Contest: Celebrate Memorial Day With Ilium Software

Here’s my first entry.

Well, I have not served in the military myself, but have a great-uncle who served in WW2 flying bombers over Germany and an uncle who was in special ops during Vietnam.

Probably the best story was my uncle. He tried to play dumb to get out of boot camp and they put him on the expedited path to the front. (Not too bright.) However, during boot camp he took down his drill sergeant during one of those “think you can take sarge” type sessions. Sadly, the reception he got on returning to the states really affected him.

My great-uncle on the other hand will proudly tell of his service and defends people’s right to say the most foolish things about our country. He has no problem telling people that he and his buddies served just so they would be here to say some of the garbage that most people spout off today about the USA.

Count me in.

I served in the US Navy about 20 years ago, and I have a lot of stories, funny, sad, frustrating, etc. From all of those I decided to share a nice story about why, of all the countries I’ve visited, Turkey is one of my favorites.
I served on an air craft carrier with over 6000 men when fully deployed, plus all of the sailors on the support battle group ships. When we arrived in a port it could be overwhelming to the local citizenry, and there was often animosity toward us (deservedly). After anchoring off Antalya, Turkey my friend, Ron and I were among thousands to hit the shore. We immediately began walking through town with the intent of getting far from all the “typical” drunken sailors. After hours of sightseeing, drinking, eating, and talking with schoolkids who seemed delighted to practice their english with a couple native speakers, we found a nice restaurant for an early dinner.
As we were heading to the door coincidence brought several of our friends from the ship to the door at the same time, in groups of 2 or 3. Eventually, 10 or 12 of us sat a large table where we were waited upon by 2 young men, one of whom spoke a bit of broken english and the other only Turkish. As we finished our excellent meal our two waiter managed to get across to us that their shift was over and they would like to show us around their home city. We welcomed the idea, with the cynical idea that they were looking to make some extra bucks as impromtu tour guides.
The tour seemingly took us all over Antalya with many interesting sights pointed out. Our guides managed to teach all of us how to say “hello” (merhaba or similar, I think), something akin to “bye bye” as none of us could twist our tongues around the turkish for the formal “goodbye” and “thank-you” which I still enjoy saying although I won’t even attempt to spell it. They also tried, in vain, to get our group into a couple of discos.
Eventually, after a great evening, we were guided back to the boats that would return us to the ship. At this point we all confererred on how much money we should offer our new friends and guides. However, they refused to accept anything from us. They were simply so proud of their home that then enjoyed showing it to us. After making port in so many other Mediterranean cities that were very rightfully resentful toward us because of the “americanization” of their own local culture it was a refreshingly wonderful feeling to be so welcomed without feeling like we were only intruders. And, I must say after spending a few more days seeing the beaches, cliffs, and other areas of town I can see why any native resident of Antalya would be very proud of their home. I hope to return someday, with my wife and daughter so they can see the beauty of southern Turkey.

Count me in.

I would like to give tribute to my father-in-law who served as a young man in WWII and is now deceased. He joined the Army under age and ended up fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. He never talked that much about what happened until later in his life.
He was assigned as point for his squad and had the misfortune of stepping on a land mine. He told me that he remembered hearing the explosion and then being on his back and being severely wounded. As best he can figure out, the initial explosion cost him his right leg up to the knee. As he was tossed in the air, his rifle went off and hit him in his left foot so that he was unable to move under his own power. Obviously, that was the end of the war for him but just the beginning of recovering his life. He spent several years in the hospital and underwent over 20 surgeries on his left foot. He never lost his zest for life. Apparently, he was always playing pranks on the nurses. One time he hid in the carts that were used to collect linens and he put a sheet over himself and then raised up like a ghost as a nurse passed by. I think that she nearly passed out from fright. He and others who were ambulatory would race in their wheelchairs when they could. Needless to say, the nurses kept a “close” watch on him. He was moved to a bed right across from the nurses station so they could see him.
While recuperating, he met a young girl who volunteered at the hospital and they married and remained married until his death. He had a very successful career in government service and served in a number of overseas posts with the National Security Agency.
After he retired from government service, he taught chemistry at a local private school for many years. His students love him and he invested himself in them. They now have a scholarship fund established in his name.
What truly stood out for me in my association with him was that he never allowed his disability to keep him from doing the things he loved or needed to do. He was a great individual who loved his family and loved life. His combat service and injury in the line of duty was in my opinion the beginning of his badge of courage. He continued to live a courageous life in spite on his physical limitations and ultimately became an example of courage to all who knew him.
I will be honoring him along with others who sacrificed for us this Memorial Day!

This is a solemn holiday for me. My father served in the military as an MP in the Korean War. While he remembers his experiences fondly (he was in Tokyo and the most action he saw was busting up drunk Marines on leave), I know many who don’t.

Thanks to all who’ve sacrificed so much for our freedoms. We are eternally indebted to you.

No Entry for me. I have all.
I served in the US Navy from 1982-2002 (20 fun filled years)
My thanks to those that came before me, and to those that came after.

I’d could use eWallet Pro. I own FlexWallet but didn’t make the jump to eWallet when Ilium took over. Already own NewsBreak and use it daily. Great program.

here is my first entry.

And now for my second entry.
I have not served in our fine military. I have a brother that is in the Navy and a brother-in-law in the Army. They both always seem to have amazing stories to share when we have the chance to see them.

Thanks to all who’ve sacrificed so much for our freedoms. We are eternally indebted to you and will never forget your service.

I’ve not served but my father, father-in-law and oldest son all have. If you want to read a good book pickup a copy of “The Greatest Generation.” It is filled with stories from people who served in WWII. a great read!