Posted on 05/21/2004 6:01:54 PM PDT by nicko
don't know if this is the right way to do this, but Freerepublic has been my family for some time-
For my Pop, who passed away today- "Cpl Wayne E. Harden, 1539 Sixth Avenue, has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in action near Hukau-ri, Korea, according to an Army news release. Harden was a member of the Heavy Mortar Company of the Seventh Infantry Regiment, Third Division, and was cited for his actions on Dec. 5, 1950." For those who know the history, his Regiment and others supported the Marines deployed up and along the Chosin Reservoir. I've included a piece that I finished not long ago, that I dedicate to him today-
Korean War Memorial
it should only be open when we are weary of winter… and hopeless with fatigue…
and then too, open only at dusk- as shadows of the statues sink into the abyss- to share the dark despair of those desperate souls cast into such a cold Asian hell- on the road from Chosin…
where wind driven scythes of sleet and snow, and Communist Chinese, barreled screaming down nameless numbered ridges, and barren hills, slicing through the struggling squads of soldiers, Marines…
all trapped- like the apparitions etched on this granite wall, forever to wait for the false warmth of a bleak sunrise…
Mark E. Harden
forgive the mistakes- I've been toasting that damn Irishman for several hours now...
Toast away, Sir. My father fired only one round from his rifle during that war. I am proud of him as well.
thank you, Patriot...here's one for him, as well...
He sounds like he was a fine gentleman. My sympathies on your loss.
Our prayers are with you and your dad.
We Shall Keep the Faith
by Moina Michael, November 1918
Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet - to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the Faith
With All who died.
We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders Fields.
And now the Torch and Poppy Red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields.
He is well served by you.
thank you, WVNan...he taught me the poetry of life...the value of the small things, good beer, and good song...
Here, I'll toast him as well... and my father the Korea era marine.
The picture makes me think of the Chosin Reservoir campaign. Thanks to your father for his service.
God bless your Pop and those like him.
thank you Gilliam...
thanks, skeeter...I'm raising one for you father as we...
This ole Irishman will toast away with you. God Bless your father and you. His service for his country is honored and appreciated. Condolences to the family and friends. RIP Warrior
thank you, amused spectator...that's one photo from the memorial that the piece is from...those are the stautes...
Thank you and your family for your service.
thank you, Alaska Wolf...
I am sorry, nicko. Prayers for you and your family
A 'toast' to your Pop from me.
Colleen
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