17-5-30 Garand Picture of the Day

[Mark in Rochester]

My thoughts on Memorial Day

John 15:13

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

The current death gratuity is $100,000 free from federal and state income taxes
Since the loss of a family member is a life long burden would it be better to also relieve all family members from all taxes for the remainder of their lives - the soldiers sacrifice is priceless but this in a small way would ease the burden on the family.

What do you think

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[CINDERS]

I am not sure of our Goverments stance on a gratuitous payment but would agree that the parents (if the soldier was unmarried) engaged partner/wife be given a free ticket from taxes/respite care/medical bills for the term of their natural life.
The only sticking area would be partners out of wedlock or with no plans to marry there would have to be a caveat on the length of the relationship verses how much they receive it is a bit of a messy area this bit.

As you stated Mark they have gone the whole 9 yards and given all they can so we can enjoy our very comfortable existence.

[browningautorifle]

Dukeman, KIA Holland... I agree, the govt...no matter who's gov't... doesn't really feel for the families nor does it really want to help them. It wants to milk the money out of the "Taxpayers"... Hope that doesn't turn political.

[Paul S.]

... partners out of wedlock or with no plans to marry there would have to be a caveat on the length of the relationship ...

An American mate of mine told that there is, or used to be, in many legal systems a provision that after a specific time period of co-habitation, the couple was considered de facto married. He said his parents divorced when he was 4 and then got back together again when he was 6. He said that when they split up the second time when he was 9 they had cohabitated long enough in the state (Florida I think) they lived in that they had go through the divorce procedure and court even though they never officially or legally remarried. Admittedly, he was talking about events from 50 years ago and a lot has changed since then.

[fjruple]

It has always bugged me the way Memorial Day and Veterans day is treated in the US especially when there are sales for veterans. I have always felt that my service was not to be some sort of dodge or hussle to get freebies. I would always ask the store owners, "Are you also giving the same discount to the family of a soldier who died in the line of duty?" You should see the looks on their faces. If you do not believe me try it yourself.

--fjruple

[browningautorifle]

my service was not to be some sort of dodge or hussle to get freebies

Neither do I use my vet's card for discounts. I don't even carry it. We care more about each other than society ever shall about us.

[Bob Seijas]

Well it's Tommy this and Tommy that,
And chuck 'im out, the brute.
But it's Savior of 'is Country
When the guns begin to shoot!

True in the 1800's and still true.

[Paul S.]

Neither do I use my vet's card for discounts. I don't even carry it. We care more about each other than society ever shall about us.

You're not wrong there.

[Daan Kemp]

Called a common law spouse. Wife/husband far all purposes but for a marriage certificate/license/whatever.

[Mark in Rochester]

It troubles me to hear the word hero associated with so many common place activities "sports Hero" I feel it diminishes the true sacrifices made for the country and allows the public to live in ignorance

Babe Heffron- I want people to know we're not heroes. We did our duty, just like sixteen million others who fought in the war. Everyone, including the families, sacrificed in some way. The kids who didn't come home are the heroes. They're the ones who gave their lives. Their parents are the heroes, because they gave a child.

We know the names but not the stories any more - Chicago O'Hare International Airport - Lieutenant Commander Edward Henry “Butch” O’Hare MOH (March 13, 1914 – November 26, 1943)
U.S.Michael Murphy - Michael Patrick "Murph" Murphy MOH (May 7, 1976 – June 28, 2005)
Petrarca Range - PFC FRANK J. PETRARCA U.S. Army, Medical Detachment, 145th Infantry, 37th Infantry Division MOH
Rodriguez Range - Tec Sergeant CLETO RODRIGUEZ U.S. Army, Company B, 148th Infantry, 37th Infantry Division. MOH
Young Range Second Lieutenant ROBERT M. VIALE, U.S. Army, Company K, 148th Infantry, 37th Infantry Division. MOH
Viale Range Private RODGER W. YOUNG, U.S. Army, 148th Infantry, 37th Infantry Division. MOH

When we forget their stories we forget them and we casually note their service under the banner of Memorial Day