Memorial Day Weekend

Submitted by ub on

As we pay tribute to real heroes, who served and lost their lives for a great nation and that knew America has always been the greatest, most desirable democracy on planet earth, let us take a moment to also recognize them for their sincerity and sacrifice.

I did not serve in the military. By the time my turn arrived, the draft had been abolished, although my late and older brother did. I dedicated my life, to tell the truth, and as a longtime journalist, I've spoken with many people in different languages and in several continents.

My impression has always been that the phrase “believe me” before, during or after any statement has been of personal concern, cautioning me to question everything being said, including the character and integrity of the person saying it.

Whenever this happens I wonder... Who is making the statement and are they really honest? How important is the matter? Does it affect me, my family, finances, or security? What is their history of honesty, or veracity?

Believe me is used because the person assumes you are gullible enough to be persuaded by a vacuous statement? How often is it repeated? Are they trying to pull one over on you? Is the person trying to convince you? Why?

A liar works hard to convince you of something. The phrase “believe me” becomes a useful tool for those trying to bamboozle us, because, for the most part, we are trusting of others. Is the person so unsure of themselves that they need the addition of convincing words because they are not sure of their capacity to do what they claim or because their veracity is in question?

Some people who exaggerate or speak loosely with facts say “believe me” to shore up statements that are lacking in accuracy. I heard someone say they would never commit treason because they love their flag and homeland too much, but then go on to destroy themselves with deeds because actions speak louder than words. Now, these fools say that “truth is relative.” Big if true.

So, do not believe a word they say, instead consider their history of service to others and to this great nation, with liberty and justice for all. I like people who tell the truth and provide hard facts, not those who throw stones and hide, or tell lies and follow it by saying believe me. That, I can tell you.

The Statue of Liberty has protected and watched over New York Harbor since 1886, and on Lady Liberty's base is a tablet inscribed with words penned by Emma Lazarus in 1883: Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!

The Statue of Liberty has twenty-five windows in the crown which symbolize gemstones found on the earth and the heaven's rays shining over the world. The seven rays of the Statue's crown represent the seven seas and continents of the world.

The Statue of Liberty's torch lights the way to freedom showing us the path to Liberty. Even the Statue's official name represents her most important symbol "Liberty Enlightening the World". ... The original torch was removed in 1984 and is currently inside the lobby of the monument. http://www.nps.gov/stli/ http://www.ellisisland.org http://www.nps.gov/elis

In God We Trust. https://www.treasury.gov/about/education/Pages/in-god-we-trust.aspx