Eternal flame only lasts until gas bill arrives

I think that this is kind of HILARIOUS.

zzz wrote:

I think that this is kind of HILARIOUS.

What is so hilarious? Would it be less funny if it was your sacrifice we were memorializing? Do you even understand what I'm saying? How old are you?

Irrigated wrote:

<quoted text>
What is so hilarious? Would it be less funny if it was your sacrifice we were memorializing? Do you even understand what I'm saying? How old are you?

I understand what you're saying, and while I hear your anger, you may want to consider the benefits of taking a deep breath and exhaling rather than simply reacting impulsively.

When you consider the more mundane circumstances involved here, there actually is a certain incongruity, and thus tainted humor, with an eternal flame not really being eternal when the owners can't afford or choose not to pay the bill, but it is not a reflection on the sacrifice of others. Rather it is a reflection on the poor planning of those doing the memorializing, failing to take into account the eternal cost of maintaining an eternal flame, and then bungling the decision about what to do about it.

Many memorials have been built that don't require the profligate use of fossil fuel (The USS Arizona, etc.), regardless of how important the sentiment and respect may be that prompted them.

Personally, I find it both ironic and sad that a more fitting memorial wasn't fashioned using symbolism that didn't rely primarily on the use of energy when the most patriotic thing that Americans are being asked to do is to make choices intended to reduce our dependence on foreign energy resources.

By the way, I'll be 58 soon and would appreciate a birthday card, if that is why you are asking about ages.

There is one burning continuosly on JFK's burial site.

Huh wrote:

There is one burning continuosly on JFK's burial site.

This is true, and since it was installed at the request of the family, I am thinking that provisions were made by them to financially secure its continuation. Now, as to whether or not the family may want or choose to reconsider, that's another matter, especially since Caroline is the only surviving immediate family member. Still, inasmuch as it was established as a national symbol of hope for an assassinated President, perhaps it is a necessary indulgence. That's not my call; plus, I don't think that the Arlington National Cemetery is considering shutting it off anytime soon.

It seems to me that in the present case a permanently erected flag or some other national symbol might serve as well without the energy cost, but since I wasn't on the design committee, it seems that the planning, however well-intentioned and deserving the memorial, was inadequate, if the purpose was to establish something eternal. Of course, a solar-powered device (the sun is eternal, isn't it?) in Arizona probably wasn't all that practical considering all of the rain they get.

Still, in turning the memorial over to the city, it would have been prudent, if they wanted the flame to burn eternally, for the veteran's groups to also provide funds sufficient for that purpose, however noble their efforts and intent. Otherwise, if the city is unhappy with the deal, they can simply turn the property back over to the vet groups. I'd be interested in seeing the details of the agreement between the vets and the city as to the obligations that were assumed in accepting the donation.

what about our own wall of veterans here in bullhead city, what about a flag that wont be ripped down? i am a veteran, and i dont need a flame.

I am a vet and whole heartedly believe we should honor and remember those who gave up there lives so we could be free.
That said, I would much prefer the maintinance costs of keeping the flame lit go to helping the living. There are many vets right here in Bullhead who could use that money to make their lives a bit easier.
Let's light the flame only on special veteran related days

Anachronistic Anarchist wrote:

<quoted text>
I understand what you're saying, and while I hear your anger, you may want to consider the benefits of taking a deep breath and exhaling rather than simply reacting impulsively.
When you consider the more mundane circumstances involved here, there actually is a certain incongruity, and thus tainted humor, with an eternal flame not really being eternal when the owners can't afford or choose not to pay the bill, but it is not a reflection on the sacrifice of others. Rather it is a reflection on the poor planning of those doing the memorializing, failing to take into account the eternal cost of maintaining an eternal flame, and then bungling the decision about what to do about it.
Many memorials have been built that don't require the profligate use of fossil fuel (The USS Arizona, etc.), regardless of how important the sentiment and respect may be that prompted them.
Personally, I find it both ironic and sad that a more fitting memorial wasn't fashioned using symbolism that didn't rely primarily on the use of energy when the most patriotic thing that Americans are being asked to do is to make choices intended to reduce our dependence on foreign energy resources.
By the way, I'll be 58 soon and would appreciate a birthday card, if that is why you are asking about ages.

My apologies. I see your point. Caught me on a bad day. I agree with you now.

Irrigated wrote:

<quoted text>
My apologies. I see your point. Caught me on a bad day. I agree with you now.

Thanks for your reply. I sincerely appreciate your response, since it seems uncommon among some others in these forums to acknowledge when a shift of perspective occurs. Consider the birthday card received.:)

Irrigated wrote:

<quoted text>
What is so hilarious? Would it be less funny if it was your sacrifice we were memorializing? Do you even understand what I'm saying? How old are you?

Thanks to the CEO of Frontier Communications, the flame was relit and bills will be paid. THANK YOU FRONTIER

Ocean View wrote:

<quoted text>
Thanks for your reply. I sincerely appreciate your response, since it seems uncommon among some others in these forums to acknowledge when a shift of perspective occurs. Consider the birthday card received.:)

Happy birthday, my friend.

Proof in fact.......... nothing lasts "Forever" and nothing in life is "Free". Any questions?

proof in fact.....americans have come to the call of there country, the least one company can do is keep a small flame lit. Everyone wants to thank a veteran as long as it costs nothing to them.