Memorial Day

[BigDawg69]

As most everyone else in my office crowded around the TV on the morning of Sept 11, I sat at my desk and wrote the following.

I dedicate these words this weekend to the brave men and women who have given that last full measure of devotion to our country, to our way of life, to our freedom:

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoke on the evening following Japan's vicious surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941: "This is a day that will live in infamy." People alive in November of 1963 will accurately describe exactly what they were doing and where they were when the news reported that young President John Fitzgerald Kennedy had been shot and killed. Likewise a cold day January 28, 1986 looms vividly in our joint memory as a day of great tragedy when the space shuttle Challenger exploded during lift-off. Today, however far surpasses the impact of those poignant dates in American and indeed global history. On this day hijacked planes crashed into both of the World Trade Center towers that would then cause both towers to collapse, leaving an enormous cloud of dust that engulfed the entire south end of Manhattan Island. Just previous to the two towers collapse another hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon, the very center of America's defense. These acts will no doubt shake the country to its very foundation, but it will not cripple this great nation. As Admiral Yamamoto, supreme commander of the Japanese naval fleet in 1941, wrote: "I am afraid all we have accomplished is to awaken a sleeping giant." This incident has no doubt awaked but enraged the same sleeping giant.

I find that Abraham Lincoln’s words speak to this situation best. In reference to the site of the World Trade Center, Lincoln’s address at Gettysburg speaks:
". . . But, in a larger since, we ca not dedicate - we can not consecrate - we can not hallow - this ground. The brave men [and women] living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. . . ."

In regards to the thousands of innocent American citizens who suffered death at the hands of the terrorist attack, Lincoln spoke these words at the Gettysburg address:
" . . . It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

To offer some measure of condolence to the friends and family of those who perished during the attack, Lincoln wrote this poignant letter to a mother who suffered the loss of all five of her sons during the Civil War. It is though his words speak to the entire American psyche:
". . . I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost . . . to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the alter of Freedom."

- - BigDawg69

 

[unclej]

when i left home at 18 years of age in january of 1965 i cried a little.

when i escorted the body of my best friend "peanut" home to his family in california and they asked me if he "died brave" i cried a lot.

when i got word that my two texas friends "juju" and "blotcher" had died not long after i came home i cried.

when i visited the memorial in the middle of pearl harbor and began to read the names of the men who were still below i cried.

last year at a 4th of july rodeo at the vfw arena with the flag bearer in the center the anouncer asked all the ww1 vets to stand. then the ww2, then the korean, then the vietnam vets. then they played the national anthem and i saluted for the first time in many years and i cried.

on sept. 11 i cried not just because of the tragedy but because now more generations of americans will grow up knowing war and the terrible senseless loss of friends and lovedones.

to bigdawg and everyone else that has posted their thoughts and rememberances here..... thank you for writing and caring and making me remember and cry.

 

[Cheyenne]

*bump*

For the actual Holiday.

 

[MissTaken]

My thoughts keep returning to 9/11, today.


Also, am thinking of my aunt and uncle who died at very young ages, leaving behind a legacy of love.


And all the men who have given their lives to allow me to live the way I chose and have the freedoms that I do have.


God Bless them all.

 

[iwmggw]

graves

The sun rose this morning on a glorius Wisconsin spring day. I could see many small flags fluttering in the early breeze.......and it was just a short walk between Junior's and Lonnie's graves, but so hard to do thru my tears. Its goin to be a long day.

 

[carrie-on]

Thank You!!! All of the men and women who served in the wars to help keep this country and all of its people FREE deserve a big round of applause!!!!! Thank you!!

 

[Rambling Rose]

Thank you.

 

[erosman]

In Boulder, Colorado they have been running a 10k road race on Memorial Day for the past 24 years. There are about 60,000 runners/walkers, many of whom where dedications pinned to the backs of their shirts, for the family members and friends who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy.

The run/walk finishes in Folsom Field (University of Colorado), where everyone gathers for a tribute of memorable proportions. Today, was no different. As the last para-sailer brought the Stars and Stripes in to the stadium to Lee Greenwood's Proud to be an American , the emotions were overwhelming.

I don't recall the name of the Congressional Medal of Honor recipient who spoke briefly, but he noted that 1.1 million service men and women have sacrificed their lives in the past 220 years for the freedom that this country stands for. The 21 gun salute...the playing of the Taps...the National Anthem...reminded me in a fresh way, the incredible cost of human dreams...the dream of freedom.

Thanks to all who have sacrificed

 

[morninggirl5]

My father is a Vietnam Vet, my grandfather fought in WWII with each of his 3 brothers. I've never heard any of them talk about their experiences but at times i can tell they've gone to a place only someone who was there can understand. My father is now in touch with many of the men he served with and attending Vietnam Vet reunions. He's finally attaining peace with that part of his life.

Every Memorial Day and Veterans Day, i listen to this song. All gave some, Some gave all.


I knew a man, called him Sandy Cane.
Few folks even knew his name.

But a hero, yes was he.

Left a boy, came back a man.

Still many just don't understand

about the reasons we are free.

I can't forget the look in his eyes,

or the tears he cried,

as he said these words to me.




All gave some and some gave all.

Some stood through for the red, white and blue,

and some had to fall.

And if you ever think of me,

think of all your liberties, and recall,

some gave all.




Now, Sandy Cane is no longer here.

But his words are oh so clear

as they echo throughout our land.

and all his friends who gave us all,

who stood the ground and took the fall

to help their fellow man.

Love your country and live with pride

and don't forget those who died.

America, can't you see




All gave some and some gave all.

Some stood through for the red, white and blue,

and some had to fall.

And if you ever think of me,

think of all your liberties, and recall,

some gave all.



To hear the song, go here http://www.geocities.com/babybird_1908/GAVE-ALL.html

 

[lobito]

My Uncle Robert who died many years before I was born. Shot down in his fighter plane making the U.S. (and world) a better place. R.I.P. Robert and all other veterans who've fought for the world, not just the U.S. and their allies.

On a side note, I prefer to use this day to remember ALL my friends and family, as much or more than Vets, because after all, they do have their own day as well. (not to take anything away from them today)

 

[koalabear]

ROLL OF HONOUR
AUSTRALIAN SERVICES PERSONNEL WHO GAVE THEIR ALL IN THE VIETNAM WAR


ABBOTT D.E. ABRAHAM D.E. ABRAHAM R.J.
ADAMCZYK B.A.J. ADAMS L.W.H. AHEARN A.W.
ALDERSEA R.A. ALLEN N.G. ANDREWS J.H.
ANNESLEY F.J. ANTON R.D. ARCHER G.A.
ARNOLD K.J. ARNOLD P.J. ASHTON W.J.
ATTWOOD T.J. AYLETT D.R. AYRES M.W.
BADCOE P.J. BADE K.W. BAILEY E.J.
BAINES G.T. BAKER D.A. BANFIELD D.J.
BARNETT S.J. BARRETT J.J. BARTHOLOMEW G.T.
BAUDISTEL K.W. BAXTER L.J. BEILKEN B.C.
BELL A.E.J. BELL R.J. BELLEVILLE G.R.
BETTS R.W. BINDER B.G.F. BINK M.
BINNING R.P. BIRCHELL M.J. BIRNIE T.
BIRSE R.G. BLACK T.R. BLACKHURST T.D.
BLANCK W.A. BLOXSOM A.C. ARDMAN K.J.
BOND J.A. BORLACE D.G. BOURKE M.A.
BOURNE D.M. BOWTELL R.W. BRACEWELL D.H.
BRADY G.V. BRAMBLE P.J. BRENNAN D.J.
BRESSINGTON J. BRETT W.J. BREWER K.F.
BROOKS D.L. BROPHY E.F. BROWN A.R.
BROWN I.R. BROWN L.N. BUCHAN R.
BULLMAN J.H. BURNS R. BUTTERWORTH R.
BYRNE B.E. BYRNE R.A. CAMPBELL J.A.
CARLYLE H. CARROLL R.T. CARROLL W.T.
CARRUTHERS J. CARVER R.C. CASADIO A.A.
CASEY A.L. CASHION G.A. CASSANO N.J.
CASTON R.J. CHANT P.A. CHAPMAN R.S.
CHECKLEY T.W. CLARK C. CLARK D.M.
CLARK R.D
CLEMENTS P.E. CLIFF R.W. COCK J.R.
COLES K.G. CONNORS R.F. CONNORS R.F.
CONSTABLE G.A. CONVERY R.T. CONWAY K.G.
CONVERY R.T. CONWAY K.G. COOMBS G.J.
COOPER A.J. COPEMAN R.J. COUPE B.F.
COX J.G. COX R.J. COXON R.E.
CROUCH N.V. CULLEN B.T. CUTCLIFFE T.J.
DANILENKO A. D'ANTOINE G.H. DAVIDSON B.N
DAVIES R.W. DAVIES R.E. DAVISON W.J.
DAWSON I.K. DAWSON P. DEED R.J.P.
DESNOY J.W. DE VRIES VAN LEEUWEN T.J. DEWAR K.I.
DICKSON S.W. DOHERTY J.A. DONALD B.C.
DONNELLY D.J. DONNELLY W.W. DOYLE D.G.
DRABBLE G.A. DRISCOLL R.W. DRUMMOND A.
DUBBER D.J. DUFF J. DUFFY K.A.
DUFTY M.R. DUNCUFF A.L. DUROUX J.M.
DURRINGTON J.T. EARLE P. EDWARDS B.P.
ENGSTROM R.J. EVANS P. EVANS T.A.
FALLON B.E. FARREN L.T. FERGUSON K.
FEWQUANDIE F.J. FIELD R.E. FISHER D.J.E.
FISHER R.L. FITZGERALD J. FITZPATRICK B.F.
FLEMING R. FOSTER G.L. FOTHERINGHAM A.H.T.
FRASER J. FREEMAN J.W. FRENCH V.A.
GAFFNEY R.J. GALVIN W.J. GANT K.H.
GARLAND B.A. GARRETT J.E. GARRIGAN J.
GEORGE B.R. GIBBS I.J. GILBERT G.G.
GILL M.W.T. GILLARD R.J. GILLESPIE J.F.
GILLSON P.R. GODDEN G.R. GOLLAGHER P.J.
GOODY P.R. GOULD E.G. GRAHAM A.W.
GRAHAM S. GRANT E.F. GREEN G.B.
GREEN J.G. GRICE V.R. GRILLS E.A.
GRIST R.M. GROSE T.J. HACKING W.F.
HALKYARD E. HALL J. HAMMERSLEY F.G.
HANLEY M.P. HANNAFORD M.J. HANSEN A.R.
HANSEN B.V. HANSEN P.R. HARALD N.S.
HARDS E. HARRIS RA. HARSTAD B.A.
HART P.R. HARTNEY G.J. HAWKER N.V.G.
HAYES J.F. HENDERSON M.A. HENDLE T.E.
HERBERT M.P. HICKEY R.B. HILL D.C.
HILLIER R.H. HINES P.A. HOARE F.W.
HOBAN W.J. HOLLAND T. HOLLIS A.E.
HOLLOWAY J.W. HOOD R.D. HORNE N.W.
HOUSTON J.M. HOUSTON K.R. HUBBLE R.N.
HUELIN A.J. HUGHES R.D. HUGHES R.E.
HUNT R.H. HURST H.W. HUTCHISON M.J.
HYLAND F.A. JACKSON P.J. JACKSON R.J.
JAMES B. JELLIE A.D. JEWRY J.
JONES B.R.A. KALMA J.H. KAVANAGH G.R.
KELLY B.W. KENNEDY J.J. KENNEDY R.J.
KERMODE R.C. KERR J.K. KEY R.M.
KINGSTON I.W. KINGSTON-POWLES K.M. KIRBY J.W.
KNIGHT G. KNIGHT P.R. KOWALSKI P.F.
LA GRASTA G. LANCE E.M. LANGLANDS T.E.
LARGE P.A. LARSSON S.G. LE BHERZ N.W.
LEE E.J. LEES R.V. LEWIS P.E.
LINTON M.P. LISLE A. LITHGOW C.T.
LLOYD A. LLOYD R.E. LOCKE G.R.
LOGAN B.A. LOUGHMAN M. LUBCKE R.J.
LUFF N.F. LYDDIETH T. LYON T.E.
LYONS P.J. McCARTHY J.N. McCONACHY M.R.
McCORMACK A.F. McCORMACK D.J. MacDONALD J.A.
McDONNELL L.C. McDUFF P.E. McGARRY P.S.
McGOLDRICK W. McGUIRE R.A. McINERNEY N.A.
McLACHLAN C.W. MacLENNAN L.J. McMILLAN J.C.
McMILLAN R.C. McNAB R.L. McNAIR D.G.
McPHERSON L.H. McQUALTER M.B. McQUAT J.L.(McOUAT)
MALONE P.A. MANICOLA J.G. MANNING P.
MARKS-CHAPMAN P.R. (CHAPMAN) MARTIN W.H. MATHERS I.G.
MATHEWS G.F. MATHIESON K.F. MENZ J.L.
MEREDITH T.F. MILFORD D.G. MILLIGAN R.B.
MITCHELL D. MITCHELL W.D. MITCHINSON K.L.
MOORE B.J. MOORE R.J. MOORE S.T.
MORGAN J.L. MORRISON D.W. MOSS A.B.
MOSS G.J. MOWBRAY B.G. MUC M.
MULLER H.L. MUNDAY B.J. MURRAY P.E.
MUSICKA H.R. NAGLE G. NALDER W.L.
NAVARRE P.J.(CRAWLEY) NEAL D.W. NEEDS J.D.
NELSON D.E. NIBLETT R.J. NICHOLS R.K.
NICHOLSON K.R. NILSEN E.H. NISBETT C.R.
NOACK E.W. NOONAN M.J. NORLEY G.L.
NORRIS J.W. O'BRIEN J.A. O'CONNOR J.M.
O'CONNOR P.S. O'DAL S.J. O'HARA J.L.
O'NEILL A.L. O'NEILL J.B. O'SHEA G.
PARKER R.H.J. PARKER R.T.R. PARRELLO A.
PATERSON E.D. PATTEN R.B. PATTISON A.G.
PEARCE J.G.S. PENGILLY B.M. PENN D.H.
PENNEYSTON P.L. PERRIN R.G. PESONEN T.E.A.
PETERSEN B.O. PETERSEN V.N. PETITH T.G.
PETTIT J.G. PETTIT L.J. PETTITT N.C.
PHILLIPS O.C.I. PHILLIPS R.A. PHILLIPS T.D.
PIKE G.A. PLAIN D.B. PLANE B.J.
POLGLASE G.R. POMROY V.I. POOLE M.D.
POTHOF R.C. POULSON D. POWER R.E.
POWTER D.R.J. PRACY N.A. PRIOR K.J.
PROWSE L. PURCELL A.T. QUIGLEY A.V.
RADOMI S.E. RAFFEN F.L. RAMSAY J.S.
RANDS J.M. RAPP J.R. REIDY P.F.
REMELJEJ A. RENNIE B. RENSHAW T.J.
RHODES M.L. RICH A.W. RICHARDSON N.T.
RICHTER P.M. RILEY W.M. RINKIN K.P.
RIVETT J.C. ROBERTSON A.J.(ROBERTS) ROBERTSON M.R.
ROGERS J. ROONEY K.M. ROOST C.W.
ROSS G.S. ROSS T. RUDDY J.
RUDUSS A. SALVERON D.J. SALZMANN R.W.
SANDOW R.W. SAWTELL C.J. SCALES G.J.
SCHUIT M.J.M. SCOTT I.J. SCOTT I.N.
SCOTT R.A. SEILER R. SEIPEL R.D.
SHARP G.C. SHAW K.C. SHEPPARD L.R.
SHERIFF P.J. SHIPP N.E. SIGGERS A.P.
SIMPSON T. SLATTERY J.M. SMILLIE R.G.
SMITH B.F. SMITH B.L. SMITH F.J.
SMITH J. SMITH N.A. SMITH P.C.
SMITH P.L. SMITH R.K. SORRENSEN G.D.
SPRIGG R.J. STANCZYK H.J. STANFORD G.I.
STEEN D.J. STEVENS J.G. STONE J.M.
SUKMANOWSKY M. SULLIVAN P.C. SUTER T.
SUTTOR H.E. SWANTON R.J. SWEETNAM J.R.
SYKES A. TALBOT A. TAYLOR L.A.
TEBB P. TEELING W.E. THOMAS D.J.
THOMAS W.M. THOMPSON B.J. THOMPSON D.L.
THOMSON I.J. TINKHAM J.R. TOBIN V.J.
TOGNOLINI M.P. TOMAS M. TOPP F.B.
TOWLER M. TREGEAR B. TRIMBLE B.M.
TROY K.J. TRZECINSKI P.Z. TULLY D.J.
TURNER T.C. TWEEDIE G.L. TWOMEY J.W.
VAN RIJSEWIJK P.R.P. VAN VALEN A. VICKERS P.J.
VOYZEY D.J. WAGSTAFF V.N. WALDOCK D.J.
WALES M.R. WALKER B.G. WALLIS A.J.
WALSH B. WARBURTON G.F.A. WARING A.E.L.
WATERS B.D. WATSON B.P. WATSON R.C.A.
WEBSTER D.R. WEBSTER J.C. WEST G.M.
WESTON L.J. WESTON R.B. WHEATLEY K.A.
WHEELER J.W. WHISTON B.J. WHISTON C.J.
WHITE H.W. WHITE J.M.T. WHITE M.P.
WHITTON J.H. WILKINSON A.C.F. WILLIAMS A.S.
WILLOUGHBY G.I. WILSEN R.P. WILSON K.R.
WILSON M.A.F. WILSON R.B. WOJCIK B.K.
WOMAL N.J. WOOLFORD R.M. WOOLLEY I.A.
WORLE J.T. WRIDE D.S. YOUNG A.H.
YOUNG B.T. YOUNG R.G. YULE R.J.

Seven Australian civilians died whilst serving in Vietnam:


LEST WE FORGET

 

[koalabear]

ROLL OF HONOUR
NEW ZEALAND PERSONNEL WHO GAVE THEIR ALL
IN THE VIETNAM WAR


NUMBER RANK NAME CORPS DATE OF DEATH UNIT PLACE OF BURIAL
699033 Pte WR Awatere RNZIR 12/04/68 W1 Ruatoria,NZ
209440 Spr JT Barrett RNZE 24/11/69 V4 Te Kuiti Marae, NZ
41383 L/Cpl DI Bensemann RNZIR 16/11/68 V3 Omaka (Blenheim), NZ
43134 Pte AV Bermingham RNZIR 20/11/68 W2 Manu (Whangarei), NZ
41708 Spr RH Brown RNZE 12/08/69 W2 Gisborne, NZ
41240 Sgt GJ Campbell RNZSAS 14/01/70 4Tp SAS Wairoa, NZ
482859 Pte T Cooper RNZIR 11/10/70 W3 Taupo, NZ
37221 Sgt AJS Don RNZA 14/09/65 161 Bty Terendak, Malaya
42752 Gnr SW Ellwood RNZA 06/02/68 161 Bty Foxton, NZ
41301 L/Cpl CR Fisk RNZIR 18/06/70 V5 Ruru (Christchurch), NZ
573233 Pte DC Frith RNZIR 11/07/69 V4 Terendak, Malaya
38655 Cpl JR Gatenby RNZIR 05/06/69 W2 Terendak, Malaya
645140 S/Sgt FR Grigg RNZAMC 04/12/65 HQ V Force Terendak, Malaya
483256 Pte JL Gurnick RNZIR 29/05/70 W3 Pukekohe, NZ
388811 Pte KH Harding RNZIR 24/06/71 V6 Waima Valley, NZ
42742 Pte RA Hawthorne RNZIR 04/08/69 W2 Papakura, NZ
463211 Pte HD Hirini RNZIR 01/02/68 V2 Kawerau, NZ
211075 Cpl GK Hoerara RNZIR 26/01/68 W1 Te Araroa, NZ
43221 Pte TN Hollows RNZIR 29/07/69 W2 Manu (Whangarei), NZ
43349 Pte KR Hurman RNZIR 11/01/69 W2 Terendak, Malaya
629544 Pte LC Jones RNZIR 18/06/70 V5 Marton, NZ
838605 Lt SJ Kidd RNZIR 17/04/70 V4 Papakura, NZ
41243 Gnr NSG Lyes RNZA 23/06/68 161 Bty Hokitika, NZ
346598 Cpl M Manton RNZIR 02/09/69 V4 Waikumete (Auckland),NZ
43651 Pte TW Paenga RNZIR 19/03/70 V4 Gisborne, NZ
42294 Pte BJ Petersen RNZIR 14/09/68 W1 Ekatahuna, NZ
539244 Cpl JW Radford RNZIR 23/07/69 W2 Whakatane, NZ
43648 Pte P Rauhihi RNZIR 24/11/69 V5 Shannon Marae, NZ
41081 L/Cpl ML Sutherland RNZIR 31/10/70 V5 Christchurch, NZ
42116 Pte MJ Turnbull RNZIR 02/08/69 V4 Dunedin, NZ
80166 Sgt GS Watt RNZAF 01/03/70 NZ Svcs Med Ulu Pandan, Singapore
928518 Bdr R White RNZA 14/09/65 161 Bty Terendak, Malaya
43032 Pte MJ Wickman RNZIR 22/06/68 V3 Papatoetoe, NZ
41530 Pte JS Williams RNZIR 17/06/69 V4 Terendak, NZ
37404 Capt P Williams RNZA 14/02/69 161 Bty Ashes returned to NZ
41576 Lt JR Winton RNZIR 10/03/71 V5 Karori, NZ
43223 Pte DN Wright RNZIR 19/03/70 W3 Esk (Timaru), NZ
NZ Surgical Team at Quin Nhon
Civilian Sister L Cowper Medical 02/05/66 NZ Nurse Auckland, NZ
U.S. Marine Corps
2112168 Cpl J Lott USMC 08/05/68 USMC Waikumete (Auckland),NZ

RNZA = Royal New Zealand Artillery
RNZAF = Royal New Zealand Air Force
RNZAMC = Royal New Zealand Army Medical Corps
RNZE = Royal New Zealand Engineers
RNZIR = Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
RNZSAS = Royal New Zealand Special Air Services
The dates are written day/month/year.

 

[koalabear]

A Ghost Walking

Men began to scream as bullets flew, and we fired at nothing to make certain it was dead.
Smoke drifted into our nostrils and eyes, I saw his jacket rip and then it turn to red.
His life drained away and flowed into the dirt, I wept for him and held him without shame.
A lifetime passed between each beat of my heart, and with his final breath he quietly spoke my name.

Today I have a ghost walking in my memories, I knew the man before he was that ghost.
After trying almost every day to forget, after all these years that man is the one I miss the most.

Copyright © September 1996 I. S. Parrish

 

[koalabear]

The Path Out of Vietnam
We walked in a place that was dark and presented no clear path to follow.
There was beauty untold and dangers beyond understanding.
Most of us did not ask to go there but it was our destiny and duty to do so.
It was that time when each breath and heart beat was precious.

The walk made us children borne of danger and raised on death.
The walk also made us children loved by God and saved for his purpose.

Things were lost along the away that can never be found or felt again.
Things were found that can never be removed from our memory.

If you walked not that path then you can not know our pain.
Even those of us that did walk there do not always understand our feelings.

We have decided that we are not weak because of what we must remember.
We have decided that if you were not there you cannot judge us.

If the truth be known it may have been the walk of our lives.
If you cannot understand these feelings it is because your path has been different.

We pray that you never have to walk the path where we have been.
May your thoughts and fears not come from whence ours come.

That walk is over and it is time for another one to start.
This new path is better marked and there are signs along the way.

It is time to live with the memories instead of letting them live us each day.
It is time to shed the guilt that was forced on us by those unknowing.

If we do not master the new path time will kill us and take away all that we love.
If we cannot find our way on this easier path we will be lost forever.

Copyright © October 1996 I. S. Parrish



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[La Principessa]

Thank you Pop....we miss you so much

I know from experience (god, was it only 11 days ago?!?) that when you, as a surviving family member, are handed the flag that drapped your loved one's casket and hear the words "On behalf of a greatful Nation...." you will realize the solemnity and gravity of their reasons for service.

He was my father-in-law but was in many ways more of a father to me than my own. He shared my thoughts and knew me even better than perhaps I know myself. When his 13 children decided to have me receive his flag, it was a tribute that I can in no way repay. Except to help keep his memory alive. And he will be, always.......in my heart.

SSGT. US Army MP 1949 - 1964 Korea (primarily Pusan thru Inchon (sp?))

On the lighter side, when asked by his children and later grandchildren, "What did you do in Korea, Pop?" He would simply grin and say, "I was in the Military Police.....we beat up Marines!" and then wink.

Goodbye Pop

 

[koalabear]

AMR

I was there on that moonless night, though none there could hope to see me...I was part of the horror created there on those many nights; I was a shadow, without light, and none could see.

Many of us came to you sooner or later, one way or another. You were our angel of mercy, our shining light, our hope for a new tomorrow. Our memory of a past that we had not yet had a chance to live. And for some, that was the only memory that they ever had.

It was the memory of a " life" they never had a chance to live. Yet, were it not for the thousands of you that gave so freely of yourselves, the numbers would surly have been much greater.

So, flush the memories of the wounded many, their limbs shattered and torn, and try to replace it with the memory of those who, without your caring, would also have died.

Yes, I was there on that moonless night; and I watched as you worked. No tears could come to your eyes, for there were none left to give. Still, we understood. You were our angel. And we loved you dearly. We still do...and always will.

Author Unknown.

dedicated to the nine military nurses and fifty-eight civilian women who died in Vietnam while serving their country. It is also dedicated to the only woman still listed as a POW/MIA, Dr. Eleanor Ardel Vietti.

 

[erosman]

A para-sailor with Old Glory.

 

[La Principessa]

this deserves a bump......

 

[LRC]

One day out of the year to honor our loved ones, our ancestors, our friends who died in conflicts and wars -- not to honor war, but those that died in those conflicts and wars.
Just one day, there should be more.

 

[Linedrive]

One more bump for those who lost their lives defending our freedom......you have my unmeasurable amount of respect.