Usually when we think of veterans we think of old men sitting in their rocking chairs looking at medals, thinking of old war buddies, or telling stories to their grandkids. We think of them as they are now, and we sometimes forget how much they sacrificed to get to there.

Travel back as many years as you need to. Most of the enlistees were fresh out of high school or college. At such a young age they recognized when their country needed their help and they answered her call. Young men and women from all over the country came to join the military. They came knowing that they would look death in the face and watch their friends die beside them. But this did not stop them, for they believed what they were fighting for was more important than their own lives. They were fighting for the lives of everyone they knew and more that they didn't.

Believing in a cause that was bigger than themselves inspired them. Throughout all wars the military men and women of the United States have shown outstanding courage, bravery, and the willingness to give anything for the single ideal that we are devoted to protecting, freedom. For this right so many gave their lives and more gave their youth to the cause. The years that were meant to be spent with friends and family helping you learn your place in the world were spent on the edge of existence, not being able to sleep because of dreams of the dead, stuck in a hell you couldn't escape. I know no one wants to remember or think about those things. Knowing these feelings can really help you feel what they felt and appreciate what they have done for you and everyone around you.

Our world sometimes takes our great heroes for granted. Just because you don’t know their name and they are not in magazines or on TV shouldn’t make what they do less valued. Every day they wake up knowing they will see unbearable things but they bear them. They do so with a pride that cannot be given or taken away by the government holidays or decorations they receive. They know that by doing this they have saved someone else from this eternal torture of your memory. Doing this gave them a strength that few in the peace times will ever know. They have strength of mind, body, and spirit that drives them even after their service is done.

I believe these men and women should be honored not because they did something great for our country but because they did it without knowing if they would live through it. They didn’t do it for medals or holidays or celebrations they wanted to honor themselves. They did it because they had to. No piece of metal or party can take away from what they've seen. Their days on the field will always be in their minds. It is for accepting this curse that I wish to honor them. They have seen many things none wish to see. Also, for their valor and courage I would honor them. They have done many things none would like to do. All of this they have done in the name of freedom and the United States of America. I wish to salute all the protectors of freedom who have lived to pass on the honor, glory, and pain of the past.

To me Memorial Day means to cherish tenderly the memories of the heroic men and woman who sacrificed their lives for my freedom that I enjoy to this day! Too often I/we fail to remember those who fought in America's battles.
They didn't run...
They didn't complain...
They had a job to do and they they died proudly for the country they loved!
These brave men and women lie underneath the Earth just so that we can stay proud on the ground above.
And proud I am!!!
On this day I pause, raise my flag proudly and say "thank you" for a free life we're livin'.

From one proud American to another: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8MFI0tDDnw...feature=related

I'm really disappointed that not many decided to earn some EASY MONEY..... I was going to surprise everyone and award ALL POSTERS in this thread today! Sorry, but game over now.

Anyways, majdi290 and alwaysowen both had great posts.. THANK YOU! Please post or PM me your LR numbers

Memorial Day is when we, wear our poppies, fly our Flags and place flowers and flags on the graves of Military Personnel. Many volunteers and Volunteer Organizations march in patriotic parades. Frequently there is a reading of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Patriotic speeches are made and declarations by The President and Heads of the Armed Services are also read. We all take time to remember the Human sacrifice it has taken to establish and maintain this great Nation of ours. Later in the day on Memorial Day, time is set aside for picnics and other outdoor activities. This Holiday generally marks the beginning of the Summer Season.