A post written about a post regarding Remembering Our Soldiers

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to take the time to share the following article written by one of my Gather (social networking site) friends -- Spencer (delcano) -- because it gave me new respect for what the day stands for and why we should be more involved -- at least mentally -- if we aren't. This article caused me to call one of my cousins who served in the Viet Nam war and if you remember, these soldiers were not properly welcomed upon their return.

President Obama has asked that we share a moment of silence at 3 p.m. for our soldiers. I do not support the war but I do feel for those who are in it and are personally touched by the situation.

As I am sending this e-mail to many, I want those of you who have served or have someone who was/is important to you who has, to know I care. I also would like everyone to join with me and hope that there will come a time when we -- as humans -- will have evolved enough where we can settle our differences at the table -- not the front.

Please send this to all of the veterans -- and families of veterans-- you know.

Peace,

Karen

Should Blacks who served in Our Wars Be Honored on Memorial Day?

I too often find people of African descent acting as if certain holidays do not affect them or shall I say they see no value in it for them. This is one of those myths which has been passed down through generations as a result of being treated as second class citizens. Today is Memorial Day, a time of tributes to those who have fought in our wars through out history and presently. I say we should honor all those who served on our behalf without regard to the color of their skin.

Blacks have fought and died in every war from the revolutionary war for our independence, on both sides of the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War 1 and 11, the Korean conflict, Vietnam and both gulf wars and Afghanistan. Members of my family have fought in America's wars as far back as I can find and I will not allow those who hate me or disparage me because of the color of my skin to tarnish that service. I still have the effects of my service in Vietnam and am quite sensitive to how I was treated upon returning to this home land of the free.

I refuse to give in to the oft handed treatment by some today nor the sordid history of treatment by this country when I and countless others of my heritage have been maimed and died for this country and its freedoms. I say to all those who wish to ignore the service of citizens of African descent to this country you can not allow the influence of others to cause you to turn your backs on those who have served before you.

I take my place in America's history as one of those who proudly served on her behalf and nobody whatever they think can take that away from me. As we chase sales, picnic and party, fish, boat, or whatever you do to celebrate this weekend please take a few minutes to give tribute to "all" those who fought in our wars for our freedoms.

[Spencer explained that he used the above title to catch readers' eye. He is including all who have served. He meant the title to be seen rhetorically]