The Ark

A Salute to Heroes

Posted by: RobDaHood, 19:42 GMT le 24 mai 2009

Memorial Day Blog

Long ago, from a personal perspective, but not so long ago in the context of human civilization, a ragtag collection of interesting individuals began arriving on the shores of North America. They came for various reasons. Some to escape religious persecution. Others to escape poverty or seek economic prosperity. Many seeking adventure. Some even to escape prosecution from the law. They were many and varied, but they all had one thing in common. They sought a rather nebulous concept called Freedom. The freedom to live their lives, practice their religion, and succeed or fail on their own merits.

It was a rough start, but after a while it took root, and not only survived, but thrived. The mavericks, misfits, adventurers, and outcasts came together, found common ground, and formed a nation based on personal freedom and opportunity. They intentionally set things up so that the central government would have as little control over their lives as possible...after all, Governmental interference was what they came here to escape.

Before long, they had a good thing going. But like all good things, sooner or later somebody notices and wants to take it away from you. They found it necessary to have a standing military. They didn't want this...after all the military were the enforcers of many of the oppressive governments they had sought to escape, but it became obvious that it was needed, so they got one.

The military forces of the young nation would evolve and grow to become the most powerful and respected on the planet, not only defending it's citizenry and interests, but coming to the aid of allies around the globe to assure their sovereignty and freedom.

This all came at a tremendous price to those who served and their families. Many would return from duty permanently scarred and disfigured, both physically and emotionally. Many would never return at all. Fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, and more recently Mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters. All making great sacrifices, leaving all that they loved behind, some never to return, all in the name of that concept we call freedom.

It is to honor them, their sacrifice, their service, and their memory that we hold this national day of rememberance. Both a celebration of their achievements and a mourning of their loss.

So, to those who served, to those who were lost, both by the United States of America, and her allies and friends around the globe, The Ark Salutes You, our heroes!

As you celebrate, as you spend time with family and friends this holiday weekend, please set aside a moment of rememberance for all of those who have paid so dearly for your freedom, and say a prayer for those who are serving us today, the finest professional volunteer military forces in the world.

Create your own visitor map!

The Ark Help and Tutorial Blog
ark image credit

Permalink | A A A

Top of Page

Reader Comments

Display: 0, 50, 100, 200

Sort: Newest First - Order Posted

Viewing: 1 - 27

Page: 1 — Blog Index

1. AuntBrooke 20:07 GMT le 24 mai 2009
Hi Rob! Thanks for doing a "remember our troops" blog. I think it's so necessary to encourage those family, friends and loved ones overseas that we do remember them and for those who have lost their relations during the past wars, that we are remembering them too and are thankful. It's not easy for anyone...we have two family members over seas...one is going to Afghanistan in 2 months and another one is in Guam right now. Member Since: 10 novembre 2008 Posts: 47 Comments: 7304

2. RobDaHood 20:12 GMT le 24 mai 2009
Thank you Brooke. And thank you for your blog as well. There are many here who have family and friends serving overseas right now. I am so proud of each of them and thank them. Member Since: 2 septembre 2008 Posts: 78 Comments: 25917

3. OGal 23:26 GMT le 24 mai 2009
O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife. Who more than self their country loved And mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine! Happy Memorial Day! Member Since: 28 août 2005 Posts: 72 Comments: 19170

4. RTLSNK (Mod) 23:49 GMT le 24 mai 2009
Member Since: 3 septembre 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 15176

5. RobDaHood 00:13 GMT le 25 mai 2009
Hey Snake! OGal, Very Nice, Thank you! Gonna be offline for a while...back later tonight. Have Fun! Member Since: 2 septembre 2008 Posts: 78 Comments: 25917

6. moonlightcowboy 01:26 GMT le 25 mai 2009
...carried this today to the MS Vietnam Memorial in honor of my Uncle Roy who was killed there in December of 1968. Member Since: 9 juillet 2006 Posts: 179 Comments: 28118

7. surfmom 01:46 GMT le 25 mai 2009
The Valkyrie's purpose was to take those who died in battle and bring them to Valhalla Member Since: 18 juillet 2007 Posts: 30 Comments: 26538

8. RobDaHood 03:37 GMT le 25 mai 2009
MLC Thank you for sharing the photo and for telling us about Uncle Roy. Blessings upon you and your family this weekend. Surfy You know about my Scandinavian ancestry and my love for the Viking sagas. While the world remembers the Vikings as brutal ruthless brutes, they did, in fact have a rich society and their customs are woven into the fabric of the life we live today. Which brings to mind something I've been wanting to say, but didn't know exactly how to say it. We've all probably seen examples of the warrior with the tender heart, or the poet/warrior. There are examples of that amongst us here on the blog. As a rule they don't talk much about it. Some of the "scariest" guys I know are also some of the most kindhearted. I think sometimes that you have to have an intimate knowledge of death in order to truly appreciate life. Thank you for the art. Member Since: 2 septembre 2008 Posts: 78 Comments: 25917

9. RTLSNK (Mod) 12:11 GMT le 25 mai 2009
Member Since: 3 septembre 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 15176

10. hurristat 16:02 GMT le 25 mai 2009
If only we didn't need to go to war : ( I don't like it... But I do respect veterans, and thank them. Happy Memorial Day! Member Since: 15 octobre 2008 Posts: 11 Comments: 2302

11. RTLSNK (Mod) 20:26 GMT le 25 mai 2009
Member Since: 3 septembre 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 15176

12. RobDaHood 20:35 GMT le 25 mai 2009
Snake, Thanks so much for posting the videos. The songs and photos say more than my words ever could. Stat, Nobody that's ever seen it wants war. It's a nasty business. But It is good to know that when they are needed, there are fine, highly skilled professionals that will be there for us. Thanks for your comment. You saying thank you to the vets means more to them than you know. Time to finish up the bbq for my parents and grandparents. Back later. Member Since: 2 septembre 2008 Posts: 78 Comments: 25917

13. tkeith 21:22 GMT le 25 mai 2009
awesome post Rob! Member Since: 1 novembre 2004 Posts: 25 Comments: 8839

14. KEHCharleston 21:27 GMT le 25 mai 2009
My father was a WWII POW in Germany. We were blessed in that he shared his stories with us. Two of my favorites are: The Yankee POW's were being marched through Germany. At one of the villages through which they were passing, the POW's were ordered to pump well water for the villagers. One very elderly woman walked up with her two buckets. Dad did not speak german, and was unable to ask how full she wanted the buckets, but seeing how tiny and frail she was, he filled each about 3/4 full. The old woman looked up at him and said.... "hit it another lick, sonny" Dad was in a POW camp that housed three compounds of English Speaking POW's. The Brits, he said, were always neat, managed to keep their military bearing no matter what. The Yanks, he said, were a bit, um.... more relaxed in their deportment. The Aussies, he said, were the rowdies, always keeping things stirred up. One day the Aussies were making so much noise, that the German Shepherd dogs were sent in. What happened to the Aussies? They (the Aussies) threw out the (dog) bones. Miss you Dad. Thank you. EDITED FOR CLARITY Member Since: 19 août 2008 Posts: 6 Comments: 2490

15. EmmyRose 21:41 GMT le 25 mai 2009
My Dad was stationed in Iceland - weather/radar unit he was the Sarge in charge - had great stories about Iceland - one I remember that he loved to tell One day one his soldiers came to him just beeming with pride a young man from Brooklyn. "Sarge....sarge congratulate me, I'm about to be a Daddy! My girlfriend just wrote me she's about to give birth to my first child!" "Really son? Thats what I call a miracle, you haven't seen your girlfriend in two in a half years." He then began to tell this young man about the birds and bees... gotta love it... Member Since: 15 juillet 2005 Posts: 347 Comments: 76397

16. hurristat 22:21 GMT le 25 mai 2009
Interesting. My little town of 7,000 has the biggest Memorial Day Parade in Michigan (!!) and while waiting for the parade, a B-25 and another (I forget the name) kept circling RIGHT OVER our neighborhood... it was cool. Anyway... thank you to all the veterans, and have a happy memorial day everyone... Member Since: 15 octobre 2008 Posts: 11 Comments: 2302

17. AuntBrooke 22:25 GMT le 25 mai 2009
Happy Memorial Day- SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!!!! Member Since: 10 novembre 2008 Posts: 47 Comments: 7304

18. RTLSNK (Mod) 22:41 GMT le 25 mai 2009
Member Since: 3 septembre 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 15176

19. Patrap 22:50 GMT le 25 mai 2009
The first part of the Video is by John Wayne explaining the creation of Taps, the 2nd part is played by the US Marine Corp and a short list of Medal Of Honor Recipients from WWII. Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion than the call Taps. The melody is both eloquent and haunting and the history of its origin is interesting and somewhat clouded in controversy. In the British Army, a similar call known as Last Post has been sounded over soldiers' graves since 1885, but the use of Taps is unique with the United States military, since the call is sounded at funerals, wreath-laying and memorial services. Taps began as a revision to the signal for Extinguish Lights (Lights Out) at the end of the day. Up until the Civil War, the infantry call for Extinguish Lights was the one set down in Silas Casey's (1801-1882) Tactics, which had been borrowed from the French. The music for Taps was adapted by Union General Daniel Butterfield for his brigade (Third Brigade, First Division, Fifth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac) in July, 1862. Member Since: 3 juillet 2005 Posts: 370 Comments: 111379

20. spathy 23:37 GMT le 25 mai 2009
RTLSNK Thanks for the song. Makes me cry every time I hear it. My Grandparents are buried there. Thanks again. Member Since: 8 juin 2008 Posts: 65 Comments: 10475

21. Jamiekins 23:39 GMT le 25 mai 2009
Member Since: 22 Mars 2009 Posts: 43 Comments: 1997

22. RTLSNK (Mod) 01:56 GMT le 26 mai 2009
Member Since: 3 septembre 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 15176

23. RobDaHood 03:00 GMT le 26 mai 2009
Thanks to all of you that have left comments, shared stories, or videos. It is good to look around the blogs and see the support shown for the men and women who serve in the armed forces. It is good to read the sharing of memories. All in all it has been a good day. Been a really stormy night in Florida. Rolling thunder like I haven't heard in a long time. Good long soaking rain. The air is clean and fresh. And tomorrow, we'll start fresh with a new blog, something lighthearted and fun perhaps. Thanks again for your participation in this very special one...I'm hoping that we all will find something in the words, music, and images to take with us that will make us better people. Goodnight! Member Since: 2 septembre 2008 Posts: 78 Comments: 25917

25. Beachfoxx 04:03 GMT le 26 mai 2009
Hey Rob.... Hope you & the crew had a great weekend. Member Since: 10 juillet 2005 Posts: 153 Comments: 29285

26. Beachfoxx 04:18 GMT le 26 mai 2009
Oh we got Sunshine today! : ) Member Since: 10 juillet 2005 Posts: 153 Comments: 29285

27. RobDaHood 06:05 GMT le 26 mai 2009
Good Morning Ladies, New Blog! Member Since: 2 septembre 2008 Posts: 78 Comments: 25917

Viewing: 1 - 27

Page: 1 — Blog Index

Top of Page

New Comment

Community Standards Policy Comments will take a few seconds to appear.

Post Your Comments

Please sign in to post comments.

or Join

Not only will you be able to leave comments on this blog, but you'll also have the ability to upload and share your photos in our Wunder Photos section.

About RobDaHood

Feel free to hang out & chat amongst yourselves. Anything goes as long as it's good clean fun! Play Nice!

Tropical Blogs

Tropical Weather Stickers®

Contact This Author

Recent Photos

RobDaHood's Wunder Photos

Previous Entries for 2013