The American Revolution, The War of 1812, The Mexican-American War, The Civil War, The Spanish-American War, The Moro Rebellion, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the Kosovo War, the War in Afghanistan, The War in Iraq, the War on ISIL.
Skirmishes, engagements all over the globe.
I feel so indebted to the men and women who fought and especially the many who died.
I don’t know them. I don’t know their families. I don’t know their lives. I don’t know their dreams. I do know about their sacrifices.
My Father served in the 101st Airborne Division. I cherish the black and white photo of him as a young man in his uniform looking so smart and ready for duty.
My Husband was in the Cavalry. I still have his ornamental sword and stirrups.
My sons have been spared active military duty.
There are countless books, memoirs, movies and more about America’s wars. Here are two that I strongly recommend.
Ken Burn’s documentary “THE WAR is the story of the Second World War through the personal accounts of a handful of men and women from four American towns. The war touched the lives of every family on every street in every town in America and demonstrated that in extraordinary times, there are no ordinary lives”. PBS website.
The WAR moved me to tears. I could barely finish it. I wished my Dad or Husband had been with me to answer my questions and share my thoughts. Also, I wanted to thank them for their service.
The Fallen of World War II is a moving, graphic presentation of the cost of war in human lives. I urge you to take a few minutes to watch this.
On Memorial Day, we celebrate our freedom with family and friends.
We remember those who served and are serving now.
We remember the cost not in silver but to families, friends, and communities.
I am not sad today. I am thankful. I am determined to honor the legacy of our military by being a good citizen and by studying and upholding the Declaration of Independence and The U. S. Constitution in spirit and in law.
All gave some. Some gave all. For our freedom.
Lori Greer in Portland 
Lori
Thank you for these heartfelt comments and recommendations. I will read/watch! Just returned yesterday to the US after a month in Paris. In Boston until next Sunday. Much to catch up on! Sharon
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Sharon, Thank you and welcome home!! Looking forward to hearing about your stay in Paris. Lori
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We have different days of remembering. .Ours is 25th April and at 11am on 11/11 every year the memorial day for all forces, all nations, all fallen in all wars. Thank you.
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It’s the harshness of Reality,War
And unfortunately it has gotten magnified
By the times we live in
People’s lives matter more now then ever
And it’s that’s harshness of Reality when those lives are traded for dollars
The Sheldon Perspective
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Wonderful post on this special day. I often wonder if we stood on a corner and asked a group of people how many would really known what the purpose of today is really about. I lost two uncles in WWII and my husband served so I feel strongly about recognizing the sacrifice of so many and thank you for your sincere words.
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Well said. I’m very grateful today too.
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I can’t think of any better way to honor our soldiers than by honoring the principals they fought to preserve, Lori.
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Thank you Lori, for these heartfelt words.
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I have seen Ken Burns’ The War. I would recommend Band Of Brothers…it was about the 101st Airborne Division.
My daddy served in World War II as a medic.
We should salute them all and not only on this day.
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Thanks for mentioning Band of Brothers. I will watch it and tell my brother about it. Yes, you are right about honoring them everyday in our thoughts and actions.
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There are so many movies about the horrors of war. I can hardly stand to watch them anymore but I think everybody should KNOW what happened to those young men…and the sacrifices they made for us.
“Saving Private Ryan”…”Platoon” and “Hamburger Hill” are some of those that are almost unbearable for me.
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Nice tribute to the fallen heroes.
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Thank you. I hope that your day goes well!
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What a wonderful tribute to those who gave ALL.
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It’s good to honor and good to be thankful. Thank you.
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Beautiful tribute — so very thankful for all who have sacrificed so much and continue to give so greatly for the freedom of America.
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Lori, this line says everything: We remember the cost not in silver but to families, friends, and communities.
Wonderful tribute.
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A wonderful tribute to those who served our country and died to keep us free. Humbling…thank you Lori.
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Reblogged this on Crazy Pasta Child.
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Thank you!
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Such a powerful and moving post…yes, we owe an incalculable debt of gratitude to those who sacrificed…thank you for sharing….
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