Memorial Day

[Wiredawg]

I was like that the two times, a few years apart, I visited the mobile VN Memorial. I felt like I couldn't breath. I don't think I can hold my emotions enough to visit the real one in DC.

The real VN Memorial is very solemn... we used to go there and just sit... the Korean War Memorial is less known, but also very solemn too. I never grew tired of going and to the Tombs of the Unknowns. Next year, I'll try again for Fort Sam Houston Cemetery, I just have get through it, not necessarily over it.

Thanks, its helpful hearing others stories of endurance and perseverance.

Ron

 

[Sled Dog]

The Things They Carried ....

They carried P-38 can openers and heat tabs, watches and dog tags, insect repellent, gum, cigarettes, Zippo lighters, salt tablets, compress bandages, ponchos, Kool-Aid, two or three canteens of water, iodine tablets, sterno, LRRP-rations, and C-rations stuffed in socks. The carried standard fatigues, jungle boots, bush hats, flak jackets and steel pots. They carried the M-16 assault rifle.

They carried trip flares and Claymore mines, M-60 machine guns, the M-70 grenade launcher, M-14's, CAR-15's, Stoners, Swedish K's, shotguns, .45 caliber pistols, silencers, the sound of bullets, rockets, and choppers, and sometimes the sound of silence. They carried C-4 plastic explosives, an assortment of hand grenades, PRC-25 radios, knives and machetes. Some carried napalm, CBU's and large bombs; some risked their lives to rescue others. Some escaped the fear, but dealt with the death and damage. Some made very hard decisions, and some just tried to survive.

They carried malaria, dysentery, ringworms and leaches. They carried the land itself as it hardened on their boots. They carried stationery, pencils, and pictures of their loved ones - real and imagined. They carried love for people in the real world and love for one another. And sometimes... ...they disguised that love: "Don't mean nothin'!" They carried memories for the most part, they carried themselves with poise and a kind of dignity. Now and then, there were times when panic set in, and people squealed or wanted to, but couldn't; when they twitched and trembled and covered their heads and said "Dear God" and hugged the earth and fired their weapons blindly and cringed and begged for the noise to stop and went wild and made stupid promises to themselves and God and their parents, hoping not to die.

They carried the traditions of the United States military, and memories and images of those who served before them. They carried grief, terror, longing and their reputations. They carried the soldier's greatest fear: the embarrassment of dishonor.

They crawled into tunnels, walked point, and advanced under fire, so as not to die of embarrassment. They were afraid of dying, but too afraid to show it. They carried the emotional baggage of men and women who might die at any moment. They carried the weight of the world. They carried each other.

Remember them this Memorial Day.

Boonie Rat MACV SOCOM, PhuBai/Hue '65-'66

 

[Wayne M.]

W O W.

 

[Wayne M.]

I’m just going to leave this right here. So sad that it’s not going to happen today.

 

[Dick Langendorff]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...BMAF6BAgJEAg&usg=AOvVaw2kLExGAVub3Ujh5gB7XFSa


Here’s a Memorial speech from President Ronald Reagan.

 

[DavidC]

Watching Vietnam in HD on the History Channel and the Veterans are telling of their greeting back to the States. It is so disgusting how they were treated it makes my stomach turn.

 

[Wayne M.]

My uncle was in Nam, he was a radar guy. After he came back, he went full hippie and still today lives an alternate lifestyle. As a kid I had questions about nam- school and just curiosity- and he just would leave me hanging. He built his career off whst he learned in radar, and aside from being retired, made his living in a large part in defense technology.

 

[Wayne M.]

I thought I’d share a very special US Marine who more than gave his life for his country. He is actually on his way to sainthood, and is a local hero. Its someone who I think about on this day.

https://maryknollsociety.org/mission-stories/remembering-staten-islands-father-capodanno/

 

[Sled Dog]

Better Late than Never.



And here 2020 - 26 May He is still the most decorated man of all our armed forces of all time

 

[Wiredawg]

Although never recognized for his acting ability that I'm aware of, he is one of my favorite actors, particularly him playing in Westerns.

Thanks! Ron

 

[DavidC]

 

[DavidC]

 

[BoeingDiesel]

Another year has come and gone. Let us not forget those that made the ultimate sacrifice to protect this Great Nation, the United States of America!

 

[Wiredawg]

Memorial Day is always solemn for me as I remember my family members in National Cemeteries and all the ones who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

God Bless America and its Sacred Fallen.

 

[Topzide]

Let's remember all those who have made a sacrifice for this great country! Some have given all while others have had to sacrifice their bodies, family life! I give thanks to all service members, past and present!! Thanks to the families that have supported them in their service! Happy Memorial Day to all that have served and have served this nation!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

 

[AnonEd]

I know it's an American holiday but since my parents weren't born here I like to include those from Allied countries, in overseas cemeteries, who fought for the same causes...

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

This man refused to die back then, my hat is off to him!!

I always get a heavy heart for the ones lost in combat, and feel the same way for the survivors that passed later on...