Conference 7.286::sports_91

265.0. "Memorial Day Sentiments...." by CAMONE::WAY (TWO people can change the world) Fri May 22 1992 10:57

	On October 25, 1415, St. Crispin's Day, King Henry V of England
	prepared to take on a numerically superior French force at
	a place called Agincourt.  In his final address to his 
	troops before the battle, he said the following:

		"And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
		 From this day to the ending of the world,
	 	 But we in it shall be remembered,"



	Remembrance.  

	Our little history here in the United States pales in comparison
	with the long tapestry woven by those on that island in the 
	North Sea. Yet ours is no less glorious.

	Remembrance.

	This weekend is Memorial Day weekend.  A day to remember those
	who have made the ultimate sacrifice in securing and retaining
	the tenets upon which this great country was built, over two
	hundred years ago.  A day to reflect the awesome price our
	way of life demands.

	Yet as we stand here on the brink of Memorial Day, we must
	pause and take stock, for it seems this once proud ship 
	in which we sail is foundering upon the rocks.  It seems
	as if that which was bought and paid for in blood is in 
	grave danger.

	People are out of work, inequality is evident as never 
	before, hate seems the watchword of the day, and our
	politicians offer nothing but empty rhetoric and empty
	promises, and show an amazing capacity for myopic views
	when they choose to tear themselves away from Murhpy Brown
	or F-Troop.

	Throughout our history, when our freedom has been threatened,
	our young men and women have heeded the call.  From a small
	bridge in Concord, to the farthest jungles of Vietnam, to
	the sands of Kuwait, the beaches at Normandy, the forests
	of Belgium, the bombed cities of Germany, and the jungles of
	the South Pacific, they heeded the call, kissed loved ones
	goodbye, and set off, innocent babes.   "Theirs is not the
	reason why, theirs is but to do or die", said Tennyson.


	The ones that returned had lost their innocence, the 
	virginity of their souls plucked by the ravages of warfare.  
	Those that didn't return, those who paid the ultimate price, 
	and lie on foreign soil, in the great depths of the world's
	oceans, or were borne home by comrades, are remembered on 
	Memorial Day.   

	Freedom.  A small word describing a vast, inalienable right.
	Today, this very day, we see it in the unrest, in the complaints,
	and in the quest to right injustices.  While we may complain
	about our country, its politicians who seem more interested
	in lining their own pockets than in providing an opportunity
	for all, and the unfairness that life sometimes brings, we
	must never forget that in that very act of complaining
	we are exercising the right bought and paid for by all those
	who heeded the call, and especially by those who gave all
	that they had to give.


	Like Henry's men over 500 years ago, we, you and I, are
	standing on the brink of a great battle.  It is not a
	battle to be fought by soldiers, but a battle to be fought
	by everyone of us -- black, white, red, yellow, of differing 
	beliefs and creeds.   It is a battle for peace, understanding,
	and tolerance, and it is every bit as crucial to the
	survival of our country as those battles with fancier
	sounding names:  Adrennes, Bastonge, Khe Sahn, Kuwait City.

	Our battle is here, in the streets, in the schools, and
	even in the stuffy halls of Congress.  Our battle is
	for all people, everywhere, that they may have a better
	life.

	I'd like to say that today is the eve of Memorial Day,
	and that Memorial Days will go by from this day to the
	ending of the world and that we shall be remembered, but
	I'm not sure of that.   There is much work to be done,
	many skirmishes to be fought.

	On this Memorial Day, while we quietly remember those who
	have died in battle to give us this gift of freedom, let us
	also remember those who have worked here, at home, unsung
	heroes who have given just as much.

	And finally, let each and everyone of us heed the call, so
	that one day, perhaps 500 years from now, men will look back
	and recognize that our efforts made this a better place.

	To all, have a safe and fulfilling weekend.

 Nicely said, 'Saw.   Our present form of government by bureaucracy is
 exactly what our beloved Founding Fathers were trying to prevent.  The
 passive tyranny we live under is no better than fascism and we need to
 refocus our national will and take back "our" country.
 
 Might as well start now ...
 
 Bob Hunt

    Our conutry isn't on the rocks, but it is in the midst of a very
    turbulent storm.
    
    No change in course will help if you're already on the rocks, but it
    CAN may a difference if you have the ability to steer.
    
    And, we do.
    
    Enough of this seriousness, wasn't St. Crispin the patron saint of KFC
    and the Colonel?
    
    lEe

    
    I dial into SPORTS for the first time in a long time.
    
    What's the first topic I see ?      
    
    A personal opinion on Memorial Day and it's relationship to the
    current mismanagement of our governmental system.
    
    The note belongs in SOAPBOX, not here.
    
    If I callup SOAPBOX will I get a note on the Bruins/Penguins ?
    
    Greg

    
   >> If I callup SOAPBOX will I get a note on the Bruins/Penguins ?
    
      Probably not but chances are you'll feel right at home.

>    A personal opinion on Memorial Day and it's relationship to the
>    current mismanagement of our governmental system.
    
It's kind of a SPORTS tradition.  Course if you're never around you
wouldn't know that.

I'm sure you know where the next unseen key is.

Dir/title="Pitt" or "Bost" will give you Bruins-Penguins stuff



Have a sparkling day.

    Just want to wish everyone a fun, sunny, and SAFE Memorial Day weekend.
    Please stay sober when on the road, and watch each other's backs.
    
    Peace,
    
    The Doc

    Have a safe holiday weekend, friends.  I'm off to Myrtle Beach for 
    some Inebriation (the second I being out of the question since it's a
    guy's week at the beach).

    If the Bruins come roaring back to win this thing (still possible),
    I'll be rooting loud and hard for them and their fans in the
    championships.  If not...

    


    				GO PENGUINS!!!

    

    Take care.

    	--dan'l