Veterans Day Rememberance

[Doc_Pardue]

Most often, we remember those who serve, however, there are groups of people who stand out in their deeds. One of these is a group of 80 who did an amazing job right after Pearl Harbor...we are losing a generation at 2500 deaths a day, our WWII Vets.

'Doolittle Raiders' Participate in Veterans Day Activities American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2006 – Five former Army Air Corps members who were part of a famed World War II bombing mission traveled to the nation's capital to participate in many Veterans Day events, including wreath-laying ceremonies at the Air Force and Navy Memorials yesterday.
Retired Maj. Gen. David Jones and Philip Antoniello lay a wreath in honor of the USS Hornet at the Navy Memorial in Washington, Nov. 9. On April 18, 1942, the Doolittle Raiders, led by then Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, became the first to bombard Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Doolittle Raiders have celebrated their victory for the past 64 years. The surviving members of commander Lt. Col. James Doolittle's World War II raid over Japan also met with servicemembers at the Pentagon and Bolling Air Force Base here.

At the Navy Memorial, Doolittle Raiders met with former crewmembers of the Navy carrier USS Hornet, which launched the 16 Army Air Corps B-25s that carried the men across the Pacific and over Japan on April 18, 1942, four months after the Pearl Harbor attack. The Doolittle Raiders dropped their bombs on Japan, hitting targets in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe and Nagoya.

During a wreath-laying ceremony at the Air Force Memorial, Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne paid tribute to the Doolittle Raiders, saying "these magnificent (Air Force memorial) spires that soar upward call to mind the unlimited horizon of the human spirit, a spirit that dwelled in you as you pulled your B-25s off that USS Hornet in the Pacific on that historic day."

Though the bombing mission caused little damage in Japan, it had a huge impact on America's morale and changed the tone of the war. It set the United States and its allies on a course that would eventually lead to domination of the Pacific during World War II and the ultimate defeat of Japan in 1945.

Of the original 80 airmen who took part in the raid, 16 remain. They try to hold an annual reunion to pay tribute to their fellow Raiders who have died since the last time they met.

We need to thank them once again for the example they gave to each of us. Take some time and visit them at the VA's or the nursing homes, many have not had a vistor in years.

[Da-Chief]

The USS Hornet is located in my hometown of "ALAMEDA, CA".

http://www.uss-hornet.org/

I have been there many many many times. My oldest daughter loved that gray old lady. She has been onboard hera few times and always asked

"Daddy, Can we see the BIG SHIP, She's pretty".

One of those moments where you appreciate what your kids appreciate.

;-)


Da-Chief.

[Doc_Pardue]

A good friend of mine pinned this and thought it was a great Veterans Day rememberance...

AN EMPTY WHEELCHAIR

I traveled back home as I do every year, to watch our Veterans Day Parade,
There’s nothing more precious than hugging a Vet and thanking them for sacrifices made.
From the corner of Main to the outskirts of town were ribbons of red, white and blue.
Flags on each light post and building downtown, symbols of America’s gratitude.
The bands start to play as our Veterans march, wearing their faded BDUs,
Some are on crutches and some have lost limbs, but each one proudly salutes.
There, near the end, behind the last float, was a man pushing a wheelchair,
As he rounded the bend of Maple and Elm, I noticed that no one sat there.
Who was this man and why did he care, to walk with such a heavy load?
Quietly I rose to follow the band and learn ‘on whom’ honor is bestowed.
Down at the booths where coffee was served, I gingerly approached a Hero.
“Sir, I give thanks for Veterans like you, but there’s something my heart has to know.
Do you sit in that chair when your burdens too much? Or, is it for someone you’ve lost?”
My heart broke apart as tears filled his eyes, “Ma’am, this kid paid the high cost.
He and I served in the jungles of ‘Nam. A sniper put a bullet in his back.
Although he came home long before me, he and I never lost track.
All through the years we met when we could and sometimes we carried each other.
Death took its toll just one month ago. Ma’am, this kid was my brother.”
Out in the west as the sun starts to set, a lone Eagle silently glides by.
There in the shade of a huge oak tree, a story was shared of their life.
What greater love can one brother show, on this, most honorable day?
Though he is gone, a brother’s never forgotten and marches in Heaven’s parade.
We left with the promise to meet here next year, blessed by the moments we shared.

With one final look back, I couldn’t help miss the salute from that less empty wheelchair.


Lynn Price © November 13, 2006