Moving moment.......

[Bob Wright]

At this morning's service at my church, veterans were recognized as a Memeorial Day tribute. Each veteran was asked to stand and remain standing as his service's song was sung by the choir. Then, at the end, all veterans were asked to stand again until the music ended. I stood for the Army's service song, then again at the conclusion.

Then, without any prompt, the remaining congregation stood and applauded in sort of a standing ovation.

Got a little choked up there for a minute.

Bob Wright

 

[Buckeye Bill]

That sounds like a wonderful moment to share with all veterans. Thanks for your service.

Bill

 

[Selena]

A well deserved ovation I would say.

One of my favorite Memorial Day stories is when Dave managed to get a leave during that weekend. The night before we left there was an officer's party that we just couldn't avoid. Somehow I managed to get separated from DH (something I avoided) and got cornered by this bird Colonel that was pretty well demanding details of our plans during DH's leave. I explained how big a deal Dad makes of Memorial Day and added that at least this time I could depend on the Army (I was digging in the spurs, it was a Marine Colonel) to have a man in uniform present when we decorated the graves of the various ancestors that represented every war from the War between the States to Vietnam. The next day we packed kids and cargo in the car and promptly forgot about the conversation.

That Sunday when we went to the cemetery there were two SUV's (civilian) parked on either side of the entrance and when we pulled in eight Marines in their dress uniforms got out. This E6, slightly older than dirt and slightly younger than God walks up, salutes my husband and then tells Dad his men would be honored to accompany the family as we honored our dead. When I would put the flowers on a grave the Sgt would call for a hand salute until I walked away from the grave.

Dad invited them to eat with us and gave them all a tour of the farm. My Dad even allowed the Sgt a turn with his prized military Springfield rifle at the range which turned out to be something of a shooting contest. I often wonder had we not run out of 30-06 cartridges if they would still be there...

When they were ready to leave the Sgt looked me in the eye and told me when he volunteered for that "mission" he was ordered to tell me I could always depend on the Marine Corps to share their respect for my ancestors' service. I have never been put in my place so kindly and effectively.

 

[SAJohn]

Both stories are moving, I thank you both for posting them.

 

[contender]

Dern Selena,, that's one heck of a story. But it totally reflects how we who have served, truly do respect our brothers in arms. No matter the branch. We may enjoy a bit of interservice rivalry we will always stand shoulder to shoulder to each other against those who would do any of us harm.

 

[Bob Wright]

One thing I didn't mention in describing our memorial service. As each service's song was played, and veterans of that service stood, one of the children of our church entered from the back of the santuary carrying that service's flag. They entered from the back and came down the aisle carrying that flag and marched up to the podium and placed that flag in a stand in front of the choir loft. There they stood at attention (more or less, for a ten to twelve year old) until the conclusion of the service.

I am immensely proud of our kids, their parents and family, and those who work with them.

Bob Wright

 

[AR_hillbilly]

No matter the branch. We may enjoy a bit of interservice rivalry..................

My dad was Navy during the Korean War, never talked much about the 'serious' side of it. But he told of several of them in a bar one night on liberty, and a trip to the bathroom. Was some (I think) Air Force guys came in about the time the sailors were finishin up. A sailor headed for the door and an airman said "In the Air Force we're taught to wash our hands after we use the bathroom". The sailor, not about to let it go of course, said "in the Navy we're taught to not (make water) on our hands"...........and the fight was on!! Hahaha
I'm in the Patriot Guard Riders, there are a lot of veterans in the PGR, and I'm happy to report the interservice rivalry you spoke of is definitely still alive and well today!

 

[Wyandot Jim]

I'm in the Patriot Guard Riders, there are a lot of veterans in the PGR, and I'm happy to report the interservice rivalry you spoke of is definitely still alive and well today!

What is this interservice rivalry you speak of. Are you telling me there are other branches besides Naval Aviation :lol: :lol: Yea that also includes the Marines :wink: :wink:

 

[GunnyGene]

I'm in the Patriot Guard Riders, there are a lot of veterans in the PGR, and I'm happy to report the interservice rivalry you spoke of is definitely still alive and well today!

What is this interservice rivalry you speak of. Are you telling me there are other branches besides Naval Aviation :lol: :lol: Yea that also includes the Marines :wink: :wink:

Wake Island Avengers (VMA211). Transpac 1979. A4M's - small, fast, maneuverable, multi ordnance attack, CAS and gun fighter, including air to air missiles and nukes. We kicked ass. :mrgreen:

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Very Nice! Thanks for your service.

1990 or so I worked for Lockheed Aircraft in Ontario California and they were refurbishing old A4 air frames that were is Tucson AZ storage.

The Argentinian Air Force was the customer. Lockheed was making them like brand new again.

Great Bird!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_A-4_Skyhawk

Bill

 

[Colonialgirl]

No matter the branch. We may enjoy a bit of interservice rivalry..................

My dad was Navy during the Korean War, never talked much about the 'serious' side of it. But he told of several of them in a bar one night on liberty, and a trip to the bathroom. Was some (I think) Air Force guys came in about the time the sailors were finishin up. A sailor headed for the door and an airman said "In the Air Force we're taught to wash our hands after we use the bathroom". The sailor, not about to let it go of course, said "in the Navy we're taught to not (make water) on our hands"...........and the fight was on!! Hahaha
I'm in the Patriot Guard Riders, there are a lot of veterans in the PGR, and I'm happy to report the interservice rivalry you spoke of is definitely still alive and well today!

I heard that the Marines Save time by Peeing on their hands.
Please; No brickbats, I was just joking; Love the Marines ever since I was a NAVY brat. When I was picking up my Ashley at the St Pete Aiport Sunday night, a Young Marine in his dress Blues came through the exit door (handsome young man) I said in a loud Voice, "VERY HANDSOME" and when looked over, Gave him a VERY Correct Hand salute. He laughed and said "thank you" and then got hugged by his Girlfriend/Wife ?? and greeted by his parents.

 

[contender]

We who served are allowed to pick on one another. Yet,, just let some dirtbag harass or mess with a fellow serviceman (or woman) and we'll stand up for them,,, no matter what branch they are in & what we were.

Well done CG!