Dear Bill:

Your title drew me into stanzas of truth. I met a WWII veteran sitting and drawing the other day. He served in the Phillipines and had his medals on. After talking with him a while, and his telling us about his experiences, we left him there with sincere thank you's and tears.

Beautiful piece,

love,
Kathy

Maybe it's because of the losses suffered by this community in the recet years but I must say our tributes to the fallen and also those who serve now were many.. Makes me proud to live where I do and know that these sacrifices are appreciated.
love,
M

Yes, an uncomfortable situation, I agree. But then, perhaps some might feel that Happy Easter was just as bad a notion, at least in terms of the Good(!!) Friday. Guess what can be said is that, in both instances, it's "good" for us, "bad" for those who suffer(ed) on our behalf. It would be nice if peeps at least either decorated a grave or visited a military hospital to say thank you, before making with the big bonanzas... Over here, our equivalent must be Remembrance Day, always a Sunday - hence historically a day of "rest" and reverence. Well spoken, Sir. Kate xx

Yes as Dawn states, it is also the same when we celebrate (which the word in itself betrays the fact)our Rememberence Day, most people are in their cars and off for a free weekend,not even pausing to consider that free-dom had a price.

Fee

Bill...I have to tell you...not only in America...for it is the same here in Italy for their Independance Day, their Veterans Day etc....at least here in Milan and in the Lombardia region. It is what WE make it...and I am still proud to be an American. And, I understand your sentiment behind this...well written piece.

Interesting, realistic perspective.

Axilea

You and I on the same page today, William - sadness! This daughter of/sister of/niece of/cousin of Veterans, and a Veteran, herself, will NEVER forget and ALWAYS remember - powerfully penned -

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

You're a Veteran, aren't you? If so, welcome home - (((HUGS))) and thank you - if not, thank you for posting this in tribute to sacrifices, paid -

sadly so true

I agree. There was nothing around Tampa to help celebrate memorial Day. The news had several observances but for people like me who wanted to go recognize this day, there was no prior notices of exactly where to go.
I haven't been at AD for a while. I have "lack of the Muse dreativity" lately. My iimagination is null and void. Shingles come and go and am a hostage to them off and on. I wonder if they sap creativity in their host.
Blessings and love,
Susan

So very sad and very true Bill. It's all about commercialism today. It is so hard to say and mean that I'm proud to be an American. Actually, I am proud to be an American. An old fashioned American who still cares. Very well done my friend. God bless you.