[BK001]

I just looked up who had recommended it -- it was Ecuadog -- thanks for recommending such a moving movie.

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by Bucco

n support of BK001's post, please remember the difference between Memorial day and Veterans day, and she is correct...this holiday which we make a 3 day weekend is not about cook out, etc.

Also do not forget, in our country we observe on Memorial Day a moment of silence for our fallen heroes at 3PM on that day. Please pause and remember the ultimate sacrifice.

As a veteran and then long time working with politicians and statesman, I have attended many more funerals for fallen friends, co workers etc than I want to remember. Each had speakers and they shared favorite quotes. TWO stand out to me and will never be forgotten.

Adlai Stevenson said this....

"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime"

And this from George S Patton.....

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived"

Excellent post!

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by BK001

If you get the opportunity, I highly recommend the movie (recommended on this forum). Taking Chance. It is available for free viewing on Amazon Prime or you can go to youtube and rent it for $2.99.

Taking Chance is a 2009 American historical drama television film (based on true events) directed by Ross Katz. It is based upon the experiences of Marine Colonel Michael Strobl (played by Kevin Bacon), who escorted the body of a fallen Marine, PFC Chance Phelps (posthumously promoted to lance corporal), back to his hometown from the Iraq War.

The film was the most-watched HBO original in five years, with over two million viewers on the opening night, and more than 5.5 million on re-airings. Critics often attribute this success to its apolitical nature, not directly depicting nor offering an opinion of the war in Iraq.

Bacon received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie. The film received ten nominations for the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards, winning the Emmy for "Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Miniseries or Movie.

I'll be watching it for a 2nd time this evening. It is that meaningful.

[Dan9871]

Originally Posted by BK001

If you get the opportunity, I highly recommend the movie (recommended on this forum). Taking Chance. It is available for free viewing on Amazon Prime or you can go to youtube and rent it for $2.99.

.

Yes, it's a great movie.

[twoplanekid]

Please join us on this Memorial Day 2019 at The Villages Memorial Park 10am sharp for the ceremony and talk by our Congressman Mr. Webster. As a member of the VVA color guard, I will be there!
More info here -> The Villages Memorial Park

[Madelaine Amee]

Unfortunately, the true reason for a Memorial Day is becoming lost. For many Memorial Day means cookouts and family fun. For many others it is the beginning of summer and gardens have to be planted to grow food and flowers for the year. I don't think anyone can lay blame for this, it is just a fact of life. It seems that the ones who really understand what Memorial Day means, or should mean, is our age group. My children are very Patriotic, but I know they will be enjoying the day with their families and friends without giving much thought to the people who gave their lives so that we could live free. It is not that they are uncaring, but our commercialized world has enforced the idea that Memorial Day is the beginning of summer and not much else.

I wonder how many purchased a Poppy this weekend, or even know what the Poppy stands for, or have even heard the Poppies of Flanders readings. But then WW1 is so far in the past now and our lives move so quickly in this age of technology it will soon become a thing of the past.

[itsanne]

just wondering where and when there are memorial day services in the villages? i’m having trouble finding this info, anyone know?? thanks!

[BK001]

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

I wonder how many purchased a Poppy this weekend, or even know what the Poppy stands for, or have even heard the Poppies of Flanders readings. But then WW1 is so far in the past now and our lives move so quickly in this age of technology it will soon become a thing of the past.

Thank you Madelaine.

Here is an interesting article on the tradition of Poppies and includes the two short poems, "In Flander's Field" and “We Shall Keep the Faith”.

Memorial Day

[itsanne]

i can’t find the address for veterans memorial park
can you help me???
thanks!!!

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by itsanne

i can’t find the address for veterans memorial park
can you help me???
thanks!!!

Veteran's Memorial Park is in the Spanish Springs area. It is located very close to Hacienda Rec Center.

Do you know the Village Hospital?, continue into the Square you will see the Memorial Park on your left. It is a small area, but very beautiful. It is kind of tucked away up from the Hacienda Rec Center and beside the bridge across 441. This morning you cannot miss it because many people will be there. You will hear the bagpipes before you get there, bagpipes always make me tear up!!!

[Chi-Town]

Originally Posted by BK001

Yes, we all need to remember that it is not about hot dogs, hamburgers and department store sales, but the courage and bravery of the men and women who protect us. We proudly display the American Flags on our property and wish more would join in. (Although about 80-90% of the homes on our Cul de Sac are displaying flags.)

And a special thank you to the volunteers who decorate their Village entry ways.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Bucco

...And this from George S Patton.....

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived"

I couldn't agree more about thanking God that those men lived. But I can't agree that it is foolish and wrong to mourn their loss.

Like many others have already said, thank you to all those who have given everything for our country.

[Bucco]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

I couldn't agree more about thanking God that those men lived. But I can't agree that it is foolish and wrong to mourn their loss.

Like many others have already said, thank you to all those who have given everything for our country.

General Patton stands corrected, and I think you should re think your understanding of what he actually said.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

Unfortunately, the true reason for a Memorial Day is becoming lost. For many Memorial Day means cookouts and family fun. For many others it is the beginning of summer and gardens have to be planted to grow food and flowers for the year. I don't think anyone can lay blame for this, it is just a fact of life. It seems that the ones who really understand what Memorial Day means, or should mean, is our age group. My children are very Patriotic, but I know they will be enjoying the day with their families and friends without giving much thought to the people who gave their lives so that we could live free. It is not that they are uncaring, but our commercialized world has enforced the idea that Memorial Day is the beginning of summer and not much else.

I wonder how many purchased a Poppy this weekend, or even know what the Poppy stands for, or have even heard the Poppies of Flanders readings. But then WW1 is so far in the past now and our lives move so quickly in this age of technology it will soon become a thing of the past.

I was just thinking about that poem myself. Here it is;

In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Bucco

General Patton stands corrected, and I think you should re think your understanding of what he actually said.

Wow.

I’m as capable as you are of reading and understanding what he said. I respect General Patton very much. It doesn’t change my opinion of that portion of his quote.

Mourning the loss of heroes is a natural and decent human feeling. It doesn’t preclude being happy that those heroes lived.