For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.
A wonderful poem, Kavika, thank you for sharing it with us. The poem may have been been written in 1985, but, the portion above could not be truer today. While our men and women in the military are giving their all to clean up the messes the politicians have started around the world, and even at our own front door, the politicians are all sitting around safely out of harms way childishly playing the blame game as whose fault the mess is, without giving a seconds thought as to the many lives that are lost obeying the politicians every careless whim.
And you will never see one of the politicians standing at the graves of the men and women who have given their life to clean up the mess they have so thoughtlessly started without a thought of the many lives that will be lost in the process. After all, they are just peons, fodder for the grist mill of war by those who have no lives of their own in the game to be lost.
What is truly shameful, is that the words are as true today as they were in 1985.
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.
I had to memorize this poem in 7th grade English class.
Red Poppies
She [Moina Michael] then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms. Michael. When she returned to France she made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children’s League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help.
Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans’ organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their “Buddy” Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms. Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it.
I have always purchased a poppy on Memorial Day. In honor of all those that have fallen and especially for my cousin and two uncle's who both gave their lives in WWII and Korea.
And that, Enoch, is only one of the reasons why you are different from all the rest who claim a special kinship with God. Not only are you the real deal, but you are truly a great guy.
I feel it important that they are not alone, or feel forgotten on such days.
Dear Friend and Mentor Enoch, there are times when the living will need and appreciate your kindness and giving heart. Loneliness can be as mentally destructive as any disease. Thank you for making sure that they know they are not alone.
Dear Sister, Friend, and Treasured Writing Partner Raven Wing: As ever, your wisdom, compassion and sensitivity burns through the fogs of lack of understanding, indifference and coldness.
Billy Walkabout (March 31, 1949 – March 7, 2007) is thought to be the most decorated Native American soldier of the Vietnam War . He received the Distinguished Service Cross , five Silver Stars (one upgraded to a Distinguished Service Cross), Bronze Star Medal, five with Valor device, one Army Commendation Medals (including one valor device and two oak leaf clusters), and six Purple Hearts .
Walkabout served as an Army Ranger in Vietnam, in the Company F, 58th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Walkabout (then Specialist Four) distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 November 1968 during a long range reconnaissance patrol southwest of Hue.
After successfully ambushing an enemy squad on a jungle trail, the friendly patrol radioed for immediate helicopter extraction. When the extraction helicopters arrived and the lead man began moving toward the pick-up zone, he was seriously wounded by hostile automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Walkabout quickly rose to his feet and delivered steady suppressive fire on the attackers while other team members pulled the wounded man back to their ranks. Sergeant Walkabout then administered first aid to the soldier in preparation for medical evacuation. As the man was being loaded onto the evacuation helicopter, enemy elements again attacked the team.
Maneuvering under heavy fire, Sergeant Walkabout positioned himself where the enemy were concentrating their assault and placed continuous rifle fire on the adversary. A command-detonated mine ripped through the friendly team, instantly killing three men and wounding all the others. Although stunned and wounded by the blast, Sergeant Walkabout rushed from man to man administering first aid, bandaging one soldier's severe chest wound and reviving another soldier by heart massage. He then coordinated gunship and tactical air strikes on the enemy's positions. When evacuation helicopters arrived again, he worked single-handedly under fire to board his disabled comrades. Only when the casualties had been evacuated and friendly reinforcements had arrived, did he allow himself to be extracted. He retired as a second lieutenant.
Thank you Lt. Walkabout, for your service, dedication and sacrifice.
"They shall not grow old As we that are left grow old Age shall not weary them Nor the years condem. At the going down of the sun And in the morning We will remember them." "We will remember them"
Today, I went with my dad, a Koren and Vietnam vet, and went to Main St and watched a parade. It is something that I used to do with my dad every year when I was a girl. My dad still said to me quietly, that these men gave their lives so we could have ours. It is a phrase that has stuck with me all my life.
After that we went to my father in law's 90th birthday party.
Although I'm a Canadian, I'll not forget that American Memorial Day memorializes those of the American Armed Forces who died defending not only liberty and freedom for the USA, but for its allies as well, including Canada . Canadians "remember" and pay our respects on November 11. On November 11th in Canada the bells toll at 11 a.m. and many of us remain still and silent for 2 minutes at that time.
From Wikipedia:
"Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November in most [British Commonwealth] countries to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. Hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month"..."
Although "Remembrance Day" refers to the 1st World War, it also applies for all wars thereafter in which Armed Forces from British Commonwealth countries (including Canada) fought. Although this poem, written by a Canadian Officer refers to WW1 in Europe, the words apply to all who died fighting tyranny during all wars.
Indeed, again, I say Thank You to all the members and visitors of Newstalkers that have served or continue to serve this great country.
For, Arnold, Mercury, Rich. The last Indian standing thinks of you often. 7/11 club all the way.
The melody of "Taps" is beautiful and even more so on a Native American flute. Thank you.
Your welcome Jasper.
For all those who have served, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Never Forget. Never Forgotten.
nv-wa-do-hi-ya-dv (Peace)
Remember
© Victor C. Kleinschmit
Published: May 2016
Someone's child, left long ago,
A strange land,
Someone's foe.
An unmarked grave, fields of green,
Resting quiet,
Just eighteen.
Winds of freedom, wash us now,
Remember him,
This I vow.
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY
This is consistently one of the most popular pages posted on Jack's Joint
A wonderful poem, Kavika, thank you for sharing it with us. The poem may have been been written in 1985, but, the portion above could not be truer today. While our men and women in the military are giving their all to clean up the messes the politicians have started around the world, and even at our own front door, the politicians are all sitting around safely out of harms way childishly playing the blame game as whose fault the mess is, without giving a seconds thought as to the many lives that are lost obeying the politicians every careless whim.
And you will never see one of the politicians standing at the graves of the men and women who have given their life to clean up the mess they have so thoughtlessly started without a thought of the many lives that will be lost in the process. After all, they are just peons, fodder for the grist mill of war by those who have no lives of their own in the game to be lost.
What is truly shameful, is that the words are as true today as they were in 1985.
In Flanders Fields
John McCrae , 1872 - 1918
I had to memorize this poem in 7th grade English class.
I have always purchased a poppy on Memorial Day. In honor of all those that have fallen and especially for my cousin and two uncle's who both gave their lives in WWII and Korea.
Every Memorial and Veterans Days I go to V.A. hospitals and spend time one on one with those who will never get out of such places.
This is in addition to Chaplain and end of life Pastoral care visits.
I feel it important that they are not alone, or feel forgotten on such days.
Particularly those without family.
Enoch.
And that, Enoch, is only one of the reasons why you are different from all the rest who claim a special kinship with God. Not only are you the real deal, but you are truly a great guy.
Truer words could not be spoken.
Dear Sister and Dear Friend MAAB: I am humbled by your kind words of praise.
I am not different, better or closer connected to the Almighty than anyone else.
We are all the same.
All in this life together.
No one better, worse; all equally beloved by the Holy One, Blessed Be.
I do believe in being of service to one and all.
Particularly those who served us and keep us free.
Peace and Abundant Blessings to You and Yours Always.
Enoch.
Smiles and warm cyber hugs of fellowship.
E.
Dear Friend and Mentor Enoch, there are times when the living will need and appreciate your kindness and giving heart. Loneliness can be as mentally destructive as any disease. Thank you for making sure that they know they are not alone.
Dear Sister, Friend, and Treasured Writing Partner Raven Wing: As ever, your wisdom, compassion and sensitivity burns through the fogs of lack of understanding, indifference and coldness.
We are not meant to live alone.
We are social in nature.
"Don't forget to visit a vet".
We are grateful to you for this vital insight.
Thank you.
Peace and Abundant Blessings Always.
Enoch.
Smiles and cyber hugs.
Billy Walkabout (March 31, 1949 – March 7, 2007) is thought to be the most decorated Native American soldier of the Vietnam War . He received the Distinguished Service Cross , five Silver Stars (one upgraded to a Distinguished Service Cross), Bronze Star Medal, five with Valor device, one Army Commendation Medals (including one valor device and two oak leaf clusters), and six Purple Hearts .
Walkabout served as an Army Ranger in Vietnam, in the Company F, 58th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Walkabout (then Specialist Four) distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 November 1968 during a long range reconnaissance patrol southwest of Hue.
After successfully ambushing an enemy squad on a jungle trail, the friendly patrol radioed for immediate helicopter extraction. When the extraction helicopters arrived and the lead man began moving toward the pick-up zone, he was seriously wounded by hostile automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Walkabout quickly rose to his feet and delivered steady suppressive fire on the attackers while other team members pulled the wounded man back to their ranks. Sergeant Walkabout then administered first aid to the soldier in preparation for medical evacuation. As the man was being loaded onto the evacuation helicopter, enemy elements again attacked the team.
Maneuvering under heavy fire, Sergeant Walkabout positioned himself where the enemy were concentrating their assault and placed continuous rifle fire on the adversary. A command-detonated mine ripped through the friendly team, instantly killing three men and wounding all the others. Although stunned and wounded by the blast, Sergeant Walkabout rushed from man to man administering first aid, bandaging one soldier's severe chest wound and reviving another soldier by heart massage. He then coordinated gunship and tactical air strikes on the enemy's positions. When evacuation helicopters arrived again, he worked single-handedly under fire to board his disabled comrades. Only when the casualties had been evacuated and friendly reinforcements had arrived, did he allow himself to be extracted. He retired as a second lieutenant.
Thank you Lt. Walkabout, for your service, dedication and sacrifice.
- Laurence Binyen
Very nice Memorial Day contribution, MHBF.
(Think about it for a second. You'll get it.)
© A. Mac
THANK-YOU
...to all who have served.
Today, I went with my dad, a Koren and Vietnam vet, and went to Main St and watched a parade. It is something that I used to do with my dad every year when I was a girl. My dad still said to me quietly, that these men gave their lives so we could have ours. It is a phrase that has stuck with me all my life.
After that we went to my father in law's 90th birthday party.
Both are a celebration of life.
No truer words can ever be spoken.
Thank you to all who served and serve now.
Although I'm a Canadian, I'll not forget that American Memorial Day memorializes those of the American Armed Forces who died defending not only liberty and freedom for the USA, but for its allies as well, including Canada . Canadians "remember" and pay our respects on November 11. On November 11th in Canada the bells toll at 11 a.m. and many of us remain still and silent for 2 minutes at that time.
From Wikipedia:
Although "Remembrance Day" refers to the 1st World War, it also applies for all wars thereafter in which Armed Forces from British Commonwealth countries (including Canada) fought. Although this poem, written by a Canadian Officer refers to WW1 in Europe, the words apply to all who died fighting tyranny during all wars.
IN FLANDERS FIELDS ( Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae )
Thank you to those who gave everything for all of us; we owe more than can ever be repaid.