309 wrote:
Uh folks???

It seems like there was a misunderstanding...unfortunate as it may be,
a big one.

And I know the quote was issue from another nation, but can we get back
to the point:

Never has so much been owed by so many to so few.

That phrase applies to OUR servicemen, too. I challenge you all to
show your thanks to those that have served, those that are serving.

While I will get together with friends on Memorial Day, we will ALL be
thanful to and hoist one for those who served, and especially those who
made the ultimate sacrifice, that we may enjoy our freedom, which is
NOT free, and continue to be a most generous nation, that we can give
billions to those less fortunate and those impacted by catastrophe.

Yes, it is sad that the most generous nation on Earth is also "the most
hated," but what I find more sad is that we "brothers," those who have
tasted flight, soared like eagles and (as Da Vinci put it), are forever
longing to return to the sky -- can become this trite with one another.

Calling the Confederate States an "enemy" is, in my mind, like
referring to a cancer as an invader. While we don't agree, we're still
shooting our brothers -- so much more the tragedy. By a twist of fate,
I was born north of the Mason-Dixon line, educated south of the line,
and settled as far away from that line as possilble. I've worked in
the north, the south, the east and the west. I arrive honest and
humble, and choose to do business with those that are honest -- I have
been blessed with a fantastic career, replete with enjoyable
opportunities meeting with people of all accents, colors and beliefs.
We are all ALLOWED opportunities by the actions of "the few," as
Winston Churchill referred to them...and from a service from a recently
deceased serviceman: "Do not squander the time given to you by God or
the freedom preserved by this Marine's life."

Shawn, I am sorry for your loss and am grateful that people like your
father have served, yet very sorrowful that they suffered and
sacrificed. You and your family will be in the thoughts and prayers of
my family, especially this memorial day weekend.

Jim and Jack, thanks for the thoughts, thanks for provoking others to
think and a hearty thank you to those who have served and sacrificed so
that we may do more than just soar, we may freely express our opinions
-- a luxury that not all on this planet can enjoy.

-Pete
#309

Thank you Pete.

Shawn