'My 3 Joes', all veterans who I am remembering today, this Memorial Day

[AnArmyVeteran]

I lost my little brother a few years ago. Joe was only 30. He was a veteran of the US Air Force. He spent most of his adult life serving his country.

In the 1990s I lost my Dad. He was just a kid when he went to Canada in 1939 to join the Canadian Army to fight against Germany, as a lot of other patriotic Americans did. His name was Joe too. After his service in the Canadian Army he joined the US Army. My Dad was a veteran of both the Canadian and US Armies.

A year after I lost my Dad, my dear friend, mentor and father figure Joe died. He was a US Marine who fought the Japanese during WWII. Every September 18th he would have nightmares of a horrific battle in a jungle in SE Asia. All 23 of his fellow Marines were slaughtered in a pitch black night, but somehow Joe survived. But every anniversary of that night Joe would have nightmares which took him back to that island of hell, remembering every detail of the horror he experienced. The psychological wounds Joe endured remained with him his entire life.

They are my three Joes, each serving their country in 3 different branches of the military. They all passed away in Octobers. Because of their loses, I have learned to fear Octobers as if it will mean the loss of someone else I dearly love. I can't wait for the feeling of 'safety' November always brings me.

I am remembering each one of my three Joes today and how each of them touched my life so profoundly. They all served their country and helped their fellow man. Each gave of themselves throughout their lives to make the world a better place. After their service to their countries each spent their lives fighting for justice for others, standing up for the little guy and being an advocate for the most vulnerable.

They were all named "Joe" and I miss them so much, especially today. My heart wishes they could celebrate this day with me, but my mind knows they cannot. They will be in my thoughts and in my heart. Though they are gone, I will always be their son, friend and brother. And I will forever miss them.

It doesn't have to be Memorial Day to remember them or what they did for others or their sacrifices for their country. I think about them all the time. But today is their day. I hope others will think of them too.

[AnArmyVeteran]

1. Anyone realize today is a day of rememberance for our fallen soldiers?

I'm just curious. I thought people would at least spend a few moments today remembering soldiers who died so that we could be free.

My best friend Brian, who was like a brother to me, served in the US Marines. He died at 41 of lung cancer probably from exposure to chemicals he was exposed to during the war. He wasn't listed as a casualty of the war but he was 'killed' just the same. There are a lot of casualties of war no one remembers, but they are dead nevertheless. My friend served in the US Marines even though he was born in Canada. He is just one more person who won't be remembered or memorialized by society today. But I remember Brian and his sacrifice. His family remembers. But those he served for have largely forgotten him and all of the other countless Brians who served so that people could spend today with their families and enjoying the feasts they will be sharing today...

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

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[Ruby the Liberal]

4. What a horrific thing to say!

:(

[Skittles]

7. I have kicked the ass of all who have said "Happy Memorial Day" to me

oh yes

[Ruby the Liberal]

3. Thank you for the heart warming post. I am sorry for your losses and thank

you for your service.

K&R

:patriot:

[NYC_SKP]

5. Recommended and to any service member, retired or active, "Thank You for Your Service". nt

:patriot:

[pinboy3niner]

6. K&R

:patriot:

[LiberalLoner]

8. What a beautiful story, dear friend. Thank you for sharing it. n/t

[AnArmyVeteran]

10. Thank you LiberalLoner. I appreciate your nice comments & I appreciate 'you'...

[Suich]

9. K&R!

Thank you...:patriot: