Memorial Day 2008

This year sure seems to be going fast. Here it is, Memorial Day weekend already. Of course, Monday 5/26 is the "new" Memorial Day. Unfortunately, I don't even remember when the "traditional" Memorial Day would be celebrated. Maybe someone out there can remind me.

I loved the old "Dennis Miller" show, when he talked about getting off on a rant. Well, looks like I'm headed that way!!

The "new' Memorial Day is just another of our American traditions that has been compromised. We want to be sure that all of our Government employees get their 3 day weekend. Of course, most of our Government employees are now one minority or another. God forbid that a white, male American would be working for the American Government. Unless of course, they happen to be a rich, politician. Then, you have to question, are they really working for us or against us.

Memorial Day, like most American traditional holidays no longer means what it was intended to mean. It has been commercialized to benefit "big business". Memorial Day was originally established to remember our veterans, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice - death in battle. I had even forgotten that it was originally called Decoration Day, until I visited this link: http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html

I'm not a veteran, so I can't speak to the sacrifices I've made, but I know many people who have served our country with honor. Many of my generation went off to East Asia in the great quagmire known as Vietnam. I'm so proud of those people. You all know who you are and I appreciate your service.

My Grandfather was a Purple Heart winner in WWI. How in the hell can you say he was a "Purple Heart winner"? He was awarded the Purple Heart because he was gassed by the enemy. The Geneva Convention outlawed the use of gas in war after that. I didn't know my Grandfather, but I'm sure he suffered what is now known as "post traumatic syndrome". He spent the rest of his short life on his knees, digging coal in a Bicknell, IN coal mine. He, like many miners, came out of that mine with Black Lung Disease.

As I said the Geneva Convention outlawed the use of gas in war. Funny, but that didn't stop a man named Hitler from trying to obliterate a race of people. Many people say the Holocaust really didn't happen. But my Father served in WWII. He was sent to a prison camp in Germany, known as Dachau, after the liberation. He was part of a medical team that went into this "Death Camp"to clean up what Hitler's Germany had done there; the mass execution of the Jews. He had nightmares as a result of what he saw there for the rest of his life. He told me, once, not to ever let anyone say it didn't happen, because he had seen the atrocity with his own eyes. He went on to describe it to me, but I can't go into the details here. They are just to unbelievable.

Oh, and let's not forget another guy who used gas. I believe his name was Saddam. Of course, there are people already saying those atrocities didn't happen either. They're out there now , trashing the President for taking this guy out. And don't forget, we certainly don't want to mistreat any enemy soldiers captured trying to kill our troops. I'll bet Senator McCain and all the other Vietnam POW's are so glad they weren't mistreated. Bulls--t!!!!

Come to think about it, I do disagree with our President on this war. It's time to quit pussy footing around and get it over with!! End the thing and bring our troops home with another Victory notched in their belts. Then, put them on our borders and protect the US. Use them to help the FBI ferret out the embedded terrorists living here and do away with them. Use them to hunt down the illegals and send them home, one time. If they come back again, illegally, oh well.

I had an uncle who fought through North Africa with Patton in WWII. I understand he hated Patton and rightfully so based on some of the stories told about Patton. I, personally, admire Patton and people like him who will stop at nothing to defend America.

I had another Uncle who was sent to North Korea in a "police action". He returned an alcoholic and a morphine addict. In hindsight, I'm sure he was suffering from the after effects of his time at war as well.

Now, as the "Greatest Generation" dies off at an increasing rate, our Government has really sold them out. They fought and many, many died to keep America and Americans free. But, now the politicians in this country want to embrace the foreigners that want to circumvent our pre-established methods of becoming American citizens. They want to give welfare, health care and free education to "illegal" aliens. What part of "illegal" don't they understand. I'm sure their only real reason for doing this is so they won't lose the vote of that minorities legal citizens. Hell, why don't we just go ahead and let the illegals vote?? We have to remember, our Government's only source of income is taxing the American citizen. So, it's our money supporting the illegals. This is total bull s--t!!!!

If they want to become an American, first let them learn to speak English. Most immigrants that came into this country in the early 1900's learned to speak English. But, if they didn't, they certainly didn't require that we print all of our signs in a second language or be able to "Press 2" for a language of their choice. I actually called some number the other day and was told to push 1 for Spanish or 2 for English. Bulls--t!!

Spend my tax dollars on the aging, the legal American senior citizen or the kids in Appalachia that go hungry because their parents can't find a decent job.

And, make English the official language of the United States. Teach it in school, use it in the work place, speak it when you call a business and order in English at McDonald's and Wal-Mart. Oh, and take my order in English, too!!

You want to visit here and hope to be understood in a foreign language, that's OK. You want to live here, learn English!!

I'm sorry, I digress. I've got two sons, of whom I am extremely proud. One has served as a Law Enforcement Office for 11 1/2 years. Low pay - high stress. The other has been in the Air Force for over 6 years. Again, low pay - high stress. The oldest has decided to seek out a different career path and I am so glad he has made this decision. The youngest is still undecided about what he will do once his deployment to Iraq is completed and his enlistment is up in early 2009. I will support whatever decision he makes, but 8 years of service to our country, in the military, is enough. They have both severed their country with honor and I'm very proud of them for doing so. Now, let someone else pick up the burden.

But, as this Memorial Day comes and goes, let's all enjoy the cookouts, the family gatherings and the Indianapolis 500. But, let's also remember those who have severed in the Armed Forces in the past. But, most importantly let's thank those who are now serving both abroad and here in this country to protect us and keep us safe. Let's also thank the Police Officer, the Firefighter and everyone else who serves the American people on a daily basis.

As Dennis used to say, "That's just my opinion, I could be wrong." But, I also add "I doubt it!!"

Other links to visit on Memorial Day:

http://www.usflag.org/
This is an interesting site. But, I have to apologize since this site also let's you view the Pledge of Allegiance in 6 languages ,in addition to ENGLISH!!!


http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/

http://www.wwiimemorial.com/

http://www.thewall-usa.com/

I'm sure there are many others, if a person had the time to search for them.

Lastly,

In Flanders Fields By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.

Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Sorry for the length of this one.

Happy Memorial Day