A Memorial Day reflection
posted at 9:52 am on May 26, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Our family has been fortunate in service to our country. Many members of my family on both sides have served in the military during wartime, and all but one of them came back. The one who gave his life, my great-uncle John Edward Morrissey, died during World War II in the Merchant Marine. My cousin Mike, also a veteran, tells the story:
John Edward Morrissey, our grandfather’s youngest brother, was a Merchant Marine. He served aboard a U.S. tanker Eugene V.R. Thayer. En route to Caripito, Venezuela from Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Eugene V.R. Thayer is pursued and shelled by Italian submarine Pietro Calvi at 02°20′S, 39°30′W; 11 of the tanker’s crew are killed in the engagement that ends when Eugene V.R. Thayer is abandoned and later sinks off the coast of Brasil on 13 April 1942.
He died on his 21st birthday, 9 April 1942.
My father, the Admiral Emeritus, served in the Army in Korea. The First Mate’s father was a Marine Corps pilot who served in both World War II and Korea, flying Corsairs in the Pacific. My father’s oldest brother went into the Navy and became part of the Seabees, and his other brothers served in the armed forces as well. My cousins have volunteered for duty. The next generation now serve in the military, and at least two of them have served or are serving in Iraq.
On my mother’s side, two of her brothers served in Vietnam, in the Marine Corps and the Army. Her third brother volunteered for the Air Force at the end of that war and spent 14 years serving his country.
America has never lacked for heroes, men and women who exemplify patriotism, honor, duty, and sacrifice. All of us, whether Democrats or Republicans, liberals or conservatives, have members of our family who have devoted time in their lives to our country; we’re all connected to them.
Today we remember those like John Edward Morrissey who gave their lives or their health to protect and defend our nation. They served without hesitation and they gave their all for our nation, regardless of whether we agreed on the fight itself — and regardless of that, we owe them recognition of their honor and courage in serving this nation. Join us in prayer or in thought, and remember to fly the flag as a sign of respect for their sacrifice.
Our deepest thanks go out to them all, and to the families they left behind.
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Sounds like it runs deep in your family, Ed. God bless ‘em all.
I had an Air Force medic on my plane the other day, he was on his way home from Kyrgyzstan (thank you Spell Checker). He flew from Afghanistan to Dover AFB, DE in a C-17, drove to Philly and was on my SWA flight to Austin, TX. When we landed I asked the other passengers to remain seated while this young Airman deplaned because he hadn’t been home in 2 years. Everybody clapped and cheered as walked by them, patting him on the back and thanking him for his service. NOBODY called him a babykiller or any of that leftist bullsh!t, so if you’re in the military, don’t think for a minute that the people don’t support you. We do, and we always will.
Please remember these names…
Jason Dunham, Micheal Murphy, Paul Smith, Micheal Monsoor and Ross McGinnis.
Tony737 on May 26, 2008 at 10:02 AM
My cousin Lenoard Foster Mason, UMSC WWII the Navy honored him by naming a vessel after him. My cousin Willa saw Foster Mason off when he was leaving for War they were sharing some hard candy. Willa said something like Now don’t go getting yourself killed Foster and he replied don’t you worry you know only the good die young. God Bless You Foster Mason. God Bless our Military Service People and God Bless America. My Grandfather Edward Henry Day was also a Marine WWI and WWII.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_F._Mason
Dr Evil on May 26, 2008 at 10:05 AM
John 15:12-13
12 My command is this: love each other as I have loved you.
13 Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
jgapinoy on May 26, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Today I take a moment to stop and think of the small handful of people I know and have met during my service who have since fallen. I continue to be lucky, that I am still alive, and that for being a servicemember how few men and women I’ve known have perished in the long war.
Spc Steve on May 26, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Good morning Ed.
My family has also been very fortunate. My son, my daughter and myself have all served during this time of conflict. Other than a minor back injury that my son received (he’s fine now) we came back without a scratch.
God bless the troops and especially those families whose members have paid the ultimate price.
Guardian on May 26, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Tony737:
Thank you for sharing that story. It reaffirmed my great sense of pride for our military.
Whenever I see a military person in uniform, I walk up to them, shake their hand, and thank them for their service. It makes me feel fantastic and I hope makes them feel appreciated.
trs on May 26, 2008 at 10:28 AM
God bless the troops and especially those families whose members have paid the ultimate price.
That’s why it seems like an oxymoron to say “Happy Memorial Day”. There’s nothing happy about it, except that we’re happy to be free and able to celebrate it. But remember, EVERYDAY is Memorial Day.
Tony737 on May 26, 2008 at 10:29 AM
To all those who gave everything for our Freedom,
*salutes*
Yakko77 on May 26, 2008 at 10:30 AM
… shake their hand, and thank them for their service.
And buy ‘em a beer! :-)
Tony737 on May 26, 2008 at 10:31 AM
I would like to thank each and every person here who have served in the military past and present. I thank the families also. Numerous members of my family have served from Pearl Harbor on 12/7, Korea, Viet Nam, and now Iraq. I thank God for all who keep our Republic free. I ask God to keep each safe in His arms.
L
letget on May 26, 2008 at 10:32 AM
My father was career military, serving two tours in Vietnam in 1966-67 and 70-71. A stint in Korea after the war.
All his brothers AND sisters served, as did his two brothers in law, also career.
My tribe terminated my family, yet STILL has my father on their website as a Pechanga Veteran.
My father loved the Army, as a drill instructor,he prepared many young men for war and he was committed to making them the best.
Thank you, Dad, and thank you to all who have served.
originalpechanga on May 26, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Ed,
Thank you for the lovely reflection.
My mother was a MasterSgt in the Air Force. My Grandfather was a received several decorations for valor on the USS PRINCETON when it was sunk in Leyte Gulf. My grandma was a nurse in the RAF in WWII. My other graddad was in the 82nd in Korea and my father in law was a transport officer in Korea.
And thats just the last two gens. My family has given me endless grief because I am the first officer.
Squid Shark on May 26, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Unfortunately, too few of our men (gender identity intended) feel the way the Bard did these days. I blame the PC culture and feminism.
Land of the Free Because of the Brave.
Longhorn Six on May 26, 2008 at 10:45 AM
My tribe terminated my family … – Pechanga
When I read that I was like WHAT? Then I clicked on your name and read the article and breathed a sigh of relief … whew … for minute there I thought you actually meant ‘killed’.
President Bush is gonna make his Memorial Day speech in about 10 minutes.
Tony737 on May 26, 2008 at 10:47 AM
It does, it is a smidge akward and it happens alot around here in Jacksonville.
Squid Shark on May 26, 2008 at 10:47 AM
More on the Bard, Spc Steve. I find that almost all of my close friends these days (I’m in my 60’s) are those who, like me, served. Not all fought, nor did all make it a career, but the simple fact of service says a great deal about a man.
Thanks for letting an old soldier vent.
Longhorn Six on May 26, 2008 at 10:48 AM
My family has given me endless grief because I am the first officer. Squiddy
Hahaha I’m sure they mean it in a good way :-)
Tony737 on May 26, 2008 at 10:49 AM
ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.
Mansions of the Lord
Lt. Col. James B. Hogue, USAF, ret.
RIP Dad
E9RET on May 26, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Its kinda half-and-half
Squid Shark on May 26, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Thanks to all who have lost their lives to protect and defend us and preserve our freedom. Thanks also to those who are serving today in our armed forces, God bless and keep you and your families, God bless America.
surrounded on May 26, 2008 at 11:04 AM
We weren’t so fortunate. Almost every male in my extended family going back to my Grandfather’s generation served in the military. But we’ve had nearly a half dozen who didn’t make it back. I was fortunate enough not to have ever gotten my parts rearranged by hostile forces.
My grandad, Walter Shaw, fought in the trenches in World War One. My Dad, Sgt. Roger Shaw, was injured shortly after the relief of Baston fighting under George Patton in World War Two as they made their way across France into Germany. One uncle, two cousins and a brother-in-law didn’t make it back from World War Two and Vietnam repsectively. The list goes on. We remember them always, and particularly on Memorial Day.
Jazz Shaw on May 26, 2008 at 11:09 AM
To all those who have and are giving life and limb to make possible our Freedom I am deeply grateful.
May we, as a People, have the wisdom not to throw it all away for empty promises of hope and change that in reality will result in the socialization of our Union.
techno_barbarian on May 26, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Many thanks to you & to your extended family for all you’ve done for the USA.
My dad was in the RAF, I was in the USAF, & my son will join the Army or Marines as soon as he’s old enough.
jgapinoy on May 26, 2008 at 11:14 AM
ANYONE who serves or served honorably in ANY capacity deserves to be honored for that service–none more so than those who gave it all.
irongrampa on May 26, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Ed,
Thank You.
I have several family members myself who served. Dad’s side – My Dad (Late ’50s/Early ’60s), all 3 Uncles (WWII), and a number of Dad’s cousins (WWI).
My Mom’s side has so few people, yet they all served (or tried) – Mom’s only Cousin (Vietnam), Mom’s father tried (WWII) but was too old & the father of 2, and Mom’s father’s Cousin (WWII).
Of course, if you look further back through the ancestral tree, we have more who fought for this country, and for/against other freedoms/tyranny that we know of: Civil War (4), American Revolution (5), Nichols Expedition (2), Protestant Reformation (1), Wars of the Roses (2), Maga Charta (1).
Anyone who values true freedom understands the price that periodically and ultimately has to be paid.
Miss_Anthrope on May 26, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Remember Johnny Michael Spann.
“Do not mourn that such men died, but thank God that they lived.”
-Gen. G. Patton.
profitsbeard on May 26, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Son of a Korean campaign MP here. Thank you all for honoring my father and millions of other vets on this day.
Hannibal Smith on May 26, 2008 at 11:42 AM
…. my son will join the Army or Marines as soon as he’s old enough. – Pinoy
You must be so proud of him! Tell him to start jogging everyday and doing pushups :-)
Tony737 on May 26, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Thanks to all the military!!!
SouthernGent on May 26, 2008 at 11:54 AM
This Memorial Day is a bittersweet one for me as it is my final one as a member of our Armed Forces. This Saturday the 31st, I will be retiring after 20 years serving this great country in the Navy. I was always away from the fighting during Desert Storm, Operation Restore Hope (Somalia) and Iraqi Freedom, but the pilots flying off of my aircraft carriers were in the thick of it. I also reflect on the members of my family who served; my mother’s father was a tin can sailor during WWI, one of my father’s brothers was in the Battle of the Bulge and another served in the Air Force during the 50’s and last of all my mother’s brother who didn’t make it home, flew SBD Dauntless dive bombers on U Boat patrols in the Carolinas during WWII. Thank you and everyone else who have served our country over the years.
ic1redeye on May 26, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Our soldiers are NOT BABY KILLERS!!! They are special human beings!
DfDeportation on May 26, 2008 at 12:05 PM
I apologize in advance for any unintended insult, but let’s remember the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. (EVERY day is both). I’m not taking away from the Vets, I am one myself, but Memorial Day is to remember those who didn’t return.
I’m reluctant to submit this knowing that somebody will take it the wrong way.
Please don’t take it the wrong way, I’m very pro-Troops, but living, breathing Soldiers would redirect our adulation to those who have died in combat.
Tony737 on May 26, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Amen profit.
Zorro on May 26, 2008 at 12:24 PM
“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die.” – G.K. Chesterton.
Better men then I’ll ever be.
CurtZHP on May 26, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Today is my birthday, the big ‘four-oh’, and the rarity it lands on Memorial Day humbles me once again, reserving celebration for another day when today is meant for respecting so many honorable men and women who died so that I could be granted the privilege of being born in this great country.
I live in a very small town, and wake every Memorial Day to the wisping of cars past my home as the local veterans assemble down the street in the heart of the town a little over a block away. I wake the kids and we make our way outside to hear the list of names read, watch the 21 gun salute and hear the latest high school talent emotionally play ‘Taps’. Then the vets, and locals alike pile into our cars for the pilgrimage to the local cemeteries to see the same thing unfold again.
It never gets old, and never fails to draw a tear or two.
God Bless those who’ve lived and died so that I can have yet another birthday in the greatest country on earth.
cntrlfrk on May 26, 2008 at 12:52 PM
I’m thankful for all our troops. Both those who made it home, and those who didn’t.
Sekhmet on May 26, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Spc Steve, to you and all your peers, in all branches, Thank You! You are our betters.
To all the fallen heroes, this is not a happy day, but a very solemn one in remembrance of who you were, what you did for country and world, and what could have been, were it not for your sacrifices. Also, it is a day to honor all which your families have given and suffered, so that we can be free, dumb and happy.
Tony737, thank you for the tears.
Entelechy on May 26, 2008 at 2:02 PM
World War II was deadly for our family, also, I lost one uncle in a friendly fire incident on Hawaii (Army) and another uncle in an traffic accident while on leave (Navy).
Another Uncle was with Patton and spoke very highly of him and was proud to serve under him.
Memorial Day IS a time to rememer our war dead, and I’ve been out yesterday and today to cemetarys for family and they are FULL of people and flowers.
originalpechanga on May 26, 2008 at 2:05 PM
America’s true treasure; the American warriors serving our country selflessly and professionally…
Keemo on May 26, 2008 at 2:27 PM
Both sides of the spectrum; the American soldier and the American media…
First, the White House spoke out against NBC News and its editing of Richard Engel’s interview with President George Bush.
And, today, the White House takes on the New York Times editorial page for its editorial, “Mr. Bush and the GI Bill.”
From the White House statement:
Once again, the New York Times Editorial Board doesn’t let the facts get in the way of expressing its vitriolic opinions – no matter how misleading they may be.
In today’s editorial, “Mr. Bush and the GI Bill”, the New York Times irresponsibly distorts President Bush’s strong commitment to strengthening and expanding support for America’s service members and their families.
This editorial could not be farther from the truth about the President’s record of leadership on this issue. In his January 2008 State of the Union Address, while proposing a series of initiatives to support our military families, President Bush specifically called upon Congress to answer service members’ request that they be able to transfer their GI Bill benefits to their spouses and children. In April, he sent a legislative package to the Hill that would expand access to childcare, create new authorities to appoint qualified spouses into civil service jobs, provide education opportunities and job training for military spouses, and allow our troops to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouses or children.
As Congress debates the best way to expand the existing GI Bill, Secretary Gates has laid out important guidelines to ensure that legislation meets our service members’ needs and rewards military service. First, since our servicemen and women have regularly requested the ability to transfer their GI bill benefits to their family members, legislation should include transferability. Second, legislation should provide greater rewards for continued military service in the all volunteer force.
There are several GI bill proposals under consideration in both the House and Senate. The Department of Defense has specific concerns about legislation sponsored by Senator Webb because it lacks transferability and could negatively impact military retention.
The President specifically supports the GI Bill legislation expansion proposed by Senators Graham, Burr, and McCain because it allows for the transferability of education benefits and calibrates an increase in education benefits to time in the service.
Though readers of the New York Times editorial page wouldn’t know it, President Bush looks forward to signing a GI bill that supports our troops and their families, and preserves the experience and skill of our forces.
Keemo on May 26, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Well said, Ed, well said.
I, for one, am thankful for all American troops, both past and present who have served this country. On March 31st, my father-in-law passed away. He was a Marine in the Pacific Theater during World War II and stationed in Guam. He didn’t like to talk about the experiences he had there. At his funeral a Marine honor guard presented my Mother-in-law with the flag that draped his coffin. It was an extremely moving ceremony. So this Memorial Day is a little more poignant for my wife and myself.
I hope you have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day. I invite you and your readers to my blog to see my Memorial Day tribute.
Carl on May 26, 2008 at 2:57 PM
Charles F. Thomas IV.
easy on May 26, 2008 at 3:27 PM
thank you for the tears – Entel
It’s my pleasure to share these kind of stories with my friends at HotAir, although I should’ve specified that I was part of the Crew on this plane, it almost sounded like I was a passenger.
Tony737 on May 26, 2008 at 3:27 PM
Tony737, thank you for being a part of making these stories. You sure are a special one.
Entelechy on May 26, 2008 at 3:46 PM
aawww (hugs Entel) my little Romanian buddy.
No, special is somebody who signs up knowing we’re at war, goes to the war zone, finds a target and pulls the trigger. BAM! One less terrorist azzhole trying to kill my daughter and make my wife wear a burka.
Tony737 on May 26, 2008 at 3:57 PM
Reading these posts brings tears to my eyes. God bless America and it’s fine brave warriors.
Ernest on May 26, 2008 at 4:46 PM
“The last Monday in May……”
All I can say is “Thank you for my Freedom…….”
Seven Percent Solution on May 26, 2008 at 4:52 PM
Thanks to all who’ve shared their stories, and thanks to our troops who gave their all. God bless them and their families. NEVER FORGET.
Rosmerta on May 26, 2008 at 4:52 PM
I’d like to raise one to my friend Steve who’s still on patrol on USS Scorpion. Here’s to ya buddy, after 40 years I still remember.
Oldnuke on May 26, 2008 at 5:10 PM
My Great Grand Uncle served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. My Grand Father, who served in the U.S. Army, was killed in action during World War II, October 1944. My Grand Uncle served in the Army Air Corps in North Africa during World War II. My Dad served in the U.S. Air Force during the 1950s, and my twin brother and I both served in the U.S. Navy, him for 3 years, me for 10 years.
My Aunt, my Dad’s sister, served as a U.S. Army nurse during Desert Storm, and her daughter (my cousin) served in the U.S. Navy, as did her brother, who is now in the U.S. Air Force (got out of the Navy, went into the USAF).
I am proud of each and every one of them for their service.
Gothguy on May 26, 2008 at 6:45 PM
Thanks for reminding us of the connection we ALL share with those who are being remembered today. A salute to the Morrisseys.
And speaking of connections… Did you know that John Edward Morrissey shares his name with a scrappy salesman named John Edward Reagan…? Yes… You guessed it. The father of Ronaldus Maximus.
Rugged Individual on May 26, 2008 at 7:55 PM
Captain Christopher J. Adams
Captain Leland T. Haun
Master Sergeant Michael G. Heiser
Master Sergeant Kendall K. Kitson, Jr.
Technical Sergeant Daniel B. Cafourek
Technical Sergeant Patrick P. Fennig
Technical Sergeant Thanh V. Nguyen
Staff Sergeant Kevin J. Johnson
Staff Sergeant Ronald L. King
Sergeant Millard D. Campbell
Senior Airman Earl F. Cartrette, Jr.
Senior Airman Jeremy A. Taylor
Airman 1st Class Christopher B. Lester
Airman 1st Class Brent E. Marthaler
Airman 1st Class Brian W. McVeigh
Airman 1st Class Peter J. Morgera
Airman 1st Class Joseph E. Rimkus
Airman 1st Class Justin R. Wood
Airman 1st Class Joshua E. Woody
F15Mech on May 26, 2008 at 9:37 PM
I’m with you Tony, and f15Mech…man….
I’ll silently remember yours and mine….
for mine….not a day goes by….
jerrytbg on May 26, 2008 at 10:45 PM
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