MEMORIAL DAY

WWII Memorial poem at Arlington Cemetery

TODAY IS MEMORIAL DAY.  WE HONOR HEROES.  THEY ARE HEROES, NOT BECAUSE THEY DIED, BUT BECAUSE THEY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE RISKING – AND WENT ANYWAY!

Wear your colors proud!

MEMORIAL DAY

by:  CW Johnson

 

We walked among the crosses

Where our fallen soldiers lay.

And listened to the bugle

As Taps began to play.

 

The Chaplain led a prayer

We stood with heads bowed low.

And I thought of fallen comrades

I had known so long ago.

 

They came from every city

Across this fertile land.

That we might live in freedom

They lie here ‘neath the sand.

 

I felt a little guilt

My sacrifice was small.

I only lost a little time

But these men lost their all.

 

Now the services are over

For this Memorial Day

To the names upon these crosses

I just want to say,

 

Thanks for what you’ve given

No one could ask for more.

May you rest with God in heaven

From now through evermore.

 

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MSgt. James J. O’Leary, USMC, my uncle, photo courtesy of Mustang Koji.

 Mustang Koji can be located HERE!

 

click on images to enlarge.

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Farewell Salutes – 

James “Holly” Black – Easley, SC; US Army, Korea

Keith Borck – Sebring, FL; US Army, Vietnam, helicopter pilot, Distinguish Service Cross

James Crawford – Springfield, IL; US Army Korea

Henry Davis – Augusta, ME; US Army, Vietnam

Virginia Devine – Joliet, IL; WAVES, WWII

John Hamilton Sr. – Jacksonville, AL; US Navy, Korea, SeaBee, Chief Petty officer, 22years

Hubert “Pete” King – McCook, NE & Minneola, KS; US Army Air Corps, WWII

Charles Long – Ocala, FL; US Navy, WWII

James Pasdertz Sr. – Joliet, IL; US Army, Vietnam

Donald Smith – Jacksonville, FL; US Army & US Air Force, Vietnam 3 tours

Gordon Willis – Falmouth, MA – US Air Force, Korea (Famed Hollywood cinematographer)

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