And try to enjoy the break from work...but, please remember what the day is meant for...

Megan ^^

Me myself not doing much just hanginging around DC...


Be safe everyone have fun!!!

xoxo,
Ashley Starr

that you haven't lost focus on the real meaning of the holiday.  And just to be clear, I served for 5 1/2 years, but never got sent to Vietnam (Germany & Korea); I'm not as dumb/duplicitous as that Connecticut politician!

...having driven submarines around under the Pacific at that same time.  Thanks, Megan.

I always thought Memorial Day was a time to express appreciation for all those who have fought and died for our country.  Our memorials celebrate US sacrifices, but maybe we should also include those from other countries who fought, sacrificed, and died with us, including Brits, Koreans, Vietnamese, and many others.  Vamikey, it is not necessary to say you served your country in the Vietnam era without going to Vietnam.  No one is blaming you for serving honorably elsewhere.  NitLion, it is not necessary to assert your patriotism by saying you drove submarines around the Pacific. No one is questioning it.  
And Megan, thanks for the kind sentiments.  I was in devastated Pusan right after the Korean war, before you were born, and if I were Korean I would be very proud of the obstacles your country has overcome.  
I'm not criticizing anyone, just wondering why honest patriotism is so often assertive and chest-thumping, rather than quiet and appreciative.

The submarine comment was merely to indicate that the reason I appreciated her thought was because I am also a veteran like vamikey.  Operating a sub wasn't particularly patriotic, but it was an interesting job.  I thought there might be others out there with similar backgrounds.  By the way, I don't think his comment was so much apologetic as it was a reflection on someone else's comments.  Now I expect your high horse should be retired to the barn for a much deserved rest; he seems to have a bleeding heart

A salute with a moment of silence for all who served and are serving.

After doing 16 years I seen the joys and sorrows.

Thank you Megan!

Not to drag this out, but do you have to be a veteran to express sincere apreciation?  I don't think so.  As for bleeding hearts, my understanding of the term is that it is used to describe people who express insincere sentiments without knowing what they're talking about.  I'm sorry but that doesn't fit anything I said or feel.

since all I was trying to say was thanks to the OP for remembering the true purpose of the holiday.  And I wasn't apologizing for anything; with a total of 42 years total service (military & civilian), all with DoD, I owe no one an apology.  I was just being clear thst I wasn't falsely claiming service in the conflict itself, unlike a well-known Connecticut politician.  And I agree your high horse needs to be turned out to pasture, or perhaps into dog food.

A salue and moment of silence to all that have served and are currently active in the various services

Thank you Megan for remembering the day

...I'd like to suggest to one or two of the self-righteous posters that they head to the Viet Memorial again, or Arlington (as was also suggested) and just pay their simple respects, maybe in the case of the Viet memorial, talk to the guys and thank them for their service.  You may see me there, but I don't need to wave a flag or tell everyone on the internet where I served.

and I don't need someone to call me self-righteous to suggest that I go there to come to tears again when I see their names.  I'm particularly offended by the suggestion that I'm somehow less than sincere because I am proud of my service, my patriotism, and my comrades, and not shy about flaunting that.  I don't 'need to wave a flag' either, but I'm pretty solid in my reasons for doing so.
This is my last word on this subject; it's tiresome & pointless to to argue with a closed mind.

I'm reassured that you are moved by genuine patriotism and proud of your service.  I am too.  No one has ever accused me of having a closed mind before, so I guess there's always a first time for everything.  Happy Memorial Day.