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Permalink Reply by Pam on May 28, 2011 at 12:37pm

Honoring my father, Nick. Served in the Army from 1959 to 1965. Passed on this May.

Also honoring my husband, Marion. Served 1970 to 1975.

Thank you to our service members and their families. We are blessed to live in the United States of America. Our blessings stem from all of your service and sacrifices!

Permalink Reply by Laura McGuire on May 30, 2011 at 6:07pm

My husband, Dave, was a Vietnam veteran.  He served in the navy from 1966 to 1971. He was treated badly when he returned - hurtful remarks, stuff thrown at him, etc.  He always felt Vietnam veterans were not treated right and it hurt him. This all happened before we met. But his family told me he was very depressed and had bad nightmares after coming home. Dave didn't say much about his experiences. It was too hard for him I guess. I do know he worked with medical care and can only imagine what he saw. He also told me of 2 times he almost was killed. He did come home though. But only a few years later he again almost died - this time from an attemped suicide by overdose. By God's grace a neighbor found him in time and got him to the hospital and, though his heart had stopped, they pulled him through and he lived. We met about a year later.

Yesterday at church there was a short video about Memorial Day. The gravestones in the picture looked just like those at the cemetery where Dave is buried. He died April 1,2011, only 2 months ago. The pastor had the veterans stand. I thought how, if Dave were alive and well, he would have been there with me and stood with the others. I also thought how we were honoring those who died in service to our country. Dave didn't die in Vietnam (though he almost did). But the illness that finally took his life, multiple myeloma, may well have had its roots in his time of service from agent orange. Also, he had maleria for a month there and could have died from that too and I think it took a toll on his health also. He seemed to get sick often, especially with bronchitus and pneumomia. Anyway, I was thinking that even though he didn't die in Vietnam itself, it seemed to me that he still died from his service to our country. At his burial I made sure he got full military honors as he had wanted. That was especially important to me. The flag will be a special treasure. I'm thinking I sound sort of calm in what I've written. But actually this whole day and much of this weekend I've felt so depressed, like I'm going crazy sometimes. I love Dave so much and miss him so. But I wanted to say this as a tribute to my very special hero, my dear Dave. He deserves to receive this honor for his service to our country.

 By the way, one other thing was meaningful to me. Dave is buried in secion 35 of the veterans cemetary. When I saw that at the burial, the first thing I thought was that our last anniversary was our 35th. It somehow seemed fitting and comforting.

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by Kathy King Kates on May 30, 2011 at 6:19pm

yes, Laura, your husband definitely deserved the recognition. My Bill was embarrassed but I made sure to gt his flag anyway. I have the special box ordered for deliverly for Fathers Day..

Laura McGuire said:

My husband, Dave, was a Vietnam veteran.  He served in the navy from 1966 to 1971. He was treated badly when he returned - hurtful remarks, stuff thrown at him, etc.  He always felt Vietnam veterans were not treated right and it hurt him. This all happened before we met. But his family told me he was very depressed and had bad nightmares after coming home. Dave didn't say much about his experiences. It was too hard for him I guess. I do know he worked with medical care and can only imagine what he saw. He also told me of 2 times he almost was killed. He did come home though. But only a few years later he again almost died - this time from an attemped suicide by overdose. By God's grace a neighbor found him in time and got him to the hospital and, though his heart had stopped, they pulled him through and he lived. We met about a year later.

Yesterday at church there was a short video about Memorial Day. The gravestones in the picture looked just like those at the cemetery where Dave is buried. He died April 1,2011, only 2 months ago. The pastor had the veterans stand. I thought how, if Dave were alive and well, he would have been there with me and stood with the others. I also thought how we were honoring those who died in service to our country. Dave didn't die in Vietnam (though he almost did). But the illness that finally took his life, multiple myeloma, may well have had its roots in his time of service from agent orange. Also, he had maleria for a month there and could have died from that too and I think it took a toll on his health also. He seemed to get sick often, especially with bronchitus and pneumomia. Anyway, I was thinking that even though he didn't die in Vietnam itself, it seemed to me that he still died from his service to our country. At his burial I made sure he got full military honors as he had wanted. That was especially important to me. The flag will be a special treasure. I'm thinking I sound sort of calm in what I've written. But actually this whole day and much of this weekend I've felt so depressed, like I'm going crazy sometimes. I love Dave so much and miss him so. But I wanted to say this as a tribute to my very special hero, my dear Dave. He deserves to receive this honor for his service to our counry.

 

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by Brigitte on May 31, 2011 at 8:14am

My Douglas was a Viet Nam veteran -- USMC and served in Viet Nam 1967-1968.  And like many veteran's of this "conflict" he was not treated with any respect.  He was spat upon, called names (baby killer, etc) and suffered at the hands of the ongoing Veteran's Administration and Veteran's Hospital.  Douglas died on July 17, 2009 -- thanks to Agent Orange, the gift that keeps on giving.  I was his strongest advocate and his death will not go down in vain!  He is my hero.  He served his country when called upon and with dignity and honor.  I welcomed him home everyday -- and on July 17, 2009 God welcomed him home as well.  I am grateful to him and all veteran's who put their lives on hold and on the line to keep us free -- regardless of political appreciation or approval.  To all of you I say, "Welcome Home, job well done!"

 

Peace,

 

Brigitte