tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post3608240542567685050..comments2023-11-02T03:10:39.674-07:00Comments on GeeeeeZ!: Sunday Faith Blog...Memorial DayZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989573357446569262noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-68501581409061105502010-06-01T16:19:38.709-07:002010-06-01T16:19:38.709-07:00A different slant on the glories of self-sacrifice...A different slant on the glories of self-sacrifice in war.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><i>Dulce et Decorum Est<br />.<br />Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, <br />Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge, <br />Till on the haunting flares we turned out backs, <br />And towards our distant rest began to trudge. <br />Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots, <br />But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame, all blind; <br />Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots <br />Of gas-shells dropping softly behind. <br /><br />Gas! GAS! Quick, boys!--An ecstasy of fumbling <br />Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time, <br />But someone still was yelling out and stumbling <br />And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime.-- <br />Dim through the misty panes and thick green light, <br />As under a green sea, I saw him drowning. <br /><br />In all my dreams before my helpless sight <br />He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning. <br /><br />If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace <br />Behind the wagon that we flung him in, <br />And watch the white eyes writhing in his face, <br />His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin, <br />If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood <br />Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs <br />Bitter as the cud <br />Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,-- <br />My friend, you would not tell with such high zest <br />To children ardent for some desperate glory, <br />The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est <br />Pro patria mori.</i></b> <br /><br />~ Wilfred Owen (1893-1918)<br /><br />~ Submitted by FreeThinkeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-55966141632606507082010-05-31T12:34:18.650-07:002010-05-31T12:34:18.650-07:00z - I think that because SPR is so well done, that...z - I think that because SPR is so well done, that makes it easier to watch. And it has such a strong cast.suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08469207337699004766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-9146484957861818632010-05-31T12:31:16.747-07:002010-05-31T12:31:16.747-07:00FT - SPR is an excellent movie, however there are ...FT - SPR is an excellent movie, however there are many parts that are hard to watch. Seeing it helps me to appreciate what soldiers have gone through. But I know that a movie does not begin to describe the horrors and sometimes senselessness of war.<br /><br />I also did not see The Passion in the theater, but watched some of it at home. I have trouble watching Holocaust movies, but have read books about it.suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08469207337699004766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-57899402167473649722010-05-31T12:27:56.670-07:002010-05-31T12:27:56.670-07:00Schindler's List, FT....I have never watched i...Schindler's List, FT....I have never watched it but should. it was hard with Mr. Z because he was so horrified by what the NAZIs had done (not all Germans, the NAZIS..)<br /><br />Sue, I could barely watch Saving Private Ryan and was so troubled by what I saw.<br /><br />In WWII, we had no support groups, nothing like that, or at least very few, and somehow American men and women came back and lived their lives...Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15989573357446569262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-52830538859235095032010-05-31T12:10:16.496-07:002010-05-31T12:10:16.496-07:00Thank you, Sue. I didn't have the courage even...Thank you, Sue. I didn't have the courage even to watch that movie -- or The Passion of the Christ for that matter.<br /><br />I did go to the Spielberg movie about The Holocaust and the one German Industrialist played by Leam Neeson (sp?) who worked to save Jewish lives at great danger to himself.<br /><br />I literally got sick during the movie, and had to spend a good deal of time in the bathroom throwing up.<br /><br />Contemplating the horrible things people have done to one another is enough to paralyze the senses.<br /><br />I admire the courage war heroes have exhibited, and I am grateful to them, but I can't imagine how they were able to face the horror they did.<br /><br />War is SATANIC. There must be a better way to iron out our differences.<br /><br />~ FTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-53491466248036093002010-05-31T11:31:14.261-07:002010-05-31T11:31:14.261-07:00'A coward dies a thousand deaths...'
is f...'A coward dies a thousand deaths...'<br /><br />is from Shakespeare's MacBeth.<br /><br />Last night I watched Saving Private Ryan, and the agony that Cpl. Timothy Upham (Jeremy Davies)<br />felt when he lacked the courage to save his fellow soldier was very evident and Shakespeare's quote clearly applies here.suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08469207337699004766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-33449776003525901032010-05-31T09:13:45.249-07:002010-05-31T09:13:45.249-07:00"The coward dies a thousand deaths, the hero ...<b><i>"The coward dies a thousand deaths, the hero just but once."</i></b><br /><br />That sounds like Shakespeare, but I'm not sure where it came from. Does it matter? The sentiment rings true.<br /><br />It's probably a good thing that heroes more often than not are men of action and not men of thought. If they thought too much about the ramifications of their actions, they might lose their courage.<br /><br />And then where would we be?<br /><br />~ FreeThinkeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-89342845458016862702010-05-30T21:04:05.924-07:002010-05-30T21:04:05.924-07:00Elbro, thanks so much for sharing that...the least...Elbro, thanks so much for sharing that...the least we can do is know these amazing men's stories, isn't it. It brings it home to hear someone like you talk about them.....brings it home and brings a tear. God bless their families.<br /><br />Sue, If I didn't know Mr. Z's number, and all of ours, was known before he was born...his rendezvous with death, I don't think I'd be doing as well as I am. Though today's been a very tough one. Of course, this gorgeous poem is by an amazing man with more courage than I could ever muster, but I believe it's this feeling that OUR TIME IS ALREADY ON THE CALENDER that helps a soldier....and it sure helped me.<br />thanks for that reminder.Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15989573357446569262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-29845746026061693402010-05-30T19:19:49.374-07:002010-05-30T19:19:49.374-07:00Karbala...left out the 'r'Karbala...left out the 'r'elmers brotherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03382038085149828957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-66955198771037109352010-05-30T19:18:49.795-07:002010-05-30T19:18:49.795-07:00I have a rendezvous with Death
At some disputed ba...I have a rendezvous with Death<br />At some disputed barricade<br />When Spring comes round with rustling shade<br />And apple blossoms fill the air.<br />I have a rendzvous with Death<br />When Spring brings back blue days and fair.<br /><br />It may be he shall take my hand<br />And lead me into his dark land<br />And close my eyes and quench my breath<br />It may be I shall pass him still.<br />I have a rendezvous with Death <br />On some scarred slope of battered hill,<br />When Spring comes round again this year<br />And the first meadow flowers appear.<br /><br />God knows 'twere better to be deep<br />Pillowed in silk and scented down,<br />Where love throwbs out in blissful sleep,<br />Pulse nigh to pulse, and breath to breath,<br />Where hushed awakenings are dear...<br />But I've a rendezvous with Death<br />At midnight in some flaming town,<br />When Spring trips north again this year,<br />And I to my pledged word am true,<br />I shall not fail that rendezvous.<br /><br /> ~~~Alan Seeger<br /> WWIsuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08469207337699004766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-91538017219196185092010-05-30T19:11:23.293-07:002010-05-30T19:11:23.293-07:00Elbro, are those friends of yours?
If so, I'm ...<em>Elbro, are those friends of yours?<br />If so, I'm so very sorry for your loss and am extremely honored to have their names here...please, everyone, say a prayer for Jeremiah, Austin, Brian and Nathan.</em><br /><br />I have a couple of connections to all four of these.<br /><br />Jeremiah was the son of a longtime friend of mine Amy and her husband Burt. He was killed by an IED in Iraq in 2005. Just days before his 20th birthday. <br /><br />Ed (Austin) Koth was part of my unit when I was in Iraq, in the mammal platoon, he worked with the dolphins. After our trip he went to Explosive Ordnance Disposal and on a subsequent tour was killed while clearing an IED. The Navy named a dolphin after him.<br /><br />Sgt. Brian Hobbs was killed in Afghanistan, I know his brother in law, we used to work together. <br /><br />Lt. Nathan White is from my hometown here in Az. While we were there his plane was mistakenly shot down by a Patriot missile. My platoon was split and while we cleared mines in southern Iraq they went to look for him in a lake near Kabala. My platoon mates found his body and repatriated him.<br /><br />All but Austin are from my hometown. <br /><br />Austin had tried to be a SEAL, if anyone has ever seen the special on A & E about SEAL training (several years ago) they would have seen him. <br /><br />I contacted Amy this week to let her know I had been thinking of her. Her husband is an Iraqi War veteran and they have two other sons in the military. One a Marine and the other a Sailor.<br /><br />Thank God for them.elmers brotherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03382038085149828957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-5421462642033117302010-05-30T18:36:37.601-07:002010-05-30T18:36:37.601-07:00Thanks for a beautiful post, Z. I hope everyone ha...Thanks for a beautiful post, Z. I hope everyone has a meaningful Memorial Day.Brookehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03977090801334626461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-37911590538419750472010-05-30T14:10:04.659-07:002010-05-30T14:10:04.659-07:00FT...it almost hurt me when I see people on TV wis...FT...it almost hurt me when I see people on TV wishing others HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!<br />I mean, HAPPY? I don't think we have to slouch around in despair but HAPPY is barbecues and a great deal on a mattress....<br />this is why I hope parents are talking to their children about what Memorial Day is really about..thanks.<br /><br />Some of you've talked about OUR being soldiers on the blogs and, in many ways, we are......in the safety of our homes and in front of computers, but our passions are aroused and we so want to save this country from socialism, fascism, terrorism, immorality, negativity,vulnerability and all the other things which seem on our way.Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15989573357446569262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-42009297672836950642010-05-30T12:16:36.500-07:002010-05-30T12:16:36.500-07:00For me, Memorial Day is a day of reflection. Of re...For me, Memorial Day is a day of reflection. Of remembering so many brave heroes who fought and died for America, for us, in the name of freedom.<br /><br />May they always be remembered with love and gratitude. God rest their souls, and God bless America.<br /><br />PrisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-87666760940950756962010-05-30T11:57:57.219-07:002010-05-30T11:57:57.219-07:00Unfortunately, BZ, an army is only as good as the ...Unfortunately, BZ, an army is only as good as the leadership that directs it allows it to be.<br /><br />The worst aspect of the military is the inability of individuals soldiers to take the initiative -- they must wait for orders from on high. Paradoxically that is also the military's greatest strength. <br /><br />~ FreeThinkeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-33328206699875698422010-05-30T11:49:19.323-07:002010-05-30T11:49:19.323-07:00God bless our soldiers, our warriors, protecting u...God bless our soldiers, our warriors, protecting us, keeping us strong, holding our freedom.<br /><br />Every one of us, reading this page, this comment section right now, every one of us KNOWS that the American Soldier will NEVER let us down.<br /><br />It is the American POLITICIAN that will ensure we are corrupted and emasculated, and sold down the river for some "greater, global good."<br /><br />It is the American Soldier who is responsible for whatever unity, cohesion and civilization there is around the entire PLANET.<br /><br />BZBloviating Zeppelinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01359816456769157176noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-43597361725211238002010-05-30T11:47:48.913-07:002010-05-30T11:47:48.913-07:00Blessed Memorial day to ya my fellow soldier in th...Blessed Memorial day to ya my fellow soldier in the fight~!..:)WomanHonorThyselfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17211851365273181636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-40361322343765455282010-05-30T11:34:08.992-07:002010-05-30T11:34:08.992-07:00Hi, Z. Memorial Day has always meant a great deal ...Hi, Z. Memorial Day has always meant a great deal to me, because our family and friends made a big to do about it for decades.<br /><br />I know it's supposed to be for our fallen soldiers, but I broaden it by cherishing the memory of all who've been near and dear to me -- and all who've taught me valuable lessons and enriched life in other ways.<br /><br />The poetry I quoted speaks to our deepest emotions regarding loss, grief, war and the sometimes terrible price one must pay simply for doing one's duty. <br /><br />The well-known piece on the death of Common Sense seems appropriate too on this occasion.<br /><br />The gift fallen soldiers have given us is priceless and too much taken for granted -- or not even acknowledged anymore -- but thee we should empathize too with the terrible pain and grief those who loved and were close to the fallen have suffered. In a way they too made an Ultimate Sacrifice for the country.<br /><br />Patterns -- the longish poem by Amy Lowell -- has been a favorite since high school days. I've always thought it a very great work. To be fully appreciated it needs to be read aloud by someone like Julie Harris or Joan Plowright.<br /><br />As I know you fully realize, death is a very big deal. I've always thought it strange that most of us celebrate Memorial Day with carefree picnics and scarcely any thought for the men who died in blood soaked fields for our benefit.<br /><br />On the other hand I know they fought so we COULD continue to live well and to remain free.<br /><br />How horribly the crowd of thugs currently in power dishonors their memory and makes a mockery of their sacrifice. If that element continues to hold power, every dead soldier who fought for freedom will have died in vain.<br /><br />The last stanza of In Flanders Fields give me a chill every time I read it:<br /><br /><b><i>Take up our quarrel with the foe:<br />To you from failing hands we throw<br />The torch; be yours to hold it high.<br />If ye break faith with us who die<br />We shall not sleep, though poppies grow<br />In Flanders fields.</i></b><br /><br />If that does no make you weep in light of our current situation, nothing ever will.<br /><br />~ FreeThinkeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-82912296004697954142010-05-30T10:30:45.770-07:002010-05-30T10:30:45.770-07:00Hug - my warrior friend-and have a
Memorial Day -...Hug - my warrior friend-and have a <br />Memorial Day ---<br />C-CSchristian soldierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04781627688988991192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-21259147992437930212010-05-30T08:52:55.945-07:002010-05-30T08:52:55.945-07:00malcontent, that's quite an old video but wort...malcontent, that's quite an old video but worth seeing, isn't it.......thanks. <br />I'm not a fan of Boehner's, but he does get it right sometimes.Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15989573357446569262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-44960535103502488252010-05-30T08:51:50.288-07:002010-05-30T08:51:50.288-07:00Elbro, are those friends of yours?
If so, I'm ...Elbro, are those friends of yours?<br />If so, I'm so very sorry for your loss and am extremely honored to have their names here...please, everyone, say a prayer for Jeremiah, Austin, Brian and Nathan.Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15989573357446569262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-65746392842256480012010-05-30T08:51:11.943-07:002010-05-30T08:51:11.943-07:00Always On Watch, that link to your place is well w...Always On Watch, that link to your place is well worth reading, thanks so much.<br />FT, thanks for so much poetry..you must be feeling inspired. The Common Sense piece is always worth reading again, isn't it.Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15989573357446569262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-86508201912249533672010-05-30T08:37:24.364-07:002010-05-30T08:37:24.364-07:00IN MEMORIAM
Today we mourn the passing of a belov...IN MEMORIAM<br /><br />Today we mourn the passing of a beloved friend, Common Sense, who had been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.<br /><br />He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:<br /><br /> • Knowing when to come in out of the rain;<br /> • Why the early bird gets the worm;<br /> • Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.<br /><br />Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).<br /><br />His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.<br /><br />Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.<br /><br />Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.<br /><br />Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot... She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.<br /><br />He is survived by his 4 step-siblings: <br /><br />Inoma Rights, Iwannit Now, and Ima Victim.<br /><br />Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. <br /> <br /><br />~ submitted by FTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-64259887723405406442010-05-30T08:35:13.949-07:002010-05-30T08:35:13.949-07:00Very thoughtful post, Z. Good to see that some peo...Very thoughtful post, Z. Good to see that some people remember that Memorial Day is more than sales and BBQ.cubehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13788126579896276199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516627478339613810.post-28537027280453993432010-05-30T08:28:42.416-07:002010-05-30T08:28:42.416-07:00We're only here for a little stay
Don't wo...We're only here for a little stay<br />Don't worry. Don't hurry.<br />And smell the flowers along the way.<br /><br />~ AnonymousAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com