Saturday 9

 

Some Gave All

 Welcome to Saturday 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: Some Gave All (1992)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle.

1) Here at Saturday 9, we regard everyone who served -- veterans and active military -- as heroes. Have you, or has anyone in your family, worn the uniform of our armed forces? We want to hear about them.

My father turned 18 in February 1945, and was drafted into the Army shortly thereafter.  He was a nice Jewish boy from Brooklyn with a very common, very Jewish, family name.  He was sent to Georgia for basic training.  The only other Jewish boy in his unit was a guy named Manny from the Bronx, who coincidentally had the same surname.  The two became best friends.  After the war, Manny introduced my father to Manny's young cousin --- who would eventually marry my father and produce four children, including yours truly.

2) Memorial Day has its own flag etiquette. In the morning, the American flag should be flown at half staff in memory of those we have lost. Then, at noon, it should be raised briskly to full staff, in honor of all who have served. Where is the nearest flag flying from where you sit right now? 

I live half a block from the middle school, which is right next door to the high school, which is next to the fire department.  All three  have flags flying.

3) Since 1988, motorcycle riders have participated in Rolling Thunder. In events all over the country, including Washington DC, bikers "Roll Together" to draw attention to service members still missing and raise awareness of mental health issues our veterans cope with each day. When have you most recently ridden a motorcycle? A scooter? A bicycle?

I've never ridden a motorcycle or a scooter.  And unless you mean the stationary bike at the gym, I haven't been on a bicycle since I was a child.

4) This week's song is the title track of Billy Ray Cyrus' best-selling album. Named for this patriotic song, the album also included Billy Ray's signature song, "Achy Breaky Heart." "Achy Breaky Heart" is a popular choice on karaoke nights. Do you know it well enough to sing along?

Only the chorus.

5) Sandy Kane, the hero of "Some Gave All," is based on a real Vietnam vet Billy Ray Cyrus met and spoke to about his sacrifice for his country. Can you think of another song based on a real person?

I like this one Pink wrote about her ex:

6) Memorial Day is the traditional kick off of the summer season. Have you packed away your winter clothes yet?

No, but I have an excuse.  I'm weeding out all the clothes that no longer fit me -- I  have lost 70 pounds since April 2022, and most of my clothes don't fit!  I plan to donate whatever is still in decent condition. 

7) As you answer these questions, is there a fan or an air conditioner cooling your room?

No.  I haven't connected the air conditioner yet, the weather has been mild and I haven't needed it.

8) Memorial Day is also a holiday for retailers. Ads promise great prices on everything from grills to lawn decorations to high tech gear and gadgets. Will you be shopping any sales this weekend?

No.  I don't really like shopping.

9) Random question: When is the last time you felt like a kid?

The first thing that came to mind was during our trip to Walt Disney World a few years ago.

Thanks so much for joining us again at Saturday: 9. As always, feel free to come back, see who has participated and comment on their posts. In fact sometimes, if you want to read & comment on everyone's responses, you might want to check back again tomorrow. But it is not a rule. We haven’t any rules here. Join us on next Saturday for another version of Saturday: 9, "Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday!" Enjoy your weekend!