My Father fought in WWII, in the Pacific, from New Guinea to the Phillipines, and again in Korea 1950-1952. My Father retired from the US Army in 1962. In 1965 he went to Viet Nam as a Civilian providing support for the Military. He came home in 1975.
In 1964, my older brother joined the US Navy and served with a SEAL Team in Viet Nam from 1965-1966. He and Dad were able to see each other occasionally. My brother left the Navy in 1966 and joined the Marine Corps and again served in Viet Nam from 1967 thru 1968. Again...my brother and father were able to meet since Dad had not left the War Zone.
In 1968, I joined the US Army and served in Viet Nam from 1969-1970. I, also, was able to see my Father during this time.
From 1965-1975 there was always a male member of our family in Viet Nam.
My Hero is my Father for he has truely served his Country, and his Family, well.
Dad died in August, 2000, age 79. He was raised during the Depression, saw combat in three wars, and saw both of his sons, one, twice, through the third war in his life. He lived through all three wars and saw his sons also survive the last one.
Memorial Day is about Rememberance, not Politics. I remember my Dad each Memorial Day, and about a comment my Mother once made: she said she would never forgive Dad for not bringing Audie Murphy to dinner at our house. It seems that Dad was Assistant Provost Marshal at Ft. Lewis, Washington, when the film "To Hell and Back" was being filmed...family lore says Dad and Audie tipped a few too many at the Officer's Club and missed dinner!
Mother is a Veteran, too! She was an Army Nurse and first met Dad in 1945, at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, when Dad was hospitalized after three years of jungle warfare; Dad was five foot, eleven inches, and weighed 98 pounds. Mom endured the Depression, WWII, Korea (with two children and me on the way), and having both of her sons fight in Viet Nam, and Dad's time away from home. Mom passed just shortly after Dad, in January, 2001.
Memories...on Memorial Day...my Father's Father was WWI Marine...my Mother's Father was a WWI and a WWII Soldier...
Memories...Memorial Day...I shan't forget those who have gone before me, nor those who'ved served after me; I shall always remember those who've served with me.
Semper Fidelis!
