5/28/10

You probably think this song is about you.

As I've mentioned before, I sometimes get these offers from companies that want me to pimp their wares, usually via some "review" of one of their products in exchange for said product. Occasionally, if I can see a humorous angle to take while writing it up, I will agree. I mean, who can forget the goatee saver? I know I can't. I wish someone would send me a ChumBuddy, but since I did that one completely on my own, there's been no offers yet.

Once in a while though, the offer is too good to pass up. Fortunately for someone reading this right now, this is one of those times. It's what I like to call Free Stuff For Someone Who Is Not Me.

The guys from CSN are calling me a "Preferred Blogger" which I am pretty sure means I'm on their short list of people they figure they can probably suck up to and get to do stuff for them.

The offer in this case was to either do a review and get free stuff for me, (no.) or hold some kind of contest and get free stuff for someone else. (why not?) so I agreed to the second option.

Here's the deal: They sell an amazing number of different bathroom vanities, among other things. Lots of other things, actually. They have a couple of hundred online stores, each geared toward a particular product line, and a warehouse that must be almost the size of Bill Gates' 2nd largest guest bathroom on the 5th floor of his summer home.

Sometimes I'm sure the companies end up sorry that they asked me, but in this case I think they will do fine.

They are offering a $150 gift certificate to use at any of their 200+ stores, no strings attached. (I really wish they'd give me something too, but apparently that's not how it works, so instead of a lame post about bathroom vanities that gets me free stuff, you get this one instead.)

In order for you to win this Memorial Day weekend contest, just leave a comment and remember a soldier. That's it. If you feel like it, tell me a little bit about them, because I'd enjoy that.

I'll cut off comments sometime Monday, or whenever they peter out, and use a random number generator to pick the winner.

Thanks, everyone, and have a great long weekend!

73 comments:

  1. My Dad was in the Marines during the Vietnam War era. Unlike too many of his fellow soldiers from that time, he gets to turn 55 this Memorial Day. I'm thankful for him, and for his service.

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  2. My Dad was in the Marines

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  3. My grandfather was in the Korean war, way back before I was born. I remember the impression it made on my young self, at his funeral, when they gave my grandmother his flag. It was, and still is, a moment to remember

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  4. What a great giveaway. I'll use this time to honor my good friends dad who was in Vietnam. He's a wonderful man and though he won't talk about that period of his life I know it's with him everyday.

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  5. This is my first Memorial Day without my Uncle Roger. He was a with the Army during the Korean War and liked sharing his memories of the people he met while serving.

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  6. My grandfather defected from the Polish and German armies during WW2. I'm so proud of him.

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  7. My good friend Brian is back in Iraq (for the third time) and will not be able to be with his wife during the birth of their third child just any day now.

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  8. My cousin Gus, back from Iraq last year, is being shipped to Afghanistan in three weeks.

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  9. My grandfather, whom I never knew, was a soldier in the Marines during World War 2. He passed away later on in his life due to Skin Cancer. He brought home a Japanese Flag that a family gave him, along with a sword carried by a Japanese soldier. I am told he was posted at the bottom of the hill where they raised the flag (not 100% sure what it's called, but I'm sure you know what I'm talking about) and was stationed there during dangerous times. I'm thankful for him and his service and for coming home safely to give me a life. God bless the Soldiers in the world fighting for our Freedom.

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  10. My Dad and my Grandpa were both in the army and both made it home safe -- I hope my buddy Kyle makes it home safe from Iraq as well.

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  11. My very awesome and loved father, the former marine. However I am blessed to know many many great soldiers.

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  12. Both my dad and my uncle served in WWII. My uncle, being 7 years older joined the Marines when Pearl Harbor was bombed along with all his neighborhood buddies. They served through the bloodiest Pacific theater action. When my uncle was dying of cancer at age 62, he said don't feel sorry for me. I had a full life and got to raise my family. Feel sorry for my friends that didn't come home. My uncle was the only one from the neighborhood who came home. He was a Captain, having received many battlefield promotions. So this Memorial Day, I'm remembering all who didn't come home. Not just my uncle's friends, but all those who paid the ultimate price. Thank you!

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  13. My uncle, Marvin Shields, fought in Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart for carrying a wounded soldier out of harm's way despite having been shot himself, and then going back to take out a machine gun that was decimating his unit. He spent about 9 hours under heavy fire before he was killed. Thanks for this. We forget to remember.

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  14. My dad, Mervin, fought in WWII. He passed away when I was very young, so I had to hear the stories of his years in the war from my mom and other family members. The two things I recall is that he was a parachutist (still have his uniform and medals) and he had a signed letter from General MacArthur that a friend sneaked out of our house never to be seen again. I'm thankful for my dad and his bravery in jumping out of planes to save lives.

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  15. I have quite a few friends/family members who are in the military. I love doing Operation Baking Gals as a way to thank those who are currently serving overseas.

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  16. My dad joined the navy during the Vietnam war. My parents had only been married the year before and I was only a little over a month old when he left.

    He will never talk about what he saw/experienced. It breaks my heart but I respect his silence.

    He turns 62 next month.

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  17. My dad's family actually changed our last name to look French during WWII, because someone back then didn't want to be associated with the Germans.

    My grandfather was in the Navy and stationed in Guam. He died last year.

    My daughter is a medic in the Army National Guard now - she hasn't been shipped to Afghanistan yet, but it is in the works.

    Thank you to all of our soldiers!

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  18. Alisha4:38 PM

    My Grandfather....he was a sailor and looked fabulous in his whites all dressed up. He drove the boats that landed armies onto the beaches in WW 2and, though he never told us, had nightmares years later of watching the first boatloads of men being plowed down. One of his buddies shared with me one time that the men wanted on my grandfather's boat because he got them closer to the shore than anyone and they didn't have to swim far. He had many buddies that visited each other over the years and he was so proud of them. I loved the twinkle in his eye when he talked about them. :)

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  19. This is for my family...

    My grandfather Charles, WWII Navy Chief Warrant Officer
    My cousin Chuck, 1st Gulf War, Navy
    My cousin Rob, 1st Gulf War, Navy My aunt Sally, 1st and 2nd Gulf War, Navy Reserve
    My Uncle Will, Navy, Vietnam
    My Uncle Alan, Navy, Vietnam
    My cousin's husband Kie, Navy Master Chief
    My husband, Steve, Navy Chief

    And for a local hero, Lance Corporal Tyler Griffin of Voluntown - - - who gave his life in defense...

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  20. My husband and brother-in-law are both in the Air-force. My Brother-in-law is on his 4th tour of duty. He was blown up by a road side bomb his first tour, and shot by a sniper on his second tour. Yet despite these injuries, he re-enlisted for 4 more years. He is still in Afghanistan scheduled to return in a couple months.
    Both are incredibly brave and our families couldn't be prouder of them. We send boxes full of snack foods and home-baked goodies regularly to family members and friends stationed overseas. It's the least we can do for them in return for what they do for our country.
    Here's to honoring all our Armed Forces members for their service and their families for their sacrifices!

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  21. Phishstyx5:55 PM

    Both my grandfathers served in WWII, and my father served in the first gulf war.

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  22. My sister is a pilot for the Air Force, she'll be spending this Memorial day in Afghanistan. She's pretty much the coolest sister ever =)

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  23. I'll be thinking of my friend Alex. I never saw him after high school, but we talked online occasionally. We last chatted a few weeks before he died.

    http://www.kansas.com/842/index.html

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  24. My dad lost 2 of his brothers in the war.

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  25. I want to honor every soldier especially those 1000 that the media just reported as the troops that have died in this Afghanistan war alone as of yesterday. My prayers are with their families as I can only imagine how difficult it is this Memorial day for their loved ones.

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  26. My Great aunt served as the highest ranking female in all branches during WWII. She was in the European theatre as well as stateside. She retired from the military in 1960 and passed away in 2005. She was active in womens movements until she died. Here's to ya Aunt May

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  27. I'm going to remember my Dad and my Brother :) Vietnam for DAD and Gulf War for my brother. I'm so terribly proud of the both of them and of ALL of our soldiers VFW's or no because they're protecting my right to spew forth crazy junk on the internet and not have to worry about it - and lol, you know, more important things like ... the ability to wear tight pants and show my hair and ankles and BE FREE and you know... everything.

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  28. My father served during the Korean Conflict. My father-in-law, WWII and my ancestor the American Revolution. All survived their wars.

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  29. this is my thanks to my cousin in the usmc, recently returned safely from his second trip to Iraq to find his wife had been unfaithful while he was gone on both tours; a messy divorce is no way to thank a soldier. he's a braver man that i'll ever be, thanks to all in uniform!

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  30. Anonymous9:41 PM

    My Dad signed up for the Navy at the ripe age of 16 to serve in WWII, he also served in Korea. he passed away in 1996 but he remains my hero.

    T.D. Miller

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  31. What a great contest idea :) For my friend Calen, cause you've gotta love a Navy boy. Stay safe out there on the water, buddy!

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  32. James J. Walton, one of my college classmates who died 6/21/2008 whileserving in Afghanistan. A true leader.

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  33. My son signed up in the Marines last year fully knowing we are at war. I am so proud of him and I pray each day he is safe and stays safe.

    God bless all our soldiers, current and past, for all your courage and sacrifice so that we may know the freedoms most of us do not even realize we have.

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  34. My Great Uncle served in WWII. He was one of the first to step foot on the beaches of Normandy and also one of the very few who walked away from it unharmed. He lived a long and fulfilling life and has only now left us about a week ago. We will remember..

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  35. Thanks for the give-away post.

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  36. Thanks, everyone, for sharing. Some of the comments are truly inspiring, and I wish I had known these men and women of whom you speak. I'm humbled and honored to read about them. Thanks again.

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  37. I love this post! More for the remembering than the giveaway.

    I have family that was/is in the service, but I want to honor my former students: Kellie, USN; Tyler, USMC; Daniel, USAF; Sang, US Army West Point; Will, USMC; Marissa, USCG; Heather, USAF. I am so proud and grateful that they all chose to serve their country in this way!

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  38. 1 uncle at the Battle of the Bulge
    1 uncle served in Washington
    My Dad was in the South Pacific
    1 uncle in Korea
    1 Cousin in Viet Nam
    -- His son was in Desert Storm -- he didn't come home.
    I'm proud of them all.

    (Also, I'm a new follower. Most bloggers are women. Its nice to see one from a guy!)

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  39. A good friend was in the Marines during WWII. He saw the flag go up at Iwo Jima, and he is prominent in a photo of the battle at Saipan that has been featured in everything from Life magazine to the USPS sheet of stamps commemorating the 1940s. He was a pro baseball player but being a Marine is his proudest achievement.

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  40. My dad fought in the Korean War and my nephew is currently in Afghanistan. We worry about him daily.

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  41. My father graduated from high school early, in January of 1941. He wouldn't turn 18 until September, but seeing the writing on the wall, got his non-English speaking Sicilian mother to sign the papers necessary for him to join the Navy. He trained as a fire controlman and was in the service until the end of the war, and was torpedoed twice, his ship sunk and his best friend killed. He rarely talked about the war, but then he was a quiet and humble man. We lost him in 1999. I'm thankful for his service, and to all who serve.

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  42. Emily3:27 AM

    I'm not in America, so I wouldn't even be able to use the gift certificate if I won it. But I'd like to talk about my Papa anyway, who did a few years ago when I was 9. He fought in WWI and WW2. I can remember how his greatest pride was his medals- but also his greatest sadness. He used to tell me he wished he could swap all his medals for his buddies who didn't make it. He was an inspiration to us all.

    We don't have Memorial Day here, but we do have ANZAC Day on April 25th, and I'm ashamed to say I was out of the country and forgot it. I'm sorry, Papa. You meant the world to me, and I'm so glad you made it back home. Thank you for everything.

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  43. I don't have any family (immediate, anyhow)or friends to tell stories about. I do remember military veterans on this weekend, however, by participating in a couple of local events. I would love to win this. You have no idea. Thanks for hosting!

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  44. My Grandfathers were both in the Second World War, and I am honoured and lucky to have such service in my history.

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  45. My dad was overseas when I was born, and I'm so glad he made it back safely.

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  46. Jessica9:13 AM

    My father entered the military at the age of nineteen with a wife and child from a small coal mining town. He wanted a better life and with 75% tuition assistance as an airmen who made less than $8,000 a year managed to provide the last quarter of tuition plus books. It took him six years of working the swing shift and attending classes during the day to complete his bachelors.

    In that time, though we qualified for W.I.C. and foodstamps, I never knew we were poor. How could I know? I hadn't wanted for love, books, or my father's time (aside from temporary duty assignments and deployments) despite being a student and a soldier.

    After twenty five years, my father is a Lt. Colonel with a Phd teaching at a military university.

    In this military, no one is nondeployable, and that includes professors. My father returned in March from his 4th deployment and has already been told he's been voluntold for an assigment beginning this December. (That means two months of training and hostage school before even leaving.)

    My father isn't the only soldier that I know and love, this military life of mine is filled with them, but I wanted to share his inspiring story.

    Sincerely,
    Jess

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  47. Thinking a lot about my dad, who served in WWII in the navy in the pacific theater. He's been gone several years now and I really regret not having spent more time asking him about his experiences. Ran across his letters to my mom after she passed away. Touching and fun to read. Thanks to all who serve!

    And by the way, do you think you could get me the number of the blond girl in the customer service section of that website? I think I've seen her picture before on other websites, so she apparently gets around some. And funny, she doesn't look like she lives in India.

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  48. My grandpa served in World War Two and earned a Purple Heart for saving a bunch of peoples' lives. He was awesome.

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  49. My grandfather was in both the Navy and the Army.

    My dad was a an Army Ranger.

    My brother-in-law was a member of the Air force.

    And my sister, she wears combat boots and flies Black Hawks in the Army.

    I'm proud of all of them and grateful everyday for the things they have done.

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  50. My grandfather, Paul Richardson, US Army, WWII; my husband's grandfather, Bayard Bernard, US Navy, WWII; my father-in-law, Roger Cunningham, US Navy, Vietnam. They all made it home. Both grandfathers have passed away, but my father-in-law is in better shape at 65 than I am at 40. I'm so grateful for their service.

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  51. The soldiers who served with my husband in Iraq and did not return to their families: Todd, Robert, Victoir, Charles, Joseph, and Robert. We think of them and their loved ones every day.

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  52. The son of my best friend serves in the Marines and is stationed in Afhganistan right now - he's been there since early April, and will return to the States (God Willing) at the end of October. He has already done a tour in Iraq. Sgt Scott Gendron - we thank you for your service to your country!

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  53. I am also in Aus, and I didn't know about ANZAC Day until I went through it. For me as a Canuck, November 11 is still a very important day, but I will now also honour April 25th.

    Nonetheless, I want to thank all the men in women in the armed services who are doing their bit to keep me safe both today and years past.

    My gratitude is pitiful small change compared to your sacrifice.

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  54. my mom lost a cousin in Vietnam and I remember tracing my finger over his name at the Vietnam Memorial Wall in D.C. 25 years ago, hoping to feel some sort of connection... but mostly just feeling sad because he was only 19 when he died and I was in college at the time that I was touching his name on the wall while seeing my vague reflection... basically the same age as he had been when he died, yet doing nothing remotely close to heroic... I thanked him then; I thank him now...

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  55. two cousins in the Navy, one cousin who was an army ranger medic in Afghanistan, not to mention my grandpa and Great uncle who both were in the air force. Plus several Friends from college who have been forced to deploy to Iraq time and time again.

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  56. My father-in-law joined the Marines at age 16 and served in the Pacific during WW2. He's been gone 9 years, but I'm proud to have known and loved him.

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  57. My father was a marine with a tour of duty in 68. He's only told me there were 8 men in his unit, 4 came back, 2 they have no idea what happened to them.

    To this day any time he sees a member of our military he makes a point to thank them for their service.

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  58. My dad was a veteran of WWII...he died 2.5 years ago. It is so sad that many people will never understand what it meant to endure war (any of them)and the life changing affects it has on people.

    God bless the soldiers that have fallen in service to their country...and God bless the families that gave their loved one for us.

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  59. In memory of ALL my relatives who have served and to those still with me - thank you, thank you, thank you. God Bless You and our great county!

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  60. My grandpa served in WWII, but was only called up in time to complete basic training before the war ended. My dad also served in the army and then went on to work with NASA on aerospace stuff. And my husband was in the army, too, as a Pathfinder. All honorable men of whom to be proud.

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  61. My grandmother was a Navy Wave, and my grandfather was in the Navy as well. I also have a close friend going to Afghanistan in October on her second tour. God Bless all those who serve and have served our country!

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  62. jessica fantastica12:01 AM

    I only know a couple of folks that have served, but I'm thankful for them and all the others I don't know.

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  63. Anonymous8:51 AM

    Saw two soldiers on the subway ride home: we have a Hamilton Base post in the neighborhood. They looked so young, still growing...

    ETat

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  64. My dad was career Air Force, serving in Vietnam. He doesn't talk much about his "glory days" unless you get a few beers in him, and then he is quite entertaining. When we were stationed in California, he told me about how they would park the latest military jet fighter on the tarmac and cover the windows with black plastic bags so the Russian spy satellites could see the planes, but not the technology inside. After retiring, Dad went into Civil Service and is now an airfield manager for a large army post. A story you might appreciate: he was a safety control manager during Desert Storm. A general who was itching to get his troops overseas started loading the guys on the plane while it was fueling-- a big no-no. My Dad tried to respectfully tell him that they couldn't put troops on the plane while it was fueling. When the general pulled rank, my Dad (whose patience runs a gentle incline to a very large cliff) told him he could "go piss up a rope, but [he wasn't] putting those troops on HIS plane." A few years later, that same general was the post commander with a few extra stars on his collar. He gave my dad an award for civilian employee of the year: "You look rather familiar Mr.----."

    My Dad's service gave me a better life and I am thankful for his service and his example.

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  65. Great grandfather - WWI
    Grandfathers - WWII and Korea
    Father and Uncles - Vietnam
    Cousin - Desert Storm

    Too many classmates - Iraq and Afghanistan.

    Of all those listed, only one was lost. A boy from my highschool who could never get his life straight in the time that I knew him. As I learned after his death, he trained to be a medic after the rest of us left for college and was killed 3 years ago by an IED while trying to save other wounded soldiers.

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  66. 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.


    ~~for all the soldiers

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  67. My grandfather was killed in WWII, long before I was born. My wife is a former Air Force officer, and we have her commission scroll framed and mounted next to my grandfather's. Hopefully these will help our children to gain some sense of the value of service...

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  68. I would like to say many thanks to my dear friend, Pete, who is a wonderful guy and Vietnam Vet. He is also the most attentive cashier at my local packy- so we have a very close relationship. Thanks for all you did, Pete, and I'll see you when this Octobox of wine runs out.

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  69. Anonymous11:24 AM

    My life is chock full of soldiers...my parents were both Marines back in the day.

    My husband is a 20 year Army Retired (thank God!), decorated Desert Storm soldier.

    My son, he's an Army Reservist.

    My nephew is also an Army Reservist.

    My step-brother was in the Navy.

    One of my best friends growing up--he's in the Coast Guard.

    I honor them all this day--as well as all of the soldiers, branch non-specific, alive or fallen, this day and every day.

    Thank you & God Bless!

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  70. mama g11:33 AM

    My father and his three brothers all served in WWII - Army Air Corps, Army, Navy, and Marines. My maternal uncle also served in the Navy, as did my grandfather. I have a wonderful photo of the two of them, side by side in their uniforms. My late husband did two tours in Vietnam. I salute them, and everyone who has served. Thank you all.

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  71. Andrea11:43 AM

    Thank you for the opportunity to talk about military personnel! I have enjoyed reading each post. Here are the folks I'd like to tip my hat to:

    Nephew Ryan - Marines, 3 tours in the ME

    Nephew Mike - Coast Guard, currently active

    Nephew Brent - Army,2 tours in the ME

    Niece Kate - Navy, 1 tour to the Persian Gulf

    Cousin Ryan - Army, 2 tours in the ME

    FIL Joe - Korean War veteran

    Friend Kirk - Desert Storm veteran

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  72. I come from a long line of veterans, spanning several wars. The youngest is my nephew who has done two tours in Iraq and will probably be sent to Afghanistan. I have nothing but love and respect for our veterans. Great idea for a Memorial Day post.

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  73. Becky1:11 PM

    I don't think I really know anyone who served in a war, so this is for all the men and women who served for their families AND me .. a total stranger - thank you!

    Becky in Hermiston, OR

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