Posted on 01/20/2003 5:03:05 AM PST by snippy_about_it
We had a port visit to Antwerp where I also got to tour Paris and Brussels. That stop is tops on my list!
My Dad (BethBG79's Papa) survived the Battle of Tawara in spite of all odds, and went on to achieve the all-American dream - success in business, a loving family, a long life surrounded by friends and loved ones.
Why he made it when so many of his fellow Marines did not is a question which plaqued him throughout his lifetime.
Beth...that gentle voiced, wonderful grandfather you loved so much had a backbone of steel forged in a surrealistic, bloody hell. He was YOUR age in 1943. Think about that for a moment.
Your Papa experienced hell on earth and survived, no, TRIUMPHED over evil because he and his fellow Americans refused to give up.
The determination of America's fighting forces to fight for that in which they believe, at Tarawa and through every battle before and since is why America is the greatest country in the world, and why you are able to live in freedom. NEVER FORGET!!
To all who serve, know that you have my everlasting gratitude, and that you are all in my prayers.
As an aside, my son worshipped his Papa, as did all of the grandchildren. He wanted to join the Marines "just like you did, Papa." Dad encouraged him to join the Navy, instead.
Here are a few images from that battle in 1943:
Tex, I can see the gears turning in your head, plotting how to make the cable car fly. The "Speed Crew" is up to something. LOL!!
I want to take a minute to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all in the Canteen! My heart is swelling with pride for these Great Americans which is my pleasure to protect. This makes it all worth while.
But, most importantly, I wish to express my tribute to my wife!! I thank God everyday for her! Her love and support for me through all this is just incredibile and I couldn't make it without her. Christy: I LOVE YOU!!
Good day to you, BIS.
Words take little or no effort. Actions, on the other hand, speak much louder, as the old axiom goes.
The actions of our troops, past and present, speak volumes.
God Bless Our Troops, Our Veterans, and their Families.
Nancy Jennifer Barr
Thanks, blackie.
020628-N-3228G-002 Pearl Harbor, HI (Jun. 28, 2002) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) leaves Pearl Harbor to participate in exercise "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) 2002. RIMPAC 2002 is designed to improve tactical proficiency in a wide array of combined operations at sea, while building cooperation and fostering mutual understanding between participating nations. Countries participating this year are: Australia, Canada, Chile, Peru, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class William R. Goodwin. (RELEASED)
National Geographic Television Spotlights USS Tarawa
Story Number: NNS021125-04
Release Date: 11/25/2002 12:35:00 PM
By Journalist 2nd Class Crystal King, USS Tarawa Public Affairs
ABOARD USS TARAWA, At Sea (NNS) -- Heads turned and eyes darted towards a film crew aboard USS Tarawa (LHA 1) recently, as the amphibious assault ship's Sailors and Marines became the major focus for the video cameras of a National Geographic television documentary team.
The four-member film crew came aboard Tarawa from Nov. 14-21 during Fleet Exercise operations, the second-to-last phase of the Tarawa Amphibious Ready Group’s training exercises in conjunction with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, off the Southern California coast.
“We’re making a documentary about the Sailors and Marines preparing for deployment, potentially towards the Arabian Gulf,” said production correspondent Michael Davie. “We want to paint a television portrait of these people, particularly the young adults, about their feelings and the lifestyle aboard ship, and what they think about the possibility of going to war.”
Throughout the week, various crew members allowed the National Geographic team to look at their daily lifestyle, as well as their roles in a variety of training exercises, including a mass casualty drill, well deck and flight deck operations, and a search-and-rescue drill.
“We do this because we want to, not because we have to,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Michael Garcia, one of Tarawa’s search-and-rescue swimmers.
“I think this will make citizens of the United States of America realize how hard the American Sailor and Marine work during a normal work day, and how well trained and prepared they are in case they have to go to war,” said Capt. Jay Bowling, the ship’s commanding officer.
The documentary does not have a scheduled air date yet.
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