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| A tribute; A dedication to all our veterans.... | |
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| Topic Started: May 30 2005, 11:48:59 AM (501 Views) | |
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May 30 2005, 11:48:59 AM Post #1 |
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The Fluffy Horde
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Current Casualty list of major American military conflicts: American Revolutionary War (1775-1783): 4,435 Indian Wars (1783-1890): approx. 1,000 War of 1812 (1812-1815): 2,260 Mexican War (1846-1848): 13,283 American Civil War (1861-1865): 498,332 (364,511 Union; 133,821 Confederates (est.) Spanish-American War (1898): 2,446 Philippine-American War (1899-1901): 3,216 World War I (1914-1918, US joined in 1917): 116,516 World War II (1939-1945, US joined in 1941): 405,399 Korean War (1950-1953): 36,574 Vietnam War (1955-1975): 58,209 & over 3,500 war dogs Operation Eagle Claw, Iran - Iranian Hostage Rescue Mission (1980): 8 UNIFIL Peackeeping, Lebanon (1982-1984): 265 Operation Urgent Fury, Grenada (1983): 19 Operation Just Cause, Panama (1989): 23 First Persian Gulf War (1990-1991): 383 Operation Restore Hope, Somalia (1992-1994): 43 Operation Uphold Democracy, Haiti (1994-1996): 4 Afghan War & Peacekeeping Mission/Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-Present): 185 as of this post Iraq War/2nd Persian Gulf War & Peacekeeping Mission/Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-Present): 1,656 as of this post A few thoughts about today: Probably most of you will spend Memorial Day having barbecues with family, friends, relatives, etc. Others will go to the beaches, or do some fun activity. But, on Memorial Day, remember this: Several Americans sacrificed their lives for this country, for the sake of freedom, regardless of the politics during each military conflict. This Memorial Day, if you have the time, take a moment of silence to remember the lives of those who sacrificed themselves for the values they believed in, when they took up arms to defend their country. If you see a veteran this weekend, ask him or her what service, rank, and war they fought in, and what they did, then thank them for the service to their country. If you see someone currently in the armed forces, thank them for the service and duty they are doing to this country. Remember Memorial Day for what it should be, not for what it is. Just some advice. Articles: "Japan soldiers" found in jungle Attempt to identify WWI officer West Point grads undeterred 4 years after 9/11 Parades, solemn events mark Memorial Day ::Raises a US flag to half mast, and salutes:: |
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| Kelssek | May 30 2005, 08:18:32 PM Post #2 |
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Hero of the Soviet Onion
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Individually and personally, I have no problems with soldiers, even if I do believe that joining the military is the worst choice a person could make. But armies, and the American one in particular, exist for the most disgusting reasons - perpetuation of power, coercion of other nations, enforcing the will of one country onto another, and, obviously, killing people. Several of the wars you list should never have happened and had nothing to do with serving the American people and everything to do with serving the American powerful. That people died in them is an absolute travesty. I sympathise with soldiers. They are victims of circumstance, even though many really believe in all the patriotic lies they are told - that they are fighting for "freedom", "justice", to defend their nation, etc. and don't see it that way. With commemorative events like this, you often cannot extricate the people you want to pay respect to from the despicable organisation they served. I respect veterans as people. Never as soldiers, never as "people who died for their country", never as "patriots". Only as the person they are/were, and for what admirable qualities they displayed. |
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| Free Pacific States | May 30 2005, 08:32:52 PM Post #3 |
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Number One Drone
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Well then, let today be an honor to the people who died for what they believed in; mislead though they may or may not have been. |
| The Federated Alliance of Free Pacific States | Lyon Republic | Republic of Xiopothos | East Pacific Treaty Organization | |
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| Republic of Blanchettia | May 30 2005, 09:27:32 PM Post #4 |
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"Carpe Diem" - Seize the day, EP Chief Auto Expert
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Of course, I'd would easily give my respect to vets, because my Dad was a former computer programmer for the Army, and there are at least a dozen Navy vets and former Marines in my family. However, in my parish and also in my family Memorial Day is more than just honoring vets. The following you probably already do right now on Memorial Day and don't realize it. Let me tell you. I believe that Memorial Day is about homnoring our loved ones who have died. They could be a cousin, a friend, an aunt or uncle, a parent, or even a grandparent. It could even be a great-uncle, or even an ancestor. It doesn't have to be for just vets. While it sounds nice, you can't ignore loved ones who have died. On Memorial Day my Mom and I usually say prayers for members of our family who have died and are now at peace with God in heaven. This year, we went to Mass, because our parish has the habit of reciting the names of people who have died since the last Memorial Day. As you'd probably know already, since this last Memorial Day Dad died, but also my grandmother (on Mom's side of the family) died since this last Memorial Day. In addition, we honored Mémère and Mom's godmother, who died before this last Memorial Day, as well as for other loved ones who've died. After receiving candles for both Dad and Gram, we visited their gravesites, and then went to Mémère's gravesite, to pay our respects. That sums up Memorial Day for us. We also honored my grandfather (on my Mom's side), whom I never met since he died (due to smoking) before I was even born. This had an interesting emotional experience for Mom, because no only did her husband die, but so did both of her parents. Imagine that. And my maternal grandfather was very extraordinary. He only went up to 8th grade, and yet worked in the mills. He was a hard worker, and yet wanted his children to receive what he never received - a college education. He was also a mechanical type of person, and also (like me) a car fanatic. How similar does that sound in regards to me!! Even I am suprised!! So, you see, on Memorial Day we actually honor two groups of people, not just one. Yes, obviously, we honor vets and everyone who died serving our country in the armed forces, but also we honor our own loved ones. |
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Sincerely yours, Daniel Blanchette Blanchettian Ambassador to the East Pacific Community Blanchettian Ambassador to the UN
Quote from an episode of "As Time Goes By". Official Homepage of the Government of the Republic of Blanchettia (still being developed) Anxiety is a sign that G-d didn't intend you to do that in the first place.
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| The Wachovia Coalition | May 31 2005, 08:42:59 PM Post #5 |
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Member Nation
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Let's keep the focus of this thread on the spirit of a memorial to those dead. |
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"Unity through humility" Currently in the region as Wachoviasa. "[NationStates] is like watching a movie that is Black Hawk Down vs. Lord of the Rings vs. Star Wars..." - New Fubaria | |
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May 31 2005, 08:51:59 PM Post #6 |
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The Fluffy Horde
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agreed, and thanks for cleaning up some stuff |
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| The Wachovia Coalition | May 31 2005, 10:22:03 PM Post #7 |
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Member Nation
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Please delete or modify your post. Baiting will not help here. |
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"Unity through humility" Currently in the region as Wachoviasa. "[NationStates] is like watching a movie that is Black Hawk Down vs. Lord of the Rings vs. Star Wars..." - New Fubaria | |
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