For me, your prose hits close, but tells others of our age, the Vietnam era, where few cared about soldiers fighting for shadowy reasons in a land far away which few could point out on a map. And yet ALL AMERICANS need to remember those whose devotion to duty and painful sacrifice must never be overlooked or forgotten.
We Septuagenarians know that in a few years our memories will fade, vividly etched battles now seared into our memories will drift into the ether of time and the world will continue to push young men forward to fight in wars started by old men.
As I travel wearing my 173d Airborne cap, younger folks (40 yrs and younger, especially here in Southern states) will come up, shake my hand or put hand on shoulder saying, "Thanks for your service". Some shop clerks will offer "veteran discounts". Others nod their heads and say "Thanks" and point to my ballcap insignia.
America outside the blue-hive cities knows.
They have families who felt the losses and know of neighbors or relatives now serving.
They have not forgotten.
I usually mumble back to such gallant comments, "Many Thanks", but lately have forced myself to increasingly interact by responding with "Thanks for remembering our sacrifices".
And BLUE, your prose proposes that that is all that we VN veterans ask.....
Please don't forget any of our warriors and their sacrifices.
Wonderful post. I will mourn all who died in all the Wars, be it the Revolutionary War, Civil War, Vietnam, or Desert Storm. My Dad was a WW11 Vet, 503rd, US Airborne under Gen. Mac. He came home, died of lung cancer. Between breathing Flak smoke, steel mill, and being addicted to cigs up till he developed late-found cancer.
I'm a 20-year Ret. SCPO's wife.
If weather permits, the Flag will go up at 8 AM. Ribs, watermelon, corn on the grill, green beans from my last year's canning. My Nascar addicted husband, nearly 84 years old, will watch races.
I'll post photos of the family men who have served. Love others' posts of their family members, at nearly 77, with twin hearing aids, it limits what I can handle.
My bio Dad was last of the actual Horse Calvary. We've had men serve in every war since WW11. All branches except Coast Guard. Two brothers nephews one is Border Patrol, the other Army, both in for career. Hub's oldest was 4 yr Navy, went out on USS Constitution, (Victoryship),after the one before was sunk, middle brother was Korea's H. Hole. Hub was Blue Water in Nam. I thank every man in Uniform or Veteran's caps/shirts for thier service, expanded it to include Police, Fire, EMTs.
My boys were to young for any war, to old to even enlist now. One is a Triple By-pass. Other has 2 girls.
Abigail: Navy SCPO here although all my ships are gone, most of my shore stations demolished, even my rating (DP) doesn't exist any longer. My grandfather was WWI Signal Corps, my Dad was a WWII/Korea patrol pilot, my oldest son a Bradley commander in Iraq. God bless your family, and especially you; being a service wife is unimaginably difficult. Thank YOU for your service.
Rich history yourself. Biden sold 2 Grand Ladies for scrap, not even scrap price. If I remember right $.01 cent each. USS KITTYHAWK AND USS CONSTITUTION. These are usually turned into Museums. Both went to eBay.
The sailors on one raised $8-M trying to save her.
He can croak after the 4th. I wouldn't want to spoil such an important holiday, esp. the one Trump plans. Not seen the likes in too many years. We watch via TV now. Miss the older performances. Do like Greenwood's new rendition of God Bless America. It adds a new dimension by adding in Veterans' voices. As I'm in twin hearing aids from Meniere's Steroid damage, I hear only certain voice tones, mostly bass. Greenwood comes in great.
It’s a quiet wet Memorial Day morning in Fairview, NC. Mist hanging on the mountains overlooking his grave. There was already one small flag, some flowers and two small angel figurines on his tombstone when I arrived. There’s three flags now.
I did not know Garney Burleson, even though I was in B Trp 1/9 , 70-71 . But one day we will meet at Fiddlers Green as that's where all Cavalry Troops go.
Telling his story in your article makes sure he he lives again.
Great to hear from you, John, and hear this story again, amended. Not forgetting those who gave their lives is important. We honor them on Memorial Day this coming Monday. Thank you, for your service, for your sacrifice, and for your friendship of 50+ years. I did some research some time ago regarding the death rates among the services in Vietnam. Marines lost 5%. Army lost 2.7%. Navy lost 2%. Air Force lost 1%. Those are the men who died in Vietnam, making the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We honor each of them this coming Monday.
Blue,Thank you for your message and uplifting role model of continued unselfish service, specially at a time of life when gravity - physical and emotional pulls others in your medical condition to cowardice, doubt and pessimism. I just saw and read your Blue article . I pray, hope and wish that you pull through your precarious medical exposure to give us all more of your skill, mental and emotional strength and courage.
I ain't going anywhere. Wonderfully crafted post from the heart and it touched mine. I stand with on not forgetting. I used to lay Christmas wreaths on the Ft Leavenworth post cemetery. It was moving to join large numbers of other volunteers . The first a Col. Gave perhaps the best speech ever a out this. I should have recorded it. God be with you in all that do knowing he's always there for you. May the peace of God keep and cover you and bless you but the same applies to your family. It's a hard road for them and it's going to get harder. Your a good man and they are blessed to have you.
This article reminds me about the times I think of the Garney's in my life. And now it leaves me wondering about the when/if of having to add our author, Blue, to that list as we all will be added. I find adding myself to the list an easy task - I have accepted that step as the cycle of life. But adding Blue to that list is extremely difficult for me - it is a step I do not want to face - I resist it - I fight back - I struggle. There are days I say "me first" so I don't have to face it. No, Cinnabons don't help. I don't drink - my Dad tricked me as a kid... I think talking with Dad would help. Then I think that a better approach is talking to Blue like I talk to Dad, no matter the situation. May I solve this puzzle - I don't want to cheat by going first, as I was hit by Surviver's Guilt during the plane flight home from Vietnam. Saying this to Blue helps - I detest crying in front of Blue when I am forced to stop talking because I can't speak. Saying this has given me an idea.
John - - Masterful & poignant.
For me, your prose hits close, but tells others of our age, the Vietnam era, where few cared about soldiers fighting for shadowy reasons in a land far away which few could point out on a map. And yet ALL AMERICANS need to remember those whose devotion to duty and painful sacrifice must never be overlooked or forgotten.
We Septuagenarians know that in a few years our memories will fade, vividly etched battles now seared into our memories will drift into the ether of time and the world will continue to push young men forward to fight in wars started by old men.
As I travel wearing my 173d Airborne cap, younger folks (40 yrs and younger, especially here in Southern states) will come up, shake my hand or put hand on shoulder saying, "Thanks for your service". Some shop clerks will offer "veteran discounts". Others nod their heads and say "Thanks" and point to my ballcap insignia.
America outside the blue-hive cities knows.
They have families who felt the losses and know of neighbors or relatives now serving.
They have not forgotten.
I usually mumble back to such gallant comments, "Many Thanks", but lately have forced myself to increasingly interact by responding with "Thanks for remembering our sacrifices".
And BLUE, your prose proposes that that is all that we VN veterans ask.....
Please don't forget any of our warriors and their sacrifices.
May The Lord's Blessings be upon you.
For friendship, F-2, and lives well lived,
Karl
Thank you, my friend.
Wonderful post. I will mourn all who died in all the Wars, be it the Revolutionary War, Civil War, Vietnam, or Desert Storm. My Dad was a WW11 Vet, 503rd, US Airborne under Gen. Mac. He came home, died of lung cancer. Between breathing Flak smoke, steel mill, and being addicted to cigs up till he developed late-found cancer.
I'm a 20-year Ret. SCPO's wife.
If weather permits, the Flag will go up at 8 AM. Ribs, watermelon, corn on the grill, green beans from my last year's canning. My Nascar addicted husband, nearly 84 years old, will watch races.
I'll post photos of the family men who have served. Love others' posts of their family members, at nearly 77, with twin hearing aids, it limits what I can handle.
My bio Dad was last of the actual Horse Calvary. We've had men serve in every war since WW11. All branches except Coast Guard. Two brothers nephews one is Border Patrol, the other Army, both in for career. Hub's oldest was 4 yr Navy, went out on USS Constitution, (Victoryship),after the one before was sunk, middle brother was Korea's H. Hole. Hub was Blue Water in Nam. I thank every man in Uniform or Veteran's caps/shirts for thier service, expanded it to include Police, Fire, EMTs.
My boys were to young for any war, to old to even enlist now. One is a Triple By-pass. Other has 2 girls.
Abigail: Navy SCPO here although all my ships are gone, most of my shore stations demolished, even my rating (DP) doesn't exist any longer. My grandfather was WWI Signal Corps, my Dad was a WWII/Korea patrol pilot, my oldest son a Bradley commander in Iraq. God bless your family, and especially you; being a service wife is unimaginably difficult. Thank YOU for your service.
Rich history yourself. Biden sold 2 Grand Ladies for scrap, not even scrap price. If I remember right $.01 cent each. USS KITTYHAWK AND USS CONSTITUTION. These are usually turned into Museums. Both went to eBay.
The sailors on one raised $8-M trying to save her.
He can croak after the 4th. I wouldn't want to spoil such an important holiday, esp. the one Trump plans. Not seen the likes in too many years. We watch via TV now. Miss the older performances. Do like Greenwood's new rendition of God Bless America. It adds a new dimension by adding in Veterans' voices. As I'm in twin hearing aids from Meniere's Steroid damage, I hear only certain voice tones, mostly bass. Greenwood comes in great.
GBU Abigail.
Thank you for remembering a fallen soldier. By the grace of God my husband made it back from Viet Nam.
Hats off to your husband.
Jean and I will definitely be thinking of Garney Burleson, Jr. this Memorial Day. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks buddy. Hope to see you soon.
It’s a quiet wet Memorial Day morning in Fairview, NC. Mist hanging on the mountains overlooking his grave. There was already one small flag, some flowers and two small angel figurines on his tombstone when I arrived. There’s three flags now.
You are a good man, Jim Moore.
I did not know Garney Burleson, even though I was in B Trp 1/9 , 70-71 . But one day we will meet at Fiddlers Green as that's where all Cavalry Troops go.
Telling his story in your article makes sure he he lives again.
Lest We Forget
Great to hear from you, John, and hear this story again, amended. Not forgetting those who gave their lives is important. We honor them on Memorial Day this coming Monday. Thank you, for your service, for your sacrifice, and for your friendship of 50+ years. I did some research some time ago regarding the death rates among the services in Vietnam. Marines lost 5%. Army lost 2.7%. Navy lost 2%. Air Force lost 1%. Those are the men who died in Vietnam, making the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We honor each of them this coming Monday.
Thanks for everything, my friend.
Blue,Thank you for your message and uplifting role model of continued unselfish service, specially at a time of life when gravity - physical and emotional pulls others in your medical condition to cowardice, doubt and pessimism. I just saw and read your Blue article . I pray, hope and wish that you pull through your precarious medical exposure to give us all more of your skill, mental and emotional strength and courage.
I appreciate you, brother.
I ain't going anywhere. Wonderfully crafted post from the heart and it touched mine. I stand with on not forgetting. I used to lay Christmas wreaths on the Ft Leavenworth post cemetery. It was moving to join large numbers of other volunteers . The first a Col. Gave perhaps the best speech ever a out this. I should have recorded it. God be with you in all that do knowing he's always there for you. May the peace of God keep and cover you and bless you but the same applies to your family. It's a hard road for them and it's going to get harder. Your a good man and they are blessed to have you.
Hardest on the family, for sure. I have no complaints.
This article reminds me about the times I think of the Garney's in my life. And now it leaves me wondering about the when/if of having to add our author, Blue, to that list as we all will be added. I find adding myself to the list an easy task - I have accepted that step as the cycle of life. But adding Blue to that list is extremely difficult for me - it is a step I do not want to face - I resist it - I fight back - I struggle. There are days I say "me first" so I don't have to face it. No, Cinnabons don't help. I don't drink - my Dad tricked me as a kid... I think talking with Dad would help. Then I think that a better approach is talking to Blue like I talk to Dad, no matter the situation. May I solve this puzzle - I don't want to cheat by going first, as I was hit by Surviver's Guilt during the plane flight home from Vietnam. Saying this to Blue helps - I detest crying in front of Blue when I am forced to stop talking because I can't speak. Saying this has given me an idea.
Hang tough my friend. Follow John Paul's (edited) command: "Don't give up the fight."