STORM2K

Memorial Day is clearly a day for remembering those we have lost while protecting the interests and preserving the freedoms of this country and others.

In the summer 1966 I think it was, Jeff Smith and I worked the night shift together for two weeks at the northside tollway Standard Oil station on I-90 near Rockford IL. Any of you who have driven I-90 west from Chicago have gone right by that place.

Jeff's dad was a teacher. I knew him too. Jeff had a great interest in sports...a good athlete whenever he got the ball in his hands. Especially basketball.

These days Jeff Smith's name appears on the Wall. The Vietnam memorial wall. He died more than 9,000 miles from home...and far, very far, away from the basketball court he loved so much.

Why I was spared during my time in Vietnam I can not come to understand. Why he was not seems so meaningless these days.

Unless someone tells him thank you for what he did.

Thanks again Jeff. For those nights working together and laughing.

And for your ultimate sacrifice.

Your words are so meaningful. Memorial Day is for Jeff and all of the others who so bravely served their country and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Thank you Jeff and thank you to all of our brave soldiers.

Thanks Steve, once again, for this timely reminder - to appreciate our Vet's and to thank them too. Say a prayer for the fallen ones.

Going to hang my flag, brand new by the way (old one is in bad shape, I'll take it to Am-Vets soon), proudly.

Thanks Steve, seems in our hectic world these days, too few people stop and remember just exactly what this day means. Everyone's caught up in the hurry hurry, it's all about me world and don't think about the ultimate sacrifie our brave men and women have so freely give. Thanks Jeff and the countless others!

Dennis

Thanks for posting this thread Dennis! It's good to remember why we have this long week-end! So many of our youngest and finest have died to preserve our way of life! I have visited "The Wall" in Washington many times and you can't help but feel the pain when you're standing there. There is also a great sense of pride and honor at being at such a memorial. Thank you to all that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom!

There is a large park here in Douglasville called Hunter Park. It was named in honor of a brave young USAF pilot who gave his life while serving his country over Southeast Asia in 1966. His name was Lt. Robert G. Hunter.

There is a very touching memorial located inside Hunter Park....complete with a restored F-105 Thunderchief, the same type of aircraft Lt. Hunter flew and lost his life in. To some it's just an airplane; to many it's just a memorial inside a park they enjoy for picnics, watching their children play, feeding the ducks, and playing little league baseball games in.

To me it's a place of reverence. I stand there so humbled...thanking God for men like Lt. Robert Hunter....for all the brave men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice to give me, to give us all the precious freedoms we have today.

God bless them and their wonderful families.

Thanks Steve..Many have given their lives to insure we are free. I hope everyone in this country realizes that their freedom came at a high price and is grateful for the sacrifices made to insure our way of life. I know I do..GOD BLESS AMERICA'S fallen heros!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This one is for Reavis, Casey, Ronnie, Larry and Tommy; some gave all, all gave some.

Auf gefallene Kameraden.

Thank you Steve for this topic.

Thank you to our vets, our current enlisted soldiers, police officers, firefighters, EMT's for your service and sacrifices!

My dad was in Vietnam way back in the 1970s. He was not killed but it left me with Spina Bifida, thanks to agent orange. Steve, thanks for posting this reminder of all that the men and women serving the USA are doing ot protect our freedoms. May God bless them, and God bless America!
Jeremy

I echo everyone before me.

Jeremy, interesting to hear how you got Spina Bifda. I am glad to have met you here at Storm2K and look forward to our future interactions.