Here is part two:

Second Place
Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. "I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it," she said. "I think that's what he would have wanted."

Added: This "Quote" shared by grateful Americans of words spoken by a 'Great American'...
"No arsenal, no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. - - - Ronald Reagan

Happy Memorial Day All.

Here is a link that might be useful: another fallen comrade

*sniff* Thanks so much for sharing those stories and photos, Jenny!

When leaving the library the other day (which is only open on Mondays and Wednesdays), I almost wished Nora, the librarian, a "happy" Memorial Day weekend. I felt sort of sick, because I didn't know what to say. To me, it's not a happy time, and I almost feel like I'm betraying all of those who deserve to be memorialized. I finally just said, "Have a safe holiday weekend, Nora!"

[This isn't anything against Jenny for posting "Happy Memorial Day", since that's the polite thing to say before an upcoming holiday. It just reminded me of my experience the other day. :)]

Brenda

Thank you for sharing that, koijoyii. (Tissue dabbing).

Despite all of our conflicting views of ANY of our wars and conflicts, those who have fallen deserve my utmost respect.

My prayers to your families...Sarah

PS: Heartfelt prayers to Dave and Vicky Day, Morris,MN. Who lost their son in Iraq last spring...my thoughts are with you.

I dunno. In the era when many (if not most) are mainly concerned about taking care of #1, it is GREAT to know that there are still men & women, younger & older, from all walks of life, who are still willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for something they belive so strongly in. That is indeed an encouraging and happy thought.

Another motivating story...

"Late in the afternoon of 1 December 1950, Marine Staff Sergeant Windrich's company was surrounded by enemy aggressors at Yudam-ni. They were ordered to move toward Hagaru-ri. By the time they reached Hill 1520 (Hill number shows elevation in meters) it was very dark and the temperature averaged a minus 40 degrees. The company relocated a few times, then back to the knoll, between two rugged mile high mountains where they were bombarded by grenades, machine gun and rifle fire. Staff Sergeant Windrich led a rifle squad of twelve men to meet the enemy head on, while armed with a M-2 carbine. Seven of his men were wounded or killed before they reached the forward position they were to defend. Windrich was also wounded in the head by a bursting grenade. As blood gushed down his shoulder and back he moved his remaining men into a tight fire group. Then he ran to the company command post, drafting a small group of volunteers, and led them to evacuate the dying and wounded. Assuming command of what was left of a platoon, Windrich once more took up defensive positions. Now he was shot in both legs, but kept fighting, always refusing medical attention. For a long time he crawled in the snow, back and forth between his men shouting words of encouragement, deploying his forces and helping to throw back the attackers. It was only after the enemy had been beaten off did Staff Sergeant Windrich collapse and die due to the bitter cold, excessive loss of blood and severe pain. In the end there were two officers and eighteen enlisted men alive, who staggered down the mountain to be with the rest of the column headed toward Hagaru-ri. Windrich was not there! He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. "