Popular Post John Morris Posted May 25, 2019 Popular Post Report Share Posted May 25, 2019 hatuffej, Gunny, FlGatorwood and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post lew Posted May 25, 2019 Popular Post Report Share Posted May 25, 2019 Amen Gunny, John Morris, hatuffej and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Gene Howe Posted May 25, 2019 Popular Post Report Share Posted May 25, 2019 So true! Cal, Gunny, FlGatorwood and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Artie Posted May 26, 2019 Popular Post Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 I live in a small town in Mass. Small by Mass standards, population 12, 000 (us and NJ are the two most densely populated states in the union) Anywho when I moved out here there was one barber shop (still only the one), so I go there for my haircuts. I’m mostly a buzz cut with a #2 cutter, in and out quickly, good for 3 more months. So the barber shop is named Mel’s, for Mel the barber. His son does most of the cutting now. Mel was on the beach 75 years ago this June 6. Mel wouldn’t talk about his experience, but would talk about his buddies that didn’t make it. Unfortunately for the last couple of years Mel is back Lon the beach, more than he’s in current times. Maybe I’m just out of the loop (highly likely), but it seems there is very little attention being paid to the fact that it was 75 years ago this June 6. On Monday, the low tide is at 11:00, at the beach. I’ve only gone detecting once since September, really want to go Monday. I will no be there, because I refuse to be anywhere other than in our back yard, clapping for those in our Memorial Day Parade. It get’s so little turnout compared to the July 4’th parade. I understand the that a Memorial Day Parade is a MUCH more somber occasion, but if those old vets can get up and march, I will be there, clapping and saluting. Bout 4 years ago there was a heavy rain forecast for the parade so they cancelled it. I guess that having gone through the experiences that qualified them as veterans, they don’t melt in rain. So a group of the vets (youngest mighta ran in his mid 60’s) marched without a police escort, or official blessing. Somehow they survived their ordeal. Think they’re tougher than the crowd that sits and watches. Year before this occurred, a call came in, in the middle of the parade. The two fire engines, and police escort vehicles beat feet. Everyone else just stayed where they were, talking to each other, roads stayed shut down. Bout an hour later the fire engines and cruisers returned, and the parade picked right up where it was. I like the town the Missus and myself wound up in. Gene Howe, Cal, FlGatorwood and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hatuffej Posted May 26, 2019 Popular Post Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 (edited) I think it is important to realize that most people understand the significance of Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and the sacrifices veterans and their families made. However, they don't do it in a somber manner. My Dad was a WWII Navy veteran in the Pacific campaigns, and he always made those holidays fun times for the family. We celebrated the freedom of our lives. That isn't being disrespectful. Edited May 26, 2019 by hatuffej John Morris, FlGatorwood, Gunny and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted May 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 20 minutes ago, hatuffej said: My Dad was a WWII Navy veteran in the Pacific campaigns I would say your Dad earned the right to observe Memorial Day any way he danged well pleased! That's for sure! Hat, is your dad still alive today, sorry if this was covered before, just curious. Artie, FlGatorwood and Cal 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Gunny Posted May 26, 2019 Popular Post Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 28 minutes ago, hatuffej said: he always made those holidays fun times for the family. We celebrated the freedom of our lives. That isn't being disrespectful. Everyone has there own filter in dealing with hardships in life. In combat laugher kept us sane. Monday will be a somber occasion in the morning as we remember those that have fallen. Then an afternoon of stories and the good times we had. My plan anyway. Cal, hatuffej, John Morris and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted May 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 47 minutes ago, hatuffej said: I think it is important to realize that most people understand the significance of Memorial Day I hope you are right, but my experience with folks around me, has not been as positive as yours Hat. I doubt it's even discussed in our public schools out here in CA anymore. Even the interviewer with the mic gets mixed up too, he references Memorial Day as a day for veterans, but hey, not to take away from this topic, I'm just sitting here having fun tonight guys. Hope everyone has a good and memorable weekend! Cal, hatuffej and Artie 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post FlGatorwood Posted May 26, 2019 Popular Post Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 These folks are supervisors, drive and vote. God help us. Cal, John Morris, Artie and 2 others 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hatuffej Posted May 26, 2019 Popular Post Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 10 hours ago, John Morris said: I would say your Dad earned the right to observe Memorial Day any way he danged well pleased! That's for sure! Hat, is your dad still alive today, sorry if this was covered before, just curious. No, he died in 1970. Solid Navy vet. He always wore a poppy in his coat lapel when he went to work. I knew a farmer who fought in Europe (Battle of the Bulge.) He told me to always laugh with veterans, make it a bright day. So, yes, we remember, but we don't make it solemn. Wives and mothers especially appreciate that. Artie, Cal, John Morris and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted May 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 2 hours ago, hatuffej said: but we don't make it solemn We like to enjoy our Memorial Day Hat, my family. Yet we keep our hearts grounded as a family, simply out of respect for the fallen. We barbecue, we take a hike up in our mountains, I make a mean tri tip traditionally for this day! My Dad served as Corpsman during Korea, and my Uncle was wounded on the beach in Guam WWII and died of his wounds aboard ship and buried at sea, we have his wonderful USMC picture in his dress uniform that was taken at MCRD San Diego before they all shipped out and we even have the original Western Union Telegram that his mom received 30 days after he was buried at sea. Uncle Jeroid was battle hardened, he'd been through various jungle campaigns before he was wounded. We even named our son after Uncle Jeroid, Jeroid Morris. We bring the photo down from the wall, and we set it at our table for all to view on this day. It's a family tradition. We all observe the day in our own way. Cal, hatuffej and Artie 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatuffej Posted May 26, 2019 Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 John and others. I am not criticizing anyone's feelings or remembrances about our various military-related holidays. Several of my veteran buddies have told me they get so tired of all the "hero" stuff. We honor and remember them by celebrating the day. John Morris, Cal and Artie 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted May 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 On 5/26/2019 at 9:12 AM, hatuffej said: Several of my veteran buddies have told me they get so tired of all the "hero" stuff. We honor and remember them by celebrating the day. I couldn't have said it better than this article Hat I linked below. As for me, I served, I had a job, I was a lineman in the Army, just running comm cable for our guys, I dislike the whole hero thing for folks like me. And I hate standing at events, but my family insists. I thought I would have a trade after the Army and it never panned out, at least not as a Lineman, but I wanted to get out of town and change my direction in life, I joined for me, not for country, it wasn't till I got in the Army that I had a different perspective of our Nation, fortunately it was a very positive experience for this young and lost surfer kid from So Cal, I like to say the Army saved my life, and put me on a path of positive direction for the rest of my life. My time in was relatively brief, but it changed my life. I am so far detached from the military both physically and mentally, my efforts here on TPW helping our veterans and their families, fundraising, and giving, etc, and all the volunteer events my family and I attend locally for Homes For Our Troops, has nothing to do with my own service, I am coming from the perspective of a complete civilian who feels I owe them, and I owe Uncle Sam for giving me the chance to become something better than what I was, if I had not joined I'd be dead, heading in the wrong direction quickly. Again, the Army did more for me than I ever did for it, and now I am simply trying to pay it forward in a very small way, very small. And blah blah blah, here we are. There are true heroes here, in our own woodworking community, but I can guarantee you, it aint me. I climbed poles and trees in Central America, helped unseat a nasty dictator, doing my part by providing communication to the ones doing the real work. And I am glad I had a part in that, something I can talk about at the dinner table and mostly make my kids laugh with my stories, believe me sliding down a wood pole with splinters facing up makes a great story to kids! A couple guys from the Infantry Battalion down the road from our barracks who I used to drink beer with never made it back, and I was saddened. A wonderful thing happened to me while in Panama, I met my wife of 29 years, we have three kids, and it was all because of the Army. So my part, and my experiences cannot be compared to the guys and gals doing the real work, and that is as far I go with all of that. I am truly humbled in the presence of many here in our woodworking community, you included Hat with your service in Nam and Ron Altier, and Gunny with his time in the big sandbox, and there are others here who would probably be embarrassed if I mentioned their names. Not many folks know who we are here on TPW, but as a woodworking community, we try to do what we can, and you all are right there to help when called upon, for that I will be forever grateful, you are all the greatest. I will never greet another person with "Happy Memorial Day". That's just me. But there is a ton of sentiment and philosophy behind that, too much to go into here. Just know Hat, I appreciate you being here, you have chosen to spend some time here, and that is worth something. You are here, so we must be doing something right. If You Call All Veterans Heroes, You’re Getting It Wrong - Task & Purpose TASKANDPURPOSE.COM “Are you in the military?” an old lady asks me while I wait in line at the store.“Yes, ma’am,” I reply.“I just wanted to say thank you... p_toad, Artie and hatuffej 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Howe Posted May 26, 2019 Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 A fellow woodworker on the Shopsmith site has a tag line that is appropriate. "Heros don't wear a cape. They wear dog tags. " It matters not a whit what job you were assigned in the service. You served. That's all that's all that matters to me. John Morris, hatuffej, Artie and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunny Posted May 26, 2019 Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 Man gives you a medal, he wants you to do for your country. Man gives you a extra clip of ammo, he expects to see you back after the mission. Guess which one is more important to me? Had a LT that went ballistic I only wore a few ribbons. Seems he looked in my file and saw what I was authorized to wear. Told me those were bragging rights and needed to be on the uniform. My answer, "Medals don't make the man." Ticked him off. But the regs say nothing about NOT wearing them. I am not a hero, merely a Marine that was assigned the task of seeking out and destroying the enemy. Did what was asked, returned to base and waited for next mission. Some days I do miss it though, never more alive than when you live on the razors edge. hatuffej, p_toad, John Morris and 1 other 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted May 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 2 hours ago, Woodbutcherbynight said: My answer, "Medals don't make the man." You know Gunny, while that may be, I gotta say man, they sure as heck look doggone cool! Gunny and Artie 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artie Posted May 26, 2019 Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 Tough subject. I’m not saying I don’t have cook outs, and plan fun activities on Memorial Day, and the weekend, I do. I also attend our little small towns parade. I attend the memorial service at the cemetery where my Father is buried. He was a veteran, status wise, but never claimed that honor. The closest he got to Korea was Japan. He had a great time in Japan, loved his time there. Veteran status to him was for the people in Korea, on the lines. He signed the dotted line, did what he was asked to do. He didn’t want to call himself a veteran, well that was his decision to make, and I understood the decision he made. I joined the USAF Reserves. I was raised that there was an expectation to serve the US. If Mr Morris did so little, as he humbly described it, well I did 100 time’s less. We kept Chicopee Ma safe from the commies. This does not bother me. I gave them their chance to do what they wanted with me for 4 years. Thank fully they didn’t need me. I am NOT a veteran. The veterans officer for the town I work for, insisted I was, I said no, he looked it up, I am NOT a veteran. This doesn’t bother me. I have an honorable discharge, I did what I volunteered to do. If needed I would have reported. My brother was 4 years active duty 1980-84. He has veterans status, he also does not claim it. He never left the US. I saw Panama, Germany, Portuguese Azores, with the reserves, still irks him I traveled more as a weekend warrior that’s he did on active duty. I have posted the photo of my military wall that is on our living room wall. Only two people on the wall (of the 7 photos) we consider veterans. My wife’s Dad, 2 tours in Vietnam Nam as a medic, Her Grandfather-fought in the mountains of Italy during WWII (from what I heard that was kinda like Iwo, with snow). My Mom’s Uncle Eddie is not on the wall yet, I have the photo, but haven’t gotten around to hanging it yet, seems like a great thing to do tomorrow after the parade. He was a Marine on Guadalcanal. The stories about him are third hand, but in the stories he was there for the invasion and holding of the island, yeah he’s a veteran. I agree with the link that John posted. If you served it’s YOUR decision on whether you want the accolades, and honors, or not. BUT if you served you get my respect, that’s not negotiable. I am somber at the ceremony’s and parades, because that’s how I feel. I am somber at funerals and wakes, that’s my Irish Catholic upbringing. Whether you are a veteran, firefighter, police officer, nurse, or the many other people who put themselves at risk to help people, what I’ve noticed is the one’s that I consider to be actual hero’s, want nothing to do with that label. Nothing but respect for them. hatuffej, John Morris, Gene Howe and 1 other 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted May 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 5 minutes ago, Artie said: I am somber at funerals and wakes, that’s my Irish Catholic upbringing. Artie, all very well said, a wonderful perspective, I love reading the history of our members here when it comes to service and their family members. You know I quoted what you said about your Catholic upbringing, because now I finally know what's wrong with me! It most assuredly is a Catholic thing and obviously I'm in good company with you. There is an old saying I grew up with, "of course I feel guilty, I'm Catholic!". Thanks for the wonderful reply to this topic. Artie, Gunny and hatuffej 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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