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Mike's avatar

My family will honor and remember today-and we thank God every day for the sacrifice of so many.

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LT's avatar

Thank you Jim for the staunch reminder that freedom is not free. It comes at a high price, that many cannot afford.

I often think of my Dad on Memorial Day, who was part of the “Greatest Generation.” He was in multiple theaters, North Africa, China, Burma, India and almost lost his life in the South Pacific when a Japanese Zero strafed his position. The bomb exploding next to him and causing permanent hearing loss. I still have part of the shrapnel with a note about that day he had written.

Interesting mention of Andy’s Father who was on Bataan. My Mothers First Cousin was also captured on Bataan and came back looking like a skeleton and jaundice from liver failure. I met him years ago, and he shared with me recordings he had made of his captivity. Ironically, he was almost killed when the Japanese “hell ship” he was on was torpedoed by our Navy. The sad fact is the Japanese high command was never held responsible for their atrocities as was the Germans.

My military service was much less dramatic,serving in an Army hospital, taking care of those active duty and retired personnel requiring surgery. I used to joke, the only injury I ever sustained was tripping while running to the chow hall!

I often wonder if today’s generations: X, Millennials, Z, Alpha, Beta could ever have what it takes to storm a beach like Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, Tarawa or Normandy? I’m Not sure, it would seem many today couldn’t even pass the physical requirements, much less storming a fortified pill box. Yes, seems like many of military age today are more concerned about their own personal lifestyles rather than those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I could be wrong.

So glad we have people like Trump,Hegseth and Rubio running our military and foreign policy.

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