Anita Marie
New member
Rodger that is great news. It must have seemed very strange to have gotten that much sight back after all those years. I love to hear those kind of stories. I'm glad you can C your C-Dory better.
A day of remembrance and gratitude!
- Thread starter Mr. Fisherman
- Start date
:thup :thup 
It was very strange. I'm still getting used to seeing things on my left without turning my head.
:lol: I almost nailed a waitress once years ago-- I was sitting with my left to the aisle and next thing I knew she was reaching around pouring coffee. Startled me, scared her- she thought I was going to hit her. I told her that it wasn't her fault and from then on I always sat with my right to the aisle. :wink:
It was very strange. I'm still getting used to seeing things on my left without turning my head.
:lol: I almost nailed a waitress once years ago-- I was sitting with my left to the aisle and next thing I knew she was reaching around pouring coffee. Startled me, scared her- she thought I was going to hit her. I told her that it wasn't her fault and from then on I always sat with my right to the aisle. :wink:
Hi all, as most of you know I grew up in the hills of WV and to this day the older folks over there call this day Decaration Day. One of my Grandfathers was in WW I and when he was alive he'd trek to the local cemetary to "decorate" the graves of those that did not make it with a flower or small flag if he had them. He personally saw the horror back then in the trenches Europe and did not talk much about it, but I could tell even at my young age his experience left much more than an impression on him.
He told me then, which was over 50 years ago for me, it was a time to make sure someone did not forget those that as some say "gave it all" and for those that did make to remember and reflect why they did it with out hesitation. He decorated graves as a personal gesture of his love and admiration for those that served around him in that war and others, because he used to say in his own way, war was war and it really did not matter what name you hung on it.
So that is what the Day in question means to me. I would like to pose one suggestion to the group, and that is; what can we do to ensure our childern and grandchildren do not look upon Memorial and Veterans Days as nothing more than an official "holiday" from work.... .
For my little part to ensure the true meaning of what I think this day means, I spend time with my grandkids watching the film footage of D-Day and the documentaries that explain the war's background. I want my young grandsons to understand those men were plenty scared about what laid ahead as they rode in the Higgins Boats, but in the same breath, I want them to know it was pure raw courage that held them together and they as a unit went forward hoping for the best. Butch
He told me then, which was over 50 years ago for me, it was a time to make sure someone did not forget those that as some say "gave it all" and for those that did make to remember and reflect why they did it with out hesitation. He decorated graves as a personal gesture of his love and admiration for those that served around him in that war and others, because he used to say in his own way, war was war and it really did not matter what name you hung on it.
So that is what the Day in question means to me. I would like to pose one suggestion to the group, and that is; what can we do to ensure our childern and grandchildren do not look upon Memorial and Veterans Days as nothing more than an official "holiday" from work.... .
For my little part to ensure the true meaning of what I think this day means, I spend time with my grandkids watching the film footage of D-Day and the documentaries that explain the war's background. I want my young grandsons to understand those men were plenty scared about what laid ahead as they rode in the Higgins Boats, but in the same breath, I want them to know it was pure raw courage that held them together and they as a unit went forward hoping for the best. Butch
Butch,
Your grandfather was correct in referring to Memorial Day as Decoration Day, because that is what it was called before the name was changed.
Your reference to the "holiday atmosphere" of Memorial Day is a real concern to many.....so much so that on January 19, 1999 Senator Inouye introduced Senate Bill 189 which proposes the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30th instead of the "last Monday in May". To date there has been no further developments on the bill.
As far as "what individuals can do to ensure our children and grandchildren do not look upon Memorial Day and Veterans Day as nothing more than an official holiday from work"....I, like you set those days aside for the appropriate activities. We have always, since daughter Jessica was a baby, attended the Veteran's Day parade in town and the Memorial Day services that are perfomed in our little town. On those particular days that I do have to work, my wife Carol has taken Jessica there without me. Even at the age of 14, Jessica still seems to look forward to these observances and she understands the importance of these days. Obviously, it is what we condition our children and grandchildren to.
It would be hypocritical of me, not to mention that I certainly would take my C-Dory out on those days, but not without participating in some type of appropriate observance.
Your grandfather was correct in referring to Memorial Day as Decoration Day, because that is what it was called before the name was changed.
Your reference to the "holiday atmosphere" of Memorial Day is a real concern to many.....so much so that on January 19, 1999 Senator Inouye introduced Senate Bill 189 which proposes the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30th instead of the "last Monday in May". To date there has been no further developments on the bill.
As far as "what individuals can do to ensure our children and grandchildren do not look upon Memorial Day and Veterans Day as nothing more than an official holiday from work"....I, like you set those days aside for the appropriate activities. We have always, since daughter Jessica was a baby, attended the Veteran's Day parade in town and the Memorial Day services that are perfomed in our little town. On those particular days that I do have to work, my wife Carol has taken Jessica there without me. Even at the age of 14, Jessica still seems to look forward to these observances and she understands the importance of these days. Obviously, it is what we condition our children and grandchildren to.
It would be hypocritical of me, not to mention that I certainly would take my C-Dory out on those days, but not without participating in some type of appropriate observance.
I would go on to say that on one occasion since the 9/11 attack, our Fire Department was included in an activity on Veteran's Day, that made the appearance that "we" were amongst those being honored. Since, I was off work that day (as co-incidentally I usually take Veteran's Day as a day off), I didn't know about it until I returned to work a couple of days later. At that time I became quite vocal about what I felt to be the inappropriateness of it. It was good to know that others in our ranks felt the same way and likewise became vocal. (We must have been heard because since then we've not been placed in that position).
MIKE MANNELL
New member
Mr. Fisherman,
I always judge a man based on his intentions. Looks to me like your intentions regarding your post were indeed heart felt and good.
I'm a former Marine Infantryman/Squad Leader and an RVN Vet and was not in anyway offended by your remarks...Infact, I thought your remarks were very thoughtful...who cares what day it is.
Semper Fi
Mike Mannell
(Fromer Corporal of Marines)
I always judge a man based on his intentions. Looks to me like your intentions regarding your post were indeed heart felt and good.
I'm a former Marine Infantryman/Squad Leader and an RVN Vet and was not in anyway offended by your remarks...Infact, I thought your remarks were very thoughtful...who cares what day it is.
Semper Fi
Mike Mannell
(Fromer Corporal of Marines)
Mr. Fisherman,
You were spot on. My days get screwed up a bit too - as the only survivor of my first WWII torpedo bomber squadron my memorial days approach 365.
When I go, as a DAV, to the VA hospital for treatment I always visit my Nam buddies, the ones I first knew as 19 and 20 year old kids back when they were whole. As I make my way through the wards, cluttered with artificial limbs and aids like toys strewn around a daycare center, and shake hands with those who still have them -- my Veteran's Day gets refreshed, and refreshed.
My silver star, purple heart, and other undeserved fruit salad are molding away in an old shoe box in the basement waiting for some garage sale, and I often wish for some way to cut each into little pieces - giving a piece to each of those who really earned them and are no longer here. Ray, your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
I fully understand our C-Brat home isn't the proper forum for this sort of thing, and as soon as you acknowledge reading this I'll delete.
Sorry, DaNag Bill, old friend.
Dusty
You were spot on. My days get screwed up a bit too - as the only survivor of my first WWII torpedo bomber squadron my memorial days approach 365.
When I go, as a DAV, to the VA hospital for treatment I always visit my Nam buddies, the ones I first knew as 19 and 20 year old kids back when they were whole. As I make my way through the wards, cluttered with artificial limbs and aids like toys strewn around a daycare center, and shake hands with those who still have them -- my Veteran's Day gets refreshed, and refreshed.
My silver star, purple heart, and other undeserved fruit salad are molding away in an old shoe box in the basement waiting for some garage sale, and I often wish for some way to cut each into little pieces - giving a piece to each of those who really earned them and are no longer here. Ray, your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
I fully understand our C-Brat home isn't the proper forum for this sort of thing, and as soon as you acknowledge reading this I'll delete.
Sorry, DaNag Bill, old friend.
Dusty
Captains Cat
New member
Dusty, couldn't have said it better. Mike/Bill, I think it's time to give this whole thread a sounding of taps :note :note and put it 6 feet under until next year at least. After Dusty's note gets absorbed by all that is.
Charlie
Charlie
Mr. Fisherman
New member
I agree.... Take it down. I nearly deleted it several times.
Thanks for the support.
I never intended to offend anyone.
Most of this was not the reaction I have come to expect from this group.
I'll keep it to myself from now on.
Thanks,
Ray
Thanks for the support.
I never intended to offend anyone.
Most of this was not the reaction I have come to expect from this group.
I'll keep it to myself from now on.
Thanks,
Ray
Sawdust":lhp9dhdr said:
Hey! Who you calling old??? I don't deserve that kind of respect - yet... :lol:
Dusty, when you speak, folks listen. I for one, would like to see your post stick around. You are of course welcome to do with it as you wish, but I think it, along with the rest of this thread, sets a great example for folks to follow.
Sure, this thread isn't about boats or boating, and it got a little side-tracked from the innocent and noble intent of Mr. Fisherman. Maybe even a temper or two flared. But it's a perfect example of how "community moderation" works around here, and a testament to how cool heads prevail.
The day that we find it necessary to delete posts, lock threads or something equally heavy handed will be a sad day indeed. Call me the eternal optimist, but with the community of folks who currently participate here, I can't ever see it becomiing necessary.
Hey Ray! Please don't keep it to yourself.... of all the people in the world this is one group that has a common thread when it comes to civic pride and love of country. The neat thing is we can differ on the finer points of any discussion but know for a fact we are pretty much pulling in the same direction. Did that make sense? Maybe Charlie (Captain's Choice) can help me out here, he is much better with words than I am. This thread sure made me think and reassess a few things. Butch