Thinking on Veterans Day

[Roadtrash]

I was just sitting around thinking today about Veterans Day. I was in the Army from 65-69, most of my cousins were in the Air Force during that time and a couple made careers of it. My Dad and some of my Uncles were in WWII in the Army in France and Germany, some of the others were in the Navy in the Pacific during the war.

My Dad's older brother who I just barely remember was in WWI but I don't remember exactly where he fought.

My Great Grandfather was in the 16th South Carolina during the Civil War and fought in several places until he was wounded and sent back home. On my Mother's side my GGrandfather was also in the 16th and he died in Adams Run, South Carolina from I think malaria. All their brothers also took part in the War some in the 16th and others in other units.

My GGGGrandfather, not sure of all those G's, but he fought in the Battle of Ninety Six in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War.

It seems my family has always been ready to fight for our freedom and country down through the years and I have never heard one of them talk about it other than in general terms. No bragging and tall tales if you asked them about it they would only say that they served. On a day like this it makes me proud to be a member of a family with our history in the various services. Whether on my Father's side of the family or my Mother's side they all did their duty and went where ever they were sent to do what was necessary. I'm sure they would rather have been at home with their families but they went anyway.

All my family members were lucky and came back home after the different wars they were in except for the one that died of malaria, and they did lose a lot of friends in a lot of places. I lost friends in Viet Nam so I know how it feels to lose friends but they were doing what they had to do.

On Veterans Day I often think about all these family members and wonder what it would be like to be able to have them all in one room and talk with them about their times in the various places they served. They're all gone now so I just think about it and wonder.

I guess I've rambled enough now so I'll end this little remembrance of mine. Thanks for giving me a place to put down my thoughts on this Veterans Day. And for all you Veterans out there, welcome home brothers, welcome home.

 

[Derry 1946]

Thanks for your service, and that of your many family members!

 

[LTC]

Today, Veteran's Day, I take time to think about my comrades of 50 years ago. Some of the names have begun to fade, but I can still see their faces and hear their voices. I have long ago lost track of most of them. A very close friend & comrade passed this year. I am only in touch with one other.

Pop was in WWII, my older Brother served during the Cuban missile era & myself from '66 - '70.

Please keep your comrades names and deeds on you lips. As long as we do that they will not be forgotten. They all deserve as much.

L.T.C. Sgt. U.S.A.F
T.A.C., 316th FMS
Langley Field, Va.

 

[Ranger514]

You guys are the best. Thank you.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I have no military service, but my father and uncles were in WWII, Korea and Vietnam getting shot at. MY grandfather was wounded in WWI and his brothers were wounded one disabled in WWII. His grandfather and great uncles served the Union in Ohio regiments. My wife has traced them back further. I know what they would say if we were all still together, "Break out the cards, I'll take another cold one and whose turn is it to grill the steaks?"

 

[hoc9sw]

My Dad was in (Army) from 1935 - 1967, died in service.Gr-uncles (many) in the Great War (Army). There is US Army or it's roots in the family since 1621. Members of the same family recognized each other across the lines in the War of Northern Aggression. (AKA War between the states).

The only war we were not in "boots on the ground" was Korea. That was my fault. My dad qualified for an exemption as I was days away from birth. He never forgave me for that. His friends did not come back. I wonder if that ....

I flew over unnamed SE Asian countries in a non-uniformed service in the early 70's. So I can't (and won't) claim that free lunch today.

But I did contribute that much to a VFW post - they had a donation table outside my hospital this morning. I gave a surgeon a bundle for helping me pee without a catheter for another couple of weeks, so a few bucks toward Thanksgiving dinners for the walking wounded didn't seem a stretch.

 

[fordson]

Grandfathers and G- Uncles served in WWI, loss one uncle; G-father wounded several times. Father and his brothers served in WWII, father wounded and a POW. A younger uncle was wounded in Korea. I started my career in SE Asia and finished it after the first Gulf War. Can't really remember a relative who didn't serve in the military, though they never talked about any real details of their service. Guess that's how it always is - the ones who experienced the most talk about it the least. Good men all. I was lucky to have them as roll models.
I was at the National D-Day Mermorial last week. The cashier asked if I was a vet; showed her my ID and she thanked me for my service. I told her I was just doing my job. She said "That what they all say".
To all you Vets out there - we were just doing our job, but thanks anyway.

 

[e3mrk]

Every time I see this picture I get tight in the Throat and My Eyes Water.