To Those Who Gave Us Their All

[HARDCORE]

Today is Memorial Day - So Please Be Safe and Have A Happy Day....

Rick & Brenda

[HARDCORE]

6/4/16

With the "Fourth of July" but a month away,and 240 years plus of national existence behind us, I can only hope that the people who seek to guide us and our destiny for the next four to eight years fully realize the awesome responsibility they are now facing!?

This is not some knighthood or coronation that they are seeking, but rather, a chance to leave this nation of ours a little better off for the trust that we have given to them!

There is no room for arrogance, and no room for pomp! Rather, public service, dedication, and love of country (and not just themselves) is what is needed and demanded of those whom we elect!!

Rick (Hardcore)

[HARDCORE]

5-26-2017


Rick & I Wish All Of You Patriots Online A Very Safe And Happy Memorial Day.

Also Happy Memorial Day To All Veterans and Military Personnel.

Brenda [Mrs. Hardcore]

[HARDCORE]

I Posted This Back In 2009 and It Means The Same Every Year!!!!!!

Hardcore

[Boats]

HC & Neil - Memorial Day is once upon us again. A day that I never miss rain or shine and last year at the memorial is was about 36 degrees. Now they are saying it will be cool again of which I like better than hotter than hell. When I go I talk to my family starting at Grandpa WWI - then my Dad and Uncles WWII - then to Viet Nam and my Brother Larry and all my school Buddie's that didn't make the return. It's really nice early in the morning. I get there about 7 or 8 am when no body is there yet - so I can take my time put in my flag at each station talk to each of them in my own way.

My Grandkids are now too old and when I call them to go with me like they used to - they have other things to do. But they know it disappoints me when they used to go with me when they 5 up to 12 then it seems they have other things to do on that day. But they know where their Papa will be that day.

I'll being thinking of you guys on Memorial Day -

Boats

[Boats]

Here's some poems I found that say what I couldn't:

1. If I should go tomorrow

It would never be goodbye,

For I have left my heart with you,

So don't you ever cry.

The love that's deep within me,

Shall reach you from the stars,

You'll feel it from the heavens,

And it will heal the scars.

-------------------------------------------

A light went out on Earth for me

The day we said goodbye

And on that day a star was born,

The brightest in the sky

Reaching through the darkness

With its rays of purest white

Lighting up the Heavens

As it once lit up my life

With beams of love to heal

The broken heart you left behind

Where always in my memory

Your lovely star will shine

-----------------------------------------------
Vietnam Tears

I stood and I watched as a mother cried,
when she had heard that her son had died.
He didn't die because he was sick,
or he didn't die because he was in a wreck.
He died doing what he felt was right.

I watched a father try to hold back his tears,
His son had lived only a scant 19 years.
His son had died nine thousand miles away,
And what was there left for a father to say?
He got down on his knees and said a prayer,
His brave son knows his father did care.

I stood and watched as a little girl cried.
She didn't understand why her brother had passed on;
Why he never again played with her on the lawn.
Looking at the little girl's tears I knew,
That her big brother died fighting for you and me.
~ Author Unknown ~

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Our dead brothers still live for us and bid us think of life,
not death-of life to which in their youth
they lent the passion and joy of the spring.
As I listen, the great chorus of life and joy begins again
and amid the awful orchestra of seen and unseen powers
and destinies of good and evil our trumpets sound once more.
a note of daring, hope and will.
I see them now, as once I saw them on this earth.
They are the same bright figures that come also before your eyes and when I speak of those who were my brothers,
the same words describe yours.
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes ~

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ONLY A SAILOR

HE'S ONLY A SAILOR ON THE BOUNDLESS DEEP,
UNDER FOREIGN SKIES AND TROPICAL HEAT.
ONLY A SAILOR ON THE ROLLING DEEP,
IN SUMMER RAIN AND WINTER SLEET.

HE'S ONLY A SAILOR FOR UNCLE SAM,
FAR FROM HIS HOME AND NATIVE LAND.
HE'S ONLY A SAILOR SOME FOLKS SAY,
HE CAN MAKE A LIVING NO OTHER WAY.

THEY SAY, "HE'S A SAILOR OF THEM BEWARE,"
NO MORE OF HIM THAN A DOG DO THEY CARE.
HE'S ONLY A VAGABOND WHO'S NEVER BEEN BORN,
AND IT'S BECAUSE HE WEARS A NAVY UNIFORM.

YOU MAY CALL HIM A PAUPER OR A GOVERNMENT BUM,
BUT REMEMBER FOLKS HE'S THE MAN BEHIND THE GUN.
AND WHEN EVER WAR CLOUDS ARISE IN THE PEACEFUL SKY,
'TIS HE NOT YOU THAT GOES FORTH TO DIE.

'TIS HE THAT STANDS IN HIS SUIT OF BLUE,
TO DEFEND HIS HOME AND YOU.
'TIS HE THAT WALKS THE DECKS OF SHIPS,
'TIS HE THAT WOULD DIE WITH A SMILE ON HIS LIPS.
WHILE YOU ENJOY THAT WHICH HE HAS DONE,
GAST HIM OFF WITH A SNEER AND CALL HIM A BUM.

IF IT WERE NOT FOR HIM, WHOM YOU DESPISE AND HATE,
FOREIGN POWER INVADING WOULD MAKE YOUR FATE.
THEN YOU WOULD CRY ALOUD FOR THE BOYS IN BLUE,
BUT IF THERE WERE NONE PRAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

AND A SAILORS WIFE WHO TRAVELS THE WHOLE WORLD OVER,
TO BE WITH HER MAN ONE DAY OUT OF FOUR.
IS SNUBBED AND SHIED BY THE BEST IN EACH TOWN,
WHEN THEY SO NEED A SMILE THEY SEE ONLY A FROWN.

THEY REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT SHE IS TRUE,
TO HER MAN, HER COUNTRY, THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE.
THE APARTMENT HOUSE LANDLORD SAYS, "NO NAVY ALLOWED,"
AN INSULT TO HER HUSBAND OF WHOM SHE IS PROUD.

THEN REMEMBER WE TO OUR FLAG ARE TRUE,
SO PLEASE TRY TO GIVE THEM THAT WHICH IS DUE.
FOR BEFORE THEY ENLISTED TO WEAR THE SUIT OF BLUE,
THEY WERE CIVILIANS THE SAME AS YOU!
~ Author Unknown ~

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I AM YOUR WALL!
The Rods and Wire of Steel at my Core are
For those Who gave their Lives
Never to return in Body.
They are the strength of our Wall.

The Mass of Mortar of my Body
Is for the Mass of Men and Women
Who left their Families and
Dedicated their Courage and Time to a Cause.

The Medal of Honors and Navy Crosses on my Face
Are for the strength and Resolve
For which We stood.
I am your Wall and
I stand before three Boats
That represent all the Units of our Conflict -- all Conflicts.
I am your Wall,

Conceived and Nurtured and
Built with Loving Care and
Thought by a few for All.
I am your Wall,

Standing in Respectful Memory,
Hoping to have no others built like Me
But ready to Serve,
If ever called upon again.
I am your Wall,
Respect Me, Hold Me, Caress Me, Love Me,
As I Love You.

[Boats]

Yes Sir HC - Right On!

Boats

[Boats]

To all Patriot Families & Members -

Take some time and go to your local military Memorial in town if you have one?
If you don't have one say a prayer for all those serving and those we've lost.
It's one day a year we must not forget.
I'm sure just about every family in the US has had a member of their family in the service.
It's for them "We Honor This Memorial Day."
It's for those who've sacrificed their lives for their Country and Families.
We can't let them down nor ignore the fact that even today thousands are currently serving their country around the world - they need our support.
Take a moment on this day and quietly say a small prayer for those we lost and those that currently serving - it matters - to show them we care - and will always be there for them.
One day a year - all Americans stand - in Honor of those Fallen - and those still on the line.
America needs this day of bonding - It's what makes us family and most of all American's.

Boats

[HARDCORE]

Bags Of Black

What honor resides in bags of black,
Alive and vibrant before the attack,
Our kids, our brothers one and all,
In their uniforms still standing tall.

Now they rest denied their breath,
For gold and silver they met their death,
And now world leaders trumpet loud,
More twisted words for a voting crowd.

Alas, some wars, they must be fought,
This world with evil is sorely fraught,
But for gain alone - there lies the rub,
With naught but power at it's hub.

No end in sight or so it seems,
And naught but power in power's dreams,
Control outweighs integrity pure,
The noble impaled upon death's last skewer

Henry R Tavares
Copyright ©2008 Henry R Tavares

[Boats]

Soldier's Poems (the last one is tough to read - only a few may feel its pain)


A soldier is many things:

Steady, solid, and strong
Optimistic, outstanding, and organized
Loyal, logical, and level-headed
Diligent, decisive, and disciplined
Intelligent, idealistic and, when necessary, immovable
Earnest, effective, and efficient
Rational, resourceful, and resolute

-----------------------------------------------------------

Somewhere in the night a quiet professional is waiting.
He does not care that he is tired.
That his hardened body is sleep deprived.
He is unbroken and vigilant in his task.

Somewhere this warrior is the final tripwire.
He has trained all his life in brutal conditions day and night.
This barren and desolate world is his home.
He lives and survives by an ancient Creed.

Somewhere this weapon of war will not ask nor give quarter.
He thrives on the mission and completing his objective.
That he allows the taste of fear to motivate his actions.
He is…the final option.

------------------------------------------------------------------

A Tribute To Veterans

In Vietnam, Korea and World Wars Past
Our Men Fought Bravely so Freedom Would Last
Conditions Where Not Always Best They Could Be
Fighting a Foe You Could Not Always See:
From Mountain Highs to Valley Lows
From Jungle Drops to Desert Patrols

Our Sinewy Sons Were Sent Over Seas
Far From Their Families And Far From Their Dreams
They Never Wrote Letters Of Hardships Despair Only Of Love,
Yearning That One Day Soon:
They Would Come Home, They Would Resume
And Carry On With The Rest of Their Lives

The P.O.W.¹S Stood Steadfast Against the Indignities And Cruelties Of War
They Could Not Have Lasted as Long as They Did If They Had Relinquished Their Hope That Some Day:
They Would Come Home, They Would Resume
And Carry On the Rest Of Their Lives

Medics, Nurses, and Chaplains Alike
Did What They Needed To Bring Back Life
They Served Our Forces From Day Into Night
Not Questioning If They Would Survive:
They Mended Bones And Bodies Too,
They Soothed the Spirits of Dying Souls

And for Those M.I.A¹S, Who Were Left Behind
We Echo This Message Across the Seas
We Will search For as Long As It Takes
You're Not Forgotten And Will Always Be:
In Our Hearts, In Our Prayers, In Our Minds For All Time

A Moment of Silence, a Moment of Summons
Is Their Deliverance of Body And Soul
To a Sacred Place That We All Know Deep In the Shrines of Our Soul:
In Our Hearts, In Our Prayers In Our Minds For All Time

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INTERLUDE: GOLD STAR MOTHERS GRIEVE: ENDLESSLY, ENDLESSLY, ENDLESSLY.......

These Immortalized Soldiers Whose Bravery Abounds They¹re Our Husbands, Fathers, and Sons
They Enlisted For the Duty at Hand To Serve the Cause of Country and Land:

They Had Honor, They Had Valor, They Found Glory That Change Them Forever

Men Standing Tall and Proud They be A Country Behind Them in a Solemn Sea
So Let the Flags of Freedom Fly Unfurled in Their Majesty High:

In the Sun, In the Rain In the Winds Across This Land

Years of Tears Has Brought Us Here Gathering Around to Hear This Sound
So Let the Flags of Freedom Fly Unfurled in Their Majesty High:

In the Sun, In the Rain, In the Winds Across This Land

REPEAT:
In the Sun, In the Rain, In the Winds For All Time

Jerry Calow (copyright 2003 )

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Eulogy for a Veteran

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the Gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

-----------------------------------------------------

SOLDIER
By: Ed Coet, Major, USA-Retired

I saw a burial with a bugler playing taps;
I turned to my father, “what happened?” I asked.
He clutched my hand and with a quiver in his voice,
he began to explain and his eyes became moist.

“My son,” he said, “this is rather difficult for me;
for an old veteran like myself this is tough to see.
In that coffin lies a genuine patriotic warrior,
an honest-to-God hero, an American soldier.

I appreciate that soldier and the service he gave,
and I honor his sacrifice as he’s laid in his grave.
He was honorable, selfless, courageous, and bold;
please remember him son, as you grow old.

The value of his service, I must explain,
if not remembered, will be lost in vain.
As a nation we’re nothing without soldiers like him;
and failing to remember would be a terrible sin.”

I listened in awe as my father spoke,
it seemed as if his heart were broke.
I suddenly remembered when he went to war,
and when he returned I thought nothing more.

I never asked why he walked with a limp,
and I didn’t care about why he was sick.
I was to busy enjoying the life that I had,
to realize that I had it because of dad.

I finally understood what my dad was about,
and it hurt so bad I cried out loud.
He sacrificed so much so I could be free,
and his battle scares were suffered for me.

It was my father’s spirit that spoke to me that day;
thank God I finally understood what he had to say.
I saluted his coffin as they laid him to rest,
and I thought about the medals pinned on his chest.

That I didn’t honor him sooner, I will always regret;
and I pledged that day to never again forget.
I’m proud that my dad was a patriotic warrior;
I’m honored to be the son of an American soldier.


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After The War

There’s a tear in the fabric of his being
... Where the memories lie waiting to remind him
... Of the horror and the carnage
That is cataloged as war
Which civilians never see
For it’d shatter their reality
And leave them in a state of what
To call it I don’t know
But it’s tipped the balance
Of the G I Joe
Who comes to calmer waters
Where life’s normal once again
But he’s having trouble fitting in
For he’s shaken bad internally;
it’s a price they paid for defending
But the dreams are never ending.

John Breska 44th Scout Platoon, 25th Division Viet Nam 69-70 —

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ONLY A SAILOR

HE'S ONLY A SAILOR ON THE BOUNDLESS DEEP,
UNDER FOREIGN SKIES AND TROPICAL HEAT.
ONLY A SAILOR ON THE ROLLING DEEP,
IN SUMMER RAIN AND WINTER SLEET.

HE'S ONLY A SAILOR FOR UNCLE SAM,
FAR FROM HIS HOME AND NATIVE LAND.
HE'S ONLY A SAILOR SOME FOLKS SAY,
HE CAN MAKE A LIVING NO OTHER WAY.

THEY SAY, "HE'S A SAILOR OF THEM BEWARE,"
NO MORE OF HIM THAN A DOG DO THEY CARE.
HE'S ONLY A VAGABOND WHO'S NEVER BEEN BORN,
AND IT'S BECAUSE HE WEARS A NAVY UNIFORM.

YOU MAY CALL HIM A PAUPER OR A GOVERNMENT BUM,
BUT REMEMBER FOLKS HE'S THE MAN BEHIND THE GUN.
AND WHEN EVER WAR CLOUDS ARISE IN THE PEACEFUL SKY,
'TIS HE NOT YOU THAT GOES FORTH TO DIE.

'TIS HE THAT STANDS IN HIS SUIT OF BLUE,
TO DEFEND HIS HOME AND YOU.
'TIS HE THAT WALKS THE DECKS OF SHIPS,
'TIS HE THAT WOULD DIE WITH A SMILE ON HIS LIPS.
WHILE YOU ENJOY THAT WHICH HE HAS DONE,
GAST HIM OFF WITH A SNEER AND CALL HIM A BUM.

IF IT WERE NOT FOR HIM, WHOM YOU DESPISE AND HATE,
FOREIGN POWER INVADING WOULD MAKE YOUR FATE.
THEN YOU WOULD CRY ALOUD FOR THE BOYS IN BLUE,
BUT IF THERE WERE NONE PRAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

AND A SAILORS WIFE WHO TRAVELS THE WHOLE WORLD OVER,
TO BE WITH HER MAN ONE DAY OUT OF FOUR.
IS SNUBBED AND SHIED BY THE BEST IN EACH TOWN,
WHEN THEY SO NEED A SMILE THEY SEE ONLY A FROWN.

THEY REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT SHE IS TRUE,
TO HER MAN, HER COUNTRY, THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE.
THE APARTMENT HOUSE LANDLORD SAYS, "NO NAVY ALLOWED,"
AN INSULT TO HER HUSBAND OF WHOM SHE IS PROUD.

THEN REMEMBER WE TO OUR FLAG ARE TRUE,
SO PLEASE TRY TO GIVE THEM THAT WHICH IS DUE.
FOR BEFORE THEY ENLISTED TO WEAR THE SUIT OF BLUE,
THEY WERE CIVILIANS THE SAME AS YOU!
~ Author Unknown ~

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"A Visitor From the Past (Anonymous)

I had a dream the other night, I didn’t understand,
A figure walking through the mist, with a flintlock in his hand.
His clothes were torn and dirty, as he stood there by my bed.
He took off his three cornered hat, and speaking low, he said

"We fought a revolution to secure your liberty.
We wrote the Constitution, as a shield from tyranny.
For future generations, this legacy we gave.
In this the land of the free and the Home of the Brave."

"The freedom we secured for you, we hoped you’d always keep.
But tyrants labored endlessly while your parents were asleep.
Your freedom gone, your courage lost, you’re no more than a slave.
In this the Land of the Free and the home of the brave"

"You buy permits to travel, and permits to own a gun,
Permits to start a business, or to build a place for one.
On the land you believe you own, you pay a yearly rent.
Although you have no voice in choosing how the money is spent"

"Your children must attend a school that doesn’t educate.
Your Christian Values can’t be taught, according to the state.
You read about the current news, in a regulated press.
You pay a tax you do not owe to please the IRS"

"Your money is no longer made of silver or of gold.
You trade your wealth for paper so your life can be controlled.
You pay for crimes that make our nation turn from God in shame.
You’ve taken Satan’s number as you’ve traded in your name.

You’ve given government control to those who do you harm.
So they padlock churches and steal the family farm.
And keep our country deep in debt, put men of God in jail.
Harass your fellow countryman, while corrupted courts prevail."

"Your public servants don’t uphold the solemn oath they’ve sworn.
Your daughters visit doctors so their children won’t be born.
Your leaders ship artillery, and guns to foreign shores.
And send your sons to slaughter, fighting other people’s wars"

" Can you regain the freedom for which we fought and died?
Or don’t you have the courage, or the faith to stand with pride?
Are there no more values for which you’ll fight to save?
Or do you wish your children to live in fear and be a slave?"

"People of the Republic, arise and take a stand!
Defend the Constitution, the supreme law of the land!
Preserve our great Republic, and God given rights!
And pray to God to keep the torch of freedom burning bright!"

As I awoke he vanished in to the mist from whence came.
His words were true, we are not free, we have ourselves to blame.
For even now as Tyrants trample each God given right.
We only watch and tremble, too afraid to stand and fight.

If he stood by your bed side in a dream, while you’re asleep.
And wonders what remains of our Rights he fought to keep.
What would be your answer? If he called out from the grave.

"Is this still the land of the free and the home of the Brave?""

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JUST A SIMPLE SOLDIER (****)
© 1985 A. Lawrence Vaincourt

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast;
and he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done.
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, everyone.
And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke;
all his buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer, for ol' Bob has passed away;
and the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.
He won't be mourned by many, just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family, quietly going on his way;
and the world won't note his passing; 'tho a Soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state.
While thousands note their passing, and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories, from the time that they were young,
but the passing of a soldier, goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution, to the welfare of our land;
some jerk who breaks his promise, and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow, who in times of war and strife;
goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?
The politician's stipend and the style in which he lives;
are sometimes disproportionate, to the service he gives.
While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all;
is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension, small.
It's so easy to forget them, for it is so long ago;
that our Bob's and Jim's and Johnny's, went to battle, but we know.
It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys;
who won for us the freedom, that our Country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand;
would you really want some cop-out, with his ever waffling stand?
Or would you want a Soldier, who has sworn to defend;
his home, his kin, and Country, and would fight until the end?
He was just a common Soldier and his ranks are growing thin.
But his presence should remind us, we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the Soldier's part;
is to clean up all the troubles, that the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor, while he's here to hear the praise;
then at least let's give him homage, at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline, in the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
FOR A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

Personal note: This last one really hurts - but it had to be said.


Note: These are examples of poems written and offer an inside to a patriots character.

Boats