Memorial Day...share your family memories MENA BOARD

[Beauty for Ashes 257]

I am sure all of you have a story. My father served on easy red 2 and was in the 2nd landing party on Omaha Beach,Normandy Beach,June 1944. He ended up in a british hospital for 6 months at 19 years old. He recently finally went back 2 years ago

I cry when I see the men at the grocery store selling the little red flowers. I love my veterans . I thought it would be a good place to share our family stories...

Have you visited Arlington? I went to the NORMANDY cemetary featured in PRIVATE RYAN, the american cemetary in Oran, Algeria and the one in Tunis, Tunisia.... Its an amazing experience...knowing that the US liberated Algeria...Tunisia....that at one time 64 years ago, Nazis marched across Europe...

With love and pride.....for our nation...one marines story

Lets remember our American family , friends and relatives this memorial day and tell their stories...

You see that little girl sitting on my great grandmothers lap.. Helen...she was my world. My great aunt Helen was an amazing Army nurse who chronicled her army nurse service across Europe...and she died recently...I remember you Helen. I love you great aunt helen

One of our sons.....A marines story and his funeral

[Badrs Love 0]

My father spent 4 years in Vietnam in the Airforce. He was one of the few that loaded ammunition onto the planes He quickly realized the lies that the military, media and the government were telling the rest world and couldn't wait to get out of the military. They told him that he would have to serve another 4 years and he pretty much told them to F off, he did his time and didn't want to spend anymore time in the military. He did his 4 and was out. They made promises and lies they couldn't keep. My grandfather had a heart attack and the military and the Red Cross promised to send my dad home for R&R to see his dad and they never did, thank god my grandfather didn't die. So I was raised to never trust the military or the government. And I still don't trust them. I feel sorry for the men and women that serve because they are led blindly into anything that the US pursues. The only good thing my dad got from the military was his education. They put him through college. He was only one in his family to go to college.

Sorry to be so down, but the military is not a nice word in my family.

[Beauty for Ashes 257]

My father spent 4 years in Vietnam in the Airforce. He was one of the few that loaded ammunition onto the planes He quickly realized the lies that the military, media and the government were telling the rest world and couldn't wait to get out of the military. They told him that he would have to serve another 4 years and he pretty much told them to F off, he did his time and didn't want to spend anymore time in the military. He did his 4 and was out. They made promises and lies they couldn't keep. My grandfather had a heart attack and the military and the Red Cross promised to send my dad home for R&R to see his dad and they never did, thank god my grandfather didn't die. So I was raised to never trust the military or the government. And I still don't trust them. I feel sorry for the men and women that serve because they are led blindly into anything that the US pursues. The only good thing my dad got from the military was his education. They put him through college. He was only one in his family to go to college.

Sorry to be so down, but the military is not a nice word in my family.

I think alot of it had to do with the era in which your dad served... Vietnam was a very black chapter in US history. But it doesnt diminish all the wonderful soldiers like your dad who served.... who gave of themselves.... and did amazing things...

I have alot of ww11 vets in my family... my father is the only one still living 83 years old. I think because I saw Normandy and really know the story behind what happened there particularly..my heart is very moved on d day and especially when I see veterans.Its not about the military.. its about the soldiers and what they did.. and gave up...and who died..so that we can run around and freely move around. We often forget that 67 years ago, Nazis were rounding up Jews and murdering them... the Japanese had just finished slaughtering 300,000 in china and had moved into the phillipines and were raping and ravaging asia.... Our soldiers were over there giving their lives to set these areas free...it isnt about politics.. its about people...and what they lost

[Sandrila 1]

I dont know all the details cuz my pop pop never wanted to speak of the war

He served in World War 2

I just know he was all over the place in the Navy

God rest his soul and thanks to all who have fought and are still fighting to keep the world safe and fair and free

[Beauty for Ashes 257]

I dont know all the details cuz my pop pop never wanted to speak of the war

He served in World War 2

I just know he was all over the place in the Navy

God rest his soul and thanks to all who have fought and are still fighting to keep the world safe and fair and free

I think this is pretty normal . My dad only RECENTLY started talking about Normandy. He only recently went back to Normandy Beach.. Men today talk alot more than the older men of our generation...the kind of men who took care of women and families... They didnt emote much

[Badrs Love 0]

I have alot of ww11 vets in my family... my father is the only one still living 83 years old. I think because I saw Normandy and really know the story behind what happened there particularly..my heart is very moved on d day and especially when I see veterans.Its not about the military.. its about the soldiers and what they did.. and gave up...and who died..so that we can run around and freely move around. We often forget that 67 years ago, Nazis were rounding up Jews and murdering them... the Japanese had just finished slaughtering 300,000 in china and had moved into the phillipines and were raping and ravaging asia.... Our soldiers were over there giving their lives to set these areas free...it isnt about politics.. its about people...and what they lost

My mom's father was also in WWII but I never talked to him about it. All I know is that he was in the Army.

Don't forget that awful things were also happening here in the US while we were around the world in wars. There were concentration camps here in California during WWII. My God Father was one of them, Kurokawa was not a desirable last name to have during WWII in California. He spent his childhood in a concentration camp in the nation that prides themselves on personal freedoms.

[Beauty for Ashes 257]

I have alot of ww11 vets in my family... my father is the only one still living 83 years old. I think because I saw Normandy and really know the story behind what happened there particularly..my heart is very moved on d day and especially when I see veterans.Its not about the military.. its about the soldiers and what they did.. and gave up...and who died..so that we can run around and freely move around. We often forget that 67 years ago, Nazis were rounding up Jews and murdering them... the Japanese had just finished slaughtering 300,000 in china and had moved into the phillipines and were raping and ravaging asia.... Our soldiers were over there giving their lives to set these areas free...it isnt about politics.. its about people...and what they lost

My mom's father was also in WWII but I never talked to him about it. All I know is that he was in the Army.

Don't forget that awful things were also happening here in the US while we were around the world in wars. There were concentration camps here in California during WWII. My God Father was one of them, Kurokawa was not a desirable last name to have during WWII in California. He spent his childhood in a concentration camp in the nation that prides themselves on personal freedoms.

Helps to always remember the other side of things. There were amazing Japanese and American Indians that served in the US Military during this time. Most older people dont naturally talk about the war or being in the service. The younger people have to express interest.. most us have and had very little and never asked. It doesnt diminish their service though...

Memorial day is a good day to remember everyone who served and also to remember people interred in these camps as well

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

My late Grandpa's served in WWII (Navy). My Dad served in Vietnam (Army). Two of my younger brothers are serving in Iraq (Navy) & (Marines). I think about them and pray for them everyday.

Oz

Dal

[SaadBell 0]

My whole family has served in the military, including me. You are right wahrania, it is about people in the military, just doing what we are sent to do. I served in the Army Special Forces, than I married a naval officer, so I just lived the whole military life for a long long time. I remember my ex-husband calling me from Kuwait, they flew missions over Kuwait and Iraq, and never in a million years would I think I would marry an Arab. Most of the people I met in the military were awesome; it is like anywhere you have your good with your bad. I spent many many years alone raising my daughter, while her father was somewhere doing something, and it was always in some foreign land, the longest time he was gone was over a year. In that year I saw him for a week. So being alone is something I am all too familiar with, waiting is the name of the game married to a navy man. I do say while I was in the Army there were some of the brightest and intelligent people I have ever met. Do I trust the government, I used to, not anymore, and I know a lot of vets that feel the same way, but I will always support my fellow soldiers, I know what it takes to do that job, and the sacrifice to the family. I just want my brothers and sisters out of Iraq, let’s bring them home.

MEMORIAL DAY, 2008

FOR OUR TROOPS (both past and present, but particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan at present)

Though I don't know your name

And I have never seen your face

I shed tears for you.

Though my memories don't contain a time

We shared together

I miss you.

Though we are not related

You are in my thoughts.

When I'm eating, or taking a shower, or doing housework,

I think of you, knowing how much you wish you could be at home,

Your stomach full, doing mundane chores such as cleaning your house,

Clean from a fresh shower.

Though you are at terrible risk, and perhaps may not survive,

You are NEVER ALONE, and will always be alive

If only in our spirits, hopes and memories, our dreams for your future.

There are MILLIONS of people praying for you tonight

And throughout the day.

Praying for your safely and return as a whole person

In mind, body and spirit.

We are crying because we know. We know you are scared, and lonely.

And that you'd give anything to see your family, to hug you mother, father.

Your child, sister, brother, aunt, uncle.

To be showered with love and comfort,

Instead of sand and shrapnel.

We long for you too, with an ache so desperate as to make us insane.

To touch your face, see your smile; share your laughter and your tears.

We love you so much soldiers, you cannot know. You cannot fathom the swelling of pride in our chest as we think of you.

Of your courage and your sacrifice, the hope that you can come home soon.

And those that have returned, we have not forgotten you; you are in our prayers,

That you may recover from your experience and be healed.

No matter what anyone says, not matter the reason you are there,

You are a UNITED STATES SOLDIER, and you make us PROUD!!

Every day for that beautiful flag, for our great fortune to be Americans.

There are no politics, no scandals, no mistakes, NOTHING, which can diminish the sentiment we have for you.

And even as democracy permits free speech, as it should, which some may use to make judgments or cast aspersions,

Remember always, we know you'd rather be on the couch debating it with us than spending your days trying just to stay alive.

Let no "freedom of speech' EVER make you doubt the American people's faith in and love for you.

We are PROUD!

I've never met you, but I want you to know that I love you.

I'm praying for you.

I honor you.

I'm waiting for your return.

On this Memorial Day, 2008, and every day,

Please know that you are being thought of.

WE MISS YOU.

GOD BLESS YOU and keep you until the day we can celebrate face to face.

[Ban Hammer 13,491]

I served in the Army Special Forces, than I married a naval officer, so I just lived the whole military life for a long long time.

no, you didn't. earlier you told me you were a nurse, now you're trying to tell me you were in the special forces, an elite combat unit closed to females?

[Beauty for Ashes 257]

I served in the Army Special Forces, than I married a naval officer, so I just lived the whole military life for a long long time.

no, you didn't. earlier you told me you were a nurse, now you're trying to tell me you were in the special forces, an elite combat unit closed to females?

She could have been attached to lets just say 5th special forces group as an admin sgt. I dont think ganja is saying she was a medic on a b team.. LOL

By the way , I am a vet too. I am a graduate of the Presidio of Monterey, Monterey, California and I served in 2 differenct services.

[Beauty for Ashes 257]

I served in the Army Special Forces, than I married a naval officer, so I just lived the whole military life for a long long time.

no, you didn't. earlier you told me you were a nurse, now you're trying to tell me you were in the special forces, an elite combat unit closed to females?

She could have been attached to like a medical training department that trained a team members . Thats really all I can gather that could be termed as special ops.

I think she was attached to one of the intel units or some kind of training division. All I know is that the SF guys always had their act together. The seals that I worked with were always in jail every weekend serving dui sentences. I remember the sf guys always doing the long hair, hey I am chill thing. Literally , all my seal friends were constantly in fights, gettin bailed out and then on house arrest for this and that in California.I ended up hanging out alot more with group people. I ended up working with the group people in the end who didnt have groups anymore. You know the beeper types who said they werent even in the military.( Jsoc, wally world,etc...you will know who I am talking about charles..)

[Beauty for Ashes 257]

My late Grandpa's served in WWII (Navy). My Dad served in Vietnam (Army). Two of my younger brothers are serving in Iraq (Navy) & (Marines). I think about them and pray for them everyday.

Oz

Dal

Those are amazing pictures Olivia. I bet you are so so so so proud of them.... That is so cool

[I luv my chappara 0]

Here's my Shadow 5 years ago...

He was in army for 1 year,, but the worst thing happened in his life......... the time that everybody believe he's gonna die coz of medical problem, He was discharged..

But I'm very very glad now coz he's not in army anymore and we are always together and he survived... we meant to be...

[SaadBell 0]

Yes charles, I was in a unit, I was a nurse but was connected to 101st, not the famous 82. Ft. Benning, know this base well. I will find you a picture of me dressed in green, not the kind they wear now, I wore the fitigues that were worn in Vietnam, we didn't get the fitigues you see now until the early 80's. I field tested one time some great brown boots, they were awsome, didn't have to polish them or anything. Ex-husband, I can get all the ships he flew on, there are a ton and some of them are not even in service now. Fryar Drop Zone, the most famous drop zone of all time. Also was attached to this unit for a year and and half 14th Field Combat Support Hospital.