Memorial Day, Trains and history,

[aardvark1]

To qualify this post, trains were used in the USA Civil War to carry troops to battles, supplies for the troops and the deceased back to National Cemeteries or home towns for proper burial.

The history of Memorial Day:

http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html

It is not about, as some say...."Let's not forget what this day is about. Think about all our boys and girls who serve us everyday! You are our heroes!"

It is about remembering the women and men who fought in wars and died for us.

Many other countries worldwide have their own version of the USA Memorial Day.

We must also remember (and those of other nations) our women and men who are currently serving in various conflict areas is important and we must honor their service in our prayers for them and their families.

While Memorial Day is now turned into a "Holiday", with "Holiday Sales" that do not honor the memory of our deceased women and men who served their country(ies).

Please be safe.

EDIT: Yes, I did serve my country.

 

[Euphod]

Nice post Ron, and yes, I agree that many have lost sight of the origin of the day. I don't mind the sales, but they have overtaken the holidays they are intended to honor.

 

[K4driver]

I just want to say thank you to those who have served, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the way of life we are used to. Also a thank you to those who are serving currently.

 

[Thad09]

Thank you all! One of my best friends is graduating from high school on Friday and he is going into the Marines so I now remember all that I know who serve or will be serving on Memorial Day.

 

[SD45T-2]

Thank you all for risking a lot to make sure I have a good life.

And it seams, I was the only one who remembered the holiday.

 

[H222]

In Australia (and NZ) we have Anzac Day on the 25th of April

Jamie

 

[mattm]

Nice post Ron, and yes, I agree that many have lost sight of the origin of the day. I don't mind the sales, but they have overtaken the holidays they are intended to honor.

Unfortunately, the same can be said about most holidays these days; Christmas and Easter being the two biggest offenders.

It's all about the dollar in this day and age, no matter how you try and spin it.

Matt.

 

[K4driver]

To the Soldiers, those who gave it all, and those who have served to keep our way of life safe, so we do not have to. Thank you.

http://youtu.be/zqRX1jtsnpg

 

[SD45T-2]

You know what would be fitting for this day. Troop Train Cars.

And Now I shall recite the Star Spanned Banner

O! say can you see by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
’Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion,
A home and a country, should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation.
Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust;”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

 

[Zorronov]

Cool...but can you sing it?

Cheers,
Fred

 

[SD45T-2]

Yes, but I don't have the voice.

Edit-Just sung it. I think I did pretty good.