Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day in the U.S. - a holiday where we remember to honor our brothers and sisters currently in the armed forces, our veterans who have served valiantly in past years and wars, as well as those who have fallen or gone missing in the line of
duty and who have sacrificed everything for our freedom as Americans.

I have created this thread for a trio of reasons:

1) If you have family or friends that are or were in the armed forces, you can feel free to share their stories.

2) What games would you play in honor to these everyday heroes and why?

3) If you're not an American, do you have a similar holiday, and if so, what's it called? When is it celebrated in your country? How is it celebrated?

:)

 

double xp

[quote user="ScrubStoreOwner"]

Almost positive memorial day weekend is the next event...

[/quote]

Why would they skip so many other holidays that come before memorial day next May? Labor day is soon so maybe then.

 

double xp

Almost positive memorial day weekend is the next event...

 

Ours (Canada) was last weekend, Victoria Day.

-

 

We play "Pin the M16 on the GI" for Memorial Day in my house... what makes it so hard is all the camo.

 

King, how is Victoria Day celebrated? Why is it called Victortia Day? Which video games would you play to honor Canada's armed forces? Don't be afraid to educate the rest of us.

Cam, you'll definitely have to explain how to play that game.

 

My grandfather served as an officer in the U.S. Navy (he was a Lieutenant) during WWII. He used to regale me with stories of how he defended his refueling ship against Japanese Kamikazes in the Pacific. I still have a photo of him in his Navy uniform holding
a cigar in 1 hand and a Coca-Cola bottle in the other.

My father also served in the Navy, although I don't know what rank he held. What I do know is that his job was to test nuclear submarines to see if they were seaworthy. I don't know about you, but I can't think of a more dangerous job outside of an actual
combat zone than sitting inside a giant metal tube that's powered by a nuclear reactor and that's surrounded by enough pressure worth of water that might just spring a leak and crush you like a tin-can... ><

One of my good friends also served in the Navy for 2 years, although he was land-based and worked on helicopters as a mechanic virtually the entire time. He's currently out of the Navy and is working on getting his engineering degree to help support his
wife, son, and daughter.

I myself tried out for the Navy, but was unsuccessful due to my severe hearing loss - I never made it past MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station), where I failed the hearing test, not once, but twice.

As you can see, I have a lot of good reasons to support my nation's Navy, even though I myself could not be a part of it.

 

I was joking about the whole "pin" comment... my dad was a marine, I was Army, my brother was seaman... sorry Navy and honestly it's just another day... a day we are given off from work (most of us).

 

My great uncle Mike died on the island of Saipan (he was a marine). My grandfather was a radarman on a destroyer escort, he toured the Pacific during WW2. My uncle served in Korea during the Vietnam war as a communication specialist (Army).

 

Thank you GG. It means a lot to us vets when we are appreciated for our service.

USAF(Ret)

 

My great grandfather served with the 101st Airborne Division during WW2 and my uncle served with 1st special forces until 1993 when he got lukemia and passed away. Today we should thank active military members, retired veterans and those who have passes
that fought for our rights. So to all reading this that have served thankyou for your vigilance in keeping this country free and may god bless you.

 

Mgzin, it's my pleasure. Do you have any stories you're willing to share with us regarding your experience in the Air Force?

 

I served in the Marines for 8 years. I served a tour in Iraq and in Afghanistan. I was eventually medically discharged because of injuries I sustained from an I.E.D. (Improvised Explosive Device). I don't wish war upon anyone. I lost too many brothers and
sisters. I've had two back surgeries because of my injuries and I suffer from PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder).

It was an honor defending my country. Even though I've suffered a lot, I also have very fond memories. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for the military.

 

Ummm well..to keep it light hearted, when I was in Turkey we heard they had Govt run brothels. So of course we had to go check it out.

-

They had armed guards at the entrance and you had to show ID to go in. The goods were rather interesting. Apparently if you're a man and commit a crime, you can have your wife do the time for ya.

-

Quite an interesting place Turkey was.

 

@Louie...ty for your service.