Memorial Day in US

Dad's reflections for his church's Memorial day bulletin before he passes away.

He served two separate tours. Shared Scoutmaster duties with a Vietnamese Captain for a boy scout troop.

He never went to the DC Wall. Couldn't do it.

Still hard to read it without tearing up.

My great-grandfather served in the US Navy in Asia during WWI. He was awarded a purple heart when he a shell hit his ship and he was burned. They were fighting the bulshoviks in Valdavostok.

My grandfather-in-law fought in the trenches in France during WWI and was gassed. According to my father-in-law his lungs were permanently damaged.

My paternal grandfather trained in the Army Air Corps during WWII, but had to be dismissed for medical reasons.

My maternal grandfather was training to invade the Japanese homeland, but did not have to because our scientists invented the most horrible weapon the world has ever experienced.

My friend's Dad was an Army cook stationed in Saigon during Vietnam. He had an 8mm video camera and I got to see footage of the city. The most memorable part was the film of the floating latrine, where the guys crapped straight into the river.

All of these guys are no longer with us and I'm remembering them today.

Since this is a watch forum here is my well-preserved Waltham A-11. A model worn by many aviators and paratroopers who gave their lives to stop Hitler.