• Memorial Day-What'sUP May 30 - 07:45 am

You'd never know it just looking at the first of these two pictures taken by Rod Burdick, but this freighter is in reverse, backing into Marquette's Lower Harbor. It's the American Republic and she's considered one of the most unique and maneuverable vessels on the lake. I know people who have trouble backing up a 15 foot car, let alone trying to tackle backing up an almost 635 foot boat and without a rear view mirror besides! The unique looking pilot house on this freighter, gives whoever is behind the controls, an all-around view, making it easier to put her through any twist or turn required while under power. In the second shot she's backed up and unloading her cargo of stone. Here's a bit of trivia about the American Republic for you... "In 1996 she had the distinct honor of carrying the Olympic Flame on her deck". Today on Pasty Cam, she has the honor of carrying the flag with her, in memory of all those who've died in the service of our country. Thanks to Kim Weed for supplying our Memorial Day flag.

Good morning all...today we can all honor all those who have served and also made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy lasting freedom.. I can remember being a part of the 107th Engrs National Guard unit in Calumet and marching out to the cemetary on Memorial day in 1954-55. LET FREEDOM RING

Remembering those who have served our country and have given the ultimate sacrifice so we can all enjoy the gifts of freedom. Just saying "Thank You" seems so small, but being able to do that from from a free country amplifies that phrase a thousand fold. And a big thanks to those who continue to serve. THANKS!!! Come home safe.

Live long and brave, never forget.

Remember all who sacrificed your lives for our freedom. And our active duty men & women are risking their lives everyday in the name of freedom.
Must tell you a story about my Dad regarding operating a boat through narrow channels. He had the job of "taking the wheel" or doing that sometimes, whenever the Captain told him to.They had been loading at the Ripley dock. Dad had gone ashore & had a few beers while they were there. When it was time to leave, the boat had to go through the channel & under the bridge. The Captain ordered him to "wheel" it. My Dad said he was so nervous & never sweat so much trying to get that big boat through that narrow space going under the bridge. It was a most difficult task in his condition.The captain knew the situation, purposely gave him that job & taught my Dad a valuable lesson. Dad never forgot that lesson. If you've seen the bridge you know it is pretty narrow for a big boat to go through. I always liked Dad telling me that story.

Today I would like to remember the two people in my family who died as a result of Viet Nam, Franklin Du Long died in the war and Ken Bayard who died a few years after he had returned from the war of complications of being there. I have a young friend who is leaving for Iraq on June one and he is a Marine, I pray that he will be out of harms way and return home in one piece. Welcome home Viet Nam vets.

Thank you to everyone who has either served in our military...or is currently serving in our military, for our freedom.

Cotton, what a wonderful memory of your dad :) I couldn't even imagine trying to manuever a freighter under the bridge, completely sober...let alone with a 'couple' of beers in me...hiccup ;)

Cotton, Your Dad always had a good story or a joke to tell, what a waste to die so young. When he would dock in Detroit, he would come out an visit my parents and have a million stories to tell. I would like to hear him tell about when he was in the Marines, I was young then and he would always amaze me with his stories, and adventures. Wish I had written them down. I now have been upgraded from having senior moments, to haveing senior hours. Have to go back to my journals more and more as I get older since things get jumbled and I mix up the events of my life.

A big WELCOME HOME to all the vets, but especiallyt the ones from the Nam who were spit on and called baby killers not because of their actions, but because of the politician micro managers.........The Old Miami in Detroit is an old vets bar and the most familiar salutation to someone is "welcome home". Draftee 1970-72

Thanks Toot

To all who have or do serve our country and those who didn't come home to enjoy life in this country---thank you. A special thanks to my husband, Jim, who served in the Air Force 1961-1965.

Spent the weekend at our cottage in Northeast IN. It was very hot--89, 90, 91 degrees for the three days. Actually turned the ac on for sleeping. The humidity was really high. If not for all of those I just thanked we couldn't have had a weekend at the cottage.

Now it's back to school for 7 more days and then summer break. The down side is we start school on Aug. 14th for next year. To early but they didn't ask me.