Uss Cole Memerial,,,

[CW]

I just watched the memerial service for the members of the USS Cole. Without a doubt the most moving scene ( at least to me ) was the quiet respectful appaluse that greeted the families. That appalause, more than words ever could, said to me that we share your pain and sorrow, and that we are with you in your grief.

To all of the members and families of the US armed forces, I salute you for your service and your sacrifices. Having been there ( when the mid-east was restless), I know that life isn't pleasant, that fears haunt you, and that you are mostly under-appreciated and certianly under rewarded.

Your sacrifices today allow us to enjoy tomorrow,,,

And I just wanted to say thanks.

I for one intend to remind my government of President Clinton's pledge,,, there is no place that you can hide and there is no way to escape punishment for this dispicable cowardly act

 

[ShyGuy68]

I haven't had the luck to catch it, but I have to admit that there is something about military ceremonies that can really get to me.

Some of those are:

Ceremonies where it include a lone bugle playing "Taps" (Which is a wonderful piece of music in my opinion, simple but also very touching)

"The Missing Man Formation" that is used at funerals for a fellow pilot, is really amazing too.

 

[CW]

have to agree

I haven't had the luck to catch it, but I have to admit that there is something about military ceremonies that can really get to me.

Some of those are:

Ceremonies where it include a lone bugle playing "Taps" (Which is a wonderful piece of music in my opinion, simple but also very touching)

"The Missing Man Formation" that is used at funerals for a fellow pilot, is really amazing too.

Taps gives me goose bumps,,, always has.

One of the few highlights that I recall from my stint in the air force was the ceremonies, and the base commander I had while out west was very big on them. Morning raising of the flag, the striking of the colors in the evening, and of course reviews,,, we'd have review parades at the drop of a hat it seemed.

I attended my son's gradustion from Marine basic back in June, even that simple ceremony gave me shivers. Quite a few of my family and friends consider me silly for such emotions,,, oh well ! their loss my gain.

 

[Unclebill]

Likewise, have to agree ...

As a retired military man, I have a very keen appreciation of your points.

Last January, my brother-in-law was interred in a military funeral service. Very somber and very touching.

People in the military seem to have a more significant appreciation of honoring their fallen bretheren because they understand that only by circumstance, the roles could easily have been reversed.

The only thing I found disgusting about it was that a man who boasted of his loathe for the military was allowed to participate. That detracted seriously from the honor and sanctity of the occasion and dishonored the fallen.

 

[forgetunome]

The people who serve...

.....get my TOTAL respect. I don't think they get thanked often enough if ever publicly through our media! But, my hats off and over my heart to all of you!

Taps always gets to me. And the ceremonies oh my God give me a box of kleenex please. They do such honors to such sad situations...extremely respectful! My heart goes out to the friends and families for while the ceremonies are wonderful and touching they must go on and try to live with the pain of their loss daily.

Thanks so much to all who serve and who have served you have my deepest gratification and appreciation "THANK YOU!" for putting your life on the line for our freedom!

My husband always laughs at me because I cry when we are at a ballgame or some function where they are singing the National Anthem! I am proud to be an American! Just as every person should be proud of their country whereever you are!

Okay....I'll get off my soapbox...yet again! You'd think I'd get tired of packing that thing around with me! GEEZ!

 

[catlover]

it's the Navy Hymn that gets to me - the last few words are ..."for those in peril on the sea". Dont feel badly -I cried too

 

[Latina]

Local Independence Day (July 4th) celebration always has a group of Vietnam vets in it. The crowds applaud as they pass. Brings a happy and proud tear to my eye. I'm old enough to remember the scorn and hatred these guys faced when they first returned from Nam. My only brother (I'm the oldest of six children, five girls and a boy) was ONE of those who was hated when seen in his uniform.

-- Latina