CONTINUOUSWAVE

Thank You to all those who have sacrificed so much for America.

Yes it is very important to remember the true meaning if this holiday. God Bless the people who have kept us free since the beginning of this country.

I am in my mid-60's. I remember for decades on Memorial Day there would always be a cadre of veterans selling Remembrance Poppies at major street intersections. You'd buy one when you stopped for a red light. When you got to work that day, many people would be wearing a Remembrance Poppy.

I haven't seen veterans selling a Remembrance Poppy in a long time. The poppy as a symbol of war dead comes from the poem In Flanders Fields by Canadian physician 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.

I buy poppies every year I see them here on Long Island which is most years. I hang them on the visor or mirror of the vehicles I have. Never want to forget the brave. People ask what they are many times so then I can explain. I remember in grade school and I'm 64 they used to have a tank drive thru town and the tracks would tear up the road. I did go to the Annual Jones Beach Air Show today to see the Thunderbirds and it is a site to see. If they come by you go! I have been Watching from my Whaler the last ten years. https://www.google.com/search?q=thunder ... e&ie=UTF-8

Thanks for sharing In Flanders Field, quite appropriate for Memorial Day. Never read it before; very poignant.

On May 28, 2017 a Navy Seal died at the show in NYC when his parachute malfunctioned. How sad. God bless.

The great war ended in 1918, 100-years ago. It was the war to end all wars, but as we know, that didn't happen.

Many thanks to all who served and those whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The many families that have also suffered for our country.

I was lucky enough to take a veteran around the lake a couple of times Sunday as he was standing fishing on the DNR dock when I was ready to take the boat out. He complimented me on what a great boat I had and I asked him if he wanted to go for a spin. A big smile give me the answer. He was a 1st Gulf war veteran.

I cannot read or hear "Flanders Fields" without tearing up. It brings to mind so many of my old comrades who are now gone. I lost just such a grand old comrade a few months ago and it is still painful to remember.

Thank you for your positive thoughts.