Memorial Day 2007 - Remember

This Monday is Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. - Wikipedia

Take a moment to remember all the veterans who have died while protecting and preserving the United States of America.

(My daughter - Arlington Cemetery - Memorial Day 2006)

Larry Thorne is one who died while serving the United States. Major Thorne was an American who immigrated from Finland after World War II. He is famous for "fighting communism under three Flags"; as a soldier for Nazi Germany, Finland and finally for the US in Vietnam. His remains were recovered in Laos in 1999 and was buried in Arlington Cemetery in 2003.

In the book The Green Berets by Robin Moore, the main character was based on Larry Thorne. The book was later made into a movie by the same name starring John Wayne. - Wikipedia

Arlington Cemetery is full of countless other heroes whose stories will never be told.

(Rear Admiral Onni Lattu. Another Finnish-American buried in Arlington Cemetery.)

Not all of their bodies made it back to the US. Over 93,000 remained buried around the world in American Cemeteries. Many others went down with their ships and planes.

There are those among us who would prefer that we as a country do nothing to remember the past. These are the same people who would prefer to discard honor and traditions that have been built over the centuries as this country has grown and developed. However, it is this honor, traditions and way of life that makes America what it is and instills a desire in all sorts of American Citizens and Residents to protect our country.

Update:
Video Tributes can be found at Cat is my co-pilot.

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