On Memorial Day
To the veterans on this Memorial Day
Who allow us to do
What we love to do
It’s known as The American Way!
Including to brew
Especially to brew
To the veterans on this Memorial Day
In particular, to Dad
Especially to Dad
Your life is an example that lights our way
And guides us through
And pulls us through
To the veterans on this Memorial Day
Present and past
We raise our glass
And lift our eyes to Heaven and say
Thanks to you!
Thanks to you!
Jim wanted to say a few words over his father’s grave. Last night he hunted for a poem, but couldn’t find the right thing. He couldn’t sleep, woke up and wrote a poem which he read as his brother’s raised a glass of home brew while visiting their Father’s grave.
Outstanding!
I raise a virtual glass to Jim’s Dad, my Dad, and all veterans. Their service has assured our greatest value — freedom. Let us honor them by keeping that flame alive.
Very nice, Lucia,
Andrew
Top flight!
A cheer, a cheer
For volunteers
And for those conscripted too!
You fight for beer
That we hold dear
For what is right and true!
Our way of life
Our justice and rights
Even that which is taboo!
We remember again
The bravest men
But to the generals, fuck you!
~Lest we forget~
Amen, and well said.
On the drive home yesterday, I heard a touching speech by your consular official remembering the ~200 Americans who perished as POW’s here in Halifax during the War of 1812. I’m sure similar scenes of remembrance were repeated throughout the world. I believe I understand Jim’s sentiment.
Thanks to Tom Brokow, the generation of my father and uncles has been bestowed with being the “Greatest Generation”.
With no intent to detract from their accomplishments, I would like to put forth the proposition that the current generation may be better deserving of that title. At least with regard to those in military service.
Unlike a significant portion of US service personnel in WWII, every man and woman in uniform since 2001 has been there voluntarily. This is a generation where our young men and women have not only come forth voluntarily, but have continued to do so for more than a decade. They have faced multiple deployments and in many instances faced a hostile environment in which they were often forced to be reactive than proactive. Where the opposing force did not wear uniforms and was not always distinguishable from the civilian population.
As a history major I am fairly well acquainted with the actions of US forces in places such as Tarawa, Pelelui, Iwo Jima and Okaniwa. It is sad that most Americans know little about the actions in places such as Tora Bora, Falushia and the Koringal Valley. Where are the Matt Damons, Brad Pitts and George Clooneys to help enshrine our current generation of miltary service men and women?