Ain’t about sales, ain’t about beaches ain’t happy.


This is what Memorial Day is all about. Written by Jacko Willink, Retired Navy SEAL and author,


“Hey Brother,
Just checking in. Looks like some of the other boys have come by today. 
Lots of flowers. Did you ever think you’d be getting a bunch of flowers from guys in the platoon? I sure didn’t. 

But here you go. 
They’ll look good for a little while anyway. 
Then they’ll wilt and brown. Then the gravekeeper will take them away. 
Nothing stays forever. 

I wish you could have stayed a little longer, though. 
I’d really like to see you smile again. Hear you laugh. 

Your laugh made other people laugh—me included. 
A little joy in the world. 
Joy that is now gone. I miss that. 

But the world moves on. Time stops for no man. 
Look at me. Gray hair. Wrinkled skin.

I’m the old guy we used to laugh about. 
Who’s laughing now? 
Even my kids are all grown up. They aren’t kids anymore. You’d be proud. 

Time goes quick. 
You taught me that. 

You taught me so much. 
I was angry at first—angry at you, angry at myself, angry at the world.
I couldn’t understand why—why you? 

Why were you taken from this world? Taken from me? 
My anger grew—but it was all for me. Selfish. 
Eventually, the anger consumed itself. 


I realized my anger was unwarranted. 
Over time, it diminished. 
Instead, I became thankful. 

Thankful to have known you. 
Thankful to have spent time with you.
Thankful to have served alongside you. 
Thankful to call you friend and brother. 
Thankful for this life you have given me.
You won’t grow old so I can.
Your dreams were lost so my dreams could be found. 
Your hopes were extinguished, so my hopes could be realized.
Your future was cut short—so my future could flourish. 

In your death, you gave me life. 

I will live this life to the fullest.

I promise:
I will not squander a moment—not a breath, not a sunset, not a laugh. 
I will live to honor the gift you gave me.

The life I owe to you. 
I will never forget. 

Until next time,
Your Brother”

Thanks for sharing this Ed. I love watching Jockos podcast. So many incredible stories from our military personnel

That is awesome and what this day and in fact America is about. With out those with the courage to stand up we would not be here today.

That was awesome....

To all my fallen brothers, Godspeed....

This thread shows how fuc’d up we are with 226 views so far with only 3 replies.

Been there done that + 3 of my brothers. We try not to talk about it, enough talking by those that didn’t understand or serve.

Not everyone has to grieve by adding to a post on a drag racing site.

Don't know what you did today but I did what I thought was respectful to my family and friends that served.

Bless all that served for our freedoms.

We are screwed up because we didn't reply to your post??? What more do you think needed to be said above what was originally posted?

I think those of us who have lost members of your family that were in the military were probably doing what we should be doing rather than commenting on your post. SMH

you were amongst the 368 that looked but didn’t reply acknowledging their service and sacrifice so you can SYH here and how many of the daily posters here spent the day at one of this country’s many military cemetery’s like Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery where my father is buried, honoring these men and women? Answer not one!

Respect And Honor.........

quote:

Originally posted by 1320racer:
you were amongst the 368 that looked but didn’t reply acknowledging their service and sacrifice so you can SYH here and how many of the daily posters here spent the day at one of this country’s many military cemetery’s like Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery where my father is buried, honoring these men and women? Answer not one!

Yes I looked at it, so what? I didn't take the time to reply yesterday I went on about my day doing what we had planned. That doesn't change what I replied before. Again, what more needed be said?

Enjoyed with the family.

Flew my flag high like we do every day in their honor. Nicole always adds an additional 10 to our yard for this past weekend.

Made plans to visit my Grandfather who is a WWII vet for his 100th birthday this July.

Hope that counts.

Memorial Day has nothing to do with replying to an Ediots post on a Drag racing site. That is not what it is about and you are not that important. It is asinine to think that if someone did not respond to your post that they do not love America and respect our fallen soldiers. That post by Jacko Willink should touch everyone's heart and make you think about how lucky we are to be in Greatest Country in the World. Thank you for posting it.

It is about paying due respect to those who gave everything so we can be free. When you join the Military you are writing a blank check to America saying you will give your life to save our Country and some have paid that price. To those we owe everything and that is what Memorial day is about. And we owe a debt of gratitude to those who risked everything and made it home safely but Memorial day is more for those who did not come back. We hope that all who join would come home safely but that is not always the case and the families of those pay the price to and to them we owe our gratitude.
Those families have to live with it for rest of their lives. That is a debt we can never repay.

Memorial day has nothing to do with Ediot and they are not fuc'd up because they did not reply to your post. The World does not revolve around Ed. Your original post honoring Memorial day was awesome but you are out of line to blast those who did not reply to your post as if they did not care.

The fact that you’re asking what more needed to be said, is the issue with you and the other nearby 400 that looked but didn’t feel the need to say something!

Not about you Little Ed.

quote:

Originally posted by 1320racer:
The fact that you’re asking what more needed to be said, is the issue with you and the other nearby 400 that looked but didn’t feel the need to say something!

Have a good day. LOL

Honor, Duty and Country.

Why do we have one Memorial Day to remember those who gave their lives for us—but Gay Pride has an entire month?