Remeber WHY you are off today...

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 10:41am

[Bluemoon]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 10:45am

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.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 10:52am

July 14, 1861
Camp Clark, Washington

My very dear Sarah:
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days?perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more . . .

I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing?perfectly willing?to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt . . .

Sarah my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me unresistibly on with all these chains to the battle field.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them for so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grown up to honorable manhood, around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me?perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar, that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often times been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness . . .

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights . . . always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath, as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again . . .


Sullivan Ballou was killed a week later at the first Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861.

[kooky]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 11:03am

God bless all our military men and women, Past, Present and Future, and

THANK YOU .....
Updated On: 5/25/09 at 11:03 AM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 11:32am

We're off today because in the 70's my congressman Rob McClory sponsored a bill that all federal holidays except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years would be celebrated on Monday.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 11:35am

Let us honor the service of all those who who gave their lives lives for our freedom--and all those who are still denied that opportunity because America has yet to fulfill her promise of equality for all her people.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 12:15pm

No one is denied.....I joined
because serving my country was more important to me than what my sexuality was.
While I do believe everyone should be able to serve openly, I cannot agree that anyone is denied.

Thank you to all who have served the US, and died so that i and others can enjoy the freedoms we have including the freedom to disagree openly and without punishment

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 1:18pm

I'm remembering my brother. Serving his I-can't-remember-how-many-times tour of duty over seas.

[ZONEACE]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 1:37pm

I'm not off today.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 2:08pm

Hopefully that doesn't stop you from expressing your respect for those who served, Zoneface.

[Jane2]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 2:21pm

I have a huge and undying respect for those who have given, as well as those who are willing to give-their lives for our freedom.

[shira467]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 2:55pm

I have a great respect for those willing to give so much so that my freedoms may be protected, and those who are willing to serve, despite whatever my political beliefs may be.

I'm grateful for those who do what I cannot. I live next to the VA here in Los Angeles, and I see the sometimes terrible effects of war on veterans, and I hope that one day all will receive the help they require.

Thank you, to the men and women who make my life possible.

[Weez]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 3:16pm

Speak for yourself, Joe. I'm off today because bankers are lazy. Something about Whitsun, apparently. *shrugs*

So do you guys just do remembering the military in May as opposed to November, or do you do November as well? We only do November. Very moving it is as well.