The FReeper Foxhole - Memorial Day Tribute - May 26th, 2003

various

[snippy_about_it]

NEVER FORGET
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

More than one million Americans have paid for our freedom with their lives.
What type of American is willing to give all if Providence so chooses?
A Reminder...

WWI

WWII

Korea

Vietnam

U.S. Marine Corp Barracks-Beirut

Persian Gulf War

Somalia

KFOR

USS COLE

Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan

Operation Enduring Freedom - Philippines

Operation Iraqi Freedom

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B E

S T I L L

TO THESE WE OWE THE HIGH RESOLVE THAT THE CAUSE FOR WHICH THEY DIED SHALL LIVE.

AMAZING GRACE

RM..........MP3


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The World War I Somme American Cemetery - France
This fourteen acre cemetery, sited on a gentle slope typical of the open, rolling Picardy countryside contains the graves of 1,844 American military Dead. Most lost their lives while serving in American units attached to British Armies or in the operations near Cantigny during World War I. More

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The World War I Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery - France
Meuse-Argonne, covering one hundred and thirty acres, holds the largest number of American Dead in Europe, a total of 14,246. Most of those buried here gave their lives during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of World War I. More

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The World War II Cambridge American Cemetery - England
There are 3,812 American military Dead buried there. On the wall running from the entrance to the chapel are inscribed the names of 5,126 Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country, but whose remains were never recovered or identified. More

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The World War II Epinal American Cemetery - France
This cemetery contains the graves of 5,255 American military Dead. On the walls of the Court of Honor, which surround the memorial, are inscribed the names of 424 Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country and who rest in unknown graves. More

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The World War II Ardennes American Cemetery - Belgium
The cemetery, ninety acres in extent, contains the graves of 5,328 American military Dead, many of whom died in the so-called "Battle of the Bulge." More

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The World War II Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery - Belgium
At this cemetery, covering fifty seven acres, rests 7,989 American military Dead, most of whom gave their lives during the advance of the American Armed Forces into Germany during World War II. More

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The World War II Netherlands American Cemetery
Beyond the chapel and tower is the burial area which is divided into sixteen plots. Here rest 8,301 American Dead, most of whom lost their lives nearby. The walls on either side of the Court of Honor contain the Tablets of the Missing on which are recorded the names of 1,723 American Missing who gave their lives in the service of their country and who rest in unknown graves. More

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Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Interred within them are the remains of 9,386 servicemen and women. Three hundred and seven of which are Unknowns (those which could not be identified), three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, and four women. Also buried here, side by side, are father and son, and 33 pairs of brothers. Each grave is marked with a white marble headstone, a Star of David for those of the Jewish faith, a Latin cross for all others. The aligned headstones against the immaculately maintained emerald green lawn convey an unforgettable feeling of peace and serenity. The servicemen and women interred in the cemetery came from all fifty States and the District of Columbia. A small number also came from England, Scotland and Canada. More - (Extremely informative downloads available also)

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The World War II North Africa American Cemetery - Tunisia
At this cemetery, twenty-seven acres in extent, rest 2,841 American military Dead. Along the southeast edge of the burial area is a long Wall of the Missing with its sculptured figures and bordering tree lined terrace leading to the memorial. On this wall are engraved the names of 3,724 American Missing who gave their lives in the service of their country in military activities ranging from North Africa to the Persian Gulf during World War II. More

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The Korean War Veterans Memorial
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is located near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC. It was dedicated on July 27, 1995. The Memorial commerates the sacrifices of the 5.8 million American who served in the U.S. Armed Services during the three-year period of the Korean War. The war was one of the most hard fought in our history.

During its relatively short duration from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953, 54,246 Americans died in support of their country. Of these, 8,200 are listed as missing in action or lost or buried at sea.

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In addition 103,284 were wounded during the conflict. As an integral part of the Memorial, the Korean War Honor Roll was established, honoring those U.S. military personnel who died world-wide during the war. More (This monument link has several pages dedicated to it, I encourage you to visit all of them)

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The Vietnam Veterans Memorial


"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind."

Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
Listed as KIA February 7, 1978

THE VIETNAM WOMEN'S MEMORIAL

Night time view of The Wall

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ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

OUR NATION'S MOST SACRED SHRINE

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE ARE HALLOWED GROUNDS

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

HERE RESTS IN
HONORED GLORY
AN AMERICAN
SOLDIER
KNOWN BUT TO GOD

"Scenes from Above" - Arlington National Cemetery

Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery Armed Service Funerals

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This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. (JOHN 15:12-13)

Those who have died for their country will never be forgotten.

Their sacrifice will live on forever in the hearts of all who cherish freedom.

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[snippy_about_it]

Please begin by selecting the music in order of appearance.

Taps with 30 second drum roll


"Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh -- Falls the night.

"Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

"Then good night, peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear -- Friend, good night."

Taps is the most beautiful bugle call. Played slowly and softly, it has a smooth, tender, and
touching character. The bugle call was written during the Peninsula Campaign of the Civil War
by General Daniel Butterfield, with an assist from his bugler, Oliver W. Norton, in 1862.


On this day - Army Band

The bugle has sounded, its notes drift away, this time now belongs to you.

On this day for one brief moment, hear the silence fill the air
Think of those who walked beside us, now no longer there,

Then don’t cry but hear their laughter, for their spirit lives inside
Let that mystic stream of mem’ry fill our hearts with pride!

Make us humble, make us knowing, and accepting what is done
On this day for now, forever, make this nation one!
On this day for all the fallen, make this nation one!

The Old Guard Escorts A Soldier To His Final Resting Place, Arlington National Cemetery

"They say, we leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning. Give them an end to the war and a true peace. Give them a victory that ends the war and peace afterwards. Give them their meaning. We were young, they say. We have died. Remember us."
—Archibald MacLeish

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MOMENT OF SILENCE

Along with other Americans, you are asked to spend a Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. local time (duration: one minute).
The time 3:00 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when many Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday.

The Moment does not replace the traditional Memorial Day observances. It is intended to a be a unifying act of remembrance for Americans of all ages. As you participate in the Moment you are helping reclaim Memorial Day for the noble and sacred reason for which it was intended—to honor those who died in service to our Nation.

During that brief time, except for a bugler sounding "Taps," Americans of every nationality are being urged to take a moment to reflect on the blessings of this country.

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Remember their sacrifice.
Honor this Freedom that has cost so many so much and continues today.

Real Video(Low Band)

Real Video (High Band)

Windows Media (Low Band)

Windows Media(High Band)
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[snippy_about_it]

MONUMENTS and Memorials

IWO JIMA Monument in Washington D.C.

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World War II Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument

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Located on a cliff eight miles west of Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, which overlooks Omaha Beach. It was erected by the French to honor elements of the American Second Ranger Battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel James E. Rudder. During the American assault of Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, these elements scaled the 100 foot cliff and seized the German artillery pieces that could have fired on the American landing troops at Omaha Beach. At a high cost of life, they successfully defended against determined German counterattacks.

The monument consists of a simple granite pylon positioned atop a German concrete bunker with tablets at its base inscribed in French and English. The monument was formally transferred to the American Battle Monuments Commission for perpetual care and maintenance on January 11, 1979. This battle scarred area on the left flank of Omaha Beach remains much as the Rangers left it.

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The World War II East Coast Memorial

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More

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The Honolulu Memorial

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More

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Memorials at Arlington National Cemetery

Spanish-American War Monument

TO THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS OF THE UNITED STATES
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY
IN THE WAR 1898-99 WITH SPAIN

THIS MONUMENT IS DEDICATED
IN SORROW GRATITUDE AND PRIDE
BY THE NATIONAL SOCIETY
OF THE COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA

IN THE NAME OF ALL THE WOMEN OF THE NATION - 1902

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IN HONOR OF MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES
WHO DIED DURING AN ATTEMPT TO RESCUE AMERICAN HOSTAGES HELD IN IRAN

25 APRIL 1980

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BENEATH THIS STONE REPOSE THE BONES OF TWO THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN UNKNOWN SOLDIERS GATHERED AFTER THE WAR. FROM THE FIELDS OF BULL RUN, AND THE ROUTE TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK, THEIR REMAINS COULD NOT BE IDENTIFIED. BUT THEIR NAMES AND DEATHS ARE RECORDED IN THE ARCHIVES OF THEIR COUNTY, AND ITS GRATEFUL CITIZENS HONOR THEM AS OF THEIR NOBEL ARMY OF MARTYRS. MAY THEY REST IN PEACE.
SEPTEMBER. A. C. 1866.

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[snippy_about_it]

Please select the following link to visit the American Battle Memorial Commission

Please select the following links to search for names of our war dead.

World War I Listing Name Search

World War II Listing Name Search

Korea War Listing Name Search

Vietnam - Link to Virtual Wall for name search

Please select the following link to view the names of the Fallen Warriors of the Persian Gulf War

Please select the following link to view the names of our most recent Fallen Warriors
From Operation Enduring Freedom and
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Please select the following link to view information on the POW and MIA from the DOD

Korea POW/MIA
Vietnam POW/MIA

Cold War

[snippy_about_it]

OTHER GOOD SITES FOR MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCES

MUST SEE VIDEO

LINKs

REMEMBER

Jeff Head's excellent website

No Greater Love

It is bittersweet that there are so many graves, memorials and battle monuments that I was unable to list them all. I'm saddened by the loss yet appreciative that there are remembrances built to them.

I apologize if I left out any that are particularly important to our readers. Please, if you have a link feel free to post it here today.

A special Thank you to SAM for Mondays.

Never forget
Those currently serving

Never forget
Those who serve us clandestinely

Never forget
Those who served and thankfully are still with us

Never forget
Those who served but have since died

Never forget
Those who served and died in that service

Never Forget
Our Prisoners of War and Missing in Action

As you walk about the memorials, cook out in your back yards,
attend rallies or concerts remember the freedom you enjoy today
was paid for by those that gave the ultimate sacrifice of life and fought for by our Veterans and that fight continues with today's military.


NEVER FORGET

Freedom is not free.

[snippy_about_it]

Decoration Day
 

When Flower of May burst into bloom, 
With garlands fair we deck the tomb,
Of those who suffered in our stead,
We pay homage to our Nation's dead.
 

That our fair Nation rest secure,
And peace and happiness endure,
They bravely marched to meet the foe,
Lest evil powers our land o'er throw.
 

So we today, with silent tread, 
March to the city of our dead,
And lovingly our tribute pay,
Upon this Decoration Day. 
 
Walter Robert Sanders M/SGT. USAF (RET)
 


 

A Tribute
 

Honor today our Nations dead,
Who faced the enemy in our stead,
Protected homes, stood for the RIGHT,
Fought in the thickest of the fight,
Lest our fair land be overthrown,
And foreign power rule o'er our home,
For us made sacrifice supreme,
Poured out for us, their life's red stream,
In gratitude we bow our head,
All HONOR TO OUR NATIONS DEAD.
 
Walter Robert Sanders M/SGT. USAF (RET)

[snippy_about_it]

Dear Lord,

There's a young man far from home,
called to serve his nation in time of war;
sent to defend our freedom
on some distant foreign shore.

We pray You keep him safe,
we pray You keep him strong,
we pray You send him safely home ...
for he's been away so long.

There's a young woman far from home,
serving her nation with pride.
Her step is strong, her step is sure,
there is courage in every stride.
We pray You keep her safe,
we pray You keep her strong,
we pray You send her safely home ...
for she's been away too long.

Bless those who await their safe return.
Bless those who mourn the lost.
Bless those who serve this country well,
no matter what the cost.

Author Unknown

.

FReepers from the The Foxhole
join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time.

.

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[snippy_about_it]

Damn-it, The Gunner's Pup was in memory of one of the gunners on our light/flare ship who was killed only a couple of days after acquiring a little black puppy he named Damn-it.


DAMN-IT,THE GUNNER’S PUP

Damn-it,
the gunner’s pup.
Black ball of curly fur.
Sits alone by the barracks door,-
orphaned.

Lloyd Drennon
© June 2001

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The Hot LZ was in commemeration of a mission I flew on in which our formation got shot up pretty bad. Luckily no one was killed some wounded bad enough to be medevaced back to the States. I remember one Cobra passing with one of his rocket pods on fire us as we were in the hard turn to avoid enemy fire.


THE HOT LZ

Our V of five lifts up from the LZ.
We break ground, dust swirling through the cockpit.
Engines strain, skids scrape and blades shred a tree.
Got airspeed and altitude; we made it.
Straight out gaining altitude bit by bit.
Gunship lead screams, “Break hard right, Break hard right!”
The V banks and prepares to take a hit.
Rockets beneath our tails, smell the cordite.
More power, more airspeed; we’ll be back to join the fight.

Lloyd Drennon
© June 2001

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This is the poem on my profile page. It's about the chapel on Soc Trang Army Airfield. We held many memorial services there for our fallen comrades.


THE CHAPEL BELL’S LAST CLANG

It’s night outside the chapel at Soc Trang.
A gentle wind stirs from the still airfield.
We all wait for the chapel bell’s last clang.

Was from the heart, Amazing Grace we sang.
Silence falls, the chaplain rises, our soul’s shield.
It’s night outside the chapel at Soc Trang.

We began the day not fearing wars fang.
We had been wounded before but we healed.
We all wait for the chapel bell’s last clang.

Some worked, some slept, and at the club some sang.
While others flew and from Odins blows reeled.
It’s night outside the chapel at Soc Trang.

We’ve tasted it; we all know it, fear’s tang.
Bitter and sweet, that fruit of the battlefield.
We all wait for the chapel bell’s last clang.

For the crew we mourn, the chapel bell rang.
Taps in the darkness, no tear is concealed.
It’s night outside the chapel at Soc Trang.
We all wait for the chapel bell’s last clang.

Lloyd Drennon
© June 2001

Thank you so much ladtx for sharing your poetry and your personal stories with us on this Memorial Day.

[SAMWolf]

FLORENCE AMERICAN CEMETERY AND MEMORIAL
Florence, Italy

Between the two entrance buildings a bridge leads to the burial area where the headstones of 4,402 American military Dead, representing thirty-nine percent of the U.S. Fifth Army burials originally made between Rome and the Alps. Most died in the fighting which occurred after the capture of Rome in June 1944. Included among them are casualties of the heavy fighting in the Apennines shortly before the war's end.

MEXICO CITY NATIONAL CEMETERY
Mexico City, Mexico.

The cemetery was established in 1851 by Congress to gather the American Dead of the Mexican War that lay in the nearby fields and to provide burial space for Americans that die in the vicinity. A total of seven hundred and fifty unknown American soldiers were gathered and buried in a common grave at the cemetery. A small monument was placed over them that carries the inscription:
TO THE HONORED MEMORY
OF 750 AMERICANS
KNOWN BUT TO GOD
WHOSE BONES COLLECTED
BY THEIR COUNTRY'S ORDER
ARE HERE BURIED

ST. MIHIEL AMERICAN CEMETERY AND MEMORIAL
Thiaucourt, France

This cemetery, forty acres in extent, contains the graves of 4,153 American military Dead from World War I. Most of these gave their lives in the great offensive which resulted in the reduction of the St. Mihiel salient that threatened Paris.

MANILA AMERICAN CEMETERY AND MEMORIAL
Manila, Republic of the Philippines

The cemetery, one hundred and fifty-two acres in extent, is on a prominent plateau, visible at a distance from the east, south and west. It contains the largest number of graves of our military Dead of World War II, a total of 17,206, most of whom gave their lives in the operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. On rectangular Trani limestone piers within the hemicycles are inscribed the names of 36,282 of the Missing who gave their lives in the service of America and who rest in unknown graves.

[SAMWolf]

Awesome Snippy!!!

What a fantastic tribute, I didn't make it past the WWII pictures before I started getting blurry eyed.

Thank you for being part of the Foxhole. I really appreciate the work that went into your Memorial Day Tribute Thread. You done good!

[Soaring Feather]

Beautiful thread snippy.

We must never forget those who have died serving our great nation.

[SAMWolf]

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

There are 260,000 people buried here.

Never Forget.

[SAMWolf]

[redrock]

"....and in the end...what we are fighting for is each other."

...and it is enough.

redrock

[SAMWolf]

Geraldine Embry, of Boston, visits the gravesite of her father Curtis Embry, World War II veteran, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Boston, Sunday, May 25, 2003. (AP Photo/Chitose Suzuki)

[Victoria Delsoul]

Happy Memorial Day!

Thanks for the ping, Sam. Nighty night.

[Soaring Feather]

Tall Marine
lay long and cold
in his casket
once brave and bold...

Showing his honor
on his chest
thread bare lapel
old at best...

The guns were fired
the roses laid
one brave Marine
in his last parade...

bentfeather ©
04/28/03

[SAMWolf]

You're welcome, Victoria. See ya tomorrow.

[SAMWolf]

Thanks Feather.

[Soaring Feather]

You're welcome SAM.

[snippy_about_it]

Thank you.

Couldn't have done it without you.