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Hugh George's avatar

Thanks, Jo. Spot on, and a perfect song choice.

Anne Bunting's avatar

Thank you so much for these words that honor our veterans and their loved ones. Your heart is so full of love.

Thomas Hobbes's avatar

Thank you, JoJo. I do always reflect on Memorial Day since I spent 25 years in uniform and several of my personal friends are no longer here to celebrate. Unfortunately, we are led by a person who cannot comprehend duty, honor, country. Or my service’s values of integrity, service and excellence. Integrity always, service before self, and excellence in everything we do. What a travesty. Life is not about transactions, it is about making the world a better place and adhering to values that make life worthwhile.

Sharon C Storm's avatar

So very well expressed, Thomas.

Uncle Tifa's avatar

When. I returned from a 13 month tour (they weren't deployments then) in Vietnam, I was spit on in the Salt Lake City airport by some 20-something with long hair beads and a fringed leather jacket who called me a “baby killer”. After looking around and seeing that we weren't being watched, I popped him In the mouth, knocking him to the floor. I said, “Don't get up, I'm fine.” and I walked away.

I agreed with him in principle, this “war” in Vietnam was misguided and immoral. But that did not negate my service or that of the men I watched die. That did not negate my injuries or the haunting I would experience for years. But it did piss me the fuck off.

NEVER FORGET! We live among the giants who sacrificed all. Semper Fi to my fellow Devil Dogs and Honor to all who have fallen in the name of Liberty.

In Solidarity,

Uncle Tifa

Believe the survivors, Release all the fucking Epstein Files

… and end this fucking war!

Satchuralman's avatar

Thank you for your service!

Greek goddess's avatar

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

Judy's avatar
May 25Edited

Thank you for your service and carrying on for those who could not because they gave the most valuable thing they had for this country…their lives.

ssimpson renewsystems.org's avatar

Donald Trump has no idea what "the last full measure of devotion" means. Today we honor and always we should remember those who did not return.

Ben Rubin's avatar

Jo,

He’s nothing but a spec of dirt to me as a veteran.

I mark Memorial Day as I do everyday by wearing my DogTags to silently honor my Buddies who never came home with me from Nam. God bless them and all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Anne Fletcher-Jones's avatar

My late husband’s brother died in Nam. He was barely 20 years old. Being with his family at that time was the most heartbreaking experience of my life, seeing the grief and suffering of his family. My husband was himself a U.S. navy vet. My own two older brothers were Royal Navy vets, so I have a deep respect for those who serve.🇬🇧

Hilary M's avatar

Thank you for your service 🙏

Peter's avatar

And we won't even talk about the brutal cuts to the VA so that Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos can have a tax cut. Or the Burn Pit Disability Law Republicans killed because Biden wanted it passed to honor his son. Or the stupid fucking shithead Whiskey Pete that Trump imposed on the military with the help of the spineless Republicans who is so worried about fucking woke and DEI that he has decimated the officer corps.

HI2thDoc's avatar

The whole phenomenon of him sadly tells me that many of my fellow citizens are steeped in ignorance, bigotry, and tragic illusions, making them highly susceptible to empty jingoism, braggadocio, and cultural mythos. I thought we were better than that.

Debby Griffiths's avatar

That slaps me in the face every few days. Hurts doesn't it?

HI2thDoc's avatar

It hurts the mind, the heart, and the soul

Al Keim's avatar

Frank Kingston, Laos, 1969. My friend.

Peggy M's avatar

Thank you for highlighting the true meaning of Memorial Day. Those that follow and kiss the ass of the draft dodging criminal malignant narcissistic sociopathic pedophile should hang their heads in shame. They are not worthy of walking in the shadow of our brave men and women Veterans.

Jo Burns's avatar

My SST Marine Brother who died while serving would like a word.

Robot Bender's avatar

So would my paternal grandfather I never knew, who died of a bayonet wound in WW I France.

Joan MacLeod's avatar

100% facts JoJo, you've nailed it again.

Jennifer Eory's avatar

Shame on this regime and shame on all who support them. Thanks, Jo, for the clear headed essay.

Charles Austin's avatar

What you elequently described is bullshit patriotism. All clown show, no substance. They use our military and veterans for their own nefarious purposes, then discard them like so much garbage. Donnie and his followers have no conceptualization of honor or service to something bigger than themselves. They're parasites, pure and simple!😡😡

For me, this is a solemn holiday. It's a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They are the mission statement for our present struggle to preserve our nation. I would encourage everyone to read the letter that President Lincoln wrote to Mrs.Bixby who lost her son at Antietam. It puts it all into perspective. Keep the cost of our freedom in mind while you enjoy your holiday. Take care, and hug the kids for me.❤️😘

Edward Jay Allan's avatar

Thank you. Thank you for expressing what so many of us feel.

And to think that tens of millions of people who claim to be patriotic, and who also claim to be “Christian,” voted for this miserable excuse for a human being, a wretch who doesn’t even know the words to “God Bless America,🇺🇸 “ let alone the sentiment and sacrifice of life itself … not just once, not just twice, but THREE times.

Where is Barron??

Robot Bender's avatar

Not serving in the military, that's for sure.

Edward Jay Allan's avatar

Exactly! With the sole exception of Degenerate Don’s older brother, who was driven to substance abuse in part for joining the Air Force Reserve, the fourth generation of Trumps anxious not to be found when their country called.

Debby Griffiths's avatar

Perfect song, from a vet no less!

Perfect essay. So many perfectly worded thoughts, metaphors abounding. Each one its own gem.

Thank you to all who served and those who lost a loved one.