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Angie Mc Board Moderator
Joined: Jan 31 2005 Location: Arizona
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Posted: May 31 2010 at 3:10pm | IP Logged
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Vote for all choices that apply to you. If you have additional time, please share the names of your loved ones who haved died in service to their country, when and how they served, and any tribute or endearment. We will be blessed by your sharing. Thank you.
__________________ Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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guitarnan Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: Maryland
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Posted: May 31 2010 at 3:24pm | IP Logged
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My great-uncle Norbert died near Florence during the liberation of Italy in World War II. He was my dad's favorite uncle. I was blessed twice with the opportunity to carry out a cherished family tradition, caring for his gravesite, even though he's buried far away in a beautiful military cemetery south of Florence.
We have lost a few active duty friends in vehicle and bike accidents, mostly during our two tours in Italy. (Please please please wear your seatbelts and don't make U-turns on curves!)
We've been very fortunate, though, because so few of our military friends (and after 23 years of dh's active duty service, we have met so many wonderful people) have been in harm's way, and everyone we know who's served in Iraq or Afghanistan has returned safely.
I suppose this is a good time to ask for prayers for my nephew, who is leaving for Parts Elsewhere in the very near future...
__________________ Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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KC in TX Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 05 2005 Location: Texas
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Posted: May 31 2010 at 4:05pm | IP Logged
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I have two friends: Major Edward J. Murphy who was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in 2005 and one of my very best friends, Major David G. Taylor, Jr. who was killed by an IED in October 2006.
I found out today that there's an organization of called the Arlington Ladies. These ladies make sure that there is always someone at every single funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. Sometimes the Ladies are the only attendees at a funeral. What a wonderful thing they do.
Today as we drove onto Arlington National Cemetery with dh's aunt to visit his uncle's gravesite, it just broke my heart to drive past the newer part. It was really active with family members as this is the section that has the military members who were killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dh's aunt mentioned that she has seen widows reading or just sitting by the headstone of the loved one. What a poignant picture that makes.
__________________ KC,
wife to Ben (10/94),
Mama to LB ('98)
Michaela ('01)
Emma ('03)
Jordan ('05)
And, my 2 angels, Rose ('08) and Mark ('09)
The Cabbage Patch
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Angie Mc Board Moderator
Joined: Jan 31 2005 Location: Arizona
Online Status: Offline Posts: 11400
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Posted: May 31 2010 at 5:50pm | IP Logged
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Many in AZ remember Pat Tillman.
My dh's father fought in the Korean War, infantry, and my dh remembers the stories of his buddies who died.
My dh also worked with two Vietnam veterans and remembers the stories of their friends who died. Every year they would go to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to pay tribute.
Praying for all U.S. soldiers who have died while in military service, especially those who are remembered in the hearts of my family, friends, and 4real members.
Love,
__________________ Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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stacykay Forum All-Star
Joined: April 08 2006 Location: Michigan
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Posted: May 31 2010 at 7:41pm | IP Logged
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I remember those who survived their particular wars and service to our country, including my dad (WWII-army-Pacific theater,) my fil (Korea-army,) my "second" dad, Colonel Spigarelli (Vietnam-army.)
I also remember my dad's dear childhood friend, Robert Guth, US Navy, who never returned from WWII. He was in the Pacific, after surrender but before the official peace was signed, and his pby was shot down. He stayed with the plane radioing mayday and position. His fellow crewmembers were rescued. He did not get out in time. When we were in HI, we went to the Punch Bowl, and my dad found his friend's name. "Bobby's" only brother has passed away, and there are so few who may be living who would remember him. I always pray for him.
God Bless,
Stacy in MI
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JodieLyn Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006 Location: Oregon
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Posted: May 31 2010 at 10:59pm | IP Logged
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I remember the story about my Great-Uncle.
Great-Uncle Ed was a medic in WWII. During the Battle of the Bulge, he entered a mine field to administer first aid to 5 casualties and an exploding mine wounded him. He returned to the aid station to get additonal personnel and led them through enemy fire to the casualties. While continuing his duties he was mortally wounded by another exploding mine. He is buried in Belgium.
__________________ Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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MaryM Board Moderator
Joined: Feb 11 2005 Location: Colorado
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Posted: June 01 2010 at 2:06am | IP Logged
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As far as I am aware, we don't have any family members who died in service. All those who served survived the wars in which they fought, so I didn't add a vote above. But Memorial Day, though intended to remember those who have died in service to the country, has expanded in many people's minds to cover any deceased military/veterans. In that way this year is especially poignant for me as my father was buried last week - and being a veteran of the Korean War he was given military honors at the burial. His gravesite was also included with those that had flags/crosses placed on them this weekend.
That flag service and the presentation of a flag to my mother was really touching. My sister did the research and sent this bit of info to me tonight. I thought is was very moving - I never realized the amount of symbolism in the flag presentation ceremony.
Copied (with some editing) from Wikipedia:
Burial flag presentation may consist of:
The formation of a rifle party consisting of an odd number of service members, between 3 to 7, will fire a 3 Volley Solute.
The playing of Taps is performed by a lone bugler or an audio recording, at a distance 30 to 50 yards from the grave site while a "Final Salute" is given.
Flag folding and presentation
The flag of the United States is meticulously folded 13 times. The following information describes the symbolic meaning for each fold of the flag.[1]
The first fold of the flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold of the flag is a symbol of the people's belief in the eternal life.
The third fold of the flag is made in honor and remembrance of the Veteran departing ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold of the flag represents the people's weaker nature. For as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him the people turn to in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold of the flag is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decauter, "Our country, in dealing with the other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold of the flag is for where people's hearts lie. It is with hearts that people pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold of the flag is a tribute to the Armed Forces, for it is through them that the people protect the country and flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of the Republic.
The eighth fold of the flag is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that people might see the light of day, and to honor one's mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold of the flag is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion the character of the men and women who have made the country great molded.
The tenth fold of the flag is a tribute to father, for he too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of the country since he or she was first born.
The eleventh fold of the flag, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The twelfth fold of the flag, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Upon the thirteenth and final fold of the flag, the stars are uppermost in remembrance of the United States' national motto, "In God We Trust."
Thereafter, an honor guard representing one of the five branches of the
United States Armed Forces will present the flag to the next-of-kin by kneeling in front of the recipient, holding the folded flag waist high with the straight edge facing the recipient, while leaning toward the recipient. Depending on the service of the selected honor guard chosen to present the flag to the next-of-kin, each of the five military branches uses slightly different wording.
An honor guard representing the United States Army would present the flag to the next-of-kin by saying:
"As a representative of the United States Army, it is my high privilege to present you this flag. Let it be a symbol of the grateful appreciation this nation feels for the distinguished service rendered to our country and our flag by your loved one.
__________________ Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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Paula in MN Forum All-Star
Joined: Nov 25 2006 Location: Minnesota
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Posted: June 01 2010 at 3:59am | IP Logged
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My dad served in Korea. My uncle served there as well. My grandfather served in WWI. My FIL served in Vietnam. DH's grandfather was a POW in WWII. My nephew served in Iraq. My cousin is headed to parts unknown. I'm so proud of and thankful for the men in our family.
__________________ Paula
A Catholic Harvest
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momtomany Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 17 2005 Location: Pennsylvania
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Posted: June 01 2010 at 10:01am | IP Logged
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We remember two friends of my son. One, Sgt Eric Slebodnick, graduated from Infantry School with my ds Tim at Ft Benning and was later killed in Iraq. Another, a friend and mentor of my son when he first joined the military, Sgt. Jan Argonish, killed in Afghanistan. Msy they rest in peace with the Lord.
__________________ Mary Ann in PA
wife to MIchael, mom to Elizabeth, Becca, Tim, Peter, Andrew, Sarah, Matthew, John, Leah and Joseph
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aussieannie Forum All-Star
Joined: May 21 2006 Location: Australia
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Posted: June 01 2010 at 4:08pm | IP Logged
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I casted for other, please explain...even though I'm Australian I was aware of your special memorial day through watching EWTN, and I remembered and offered a prayer for all those courageous people who have given their lives for your great country.
Our memorial day is Anzac Day, 25th April..always a very special day to Australians..it is wonderful to see the crowds at the Dawn service and the marches swell a bit more each year!
__________________ Under Her Starry Mantle
Spiritual Motherhood for Priests
Blessed with 3 boys & 3 girls!
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Angie Mc Board Moderator
Joined: Jan 31 2005 Location: Arizona
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Posted: June 02 2010 at 4:11pm | IP Logged
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This poll is open through Saturday. Thanks for participating!
Love,
__________________ Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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Aggie gal Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 02 2007 Location: Illinois
Online Status: Offline Posts: 192
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Posted: June 02 2010 at 8:33pm | IP Logged
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I remember my uncle, killed in Vietnam and my cousin Capt Benedict Smith, killed when the Blackhawk he was flying was shot down in Tikrit in 2003.
My husband also lost a friend on Memorial Day a year ago, Lt Col Mark Stratton, USAF--Commander of a reconstruction team in Afghanistan. Killed by an IED.
Nancy, we’ll add your nephew to our prayer list.
__________________ Amy
Married to Rob, Momma to Patrick (17), Braden (14), Nathan (11), Benjamin (10), Aurea (8), Peter (6), Rosie (3) and Baby Blaise
Eight is GR8
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Angie Mc Board Moderator
Joined: Jan 31 2005 Location: Arizona
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Posted: June 03 2010 at 1:25pm | IP Logged
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Thank you for sharing. Reading names is very powerful, and I'm praying for the souls of all the deceased and their loved ones.
Love,
__________________ Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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Angie Mc Board Moderator
Joined: Jan 31 2005 Location: Arizona
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Posted: June 04 2010 at 7:00pm | IP Logged
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Two more days to share your memories here. Thank you!
Love,
__________________ Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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