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Gary B Swift's avatar

I appreciate your thoughtful essay, Linda. Originally Decoration Day after the Civil War, our modern Memorial Day remains a time of personal reflection that is different for each of us.

One of the ways that I express thanks to our service men and women is focused specifically on our Viet Nam Veterans, since they were ignored and derided by many of their fellow Americans when returning home. Whenever I recognize a Veteran from that conflict, I always make sure to welcome them home.

Thank You For Your Service (A Moment of Truth) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2L3skZ7FEw

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Linda Voss's avatar

Thank you for your service, Gary. Submarine life takes a lot of skill and mental toughness. And thanks for sharing that video. Always touching. Happy Memorial Day.

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Kristin Farry's avatar

Beautiful. Thank you. My parents are buried in Section 60 near the graves of this helicopter crew. My parents survived their WW2 combat experience, and demonstrated throughout their post-war lives how service to neighbors on the home front is just as important as military service. My parents helped integrate our county schools, without violence, as they had seen black soldiers die for our country in WW2. I can’t help thinking that those who died fighting here at home for equal rights and opportunity for all should also be honored today.

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Linda Voss's avatar

Wow, Kristin. Didn't know your parents were buried there, too! There's a grave marker at the top of the long stairs leading to the Lee Mansion in Arlington Cemetery dedicated to a mother (whose name escapes me at the moment) who died of "filial devotion" taking care of her son, who had fallen from a yard arm during naval service. Home front service. I honor all service today.

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