The Wall's 20th

[hotwine]

Today's the 20th anniversary of the Wall's dedication. Wasn't able to make that ceremony in '82, but visited late one afternoon a year later, while in town on business. Found the panels for '67 & '68, and couldn't believe the numbers - members of my OCS class - listed there. I had read casualty reports when I could, in the Stars & Stipes, but had no idea until that visit, years later, that so many hadn't made it. What a place. Hallowed ground.

Happy Vets' Day to all my fellow vets and assorted miscreants.

[Innkeeper]

Visited the wall about ten years ago. Know how to find two of best friends that we lost over there, but the starkest panel is the one covering the period of July 7, 1971. That was the night two of our wooden barracks were hit by rockets at Danang.

The Social Actions folks had just finished a hugely unsuccessful week of race relations training. That night white guys were carrying out black guys, and black guys were carrying out white guys. We had thirty four killed in action.

Happy Veterans Day to one and all.

[Drew]

Never served but feel your pain on this day of remembrance. Thank you Veterans who keep us free and to the ones that paid the ultimate fare.

Drew

[This message has been edited by Drew (edited 11-11-2002).]

[Kcwhippet]

I second Drew's sentiments. We owe more than we could ever repay to those who served.

[hotwine]

I'll always be grateful for having had the privilege of serving family and neighbors.

Thanks for the kind words, neighbors.

[Botafogo]

Three of my uncles are on that wall, two killed in combat and one shot down in a transport (by mistake by friendly SVN forces!) as a short timer on his way home to "the World". My grandmother snapped after that last one, went to DC and stood in front of the White House raving for a week and was never the same again.

You'all may think I am a raving lib (though I am really a libertarian pagan) but I am also a vet (1st Armored Division, Germany, early 70's) and the son and grandson of combat vets from "the Big One" and Korea and I too respect the meaning of this day.

I hate to say it on a wine board but if you are going to toast fallen comrades today, do it with BEER, it is much more appropriate.

Roberto

[Drew]

So right, Roberto. I just picked up a case of Brooklyn Black Chocolate Ale, which I love, and will toast with one tonight.

Drew

[Bucko]

Back at you Hotsie from another non-REMF. I just hope that spilt blood is for a just cause, not Arab oil or personal vendettas.