Memorials

This memorial page is a tribute to all of our AIRBORNE brothers who paid the Ultimate Price during the Vietnam War. Here is an obituary of our most recently passed on. James Martin Duke 1947-2020

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them”
-Laurence Binyon (1869 – 1943)

Webster’s Dictionary describes the word MEMORIAL as “something that keeps remembrance alive”. The World Book Encyclopedia states that MEMORIAL DAY (or Decoration Day as it was formerly called) is a patriotic day to honor American Soldiers who have given their lives for their country. It is a legal holiday in most states. Flowers and flags are placed on graves of soldiers. Many organizations march in military parades and take part in special programs. Memorial Day originated during the Civil War.

TAPSDay is done, gone the sun,
From the lakes, from the hills, from the skies,
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.

Composed By Major General Daniel Butterfield
Army of the Potomac, Civil War

This bugle call was written during the Peninsula Campaign of the Civil War in the year 1862 after a battle near Richmond, Virginia which saw a large number of Union casualties. It is said that the tune came to then Brigade Commander Colonel Daniel Butterfield, while reflecting sadly on the losses. According to the story, Butterfield unable to write music, hummed it to his aide who wrote it down in musical notation. It was performed that evening by his bugler, Oliver W. Norton in honor of fallen comrades. In 1874, it became officially recognized by the U.S. Army as an alternative to “Lights Out” and since has been used not only a signal that day was done, but also as means of saying good-bye to a fallen comrade, usually accompanied by the drumbeat, Muffled Ruffles. It is customarily played at military funerals across the land.

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord! And let
perpetual light shine upon them! May they rest in
peace! Amen. May their souls and the souls of all the
faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in
peace. Amen.”

Show your support for our fallen brothers and sisters.
Fly your flag!

I AM YOUR FLAG

I was born on 14 Jun 1777.
I am more than just cloth shaped into a design.
I am the refuge of the world’s oppressed people.
I am the silent sentinel of freedom.
I am the emblem of one of the greatest sovereign nations.
I am the inspiration for which American patriots gave their lives and fortunes.
I have led your sons into battle from Valley Forge to the jungles of Vietnam.
I walk in silence with each of your honored dead to the final resting place beneath the white crosses, row by row.
I have flown through peace and war, strife and prosperity and amidst it all I have been respected.
Red stripes…symbolize the blood spilled in defense of this glorious nation.
White stripes…symbolize the burning tears shed by Americans who have lost their sons.
Blue fields…symbolize God’s heaven under which I fly.
White stars…symbolize fifty states unified as one, for God and country.
“Old Glory” is my nickname and proudly I wave on high.
Honor me, respect me and defend me with your lives and fortunes.
Never let my enemies tear me down from my lofted position, lest I never return.
Keep alight the fires of patriotism; strive ernestly for the spirit of democracy.
Worship eternal God and keep his commandments and I shall remain the bulwark of peace and freedom for all mankind.

I AM YOUR FLAG

~Written by Marine MSgt Percy Webb

I pray that our Heavenly Father
may assuage the anguish of your bereavement,
and leave you only the cherished memory of the
loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours,
to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom.

~Abraham Lincoln, November 1864

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 left and 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.

Statement made by Major Michael Davis O’Donnell On 1Jan 1970 Dak To, Vietnam