They Earned Our Gratitude

~~   Memorial Day .... A Day of Remembrance   ~~

President Truman's address to the Armed Forces, April 17, 1945
inscribed on The World War II Memorial, Washington D.C.

~~~<>~~~

Remembering Sgt. Reckless .... A Marine Veteran

"She wasn't a horse ... She was a Marine"

                                        ----  Unknown Marine Veteran

As we honor the many veterans who served our country in times of need, a
special Marine whose undaunted courage saved lives and whose unique
character captivated the troops deserves our salute.

 Sgt. Reckless was a two-year-old mare when brought into the Korean War to help

 supply front line Marines.  In one of her finest hours, alone, she made countless treks 

  through intense live enemy fire for five days, carrying needed ammunition to isolated, 

   besieged  troops and carrying wounded Marines to safety.  Later, she was also wounded. 

 

She not only earned the respect of those serving with her, they also enjoyed her
company as she’d join them for chow and for a beer when off-duty.  This Marine
was officially inducted into the Corp. and was the recipient of various military honors. 

 

Today, Sgt. Reckless is honored by six monuments in locations across the country.
Pictured is that at Florida’s World Equestrian Center.      

Read more about Sgt. Reckless .... click here 

and

Watch a video about Sgt. Reckless ...click here

They Answered The Call

                           

   "Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy

   forget in time that men have died to win them."

                                                                                 ---- Franklin D. Roosevelt

                                                                                      

The Florida National Cemetery at Bushnell, FL is the final resting place for over 160,000 veterans

and, in many cases, their spouses.  It is a very tranquil, respectful setting within the 

Withlacoochee State Forest where row upon row of white markers immortalize those who

stood in defense of our country, our values and us.  When the bugle sounded, they served.  

~~~  ~~~  ~~~ 

 

Shoes on the Danube Promenade

Along the picturesque promenade following the banks of the Danube River in Budapest, HU

is the subtle, yet particularly powerful memorial, Shoes on the Danube Promenade.

During WWII the moderate government of Hungary was toppled by Germany.  

Hungarian right-wing extremists, the Arrow Cross Party, took control.  During the Arrow Cross 

reign, 1944 - 45, tens of thousands of Jews, Romani and others considered as "undesirable" 

were deported to concentration camps, confined to ghettos and executed.  

Among the most atrocious acts of the Arrow Cross was, during the extremely cold winter, 

forcing the targeted men, women and little children to the Danube's bank.  At gunpoint they were 

made to remove their leather shoes, which were a scarce commodity in WWII. They were 

then tied together with cord and brutally executed, falling into the water to be washed away.  

Nearly 20,000 innocents were so murdered by their own countrymen, because they were "different".

Sixty pairs of bronze shoes of the styles commonly worn by women, men and little children during

the 1940's are permanently placed along the Danube.  Their random placement is as it likely was

when the innocents murdered here were forced to remove their shoes before being shot and tumbled

into freezing waters.  Those visiting this site commemorate the victims with flowers, pebbles and prayers. 

In Memoriam

Their service and sacrifice secured what we enjoy today.

Background - Vietnam War Memorial, Wash., D.C.; Panel 36E with the name of Charles Adkins, Barnesville, OH.  

                               Age 20, KIA after 3 months in country - body not recovered. 

       Foreground - Wheeling News-Register, Sunday, January 28, 1973.

They deserve our deepest gratitude.  They always did.  On this Memorial Day we 

owe a personal, special thanks to those whose sacrifice shaped that which we enjoy.

The World Trade Center

The World Trade Center complex, today, provides a fitting tribute to those who perished there in 2001.  

It also gives a clear statement to the world and future generations of Americans, that from 

adversity we'll find opportunity for progress.  That defeat isn't in our vocabulary.

Since 2001 the Manhattan site of the terrorists' attacks has been transformed to include a 

very impressive September 11 Memorial, the National September 11 Museum, six 

 stunning skyscrapers and the really unique WTC Transportation Hub, the Oculus.

The Oculus, WTC 3 and WTC 4 provide a stunning backdrop for the 

pool / waterfall memorial, the natural, splashing sound from which

envelopes those paying tribute in a contemplative aura. 

In the footprint of the Twin Towers, two memorial pools with

waterfalls honor each of those who died in 2001 and 1993 with

their name inscribed into bronze panels edging the memorial.

Of the museum's various exhibits, none evokes more emotion than

reading the many postings desperately searching for information

on "missing" loved ones and listening to the last phone calls 

made by some of those who could foresee their fate. 

A Callery Pear sapling, crushed and burned on

9-11, was recovered, nurtured and replanted in

2010.  Its' annual blooms symbolize resilience.

The Oculus is a futuristic, multi-level transport hub.  Within the

soaring white-ribbed structure are trendy retail shops, restaurants

and various transport modes serving thousands daily.

The attempt to destroy and dispirit has, instead, reinforced America's

commitment to its' revered values and vision that set it apart as the 

Shining City on a Hill.

Remembering Those Who Served

"The Three Soldiers" 

At the site of the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial on the Mall at Washington, D.C.