Memorial Day

[Wildkat]

For those we knew... and those we didn't...


You left your home a wayward youth
Awkward and rebellious
Enthusiastic to grow up
Maybe a little overzealous

Your friends laughed when you signed up
We thought it was a joke
Until you left for basic
Then thought, it did provoke

Putting on the uniform
You felt a change in pride
You stood taller than before
And evened out your stride

You left home young and naive
Your youth the price you paid
When you settled in to fight a war
That other men had made

You did your job for God and country
You proudly did your best
We remember you as the soldier you are
In your eternal rest.

[nate]

Awesome thanks for sharing.

[prometheus578]

A fitting tribute, WildKat.

[threebanger]

Conversation I had with the 5-yr old boy this morning.

5YO: "Daddy, do you have to go to work today?"
3B: "Nope."
5YO: Does Mama?
3B: "Nope."
5YO: "'Cause it's Thursday?"
3B: "It's not Thursday, bud. It's Memorial Day. A holiday we set aside to remember all the soldiers that have fought and died so we could have such a good country."
5YO: "So we can be free?"
3B: "Yep, so we can be free."
5YO: "Daddy. I love to be free."
3B: "I know pal. So do I."

Thanks to all who have given their all. Thanks for taking care of our country. Thanks to the families who still sacrifice every day without their loved ones.
God bless America. It's kind of like I figure my bike project will end up...not perfect, but pretty good. And MINE. And only as good as I make it.
No disrespect to you guys from elsewhere, but there's no place I'd rather live.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rw0TE7prEU

[kawa bob]

Hi to all, been a while since I looked here, wildkats poem hits home in more ways that one, I did manage to make a short ride on sat before the rains hit.

[TopCatGr58]

We are all family

Dear folks,

I am bumping this thread especially for today. We have had several threads started in remembrance of Memorial Day, but this one has eloquence.

Another reason for bumping this thread is to post the following. All of these wars have caused us to have "fallen", and I'm sure some of us in the XS11 family has or know of someone who has experienced a loss. This year marks the 10th anniversary of one of our member's son who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. The member is Oldbiker/John Price, and his son was Timothy Price. Many years ago he was honored with a portrait and dedication into the "Faces of the Fallen" Portrait Gallery. The following is a screen capture of the slide show that he was in, I can't find the actual online slideshow now, not sure if it's still up?



Below is a link to the Military Times "Honor the Fallen" website which tells of 1st Lt. Timothy Price's sacrifice.
http://projects.militarytimes.com/va...e-price/345384

I didn't ask John for permission for posting this, he had requested years ago to keep things private during his initial time of mourning. But it has now been 10 years, and just like all of the other "fallen" heroes, I wanted to post this to just inform us about one of our own XS11's family member's loss, and to remind us of why we have this Day of Remembrance.

Reverently,

T.C. (Vet)

[latexeses]

I hardly have words to express the gratitude that I feel towards those who have served in defense of this country.
I have very good friends who served in Vietnam and they rarely speak of it. It prompted me to read about that mess. One thing that struck me was the recounts of Robert Howard service. He must have been a remarkable person.

I want to thank anyone who served in the Military. You are all Heroes.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Rodger
http://rlhtribute.com/

[Prisoner6]

T.C., thank you for reviving this thread ...

I hardly have words to express the gratitude that I feel towards those who have served in defense of this country.

I want to thank anyone who served in the Military. You are all Heroes.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Rodger

Well said, Rodger ... I agree wholeheartedly.

It seems we sometimes forget that freedom is never free ... it always requires sacrifice.

And for those who have given "the last full measure of devotion", may we never forget what they have done, and may we never cease to honor them.