Memorial Day
A handful of old men walking down the village street
In worn, brushed uniforms, their gray heads high;
A faded flag above them, one drum to lift their feet-
Look again, O heart of mine, and see what passes by!
There’s a vast crowd swaying, there’s a wild band playing,
The streets are full of marching men, or tramping cavalry.
Alive and young and straight again, they ride to greet a mate again-
The gallant souls, the great souls that live eternally!
A handful of old men walking down the highways?
Nay, we look on heroes that march among their peers,
The great, glad Companions have swung from heaven’s byways
And come to join their own again across the dusty years.
There are strong hands meeting, there are staunch hearts greeting-
A crying of remembered names, of deeds that shall not die.
A handful of old men?-Nay, my heart, look well again;
The spirit of America today is marching by!
– Theodosia Pickering Garrison
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Thank you all who have served America. You are true heroes and we are forever in your debt.
-Steve
Nice comment Steve. My thanks to all the men and women who have served and are now serving our great country to keep us free. Hope all our fellow doggers have a great and prosperous summer.
Amen, Steve. I hope everyone will take a moment to pause and remember those who gave their lives so we can live free.
Awesome!
Thanks for posting.
Thank you Steve for remembering the men and women that have served this country. I served in Vietnam and as 18 year 0311 grunt, with “B” 1st Bn/1st Marines. We are a divided country because we have people that just give lip service to the people that have served and gave all, and the one’s that gave some, and can’t get the help they need. We have ungrateful politicians that started two stupid wars, that have lasted over 10 years, and the kids that are coming home, are getting nothing but lip service and not getting the help they need. Our Congress, on the right side should be ashamed of them selves for not passing funding for these brave Americans too get the help they need. Republicans like Paul Ryan, and Rand Paul, should be horse wiped in public for what they are trying to do too our war vets. They think that any one using the VA are dead beats, and leaches on the system. These to A HOLE’S have never been in the Military.
AMEN !!!!!!
ALWAYS IN OUR PRAYERS.
The Smokie Mighty Dog
Thanks for posting this nice tribute Steve. To all you 11Bs out there, watch your 6 and drive on!
AMEN !!!!!! and thanks Steve
Thank you Steve. Too many people are forgetting the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is meant as a somber day to reflect and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. ..THEIR LIFE..to alll my brother and sister veterans out there, Godspeed and God Bless. NEVER FORGOTTEN.
32 years between the Navy and the Coast Guard. I have to say that I had more fun than any man deserves. I did serve 18 months in Viet Nam, and in Desert Storm, Nobel Eagle, Katrina, and assorted other calls for service. The core belief that identifies who you are is found in words like, HONOR, LOYALTY, SACRIFICE, SERVICE. The United States Coast Guard calls it “SEMPIER PARTATUS,” always ready.
Blessings
Chappy
Greater love no man than this that he gives his life for his friends
Least we never forget those who gave so we can have.
God bless & keep them all as they will forever hold a place in my heart.
To my fallen brothers on this & every day I say Simper Fi.
USMC, 0311. Oooo Rha !!!!!
1St Mate Jim.
AMEN! And thank you Steve,
My oldest brother came home under a flag during the Viet Nam war.
And my heart goes out to all who have had such an experience.
Your’re the man Steve and thanks for the wonderful post
Thanks, Steve…All the above posts moved me. Did my thing at the ceremony here with the other old men….1968-1969, 2/27 Inf, 25th ID, III Corps, RVN…11bravo40…
IT’S REALLY COOL TO HEAR THE WARRIORS CHIME IN,AND SOUND OFF LIKE THEY GOT A PAIR HAT’S OFF TO THEM AND OUR FALLEN WARRIORS.LOVE YOU GUYS FOR YOUR SERVICE BROTHERS AND SISTERS. James
As Americans the best way to memorialize our Fallen Patriots is to be good citizens. Make positive contributions to society; be respectful and considerate of others; don’t squander privileged ideals which citizens of other societies dream of. Oh, and don’t burn the Hot Dogs!
AMEN Mitch,also DO NOT LET ANYONE, I MEAN ANYONE take ANY of our FREEDOMS AWAY… NEED TO PUT THAT ON THE WHITE HOUSE FRONT DOOR MAYBE SOMEONE WILL SEE AND LEARN !!!!!!! GET BACK TO THE BASICS…..Donny Hill
I could never thank our vets enough for paving the way with their blood and lives, so we can sell hot dogs! This great country, this freedom we enjoy on summer nights selling hot dogs out on the streets, was bought with a price by our fathers, forefather I know over 45 years ago ,in Hazardville Connecticut,my father showed me the way,by selling foods out of the back of a station wagon Little did I know back then, that my father had a game plan for my life, if I would follow his lead 50 years later, I sell hot dogs, 10 years in the hot dog business Yes my father proudly served in the Air Force
Gary the hot dog man!
I love it.