Something I wanted to share, what I did this Memorial's Day.

[pookieblue]

This morning, I went down to our Gov't Center to the Veteran's Memorial. There, back in 1972, A tree was dedicated in my father's name. Since his body was never recovered, this is as close to a grave for him as I have.
He was killed in action, in vietman 1970.

I thought I would take some photos (with my camera phone).

The first picture is the Medal Of Honors Memorial. It's at the bottom of the steps in a little plaze next to the Gov't Center.



A tribute to the Veterans.



Up the stairs, is the Freedom Tree.



Close up of the Plaque.



I sat and visited the tree for awhile. Then I was was walking back down the stairs, I saw a flag that was rolled up and laying on a bench. It had been left behind. I picked it up and walked back up the stairs...



Thanks for letting me share.

On this Memorial Day, I like to take time, to think about those who have fallen. Seems to many (espeically those who have the little yellow ribbons and W stickerson their cars) forget what the day is really about.

I know that my father would have been disgusted with what is going on. And with Dubya and his croonies.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

1. Thank you for sharing

How old were you when your Dad went missing, If you don't
mind me asking.

May this special place bring you comfort.

War is a racket- A few profit, the many pay. Maj.Gen.Smedley Butler

[pookieblue]

5. I was only a few months old

7 months. I don't mind. Back when my mother was alive, she was very active in the MIA/POW movement.

And I know, that my mom would have hated bush with a passion. Well heck, most of my family hates him. Both my mom's side and my father's side.

I was against this war before it even began. I know then what would happen if we went to war.

*sighs*

[Lars39]

2. What a fine memorial for your father,pookieblue.

:cry: :patriot:

[Booster]

3. What a beautiful place, and what a very appropriate tribute to

your Dad. Thanks for posting the pictures, and peace.

[TomInTib]

4. This is the most personally poignant post I have seen today.

Pilot, PBR (Patrol Boat, River). Qua Viet, Quang Tri, '69-72.

God bless your father, pookieblue.

Kicked and recommended for Captain John R Hill.

[pookieblue]

8. thanks

He was a Helicopter Pilot, Medivac. I think it's called Dustoff. I am right?

I've talked to some of the guys that served with him. Some of them were young back then. My father was known at the old man. I was told that he turned around quite a few lives. Young men going the wrong way. They told me that he was like a father to them.

[TomInTib]

10. You are right.

I witnessed incredible acts of selfless bravery on the part of those pilots.

Landing, hanging in, and taking off with their precious cargo under conditions unimagineable to those who weren't there.

I had one of the more dangerous tasks in country, but guys like your father were my personal heroes.

Totally saved my ass.

Twice.

[SeattleGirl]

6. Your post is, if I may use the word, beautiful

Thank you so much for sharing this place, and your father, with us. :cry:

[oasis]

7. Our veterans are our greatest treasure.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

9. Thanks for sharing your dad with all of us today.

From now on when I hear the word HERO, I will picture that very spot and the man it honors.

[alittlelark]

11. Thank You for sharing this with us.

We all hope there will be no plaques like your fathers.

I'm very sorry for your life-changing loss.:hug:

[bleedingheart]

12. thank you for sharing...

my dad died when I was 10 years old.

He was a WWII veteran.

Never spoke of the war to me because I was young, but my mother told he he had many nightmares up until 1980 when he died.

Today I pulled out the flag I have that draped his coffin and his medals...and then later in the day went to water the flowers on his grave....wish he was still here.

[Stinky The Clown]

13. PookieBlue ......

Thank you.

[pookieblue]

14. Reading the replies

has me in tears.

thanks for letting me share this with you all.

I know there are many true patriots here. Who have fought and are fighting for this country. Both military, ex military and civilans. We can't let those neocons win.

My father and mother would be proud of what you are doing. And well if they were alive, I'm sure they would be fighting too.

[roguevalley]

15. bless you and your family. Your dad would be so proud of you.