Memorial Day 2017

OUR VETERANS

This page is dedicated to our classmates and all Americans who have served in the armed forces and to those who have lost their lives in the service of our country.
They are the chosen;
we are the blessed.

Turn off player above to hear this.

MEMORIAL DAY

2017

All gave some.
Some gave all.

The following are those heroes who put their lives on the line for us.
We are all so fortunate that they returned.

Bobby Alexander**

Ronnie Ford**

David Applebaum**
John Bogue
Tommy Finley
Leonard Hortman
Larry Huffman
Tuck Kemper
Don Pope
Mike Ross
Glen Van Dyke
Terry Weeks

Mason Chevallier
Lonnie Farmer**
Gerald Johnson
Olan (Bud) Lewis
O.B. Doss**
Mickey McCay**
Bill Miller

Freedom is never free.

What is a veteran?

Just look around.
Right where you're standing,
He fought for that ground.

A Vet is a person who answered the call,
Who went into war, and gave it his all.

He defined a way of life that we all love,
but much preferred peace, like the way of a dove.
He asked not the reason, as he stood in the trench.
He faltered not once in the muck and the stench.

As soldiers in legions, they stood side by side.
They knew some would fall, as many more died.
They whispered their prayers in a helmet of sweat.
Shells bursting above wouldn't let them forget.

For many the battles never will end.
Now they are civilians, and find they can't blend.
Some are disabled, and some are disturbed.
After coming home from hell,
They find they've been curbed.
A veteran is special, to be not denied.
He put it up front, he need never hide.

To hear Taps played, first stop music, above, by clicking button

WHY "TAPS" IS PLAYED:

If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which "Taps" was played; this brings out a new meaning to it.

Here is something every American should know...but most don't, until they read this: We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps". It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats, and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the
Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they would give him one musician.

The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" used at military funerals was born. The words are:

Day is done ... Gone the sun
From the lakes ... From the hills ...
From the sky.

All is well. Safely rest.
God is nigh.

Fading light. Dims the sight.
And a star ... Gems the sky
Gleaming bright

From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise ... For our days.
Neat the sun ... Neat the stars...
Neat the sky.

As we go... This we know.
God is nigh.

Flame to burn in remembrance

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Sailor stood and faced his God
Which must always come to pass
He hopes his shoes were shining
just as brightly as his brass

"Step forward now, you sailor
How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my Church have you been true?"

The sailor squared his shoulders and said,
"No Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint.

"I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk was tough,
and sometimes I've been violent
because the world is awfully rough.

"But I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills just got too steep.

"And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God... forgive me,
I have wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here;
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord
It needn't be so grand
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the Saints quite often tread
As the Sailor waited quietly
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you Sailor,
You've borne your burdens well
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets;
You've done your time in Hell."

-Author Unknown
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It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN, not the politician, Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the VETERAN who salutes the Flag,
It is the VETERAN who serves under the Flag,
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.
God Bless them all ! ! !
Makes you proud to be an AMERICAN ! ! ! !