Invitation to Funeral in Arlington: Col. Van Orden:

[Flora Van Orden]

I would like to invite the Vietnam and Korean veterans with (and without!) their motorcycles and make this a real rally of pride and independence to Col. George Mason Van Orden's funeral in Arlington on Wednesday, June 19, at 1 p.m.. My brother was a Vietnam veteran, and I helped in the 70's also, as an Army National Guard member in the Public Information Office. We are going to try to get the band to play the General Van Orden march written by Leo Denena, Jr. because I really think, with all of the bad press recently about weapons and the military, that we need to have something local to focus on that will relax the civilians and build a sense of unity of purpose and I think in a small way this might be one of those somethings. He gave up his opportunity to shoot in the Olympics and his captaincy of the M.C. Rifle Team to call for a congressional investigation to fix the M-16 so it wouldn't jam in combat conditions. He's a hero and we need to show that we believe in standing up for safety by a show of numbers. What do you think?

 

[handejector]

There is a lot of background data here on the Van Ordens-

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...valuators-limited-quantico.html#post137276403

Flora,
Again, my condolences to you and your family.
Godspeed to you and yours.

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

My very sincere and heartfelt condolences for your loss and America's loss of a fine patriot and hero. While I cannot attend, I will reflect on this fine gentlemans contribution to our democracy and remember him in my prayers. Old soldiers never die, they just fade away....lest we forget.

Lefty

 

[the ringo kid]

May the General rest in Peace.

 

[guzzi]

Great request! I remember the M16 debacle in the mid to late 60's, it took a real man to go up against the Military-Industrial machine then to get things fixed. jb

 

[pawncop]

Also will be unable to attend, but offer my condolences and prayers for the family.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Ms. Van Orden, my condolences to you and your family after this tragic loss.

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Bump to the top for a better man.

Cheers;
Lefty

 

[DaGOOSExyz]

Sorry to hear this news. May he Rest In Peace and may you be
comforted.

 

[rwsmith]

Thanks

'On behalf of a grateful nation....'

 

[turnerriver]

My condolences as well. Your family has served our nation and this community of collectors for a long time, my heartfelt thanks to you.
Best regards,
turnerriver

 

[wlmccann]

Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of Colonel Van Orden. I think we met briefly at Weapons Training Battalion between 75 and 78 when I was at Electronics Support at Mainside. I liked your momma real well too though I didn't see her a lot.

McCann, CPT Ret. KSARNG
Formerly SSgt. USMC