Memorial Day can be Very Special, but it Can also cause Bad Memories

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Today is Memorial Day. I want to honor all of our fallen brothers and sisters.

I watched the annual tribute to the fallen military on public Broadcasting last night.

One of the hosts was Gary Sinise. He is one of the huge heroes to all military. He spends hours and hours doing things to help them.

The program had me crying a lot. I usually don’t shed tears, but this was special. They covered all the wars. Many heroes, who spoke. Actors portrayed some of those who had passed on, but had a story to share.

There was one segment that honored nurses in the military. That really broke me up. My brother-in-law’s mother was a nurse in WWII. She was like a second mom to me.

She told me stories on how she held hands of those who were dying. A soldier asked her not to leave, because he didn’t want to die alone. She stayed with him until his last breath. She broke down crying when he passed.

During the Public Broadcast they played taps. That tore me up the most. I get emotional every time I hear it.

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There is a wonderful tribute for the military on YouTube. You search for “Tribute to Veterans.”

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Some articles for Memorial Day

Celebrating Memorial Day over a grill or a pool is one thing, but what about when you’re in the middle of a war? That’s what retired Army Col. Steve Miska experienced when he commanded Task Force Justice in Baghdad in 2007, at the height of sectarian violence during the Iraq War. Not only were Miska and his colleagues mourning the recent loss of their fellow American soldiers, but also the Iraqi interpreters and supporters who helped keep them all alive in a dangerous city. When you’re in the middle of it, remembering those who passed strengthens your resolve to keep fighting, Miska writes.

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“The day will have a few rough spots … we will all get emotional at some point,” an Army veteran told Haley Britzky in this excellent story about what Memorial Day really means to those who’ve served. Believe it or not, the holiday often involves plenty of laughter as well as tears. It will start with a fellow vet leaning over from their lawn chair and telling an old story that starts with ‘Remember that time in Ramadi/COP Najil/Anaconda/Dirty Tampa/Long Bihn…’ and we will laugh our asses off,” the former soldier said.

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How are you feeling on this Memorial Day? Have your memories been good, or do they haunt you?

FEAR NOT!

There are over 12,050 fellow veterans who have subscribed to this site, and they all have your back.

If the memories are getting the best of you. GET HELP!

There is a tool free number to call 24/7.

There are highly qualified counselors there to help you. They will not hang up until they know you are OK.

Never live with bad memories!

1-800-273-8255 Option # 1

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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Be Thankful for Your Freedoms Given to you by the Military

It is Memorial Day, and I am so thankful for the sacrifice that the men and women have gone through to make my world free, and so wonderful.

I am a veteran myself. I served in Korea. I know the trials service men and women go through.

The loneliness of being away from home. The unknown factors of each day. But I am proud that I took the step and enlisted. It helped me be  a better man today.

My son is also in the military. He is a career soldier. He served two tours in Iraq, and is now a full Bird Colonial. I am extremely proud of him.

I would be very wrong if I didn’t mention that I have other family members that have served in the military. My brother was in the National Guard, and two of my uncles were in WWII. They both were wounded in the battle.

Think about what we wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for the efforts of  the people went that extra mile to serve their country. Thank someone you know right now that served.

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One of the sad parts of the military is that the suicide rate is extremely high in the military. I mentioned some reason that may be a problem in my introduction. Too many hours alone, and facing fear each day.

My quest is that I be able to reach out to the service men and women through my book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.” By being there and knowing what they go through I think the book may enlighten them and hopefully give them hope.

If you some good connections in the military that could help me set-up a signing on a base somewhere. I would be more than happy to hold one, and give a portion to a fund that supports the families of the fallen soldiers who took their own lives.

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You can check the book out first by going to the top of this page and clicking on “Bookstore.” When you do, there is a description there plus a picture of the cover. If you need some endorsements, there is also a tab that says “endorsements,” at the top of this page. There are endorsements there from all over the United States.

I hope you at least check the book out. I think it can be a life changer for many.