My cousin Jeff was awared the Bronze Star with valor in Viet Nam. I recently found why. Jeff was a Medivac chopper crew chief and was flying back with the chopper from a routine maintance depot. He an another chopper were order to pick up wounded GI's in a gunfight with the VC. They were the only 2 choppers close by and Jeff was one. It took the two choppers many trips back and forth to get all the GI's out of there 8 or 10 times. Near the end of the pick up the GI's; the LZ became over run North Vietnam regulars; they were literally falling out of trees. While draging back a wounded GI with the one hand Jeff was shooting the enemy with one hand. What did Jeff get when he came home to the USA spit on and called baby killer. I call him a HERO every time I see him. I salute you Jeff and all the unspoken Heros!
Both my Grandpas served in WWII. My paternal in the RCAF, fortunately for him, he never saw combat. My maternal in the Army, and saw plenty, and only started sharing stories the last few years, some sad ones, some interesting ones, and even some funny ones. They've both passed now. Many thanks to those that have served, are serving, and will serve. God bless you all.
Hmmm no mention of the Canadians that had been fighting and dying there since the start of the war......67,000 killed , including being the victims of the first poison gas attack ....which they managed to halt after the French deserted their positions !
I have a cousin that was shot by German soldiers AFTER the start of the Armistice on 11 November 1918. He died of his wounds a week later, and was one of the very last US casualties of World War I. He has a very ornate headstone in a cemetery in southern Colorado, that his father (my great-uncle) personally cut from granite. It saddens me to think he was one of the last men killed in that war. Killed on the day that hostilities were supposed to end. He was just 18 years and six months old then. But, Veteran's Day is to recognize the LIVING veterans of all wars. As a retired AF NCO, I thank my fellow vets for their devoted service.
My Dad was in bomb disposal during WW11 and I was too young for Viet Nam, so I grew up with the freedom that many fought to maintain, while understanding the sacrifices others made to obtain it. In Canada the 11th is "Remembrance day" and all will pause with a moment of silence at 11 am. very similar to Veterans day, Certainly a time to reflect and think about those families who have sons, or fathers or daughters and mothers out there spending time away to keep our freedoms. God bless all who support the military! Wearing the Poppy with pride!
My dad's oldest brother served in the Navy for 4 1/2 years during WWII on a mine sweeper in the Pacific. He lied to get into the service at 16 because he wanted serve his country so bad. He died this past Saturday night at the age of 86.
A Remembrance Day Salute TO all Veterans..... may we take the time to remember... .... your time as one of the Country's Greatest, .... your service to the country we live in and love, .... your bonds, cemented in heart and memory of those who stood beside you, .... your sacrifices made in the name of our Great Country, .... your friends and family who serve , even now, .... your band of brothers and sisters who have served and are still with us, .... your brothers and sisters who have gone before us, May we take the time to do all of the above and relay these things to our families, friends and community, so that they to, realize the impact of this day. I salute you all......... THANK YOU !!
I am a Viet Nam vet that wants to thank all the new veterans for all they have done and for all they are doing for us now. Thank You MCB 74 in country 69-70
Thank you. And thanks to all that have gone before him and all those that serve now, our way of life could not exist without the sacrifices that the men and women of our armed services give each and everyday
That happened to my dad when he came home from Nam. We were walking to the car at the airport and some hippie fuck just walked by and spit on him. My mom kept my dad from cleaning out the gene pool. Crazy times.
My Mom's Family is German. Her Parents were children during the Second World war. My Great Grand Parents had a bakery during the Great War and were pressed into making rye bread for the Army.My Great Grandfather went down in a U boat in WW2. When they came to Canada my Opa bought a Beetle and ran them Year round until his passing.I guess driving in -40 without heat was nothing to him after growing up running for your life everyday. My Father's father fled Poland days before The Germans came to town. Parents told him to go before he,like his brothers fell victim to the Germans. Never looked back. Came to Canada, picked up an Irish surname (Harris), enlisted in the Canadian Army, and went to France guns a blazing. Met my Grandmother while he was in Holland. World War 2 is a huge part of my family history on both sides of my tree. These are quite solemn days in our households.
Thanks to all!! It's a good feeling to be appreciated. To all other armed forces members...past and present, THANKS folks, you keep us free. Navy-FASU DaNang 70-71 ( my wife chose this date for our wedding in 1972 so I wouldn't forget the date!)
My maternal granddad was there (on the right). Diary of William A Livergood. A tale of a soldier who served in the World War in France. http://www.laroke.com/larryk4674/2001/poppop.htm
I don't doubt that there will be a more general vets day thread but this one will suffice for me. Utmost repect to those who have given so damned much. Whether a war is won or lost the price is always the same the blood and souls of our young men and women. May all be respected this day and every day.
The Jalopy Journal
