Christmas - A time to remember the defenders of freedom & say thank you

For the last 20 years a man in Maine (< link to story) has donated as many Christmas wreaths as he could to be placed on the graves of service personnel at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. This year 100,000 such wreaths were placed as a symbol of appreciation - IMO a most fitting way to express what we too often forget to do - to remember and express our gratitude.

Some gave their last true measure, never to hold their families and friends again in this world. Others were luckier and returned to be good and productive members of society, hiding their scars and painful memories from the rest of us. We were diminished in their passing, yet borne aloft by their deeds. They are the very essence of the character of this country.


Credit: Jose Luis Magana/AP

Please no OT or politics on this thread.

Feel free to comment or post similar such tributes fitting of the season and honoring our service personnel.

The image of the cemetery, adorned with Christmas wreaths is, in and of itself, one that causes me to pause and give thanks for all those who have served our nation in the Armed Forces.

What an absolutely wonderful tribute this man has given.

Another poignant photo from a Christmas past in Arlington.

Thank you each and every one - each man is my brother.......

Honoring those who died at Pearl Harbor during this Christmas Season.

The link to the photograph doesn't work, but I felt that our World War II Pearl Harbor casualties deserved this Honorable Mention during this special time of the year when we count our blessings.

Home for Christmas........some will, some won't make it.

http://www.andiesisle.com/HomeForChristmas.html