and women, but not themselves or their families, into combat that is of questionable benefit to this country. They'd rather be waving flags about how proud they are of our military, criticizing those who may not agree with them on the need for a particular combat action.
--mark d., CMSgt, USAF (Retired)--Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Bosnia veteran. Father of a USAF Master Sergeant, two son-in-laws currently serving, brother, father, wife, and three uncles all served.
I am 2 Tour Veteran and I will speak my mind, My comments are not meant at Veterans. My closest friends are all Vets, but that doesn't mean I will line up and salute these ridiculous Wars we fight.
Somewhere along the way we have mistaken Defense for Aggression! I do not believe its the US Governments right to Start Wars and use Voluntary Troops, Period!
If you want to fight wars for the Interest of Corporate America then they can pay for it!
Once we removed the Taliban after 9/11 we should have placed a small Elite Force somewhere secret and allowed them to strike at Terrorist. Not place National Guard Volunteers in the middle of Baghdad for Sniper target practice.
To Mark Doiron, #1.19
Nice of you to include President Bush (43) in your comment but I cannot let this pass without a comment.
Google "George W. Bush Texas Air National Guard" (Bush was never a member of the Air Force Reserve Command) and read some of the articles surrounding Bush-the-junior's appointment to the Guard past the line of Guard applicants, his not-so-stellar performance in the Guard, him not volunteering to serve in Vietnam, his refusal to a required, annual medical evaluation by an Air Force doctor, and him missing (AWOL?) training. (Concerning his eight-to-twelve month unauthorized absence status, I think that his parents may have conducted an intervention to break him from drugs and alcohol. That's my opinion.)
Couple Bush's lackluster performance as president with the immoral actions of his predecessor (the womanizing Bill Clinton) and we can only marvel that our nation hasn't wound up in the toilet though, due to the current economic mess we find ourselves in, some will state that we have, pretty much, flushed ourselves down the drain.
You are spot on with your/that statement. It was well known to us "regulars" that, those who didn't have the guts serve on active duty or willingness to move to Canada during the Vietnam era, joined the National Guard to avoid being drafted--there were long lines to get into the Guard back then. What is ironic is that President Bush (43) didn't hesitate to activate and send the (individual State's) National Guard units to Iraq and Afghanistan--something he didn't/wouldn't do during his chance to demonstrate his patriotism.
Yeah. I reckon one could say that he "signed on."
To kevinoffsite, #1.20
A big 10-4 to your comment.
CWO3 USMC (Retired '68 - '91)
P.S. Some Shout-Outs and then I need to go.
KaptainKrunch (#1.4),
kevinoffsite (#1.6),
sandtrich (#1.9),
ImoenOfTelengard (#1.17),
Stephaniecali (#13),
sAyItLiKeItIs (#21),
KaptainKrunch (#21.4),
Ciewywtb42mh6sps-23 (#21.5),
NYMike (#22.1),
Charles Ranier-2718823 (#22.2),
Mufaso (#23),
Johnessy Demrich (#25),
JimS-459172 (#91 & #91.2),
Sir Winthrop (#91.3),
FatCatGets$700Bil (#95),
… and a many others.
Read "War Is A Racket" by Major General Smedley Butler USMC
See Wikipedia.Org for "War Is A Racket" and "Smedley Butler"
Mark Dorion...
How is it a cheap shot to say Palin's kid went to Iraq as an Infantry enlisted man?
He did not have to do that, the Governor did nothing to prevent it. You claim knowledge of Viet Nam and if you have any you would know what a 11B is and it is not a picnic.
Tell me how that is a cheap shot and it has nothing to do with Dan Rather's discredited stories about Bush.
I to have military credentials:
Viet Nam Class of 68 Airborne/Infantry/CIB
Comment # 2 deleted, R0gerR0ger stop comment spamming please.
STFU Roger. This is not the place for that childish nonsense.
i back our troops !00% and i salute all our vets, but the time has come for the us to start minding our own business and stop playing world cop
to my fallen brothers and sisters, and their families you will always be in my heart..a simple thank you will never be enough
Also those who have made it back in one physical piece, but have yet to mend their hearts and minds from the horrors they had to face.
All Viet Nam vets, my cousin John and one extra special friend Chris. My daily hopes and thoughts are with you.
Viet Nam helicopter pilots and door gunners. Thank you everyday and especially on this day!
Rusty.
Bless all our troops and their families but can i say that this headline is ridiculous.
If you have had a child pass on, its not ridiculous. Its spot on. as a mother of a child who has passed on, the last thing we do on any holiday is celebrate it. sorry, just the gods truth. its painful and no one ever gets over it. ever.
Okay, I admit it, I cried the entire time while reading this article. But I did think, "what about the fathers?" A father's loss is as great as a mother's.
R.I.P.brothers and sisters
My very sincere condolences to the families of the fallen from ALL conflicts America has been involved with, declared and undeclared, covert and overt.
To those currently under arms, military and paramilitary, I salute your service and thank you for the sacrifices you and your families make in the service of this country.
To the families of those under arms, I thank YOU for being there for your loved ones while he or she does what his/her country asks of them.
None of you are forgotten, ever.
Well said!! You speak what is in my family's hearts as well... God Bless them!
AMEN! God Bless the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the families that are left behind to mourn them.
XDm9mm: Thank you for your post, especially your rememberance of those fallen in wars overt and covert. How many GI's do we have involved in covert wars at this time? I can think of two covert wars, and there may be more. I lost too many friends (one is too many) in covert wars in Southeast Asia before we admited (spelling?) to being where they got killed. Therefore, may I humbly request that we all put aside our bickerings for a moment of silence, followed by a slow hand salute. God bless our fallen comrads. Rest in Heavenly Peace, my friends; you have served your time in Hell.
For those who suffer through loss, my heart is with you on this very difficult day. I will think of your fallen loved ones (and brothers and sisters in arms) with respect and gratitude, always.
Comment # 10 deleted for grenade trolling.
As a veteran I wish to thank all other veterans for their service and sacrifices. We all suffer when we lose and comrade in arms. Unfortunately I feel like the importance of this holiday ; it's purpose and meaning is being forgotten and many take for granted why Memorial Day is observed.
To all, respect and salute those who have fallen in defense of our nation. Pray for them if you will; but PLEASE remember in your prayers those of our Military that have died Because of their Service along with those who have died In their Service.
So many of My Fellow Service Members have died as a result of injuries and conditions that were acquired in the course of doing their duty; so many have taken their own lives Because of what they've seen and done in War. These are among those forgotten on Memorial Day; although they number as many (if not more) then the casualties during the conflicts. Keep THEM too in your memories, hearts and prayers.
All Praise and Thanks to ALL my fallen comrades in arms, may you find the peace that you deserve in the afterlife and forever rest in our thoughts.
I remember all of them. May God Bless them all. As i said above, may they rest in Heavenly Peace; they've already served their time in Hell.
A good article on what it means to be the mom of a fallen soldier. Protocol often demands that the wives are considered the next of kin and many articles are written about their loss, but a mom is always a mom and carries with her a whole different set of memories of the lost soldier. To a mom, that warrior still exists somewhere in her heart as the little boy who needed his mama, had a first day at school, scraped his knee, learned to ride a bike and drive a car, went to prom, graduated high school, and used to hold her hand to cross the road. Widows know the adult man, but the moms know him as the little boy they have now lost. My thoughts go out to the moms this weekend.
Stephaniecali- that was beautiful. My boys aren't soldiers but are almost grown up and what you said was so true and touching. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child under any circumstances, let alone a combat casualty. I often question the wisdom or necessity of war but never the bravery or commitment of those who serve. I hope your thoughtful message helps a mother struggling with loss on Memorial Day, or whenever she needs support and understanding. Well done
Thanks, so true.
I joined the Army when I was 19. I deployed several times to places like Haiti, Somalia, and Iraq. The last time I deployed while she was alive, I was 36 and she was 64. She cried like it was the first time I left home. Mom is always Mom, and I was always that little kid going off to kindergarten in her eyes.
I miss you and love you, Mom. And I want to thank all the mothers who understand what I obviously cannot express appropriately here.
I wonder if it is more than just coincidence that Mother's Day and Memorial Day are so close together? First we celebrate our Mothers, then a couple of weeks later, we try to imagine what they feel as they remember their lost children, the ones they lost to war?
My family and I send our condolences to the families of the fallen! God rest the soles that never came home! We salute you and are very proud of you and your sacrafice! God be with the families!
I want to thank all the veterans and their families for their dedication . My condolences to all that have suffered a loss -may they be blessed to find peace in knowing that they are remembered. Till this day i have never understood why memorial day has transformed into more of a celebratory day than a day to think of these heroes. While i never served in the armed forces my father has, and many of the people i work with have. These people deserve much more recognition that they get, and are truly THE UNSUNG HEROES OF THIS COUNTRY.
Those of us without someone to mourn celebrate that we live in the greatest nation on earth. We take a moment of silence to rememeber ALL those who died to give us our freedom, and celebrate their lives in thanksgiving that we are free. It is a somber day, but somber does not have to mean depressing.
Thank you to all Veterans, and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom, where ever that sacrifice was made.
What is it with you AH writers..... You find ways to destroy anything that has a hope of happiness.... S Y and you know what that means.........
ATTENTION...Hand Salute
It must be a tad bittersweet for the families of those lost during the war. Most people are going to have off of work, have a BBQ or party and think little of those who gave their lives to give us the freedom to do that. Bless all the men and women in service and thank you. My condolences to those that lost loved ones for the service of their country, we should never forget or take for granted (regardless of your political beliefs or beliefs on war) that the freedoms we have often come from the blood and lives of hero's.
There are no words that can truly thank you for your service. What we as Americans should remember is that our soldiers were and are of practically every race, creed, religion and for that matter political philosophy. And they died for this great nation and for us to have this holiday.
We celebrate the act of complete devotion and sacrifice for our well being
The death of these Americans is a real pity, especially since we have no business getting involved in wars in the countries they were killed in. American aggression and involvement in other countries policies and business must stop. We have wasted valuable resources beyond count on policing an ungrateful world while other countries spent their resources on themselves. America needs to solve its problems at home, and stop forcing American beliefs and values on other countries. America is one of the biggest polluters and destroyers of the environment there is.... and we want other countries to follow in our footsteps? Elect officials that keep their noses and our tax dollars out of other countries business.
You have clearly never served...
nate-1148539 - Serving in the military does not magically grant a person more knowledge and insight into the value (or lack thereof) of our wars.
sAyItLiKeItIs
you are way outta line pulling that crap on this thread.... do it somewhere else where it's appropriate
you say 'our tax dollars' so I suppose you are American.. for you to make this a political thing and use it as an excuse to criticize is BS...... I would bet the farm that for all your whining, you have never done anything to serve or to substantively participate to change policy, become a leader in our society, or anything else that might actually make a difference... oh, and trolling websites all day does not count....
If you don't like being american, renounce your citizenship and leave... there are literally billions around the world that would make extreme sacrifice to be in your place.
asshat
sAyItLiKeItIs
Very true, these are territory/resource wars.
Its sad people fall for it every time. So sad...
oldhamletman,
Part of a civilian's civic duty is to criticize their government's use of force worldwide to ensure we DON'T send our troops to fight and die in needless wars. These soldiers also died defending our Constitution which ensures Americans' right to free speech in criticizing said government. Those are things real Americans stand for, and honor our soldiers in defending.
Now, it seems like what our troops didn't fight and die to defend was the right to squash criticism of government. That seems to run counter of the revolutionary spirit of the so-called Founding Fathers who took up arms against an English king who demanded obedience without question. It also seems like we generally don't tend to fight wars to protect your right to revoke citizenship from anyone who isn't as rabidly hawkish as you, oldham.
The Constitution, fortunately, may have been crafted by rich white male landowners who still thought leeches were good medicinal aides, but at least they weren't knee-jerk jingoistic neo-conservative warmongers looking to angrily silence anyone who didn't go their way or wave their flags as hard as you. In that I say, "God bless America"
@JoshL-3800903 - Your wrong and folks of your ilk will never get it. I guess shopping at the mall gives you better insight and information dealing with such matters than serving in the military.
NC Vet - not shopping at malls, but being a human being and sharing this earth with other people gives everyone insight into whether or not we should be fighting and killing each other.
Josh~ You don't have a clue!
Pepster - You know, there honestly is an argument that could be made that people who do NOT enlist in a military might actually, as a group, have BETTER insight into whether there is value to war or not since asking ONLY people who serve in the military would give a biased response since those people are most likely not totally morally opposed to war since they enlisted in a military and since there is no draft.
So I think it is pretty arrogant to think that the only people who have something meaningful to say about war are the people who voluntarily signed up to to be in war. Like I said before, I think everybody has value to add to the conversation and everybody is relevant because war affects us all. But I guess I don't have a clue...
Soldiers died to give you the freedom to exersize your free speech.
Human decency should give you the common sense to wait to publically try and defame their deaths 'til ANY other day of the year.
address the issue, not the user, oldhamletman.
You are suspended for a day for violating rule # 1 of the Code of Honor.
No sh!t it's no joy, that's the purpose of the freaking holiday - to never forget why the ultimate sacrifice has to be paid at times. Typical defeatist trash from the libs.
If only you would have left this out of your post. Now everything before it, is overshadowed by it.
It just seems that you used this article to spread hate.
Can you not be grateful for their sacrifices without using political mud slinging?
speaking as "a lib"
whose family can trace service back to the Civil War
who counts among them a WWII POW stepfather and a Vietnam War paratrooper brother
whose best friend lost a son in Afghanistan 2 years ago
who is spending tomorrow visiting the Veteran's cemetery at Boulder City before going with the wives, parents, children of that sacrifice to a family BBQ
I say to you CrispyB, this is NOT the place to bring up politics. You're as bad as a Westboro Baptist picket sign at their funerals.
Charles Ranier: Well said!
I think the title of this article is very wrong. I think memorial day to me is family gathering together for a meal to honor those who have protected our county and given the ultimate sacrafice. Also to those family members who have left us and will never be forgotten. Just a way of thank you, we love you and we miss you.
Many re-enlisted because of no jobs to support a family. Many died in combat for this reason. It goes to show you that the US Government is able to sustain 10 year wars without a draft. When there are so many coming home from war, not enough can get decent wage paying jobs. You earn the right to college with the GI Bill, but you still have to support yourself to go to college. I spent my youth in uniform during the Vietnam War & had to go to a Jobs Fair held locally to hopefully find one. I didn't find one til almost 2 years after discharge. In this time & era of our economy the 1960's thru the 1970's was not nearly as bad. I almost think the government is pulling a fast one on our youths or I should say our young men 18yrs- to 21. I really thought there would be no way this country could be in wars this long again because of no draft. I can't imagine 3 or 4 tours in war. It can destroy the soul of a man. In WWII the vets buried everything of their war experience in the attic til they died & it was dug up by family members. Most are wounded mentally if not physically. Memorial Day is somewhat a sad day when I think of everyone that left their youth behind in graves throughout this world we have fought in the name of FREEDOM. As a father once said to his 17 yr old son who wanted to enlist " It is not what a bullet or piece of scrapnel can do to your body, it's what war can do to your soul." My heart goes all out for the families of lost son's, brothers, fathers & best of buddies. It is a holy day for those gone, they gave their life. RIP all you guys for I think of you all on this holy day.
Nice comments, and so true.
However, Holy?
If the U.S. were guided by God, it wouldn't be in such bad ethical, moral and financial crisis.
Every fallen country said that it was guided and blessed by God.
Why did Jesus flee when they tried to seize him and make him king? His kingdom was no part of this world.
This country too shall fall.
Daniel 2:44 “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite;
Poorly thought out headline, and while losing a family member is sad, one should not enlist to be used by the Wash., DC sociopaths in the first place.
It's taken from a quote in the article:
“At the bottom of our list are barbecues and picnics and the like,” [national American Gold Star Mothers president Norma] Luther said. “We hope everyone can try to remember what this day is for.”
HORRIBLE headline. Jeff Black, if you titled it, you should be disciplined. ('Course, whaddaya want, it's MSNBC, after all. **eye-roll**)
My sincere condolences to all of our fallen and their wounded brethren. Your sacrifices are remembered with acknowledgment of the deep debt we owe your families. As for me and my family, we will never forget.
“At the bottom of our list are barbecues and picnics and the like,” Luther said. “We hope everyone can try to remember what this day is for.”
I am sympathetic for those who have lost loved ones but I feel like this story is trying to shame people who just want to enjoy the weekend and have a barbecue or picnic or day at the beach. This day is to remember the fallen troops but it is also traditionally viewed as the beginning of summer, it is a 3 day weekend that people get to spend time with their families.
And here is my point: Some people will be spending this memorial day in mourning and I think MOST people do have their own personal moments of reflection and I think that is GREAT. But an article like this that tries to shame people out of their enjoyment of the weekend, I will be so bold to speak for the fallen and say that, in the afterlife, they couldn't be MORE happy, and more satisfied to know that on the day chosen to honor them, Americans are using it to spend time with their families, enjoy a barbecue or the beach, and just enjoy life. Those who have passed on to their next life are not so selfish as we and they do not grieve for themselves, I believe that they have a better view than we and see the bigger picture and would want nothing more than for their day to be celebrated in any way that brings joy.
Josh - that was well written, i think that the families in the article were not trying to shame anyone for celebrating on memorial day, but instead for them this is a day where they choose to remember their fallen family members in their own way and the thought of a BBQ is the last thing that is on their mind..This particular article was not written all that well..but you are right about celebrating in a way that brings joy, we try to remember of friends who are no longer with us in a much happy time. a couple years back i lost a good friend in a accident on the flight deck, I try not remember that moment that he was taken from us (although i still can see that day clear as a bell though) I do remember the 99.9% of the rest of the time that we shared together as friends..once again that was a very good point of view from your side..Hope you have a great Holiday my friend
Josh and VH Navy, both have well written comments. Sorry I didn't read them before I posted (below), I read the first page before posting and missed a few of the best comments. I agree, the article was not well written and could have been written much better. I also believe the families were not trying to shame anyone. The attempt at shame seems to come more from the writer of the article.
Navy, I think it is wonderful how you remember the good times you spent with your friend. From my perspective, I feel you've chosen a very honorable way to remember your friend. God bless your service to our country.
Many Americans should feel some shame-as they only see Memorial Day as the kick off to their summer season,worrying simply about what to grill what to drink and where to spend the 3 day weekend. Most of them don't even seem to understand the difference between Memorial and Veterans Day.
VH Navy and Dan, thanks for those comments and especially VH Navy for sharing that memory about your friend. Have a great weekend!
my2fish, I think my point was lost on you but you have a wonderful weekend as well!