Happy Memorial Day to all!

[FrankMcdee]

I would love to take this oppurtunity to wish everyone a happy Memorial Day. Some of the true meaning of this holiday has been lost with it generally being considered the "first day of the summer season." For me it means much much more. For those that may not know, I am a desert storm and desert shield veteran. It has been said that I do not know much of this world but, I was in the USN aboard the USS Arkansas during those times. I knew many young men that served in the marines and army back then and several lost their lives. Memorial Day was initially created to remember and honor those veterans that lost their lives during war time. It has expanded a bit in recent years to include our active duty military members. With our major wars far in the distance of most memories, it would make some sense that Veterans Day and Memorial Day become the same basically. I have friends from the USS Arkansas that contact me twice a year to reflect on our times in the USN. For me those times of reflection include the dangers associated with Desert Storm and Desert Shield, the times I spent in Central America blockading drug runners (we had the largest maritime drug bust in history), helping the citizens of the Phillipines during the Mt. Pinatubo explosion and many many more stories of aid and appreciation all over the US and world.

I cant help but notice this has become far too long, so with that I want to wish everyone a happy Memorial Day and for those whose fathers, grandfathers, brothers, sisters or other family members who have passed away during wartime I offer my sincerest condolenses. For those that are currently serving as active duty military personnel, I would like to thank you for dedication to duty.

[Nail]

Well said Frank!

I want to pass on my condolenses to all that have family and friends that have gave up the utimate to help us keep our freedom, and a big, "thank you", for all those that are standing up for us at this time! ~ "Nail"

[OriolesFan]

FREEDOM has a COST - THANKS to ALL, and their families, who were willing to PROTECT OUR FREEDOM and PAY the ULTIMATE PRICE. GOD BLESS.