Old movies and thoughts

[piplover]

Since I have no money to spend this four day weekend, I am sitting comfortably in my room watching the Turner Classic Movie channel. I think this is one of the best things about me and my fiance: we both enjoy old black and white movies tremendously, as well as movies from the late 40s to early 60s. Such movies as Rear Window with Jimmy Stewart, To Hell and Back, with Audi Murphy, and one of my all time favorites, While You Were Away, we could watch for hours on end, and have, lol.
My father was in the Navy for 22 years, and so I was raised very patriotic. I remember spending Memorial day and Veteran's day with my family watching old war movies.
But more than anything, I remember meeting the members of my father's association, Vietnam Veterans of America, or the VVA. On such holidays they would post a 24 hour vigil on the war memorial in my hometown, and I can still remember some of the items that were left there in tribute. A bottle of beer, a pack of cigarettes, a poem, a teddy bear.
While sitting sleepily next to my father at two or three in the morning, guarding that stone memorial from the lonliness of the night, I remember looking to the men sitting with him, and wondering at their silent bravery.
Each of those individuals had fought in that terrible war, had experianced the hate of their countrymen, and the loss of countless friends and comrads. To me, there is nothing more important than the remembrance of those who gave their life so that others may live.
Since I know that many of you are not from America, I direct this last comment to all who are. As you enjoy this weekend, please take a moment to remember why we are having it. It is not just a time to have bar-b-qs or sleep in late, though we surley enjoy all those things, but a time of remembrance as well.
This country that I live in, that I serve with my flesh and my blood, is something I would give my life for. I know I complain a lot about the Army, but it is truly the greatest acomplishment in my life, to be able to serve my country. Laugh if you will at my sentimentalism, but it is how I feel.
So all of you out there, whether in America or not, please take a moment, just a moment, to refect on all those brave souls who gave their lives for your countries. Because as corny and cheesy as it sounds, freedom is not, and never has been, free.

Comments

[shirebound]

So all of you out there, whether in America or not, please take a moment, just a moment, to refect on all those brave souls who gave their lives for your countries. Because as corny and cheesy as it sounds, freedom is not, and never has been, free.

*applauds*

And what's "While You Were Away"?? I've never heard of that one.

[piplover.livejournal.com]

Oh, it's one of my all time favorites. It was made during the last year of World War 2, and is one of the last films Shirly Temple made. It is about a mother and her two daughters as they struggle to make ends meet while her husband is at war. They end up renting out one of the rooms in their house to a retired colonel who happens to be a mean, grumpy, old man. It is a delightful movie that has me laughing and crying everytime I see it. Though a bit long at 3 hours, I highly recomend trying to find it. It will make you laugh, cry, and then laugh again, all within a short period of time.

[g-i-dennis.livejournal.com]

I hear ya on the freedom bit. Don't think I've forgotten any of it. I'm a lifetime member of the VFW now, after all. :)

[piplover.livejournal.com]

Same here, lol!

Freedom, Liberty, Justice for all

[luv2hobbits.livejournal.com]

I agree with you completely here, and it does not sound corny or cheesy in any way. I'm glad you feel accomplished, because that you are, and wise also.
All of my life I have followed along the same thought lines, about remembering those who are lost, and all my life I have been mocked for it.
But your comment about freedom is not free is truly insightful.
Nothing comes free.

Re: Freedom, Liberty, Justice for all

[piplover.livejournal.com]

I, too, have been mocked, because I believe in having pride in our country and remembering those who gave their lives for us. But I figure that just makes us all the better, for keeping in mind what others have forgotten. Thank you, for remember as well. I always makes me happy to know that there are others out there who care.

MY BABY

[gstrdr15.livejournal.com]

My Baby

Kelly Ann is, and always will be my baby. She's 5' 2" & 1/8" of attitude, she's my daughter. She is also a member of the United States Army and I couldn't be prouder. When she goes in harms way, i worry about her, I pray for her, but I am always Proud she is my daughter and a member of the armed forces that protects our country. Just remember people, her licence plate on her car reads "PMS24-7," so don't piss her off. Love you Kelly Belly

Re: MY BABY

[piplover.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Daddy, for embarrassing me from halfway across the country. I love you, too. And my liscence plate does not read PMS24-7. It is 132-MKG. Just so everyone knows. I'm going to go bang my head against a wall now.

[gtaotaku.livejournal.com]

Not laughing piplover, reflecting lots and lots, but not laughing. It's an unfortunate truth and freedom is not free. We need to rememeber those that pay for it, if nothing else.