My father's older brother was also killed in the Pacific in World War II, three years before I was born. His remains were returned to this country in 1947. No one from our family has ever visited his gravesite in St. Louis, but it's on my "bucket list" to do so and I will. I am a Vietnam combat veteran, a Navy Corpsman with the 7th Marine Regiment. I have two Purple Hearts and a book of photos of young people, many of them dead, in the bottom of a dresser in our spare bedroom. When we honor the dead on Monday it is also important to remember the living, and Senator Jim Webb's advice to make sure, as citizens, that our young people are properly trained, led, and welcomed home when we send them to fight on our behalf. Semper Fi.
Military service
Library Technician DOD Fri May 22, 2009 8:22 AM
It is to many, just a 3 day week-end, but to me it is much, much more . I lost an uncle in the Viet Nam war, his boat was blown up and all the men in my life, father, son, brother have either served in the service. They served their country with honor. Their service and anyone who has served or is serving is very important to me. They are the true heroes and should never be fogotten. Thank you servicemen and women and families, especially veterans and lost ones. Job well done. Thank you for the freedoms I enjoy everyday.
Memorial Day
Director Dept of Navy Fri May 22, 2009 8:31 AM
Ralph, you are absolutely correct. This holiday is personal to me also. I lost comrades, fellow Marines in a war, Vietnam.
I continue to work with Marines and can assure you that those who serve as US Marines continue to hold the belief they are the tip of the spear for our nation's security.
Semper Fi\
a retired Marine
A day to honor all veterans
HR Specialist Navy Fri May 22, 2009 8:57 AM
Amazing personal history, I enjoyed reading it and it brought a tears to my eyes and I didn't even know him. Thanks for sharing the real reason for the holiday.
Well done
Program Information Asst USGS Fri May 22, 2009 9:10 AM
Thank you for reminding all of us how much this "holiday" means. Although I never lost a family member in combat, I am the wife of a retired Army NCO (a Vietnam veteran), the mother of an Air Force veteran, and the grandmother of an 18-year-old Guardsman who will be deployed to Afghanistan in September. The sacrifices made by our military, living or dead, are rarely understood or acknowledged by those who have not served. My husband and my son have both been visibly moved on those rare occasions when someone has grasped their hand and said "Thank you for your service." Truth is, were it not for the willing service of the men and women of our Armed Forces over the past couple of centuries, we would not enjoy the freedom we too often take for granted. We have it because someone else paid for it. Only Jesus Christ and our veterans have sacrificed their lives for ours. They deserve our gratitude and respect. Honor them this Memorial Day.
Re: Well done
Lucky Lady OPM Fri May 22, 2009 5:36 PM
PI Assistant, your sentiments are expressed very well, as are those of others. Three items I would take issue with: (1) Memorial Day is not an occasion to honor veterans, but those on active duty who were killed in service to our nation, therefore not having a chance to be considered "veterans" as such; veterans are honored on Veterans Day, a separate occasion (2) persons who haven't served in the military do not understand the sacrifices involved - how could they? - but it would not be fair to say that they, as a group, don't acknowledge those sacrifices. Many prominent non-vets have made eloquent acknowledgement to our soldiers' sacrifices. (3) those who have served, including those killed in action, represented varied religious beliefs - they were, and are, not only Christians. Not every American, in or out of uniform, shares the belief that "Jesus Christ died for my sins" and it is a disservice to Memorial Day to imply that all of us do - or should.
Beautiful article
Me The one I work for Fri May 22, 2009 9:17 AM
Thank you for this! And thank you to all of those who serve...past, present, and future. And also to the families of those who sacrifice every bit as much (albeit in different ways) as those who serve.
Thank you for your Memorial Day Article
Information Receptionist USFS Fri May 22, 2009 9:32 AM
Thank you Ralph for your article reminding folks just exactly what the cost of this holiday weekend is. We all look forward to time off, but I hope your words will help people stop for just a moment to remember "who" it is that has paid the price for that day off. I hope you wear that name very proudly!
Remembering loved one's
WG-7 U.S.MINT DENVER Fri May 22, 2009 9:34 AM
Thank you for your article, it brings back the memories of two dear friend of our family. Ralf Bobin and Bennie Santiestevan went to vietnam war back in the 60's as young boy's, but were layed to rest as fighting men. They would come back home on leave just to injoy their family and friends and not say much of the war. I know that their are many young men and women who have sacrifice their life for are freedom and not only should we give our thanks on Memoral Day but every day that we are free.
Memorial Day
Casework Director U S Senate Fri May 22, 2009 9:52 AM
Well Said.
Thanks
Associate General Counsel DoD Inspector General Fri May 22, 2009 10:03 AM
Amen Ralph.
Memorable Day
Eileen Clarke USDA - Retired Fri May 22, 2009 10:24 AM
Loved it - I have two sons and husband that served - I'm very proud of them. Our country is a great country due to the soldiers that have fought to protect us and keep us safe.
Many families from the Revolution to the present have given their husbands, children, fathers, brothers, sisters, wives, the list goes on for us - to keep US free. I pray everyday for their families and love ones that the current soldier comes home safe and whole. God Blesses our Country because of our faith.
If I see a soldier in uniform or fatigues, I shake their hands and thank them for their sacrifices and service for our country. God Bless Them.
This holiday
Anti change DOI Fri May 22, 2009 11:43 AM
Thank you for your reminder about Memorial Day. Many do not understand why we have this holiday-esp younger folks. Our family has a tradition of honoring our vets and our dead relatives by visiting the cemetaries during the year and esp on Memorial Day. Flags come out on Memorial Day and stay as long as the cemetary caretakers allow us to leave them.
What Memorial Day Means to Me
Biological Scientist US Forest Service Fri May 22, 2009 12:00 PM
Thanks, Ralph. My Dad served in the Navy, as a desiel mechanic deep in the engine rooms of destroyers and mine sweepers during WWII. He survived the war with a partial disability from a mine that hit the ship. I remember him and his service every Memorial Day.
Memorial Day
Supreme Mongo Bureau of Mongo Fri May 22, 2009 12:01 PM
Thank you Ralph for a touching tribute to your member of the "Greatest Generation". My father and my uncle were members of it as well as my foster father. I had many good examples on which to base my own career, but my own hat is off to those presently serving in every corner of the world. Me and mine thank you for the service you provide today and pray that you will live to thank those that follow in your footsteps.
Memorial Day memories
Computer Specialist Forest Service Fri May 22, 2009 12:47 PM
Ralph, you've written about your memories of a relative you never knew who died in WWII. I too have relatives who died in that war who are still mourned by my family. This has helped me be more aware of all our young people who die in battle. They give the ultimate sacrifice and their families and our larger community of caring people continue to hold them in our hearts. This continues to the present day when I mourn those who are giving all in our current conflicts. Thanks for reminding us again that this one day off is not the only day to remember those who defend us. Even if we disagree with the current war, we still honor and deeply respect those who are fighting.
Memorial Day
Agreement Specialist Forest Service Fri May 22, 2009 12:57 PM
Ralph - Thank you for a beautifully-worded reminder about this upcoming observance (should it really even be called a holiday?) My father was a WWII vet, and a proud one. My husband is a Vietnam vet, and while proud of his service, experienced his homecoming and the years since very differently than my Dad did. I'm proud of both, and we will gladly be at our community's small parade and ceremony this weekend - and now I'll also be thinking of your uncle. Oh - and no shopping for me this weekend!
Thank You
Territory Manager IRS Fri May 22, 2009 3:33 PM
Ralph, i just wanted to thank you for writing and sharing this article. We live life at such a rapid pace these days, that we can easily forget the meaning of holidays such as Memorial Day. Freedom comes at a price. Today the war news in Iraq and Afghanistan is covered several pages inside the newspaper dwarfed by whatever the latest hot topic is that the media presents. It can be too easy to remember that thee are still Americans, young and older who are putting their lives on the line and yes nearly 5000 who have paide the ultimate price to keep us free. Thanks for making sure that no one forgets that because we shouldn't.
Memorial Day
Retired government employee Treasury Dept. Fri May 22, 2009 7:04 PM
Great article. During Memorial weekend, my family gathers for a memorial cookout and during the event we take time to remember the veterans, especially my father and uncle who were WWll veterans. My uncle fought in France during the war. My father unit went to fight but he didn't because he got ill at time of shipout of his unit and he remained in the state. I have a chest of all my father army records, including letters written to him while in service. I also have his honorable discharge paper. It is an honor to maintain his army records. He passed in 1997.
I remember
Fire Management USFS Sun May 24, 2009 12:31 AM
Touching article, thank you.
I pause to remember the sacrifices made by brave men and women to keep me and my family free.
I proudly fly Old Glory on this day and others in honor of them. I teach my children to remember those who paid the ultimate price.
As a descendant of veterans from the Revolution through WWII, I promise to always remember. I know where my freedom came from.
God Bless Them, Everyone
Wife, Daughter, Granddaughter of veterans DOD Sun May 24, 2009 11:15 PM
The Memorial Day that we celebrate in the United States began with the ending of the Civil War. Since then, our country has added many memorials. Each of them, whether a mere plaque, a lone statue to a notable person, or a vast and sweeping edifice, are all intended to "remember" some significant event and the people who made history during that time. Typically, we honor the dead who paid the ultimate price that we might live on--and we should. There are others, though, whose sacrifices in time and treasure were enormous. May our thanks this day "remember" all of them. HMM III , The Institute of Creation Research
God Bless You All
Jessie B DOD MIL TECH Tue May 26, 2009 7:58 AM
God bless the troops who have fought for our freedom, the troops who continue to do so, and those who recognize them!
RE: Lucky Lady OPM
Admin Asst DLA Tue May 26, 2009 9:39 AM
Yes, you are so very importantly correct in all three of your points and completely miss the point and spirit of the Memorial Day holiday. Yes, people do expand the holiday to include vets and even their families who also serve in their own way but what a positive thing! I also have seen and heard "prominent" individuals who express thanks to those who served, either those killed in action or vets and thats nice but I would prefer the thanks of the average citizen any day, it's simply more important to me. And yes we really don't need your assistance to let us know that this country is made up of many and varied religious beliefs, I served my country to protect the right to believe in any or all of them. That said thank you for your alternative view of things.
Re: RE: Lucky Lady OPM
Lucky Lady OPM Tue May 26, 2009 10:20 AM
You're welcome, dear. And thank YOU for your service. The point & spirit of Memorial Day is to recall those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. It is the well-meaning ignorance of many which "expands" the holiday to include vets & their families. By "expanding" in this manner, we only cheapen the occasion of Veterans Day which is short-changed because it doesn't happen to occur at as "fun" a time of the year. The "average citizen" does feel gratitude for the sacrifices of the troops; he or she doesn't always know the right way to express this, however. This may be why they use Memorial Day as an occasion to salute current active duty personnel and living vets, as well as those killed in action.
Memorial day
BLDG MANAGER USAF Tue May 26, 2009 10:53 AM
A saying I ran across recently says it all!!
"A Veteran-whether active duty, retired, national guard or reservist - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including my life." That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it,
Thanks for the good article!!
My thoughts
Retired DHS DHS Tue May 26, 2009 11:32 AM
My father landed on Omaha beach on D-Day, and luckily for me lived a long life. Althogh he was wounded and received the Purple Heart, he never spoke of that time.
He, like many before and after him, deserve our thoughts, gratitude and prayers, not just on Memorial Day.
My father passed away 9 years ago but everytime I hear the National Anthem played my eyes fill with tears thinking about him and what he went through for all of us.
Thank you!
Supervisory Internal Revenue Agent Internal Revenue Service Tue May 26, 2009 12:28 PM
We need more articles and stories to remind us of the sacrifices made in our behalf. Our heritage of freedom has come at a great cost but those who didn't have to pay it too easily forget. The younger generations haven't really learned what has been given to bring and to keep our liberty. Unfortunately, that forgetfulness, or lack of learning may bring rise to the chance for this country to suffer and learn again, the hard way.
RE: Lucky Lady OPM
Admin Asst DLA Tue May 26, 2009 12:44 PM
Your welcome dear. I'm sorry you feel it is "well meaning ignorance" to expand upon what we are grateful for. As I said before I feel it is a positive thing and don't feel being rigid about it serves any useful purpose. I look for ways to increase my appreciation of many things in life and as a veteran don't feel Veterans Day is cheapened in any way, the way you do. Regardless hope you had a good Memorial Day.
Re: RE: Lucky Lady OPM
Citizen USA Tue May 26, 2009 9:18 PM
What's really cheapening Veteran's Day is you two trading insults about it.
Knock it off.
Re: RE: Lucky Lady OPM
Lucky Lady OPM Wed May 27, 2009 9:45 AM
Nobody is "trading insults" about anything. If you can't understand a rational dialogue, go back to sleep. You're not adding anything of value on this site.
Honoring our Military
analyst DOD Tue May 26, 2009 1:21 PM
For the past five years, my husband & I have volunteered our time to bring wounded vets from Walter Reed to Gettysburg PA for the Memorial Day parade & commeration at the Natinal cemetary. Our bus is escorted by Rolling Thunder & various other motorcycle clubs. (400 bikes this year) The reception by the people of Gettysburg is awsome. I witnessed many Viet Nam era vets asking, "Are they treating you right?" "Can I help you?" Citizens offered their hand & heartfelt thanks for their service. The cheers & salutes bring tears to all.
Memorial Day
DHHS
Fri May 22, 2009 8:06 AM
My father's older brother was also killed in the Pacific in World War II, three years before I was born. His remains were returned to this country in 1947. No one from our family has ever visited his gravesite in St. Louis, but it's on my "bucket list" to do so and I will. I am a Vietnam combat veteran, a Navy Corpsman with the 7th Marine Regiment. I have two Purple Hearts and a book of photos of young people, many of them dead, in the bottom of a dresser in our spare bedroom. When we honor the dead on Monday it is also important to remember the living, and Senator Jim Webb's advice to make sure, as citizens, that our young people are properly trained, led, and welcomed home when we send them to fight on our behalf. Semper Fi.
Military service
DOD
Fri May 22, 2009 8:22 AM
It is to many, just a 3 day week-end, but to me it is much, much more . I lost an uncle in the Viet Nam war, his boat was blown up and all the men in my life, father, son, brother have either served in the service. They served their country with honor. Their service and anyone who has served or is serving is very important to me. They are the true heroes and should never be fogotten. Thank you servicemen and women and families, especially veterans and lost ones. Job well done. Thank you for the freedoms I enjoy everyday.
Memorial Day
Dept of Navy
Fri May 22, 2009 8:31 AM
Ralph, you are absolutely correct. This holiday is personal to me also. I lost comrades, fellow Marines in a war, Vietnam.
I continue to work with Marines and can assure you that those who serve as US Marines continue to hold the belief they are the tip of the spear for our nation's security.
Semper Fi\
a retired Marine
A day to honor all veterans
Navy
Fri May 22, 2009 8:57 AM
Amazing personal history, I enjoyed reading it and it brought a tears to my eyes and I didn't even know him. Thanks for sharing the real reason for the holiday.
Well done
USGS
Fri May 22, 2009 9:10 AM
Thank you for reminding all of us how much this "holiday" means. Although I never lost a family member in combat, I am the wife of a retired Army NCO (a Vietnam veteran), the mother of an Air Force veteran, and the grandmother of an 18-year-old Guardsman who will be deployed to Afghanistan in September. The sacrifices made by our military, living or dead, are rarely understood or acknowledged by those who have not served. My husband and my son have both been visibly moved on those rare occasions when someone has grasped their hand and said "Thank you for your service." Truth is, were it not for the willing service of the men and women of our Armed Forces over the past couple of centuries, we would not enjoy the freedom we too often take for granted. We have it because someone else paid for it. Only Jesus Christ and our veterans have sacrificed their lives for ours. They deserve our gratitude and respect. Honor them this Memorial Day.
Re: Well done
OPM
Fri May 22, 2009 5:36 PM
Beautiful article
The one I work for
Fri May 22, 2009 9:17 AM
Thank you for this! And thank you to all of those who serve...past, present, and future. And also to the families of those who sacrifice every bit as much (albeit in different ways) as those who serve.
Thank you for your Memorial Day Article
USFS
Fri May 22, 2009 9:32 AM
Thank you Ralph for your article reminding folks just exactly what the cost of this holiday weekend is. We all look forward to time off, but I hope your words will help people stop for just a moment to remember "who" it is that has paid the price for that day off. I hope you wear that name very proudly!
Remembering loved one's
U.S.MINT DENVER
Fri May 22, 2009 9:34 AM
Thank you for your article, it brings back the memories of two dear friend of our family. Ralf Bobin and Bennie Santiestevan went to vietnam war back in the 60's as young boy's, but were layed to rest as fighting men. They would come back home on leave just to injoy their family and friends and not say much of the war. I know that their are many young men and women who have sacrifice their life for are freedom and not only should we give our thanks on Memoral Day but every day that we are free.
Memorial Day
U S Senate
Fri May 22, 2009 9:52 AM
Well Said.
Thanks
DoD Inspector General
Fri May 22, 2009 10:03 AM
Amen Ralph.
Memorable Day
USDA - Retired
Fri May 22, 2009 10:24 AM
Loved it - I have two sons and husband that served - I'm very proud of them. Our country is a great country due to the soldiers that have fought to protect us and keep us safe.
Many families from the Revolution to the present have given their husbands, children, fathers, brothers, sisters, wives, the list goes on for us - to keep US free. I pray everyday for their families and love ones that the current soldier comes home safe and whole. God Blesses our Country because of our faith.
If I see a soldier in uniform or fatigues, I shake their hands and thank them for their sacrifices and service for our country. God Bless Them.
This holiday
DOI
Fri May 22, 2009 11:43 AM
Thank you for your reminder about Memorial Day. Many do not understand why we have this holiday-esp younger folks. Our family has a tradition of honoring our vets and our dead relatives by visiting the cemetaries during the year and esp on Memorial Day. Flags come out on Memorial Day and stay as long as the cemetary caretakers allow us to leave them.
What Memorial Day Means to Me
US Forest Service
Fri May 22, 2009 12:00 PM
Thanks, Ralph. My Dad served in the Navy, as a desiel mechanic deep in the engine rooms of destroyers and mine sweepers during WWII. He survived the war with a partial disability from a mine that hit the ship. I remember him and his service every Memorial Day.
Memorial Day
Bureau of Mongo
Fri May 22, 2009 12:01 PM
Thank you Ralph for a touching tribute to your member of the "Greatest Generation". My father and my uncle were members of it as well as my foster father. I had many good examples on which to base my own career, but my own hat is off to those presently serving in every corner of the world. Me and mine thank you for the service you provide today and pray that you will live to thank those that follow in your footsteps.
Memorial Day memories
Forest Service
Fri May 22, 2009 12:47 PM
Ralph, you've written about your memories of a relative you never knew who died in WWII. I too have relatives who died in that war who are still mourned by my family. This has helped me be more aware of all our young people who die in battle. They give the ultimate sacrifice and their families and our larger community of caring people continue to hold them in our hearts. This continues to the present day when I mourn those who are giving all in our current conflicts. Thanks for reminding us again that this one day off is not the only day to remember those who defend us. Even if we disagree with the current war, we still honor and deeply respect those who are fighting.
Memorial Day
Forest Service
Fri May 22, 2009 12:57 PM
Ralph - Thank you for a beautifully-worded reminder about this upcoming observance (should it really even be called a holiday?) My father was a WWII vet, and a proud one. My husband is a Vietnam vet, and while proud of his service, experienced his homecoming and the years since very differently than my Dad did. I'm proud of both, and we will gladly be at our community's small parade and ceremony this weekend - and now I'll also be thinking of your uncle. Oh - and no shopping for me this weekend!
Thank You
IRS
Fri May 22, 2009 3:33 PM
Ralph, i just wanted to thank you for writing and sharing this article. We live life at such a rapid pace these days, that we can easily forget the meaning of holidays such as Memorial Day. Freedom comes at a price. Today the war news in Iraq and Afghanistan is covered several pages inside the newspaper dwarfed by whatever the latest hot topic is that the media presents. It can be too easy to remember that thee are still Americans, young and older who are putting their lives on the line and yes nearly 5000 who have paide the ultimate price to keep us free. Thanks for making sure that no one forgets that because we shouldn't.
Memorial Day
Treasury Dept.
Fri May 22, 2009 7:04 PM
Great article. During Memorial weekend, my family gathers for a memorial cookout and during the event we take time to remember the veterans, especially my father and uncle who were WWll veterans. My uncle fought in France during the war. My father unit went to fight but he didn't because he got ill at time of shipout of his unit and he remained in the state. I have a chest of all my father army records, including letters written to him while in service. I also have his honorable discharge paper. It is an honor to maintain his army records. He passed in 1997.
I remember
USFS
Sun May 24, 2009 12:31 AM
Touching article, thank you.
I pause to remember the sacrifices made by brave men and women to keep me and my family free.
I proudly fly Old Glory on this day and others in honor of them. I teach my children to remember those who paid the ultimate price.
As a descendant of veterans from the Revolution through WWII, I promise to always remember. I know where my freedom came from.
God Bless Them, Everyone
DOD
Sun May 24, 2009 11:15 PM
The Memorial Day that we celebrate in the United States began with the ending of the Civil War. Since then, our country has added many memorials. Each of them, whether a mere plaque, a lone statue to a notable person, or a vast and sweeping edifice, are all intended to "remember" some significant event and the people who made history during that time. Typically, we honor the dead who paid the ultimate price that we might live on--and we should. There are others, though, whose sacrifices in time and treasure were enormous. May our thanks this day "remember" all of them. HMM III , The Institute of Creation Research
God Bless You All
DOD MIL TECH
Tue May 26, 2009 7:58 AM
God bless the troops who have fought for our freedom, the troops who continue to do so, and those who recognize them!
RE: Lucky Lady OPM
DLA
Tue May 26, 2009 9:39 AM
Yes, you are so very importantly correct in all three of your points and completely miss the point and spirit of the Memorial Day holiday. Yes, people do expand the holiday to include vets and even their families who also serve in their own way but what a positive thing! I also have seen and heard "prominent" individuals who express thanks to those who served, either those killed in action or vets and thats nice but I would prefer the thanks of the average citizen any day, it's simply more important to me. And yes we really don't need your assistance to let us know that this country is made up of many and varied religious beliefs, I served my country to protect the right to believe in any or all of them. That said thank you for your alternative view of things.
Re: RE: Lucky Lady OPM
OPM
Tue May 26, 2009 10:20 AM
Memorial day
USAF
Tue May 26, 2009 10:53 AM
A saying I ran across recently says it all!!
"A Veteran-whether active duty, retired, national guard or reservist - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including my life." That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it,
Thanks for the good article!!
My thoughts
DHS
Tue May 26, 2009 11:32 AM
My father landed on Omaha beach on D-Day, and luckily for me lived a long life. Althogh he was wounded and received the Purple Heart, he never spoke of that time.
He, like many before and after him, deserve our thoughts, gratitude and prayers, not just on Memorial Day.
My father passed away 9 years ago but everytime I hear the National Anthem played my eyes fill with tears thinking about him and what he went through for all of us.
Thank you!
Internal Revenue Service
Tue May 26, 2009 12:28 PM
We need more articles and stories to remind us of the sacrifices made in our behalf. Our heritage of freedom has come at a great cost but those who didn't have to pay it too easily forget. The younger generations haven't really learned what has been given to bring and to keep our liberty. Unfortunately, that forgetfulness, or lack of learning may bring rise to the chance for this country to suffer and learn again, the hard way.
RE: Lucky Lady OPM
DLA
Tue May 26, 2009 12:44 PM
Your welcome dear. I'm sorry you feel it is "well meaning ignorance" to expand upon what we are grateful for. As I said before I feel it is a positive thing and don't feel being rigid about it serves any useful purpose. I look for ways to increase my appreciation of many things in life and as a veteran don't feel Veterans Day is cheapened in any way, the way you do. Regardless hope you had a good Memorial Day.
Re: RE: Lucky Lady OPM
USA
Tue May 26, 2009 9:18 PM
Knock it off.
Re: RE: Lucky Lady OPM
OPM
Wed May 27, 2009 9:45 AM
Honoring our Military
DOD
Tue May 26, 2009 1:21 PM
For the past five years, my husband & I have volunteered our time to bring wounded vets from Walter Reed to Gettysburg PA for the Memorial Day parade & commeration at the Natinal cemetary. Our bus is escorted by Rolling Thunder & various other motorcycle clubs. (400 bikes this year) The reception by the people of Gettysburg is awsome. I witnessed many Viet Nam era vets asking, "Are they treating you right?" "Can I help you?" Citizens offered their hand & heartfelt thanks for their service. The cheers & salutes bring tears to all.