I've found where the heroes have gone

Gary_in_Indiana · Aug 21, 2002

Re: I\'ve found where the heroes have gone

Harv,

I highly recommend 'The Greatest Generation' by Tom Brokaw to you. A wonderful book you'll look at again and again.

Anonymous Poster · Aug 21, 2002

Re: I\'ve found where the heroes have gone

One of the country's heros ended up right here in my town. My wife's dad put his personal beliefs aside and did his country's bidding in 1969. He saw Vietnam through the bomber's window of an F4. He flew over 100 missions. I don't know if they were all combat, but I'm pretty sure he wasn't over there sightseeing. To me he is a hero. I'm glad I've never seen the horrors of war, but I wish someday I could come through for the U.S. like all those who have served in the name of freedom.

Tdog · Aug 21, 2002

Re: I\'ve found where the heroes have gone

Harv,

Nice post. I had an uncle die just a few months ago who had a hell of a memory of WWII & the occupation of Europe & Japan. Plus, he was in Korea. We always intended, but never got around to taping any of it & now . . . .

If you find veterans' stories interesting, I highly recommend "Band of Brothers" - - HBO made it into a 10 episode mini series & has aired it a couple of times.

Also, I recommend you visit the D-Day Museum in New Orleans - - it's first rate: http://www.ddaymuseum.org/

cstocks · Aug 21, 2002

Re: I\'ve found where the heroes have gone

You're right, WHarv. I own a video camera and it would just be a simple matter of doing it. My uncle is 86 years old, has emphasema and my monthly visits tell me that he is fading a lot faster than I want to admit.

I let the same video opportunity slip by me with my great aunt. She passed away a year and a half ago at the ripe old age of 99 years and eight months. Almost a century. She was the last of that generation and was quite a character. She had old timers disease for the last few years that she was alive and could not remember what she said two minutes ago but could still relate things that happened to her fifty, seventy or eighty years ago. I regret not recording her stories for posterity. I don't want to make the same mistake with my uncle.

Thanks for bringing up the topic of heroes. I have the greatest respect and admiration for all of soldiers who have experienced the horrors of war but there is a special place in my heart for WWII vets. They are all heroes.

Turfman · Aug 22, 2002

Re: I\'ve found where the heroes have gone

Excellent, Harv. Truely excellent.

They gave much for us. I hope we never forget. I had two uncles in the Oacific. One was at Pearl and his ship was sunk. They are both gone, they were the backbone that made America what she is and gave us the opportunities we now take for granted.

Let us not forget to look around us today for the heros that are in out mist. My friend left his young family to go to Afganistan with his Special Forces Unit. We hear that he has had to do the hardest thing a human must do. We are concerned for him. He has his kit in order and we're confident he'll be alright, yet it must be hard. There are heros all around us today. We just need to see them for what they are.

Best of luck and sorry for your loss.

Kodiak · Aug 22, 2002

Re: I\'ve found where the heroes have gone

I grew up living on a Navy base in Alaska. During Vietnam there were quite a few Medevac flights from Japan that stopped there to refuel. I have a permanent memory of some of those guys that got off for a smoke on their way home. You couldn't tell what branch of the service they were in, because they all wore pajamas and robes. There were always a bunch of wheelchairs and guys passing out crutches. But what really got me was how many empty pant legs and shirt sleeves there were pinned up. They aren't so conspicouis now. But many of those guys are still here with us, and still earn my salute.

gerard · Aug 22, 2002

Re: I\'ve found where the heroes have gone

Gotta disagree with you on this one (but then maybe BECAUSE I have that option I wind up agreeing with your sentiments anyway!). I don't mind protests but they should be directed at the people who can either change policy or make the policy initially, ie the politicians. Don't direct the anger at the soldiers like what happened in vietnam. They were merely the pawns of the politicians doing what they felt was right for their country. I also don't think the general public is bright enough or well informed enough of ALL the facts to wholesale protest policy. There are some protestors who will ALWAYS feel going to war is wrong. If we had more people like that there would be no USA 'cause we would have been taken over a long time ago and would all be speaking german today. Also can't agree that burning a flag is a sign of patriotism. I take that more as a sign of disgust with the country and if you feel that strongly then you also have the right to leave. I can understand anger directed at an INDIVIDUAL. You want to burn the president in effigy knock yourself out but burning the flag dishonors all those who've given their lives to give you the rights we have in this country. We're FAR from perfect but when I look at the rest of the world I'll stick with this country. Oh, I also don't beleive you get to pick and chose which war you decide to participate in. If anyone feels that strongly I support their right to become an ex patriot, give up their citizenship and leave the country, they DON'T however get to come back. (Nor do they get to go to school in England for the duration!). But I have the utmost respect for you as a welder Harv!!!! (As well as actually agreeing with MOST of your posts) /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

cowboydoc · Aug 22, 2002

Re: I\'ve found where the heroes have gone

Couldn't have said it better Gerard. I think any veteran both alive and dead would be sick at the thought of the flag burning or protesting a soldier who was only following orders. Every country has obligations and we have to fulfill our duties to our country whether we like it or not. LIke you said if you don't then get the heck out and don't let the door hit you in the backside on the way out.

BTI · Aug 22, 2002

Re: I\'ve found where the heroes have gone

I for one as a generation X'er am at awe of that generation. Amen! I am with ya' on that one! I go to church with a man that lost his leg in Vietnam, He's my hero! I often think about a way to tell him how much I appreciate the price he paid, but it's hard to find the words. I don't want to bring up something that may haunt him, I think he's suffered enough. Not all of us in the "Younger Generations" are ungrateful. When I hear the "THE PLEDGE" and see our flag I can't help but think of all the lives that have been lost for the freedoms we enjoy. I am very grateful and eternally indebted to our veterans.
BTI

MarkV · Aug 22, 2002

Re: I\'ve found where the heroes have gone

Gerard,

 Also can't agree that burning a flag is a sign of patriotism.

With all due respect, I didn’t read Harv’s post as saying that at all.

 The person burning the flag is honoring all those who've given their life for this great country. They are excerising the liberty that was paid for so dearly.

I don’t think he agrees with burning the flag. IMHO he feels those who do such stupid acts are inadvertently honoring those who have protected their right to do stupid acts. That is what our freedom offers us. We agree we are allowed to disagree. Glad that never happens on TBN./w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

MarkV