Memorial Day is more than a long weekend

[subsonic]

Not to be political, but I am getting tired of hearing people (not here) say "Have a great Memorial Day!"

Do they remember what Memorial Day is about?  I do.

Here is a great picture of my best friend.
Dennis is the best person I have ever known. 
I think of him as my brother.


Here is a photo of his wife Rebecca and his daughter Abigail.  His son was too broken to attend.
I stood with Dennis when he married Rebecca



My brother stays in my heart and in my mind, but this is where his body rests.



A veteren is someone who at some point wrote a blank check to his(or her) country for up to, and including his life.  Memorial Day is the day we remember and honor those who paid in full.

[Turbinepowered]

We need the reminder on a regular basis, especially in times like these where too many people seem to take their sacrifices for granted.

Thank you.

[fdnyguy]

Words cannot express my remorse on his supreme sacrifice, and my appreciation for your friend's service to his Country.

The price of Freedom is not cheap, and it is made possible by all soldiers. And at times, this freedom is taken for granted.

God Bless America, and a big THANK YOU to all of our soldiers in all nations in keeping our freedom safe.



Be safe,be well. Jimmy.

[subsonic]

Thanks man.  I have known just a few guys that I served with who have ended up giving it all.  There is not a week that goes by that I don't think about him at least once or twice.  Hurts every time and it's going on 4 years.  He always stood by me, even if I screwed up and was catching hell.  He earned my friendship and respect ten fold.  If he called in the middle of the night and said he had bodies in the trunk, I would show up with shovels. No questions asked.
For a long time I was ashamed that I was sitting at home with my family instead of standing tall and shouldering my fair share of the burden.  I'm not all wrapped around the axle about the politics of weather being there was right or wrong........... just miss my buddy and his infectious positive attitude.

Thats my Memorial Day rant for this year. 
Mods, I will delete this post in a few days. 
Jim