Just to put the record straight on our freedom and
our perceived lack of gratitude. The UK managed to
fight off an attempted German invasion in 1940 without
any significant help from the USA, which was trying
to stay neutral at the time. This was almost entirely
due to the brave men of the Royal Air Force, in which
my late father served, and the Royal Navy. In fact
we managed to hold out until 1942 when the USA finally
become fully involved in the war after Pearl Harbour,
and by which time Adolf Hitler had turned his attentions
to attacking Russia. Fortunately for us he had failed
to learn the lessons of history from Napoleon's similar
doomed adventure.

However we would not have been in a position to re-invade
Europe and to liberate France without the USA's considerable
resources and manpower and we are grateful for this
help. I fully accept that many Americans fought and
died very bravely in this conflict and I am happy to
honour and respect them. Doesn't change my views on
the Iraq invasion though.

By the way, we have equivalents to Memorial Day in
the UK. Remembrance Day on the 11th November and Remembrance
Sunday on the following Sunday. I trust that you will
at least spare a thought for our millions of war dead
and veterans on these days.

Derek Copeland



At 14:18 29 May 2006, Jack wrote:
As I stated, I really just don't like the fact that
there are those who
wish to politicize Memorial Day, an American holiday,
that honors our
war dead. These people deserve to be respected, remembered,
and
honored. This has nothing to do with someone in another
country. It has
nothing to do with those who do not wish to honor them.
They are free
to be ungrateful and ignore the day. That's the freedom
we have. It was
paid for by the blood of the men and women we honor
on this day. It has
nothing to do whatsoever with George W. Bush nor how
the world feels
about his decision to invade Iraq. When someone like
Jim Culp types a
message honoring these people, it galls me that someone
has the nerve
to jump on him for it. The American soldiers that gave
all for their
country and to liberate others deserve to be recognized,
and respected.
DO NOT politicize their day!

That was my message. I stand behind it.

Jack Womack