When was the last time you visited a War Memorial? How did you feel about it?

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 00:08:03 -0400

I visit the Fort Hood Texas War Memorial by III Corps Headquarter 23 August 2014. It made me realize how some gave, some gave all. I thought about the past warriors that I served with and met that made the ultimate sacrifice in defending U.S.A. I saw veterans from the Korean, Vietnam War paying respect to the fallen. A chill just came over my body to say a prayer. I felt better but it made my day. It could be anywhere, just wanted to put the task at hand and honor those Warriors who defended freedom; "Duty Honor Country", as General of the Army Douglas MacArthur quoted to the Corps of Cadets in 1962.
Warfare is ugly, but necessary to defend Freedom here in America in my opinion. I dedicate this post to SSG Eric T. Lawson and SFC Randy D. Collins on the front lines of Afghanistan and Iraq who made the ultimate sacrafice. Country music Singer Billy Ray Cyrus sings it nicely "Some Gave All"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydWhRObVxrM

http://projects.militarytimes.com/valor/army-staff-sgt-eric-t-lawson/6568487

http://projects.militarytimes.com/valor/army-sgt-1st-class-randy-d-collins/879846

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/America/United_States/Army/USMA/MacArthur/1962_speech_to_the_Corps.html

Army Staff Sgt. Eric T. Lawson | Military Times

30, of Stockbridge, Ga.; assigned to 10th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.; died July 27 in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. Also killed was Army Spc. Caryn E. Nouv, 29, of Newport News, Va.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Aug 24 at 2014 12:40 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 00:40:15 -0400

I actually visited a Civil War Memorial today (by accident) in Denmark, New York. It's always great to drive through different towns and see these memorials.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 24 at 2014 12:43 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 00:43:05 -0400

I recently visited my very good friend at his grave. I had a long talk, and shed tears with his brother. I left some coins from others that asked me to. It was the 10th anniversary, but it took that long for me to be able to bring myself to go. I told his brother about the last words he said to me in Iraq.......It needed to happen.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2014 1:24 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 01:24:07 -0400

Last month I needed some quite reflection, so on my lunch hour I went over to Arlington and visited the grave of MA2 Mark Mayo, killed in the line of duty at Naval Station Norfolk protecting a shipmate, the graves of the brothers lost on Operation Red Wings, and the grave of the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Delbert Black. We must never forget those that set our course, and who have gone before us.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Aug 24 at 2014 1:31 AM

SPC Charles Brown — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 01:31:55 -0400

We have a park here in Klamath Falls that is dedicated to the memories of the veterans of the wars fought here in America. I go there on Memorial day, Veterans day, 9/11 and December 7 as well as Vietnam Veterans day. I am proud to see the names in the bricks surrounding the central kiosk. There are small monuments surrounding this kiosk, each one listing the contribution of soldiers from the area to the war efforts of this nation.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2014 1:39 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 01:39:13 -0400

Just last August I was at Arlington National Cemetery. It is amazing how it overwhelms you and makes you reflect. I felt the same a few years back at Fort Sumter and also while I visited the Arizona memorial in Pearl. I believe For anybody who has served these places affect us very profoundly. And I don't think the average person really understands the sacrifices that where made.

Response by SSgt Brycen Shumway made Aug 24 at 2014 6:03 AM

SSgt Brycen Shumway — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 06:03:38 -0400

Quite some time ago actually.

Beale AFB, CA has probably one of the most sobering "memorials" you will ever find. A black spot in American History, we should never forget.

There is still 1 building left that was used to house Incarcerated Japanese-Americans during WWII. I believe there is a "No Photography" sign up somewhere near it. If you're in the area and have time (quite a bit of time since the base is way off the beaten path), I suggest taking the trip. Its very surreal.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2014 9:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 09:47:10 -0400

The last time I visited anything it was Arlington. It was after my second deployment. I went with my now Ex-Wife, who got pissed at me while I was there. She was a military history buff and loved it. She noticed the scowl on my face and thought I was bored and didn't want to be there. She was speechless when I explained it.

I was upset with myself, and my guilt. It was there that I realized that I had known people in that cemetery, but not WHO. I remembered an incident, January 20th, 2006, on my first deployment where I was sitting across from an officer eating breakfast in the chow hall on FOB Duke, Iraq. He was complaining to my Team Leader about a useless convoy he had to do that day. They were going to Baghdad for a meeting that did not need to be face to face. My team leader tried to cheer him up, and it worked to an extent. This officer hanging out with my team in his off time was not that strange, my Team Leader and Team Sergeant had magnetic personalities, so I broke bread with this man often, but I was an E-3 at the time and wasn't paying much attention. That day he died in a catastrophic IED strike. My team conducted the post blast. All this and I couldn't even remember his name as I walked through Arlington. I felt shame, and anger at myself because the shame was deserved.

I promised myself it would never happen again. I would remember every one after that.

Response by MSG Bobby Usina (Retired) made Aug 24 at 2014 7:27 PM

MSG Bobby Usina (Retired) — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 19:27:48 -0400

The last war memorial that I have visited lately would be the Luxembourg American Cemetery while I was stationed in Europe. It was a humbling visit and got to the the resting place of General George Patton Jr. The other one that really sticks out for me is the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France. That too was an amazing experience. The curator was so knowledgeable and gave us a tour of the surrounding Argonne forest pointing out specific points of interest where battles were fought and Medals of Honor earned.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 8:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 20:38:37 -0500

On this past Veterans Day my VFW post organized a wreath laying ceremony at our local veterans cemetery. It was a small gesture, but a worthy one that I'm glad our post put the effort into accomplishing.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 17 at 2014 8:53 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 20:53:02 -0500

I imagine quite a few were visited this past Veterans Day. I hope people are willing to share their experiences on your thread.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 4 at 2014 11:51 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 23:51:13 -0500

I MUST make it to the one in National Cemetery in Normandy, France. #1 on my bucket list.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 5 at 2014 9:25 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 09:25:03 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, I visited the grave of SSG Barry Sadler at the Nashville National Cemetery on 6APR13. SSG Sadler (November 1, 1940 - November 5, 1989) was an American soldier, author, singer and songwriter. SSG Sadler served as a Special Forces combat medic with the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and is most famous for his song, the "Ballad of the Green Berets".
To me, it's standing on hallowed ground.
Requiescat in pace.

SFC Private RallyPoint Member, you might find this to be of interest also.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 8 at 2014 2:42 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 14:42:48 -0500

I was hoping that some members posted some pictures from Pearl Harbor from the ceremonies yesterday.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 8 at 2014 2:49 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 14:49:40 -0500

I remember the 3ACR one from when we dedicated it at Ft Carson back in '04....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 5:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 17:12:10 -0500

Although I respect service members from all generations, Vietnam vets are my favorite! This is because they didn't have the support of their own countrymen like we have today. I was able to see the Vietnam memorial in 2012 and it was an honor just to stand by their wall!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 9:04 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 09:04:22 -0500

SFC Davis, I visit every one that I see, wherever they are found throughout the world. While many are obscure, they are worth a visit to ponder the lives lost and the lives gained--including our own. In Europe, spent a lot of time in Verdun, and Flanders..

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 9 at 2014 11:28 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 23:28:54 -0500

LTC Stephen C. was kind enough to share this photo on another thread (Dec 7, 1941)

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/decemeber-7-1941

Decemeber 7 , 1941 | RallyPoint

I would like to take the time to remind everyone that today is the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Please take a moment of peace for the soldiers we lost , their family's , the ones who died in battle , & pray for the ones that are deployed now or will be deployed. Rest in peace. Decemeber 7, 1941 will never be forgotten.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 11:32 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 23:32:10 -0500

Saw this WWII memorial in Kobe, Japan. Wish I could read what it says, but I respect their desire to preserve the memory of their lost loved ones.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Dec 10 at 2014 8:31 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 08:31:39 -0500

My uncle at the RI Veterans Cemetery

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 9:26 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 09:26:27 -0500

Visited the allied war memorial in Kachanaburi, Thailand. The Burmese death railway was built here, at the cost of many allied POWs. It is a beautiful and somber place, and the allied cemetery is well tended.

Palawan island, Philippines, paid respects to the US POWs which were burned in air raid shelters. While paying my respects, people (disrespectfully) were snapping photos of the memorial.

Response by LCpl Clif Crosswhite made Dec 11 at 2014 6:46 PM

LCpl Clif Crosswhite — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 18:46:07 -0500

I work right around the corner from navy seal Danny Dietz it's emotional to say the least

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2014 8:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 20:29:39 -0500

Last one I visited was in a small suburb town north of JBLM. It was fairly well done, especially for a small town memorial, and had dedication bricks all incorporated. Ranging from WWI to OIF/OEF, lowest private up to field grade officers. I'll take pictures next time I go. As far as how I felt, it's always a decent mix. Cemeteries and memorials always make me feel down, but when I visit vet memorials, it gives me a feeling of pride, knowing the history their sacrifices have allowed to occur. A sense of pride in knowing I am part of something bigger than myself. You can tell yourself that all day long, but I find war memorials make it more.....tangible? And lastly a sense of gratitude to all the people who not only remember those who are gone, but also put in time or donations to help make these memorials a reality instead of a pretty drawing or elaborate idea.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2014 11:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 23:55:24 -0500

I have visited several memorials,as a child, when my dad brought me. I've long since forgotten their names, but I remember the smooth granite and seeing all the lost soldiers names etched in stone, and looking at my dad with complete sadness, because I didn't want to see his name there. My dad was EOD and I selfishly wanted him to never join that wall.
My parents took us to historical battlefields too, like Shiloh. It was very quiet. It had a profound affect on me, as my parents explained the significance of that stretch of ground.
Back in Alabama, I would visit a family elementary, where many of my Confederate relatives are buried, behind their little white crosses and moss-covered stones, and wonder what their lives had been like.
The most recent visits to historical places included a Staff ride to Honey Creek, here in Oklahoma, where the placards told the story of the many who died there. At Honey Creek, there was a mound where they say dozens of soldiers still lay undisturbed, deeply beneath the earth. Amazing, and humbling.
A few months ago, as I was training at Camp Gruber, I took a tour with my own kids and pointed out to the crumbling structures that used to house German POWs. Near the front gates, there is a collection of art-work and statues carefully carved by those POWs. Looking at them, it's difficult not to be transported back in time, to visualize this time back in the 1940's when everyone's world was in such an uproar.
Sad on every account.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 1:44 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 01:44:43 -0500

Last May I took my wife and youngest daughter to DC to see everything we could in four days. We say several memorials. Here's a few. The Iwo Jima memorial was much bigger than I thought it would be.

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Dec 12 at 2014 1:51 AM

SSG Keven Lahde — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 01:51:50 -0500

Last time I saw one was the Arizona Memorial and I re-enlisted on it. It was when I was in the Navy and I felt great pride in doing so and yet at the same time sorrow cause I could feel the souls around me

Response by SSG Jason Cherry made Dec 12 at 2014 4:33 AM

SSG Jason Cherry — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 04:33:18 -0500

I visit memorials regularly. It is a very solemn and sobering experience for me. It helps me to appreciate what I have, and it lessens the burden I feel about what lies ahead in my life.

I used to be a part of what some might call a living memorial, as part of a historical preservation society doing reenactments of ww2. Since I was young at the time, 14, I fell in as a German field police officer, feldgendarmerie, portraying a young boy toward the end of the war when many entered/were pressed into service.

I got to speak with veterans from both US and Germany, and witness them sharing stories with each other like old friends. It was a sight to see, watching and listening to men talk about fighting each other on opposite sides of the same engagements!

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Dec 12 at 2014 11:52 AM

Cpl Dennis F. — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 11:52:17 -0500

As far as a National memorial, in my 20s I made a trip the Arlington National cemetery and Iwo Jima memorial to visit my childhood friend Cpl Ronald E. Eberle. Killed in RVN 10 days before rotation. That whole part of the trip tore my guts out. I have since avoided them.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 9:09 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 21:09:35 -0500

I visited last year. All of the names on that wall payed the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and paved the way for us. I gladly follow that path continuing to pave new ground for our future and I would do it all over again!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 12 at 2014 9:31 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 21:31:53 -0500

I just wanted to share with the group on this thread that there is a job posting for the National Park Service for Guam and Saipan. I put in for both. It is essentially a liason for JPAC (the ones who search for remains of MIA/KIA). What an honor! I hope I get it, but this is the link from USAjobs.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/388145400

Cultural Resources Program Manager

War in the Pacific National Historical Park on Guam commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in the Pacific Theater of World War II at seven geographically separate units covering a total of 2,000 acres. Approximately half the NPS managed area is submerged lands. American Memorial Park on Saipan (133 acres) honors those who died in the World War II Mariana Islands campaign with Court of Honor as its central feature....

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 11:58 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 23:58:24 -0500

First Ranger Battalion Memorial is simply awe inspiring. The dedication the 75th Ranger Regiment Rangers put forth as they made the ultimate sacrifice etched in history.

Response by SGM Ron Crump made Dec 14 at 2014 10:44 AM

SGM Ron Crump — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 10:44:02 -0500

This is a local Memorial to MSG Bernard Deghand. He was killed in Afghanistan in Sep 2006. I was his 1SG in 2003 and served with him for over 10 years in other capacities. Holton, KS holds a Memorial Ceremony each September to honor his service.

Response by SGM Ron Crump made Dec 14 at 2014 10:47 AM

SGM Ron Crump — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 10:47:17 -0500

THis is the OIF/OEF wall outside Marseilles IL. It has the names of those who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. The one shows my friend Bernard Deghand. Very cool site and it sits on a river which is a wonderful backdrop.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 5 at 2015 12:29 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 00:29:26 -0500

Can someone post a picture of the OIF/OEF memorial for 3rd ACR? I believe they moved it from Fort Carson to Fort Hood. I want to give a picture of it to a Gold Star friend. Tango Mike.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 6:13 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 06:13:58 -0500

I visited and spoke at the GWOT Wall of Remembrance when it came to Panama City, FL last year. The ceremony was attended by a large number of Veterans from different services and different wars, and it was very moving to hear their stories and to listen to them reflect on how much they appreciate the sacrifice the warriors of today are making.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 9:01 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 09:01:29 -0500

Boston old North Church. I was there last week on vacation. They have a set of dog tags for every service member that has died since the 9/11 attacks.

Response by SSgt Randy Saulsberry made Jan 15 at 2015 11:52 PM

SSgt Randy Saulsberry — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 23:52:07 -0500

The last war memorial I visited was atop Mt. Sirubachi on Iwo Jima. This memorial as well as any other I visit or see makes me reflect on the sacrifices that many have made serving the Red, White and Blue. This military club we all belong to is small and regardless of what branch you may be in it feels good on the rare occasions when you run into another service member and can trade stories because only a few are truly aware of the selflessness it takes to spend even a day in the military.

Response by SGT Brian Nile made Aug 18 at 2015 7:29 PM

SGT Brian Nile — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 19:29:33 -0400

Great post Sarge!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 27 at 2015 12:19 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 12:19:09 -0400

A few years ago I walked in the Ft Leavenworth National Cemetery. It was a splendid day as the sky was blue, the air was neither hot nor cold, and the large pronounced trees provided ample shade from their meandering and twisted branches. There were thousands of stories to be told like the death of mothers and babies were common in the 1800s. Really large gravestones were bomber crews, or in one case, scouts who were ambushed by Native Americans. It was not surprising to see old couples dying within days of each because the surviving spouse's heart was too broken to live. Everyone has a story.

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Sep 27 at 2015 2:33 PM

CW5 Jim Steddum — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 14:33:20 -0400

I am humbled by a simple room; the Pentagon Memorial Chapel. It is, what I call the 9/11 memorial prayer room. It is a reflecting room that gives visitors a window view to the 9/11 memorial outside of the Pentagon. I first visited it with CW5 Sharon Swartworth about a month before she was killed in Iraq in 2003. I find myself visiting that somber place when I most need guidance.

http://www.army.mil/article/110951/Pentagon_Memorial_Chapel_place_to_grieve__reflect__heal/

Pentagon Memorial Chapel place to grieve, reflect, heal

The Pentagon Memorial Chapel, dedicated a year to the day after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, is a place to grieve, reflect and heal.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 27 at 2015 2:39 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 14:39:59 -0400

Every time I pass a war memorial including the roadside markers commemorating Civil War and Revolutionary War era conflicts it gives me pause SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL.
Each year there are fewer unknowns and unaccounted for among our fallen and missing comrades in arms. I thank God that I live in a nation that quietly works to learn where service members remains are and through government and private means recovers the personal effects and remains.
For almost 4 years, I dined in the mess hall where General of the Army Douglas MacArthur spoke in 1962. I have visited it at reunions and I am always struck at the artwork inside the mess hall as well viewing the numerous monuments located around West Point including in the Military cemetery.
I proposed to my wife after showing her the Vietnam Veteran's Wall and the Lincoln Memorial in October 1999. We had left a church conference to spend our shared birthday together and I showed her some of the sites that meant a lot to me.

Response by TSgt Erica Claus-numsali made Sep 27 at 2015 3:45 PM

TSgt Erica Claus-numsali — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 15:45:31 -0400

Other than the Arlington cemetery, Vietnam, Korean and Women's Memorial Walls in 2011, I haven't been to another one that I can remember. I have visited other veteran walls, but not war memorial walls after visiting DC

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2015 4:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 16:15:58 -0400

The 25th ID's online GWOT memorial page was the last I was able to visit. 30 months I spent deployed with the "Tropic Lightning," I just wanted to pay my respects as I selfishly hoped not to recognize any of the new faces...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 27 at 2015 9:32 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 21:32:04 -0400

Seeing the Korean War Memorial made me sad. Infantrymen on an eternal patrol. Captured in a static state for all eternity.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 27 at 2015 9:52 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 21:52:22 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr. In 2010.C:\Users\CHARLES\Pictures\1a Chuck childhood\John L. Hayden memorial.jpg

Response by CPT Alan W. made Sep 27 at 2015 10:17 PM

CPT Alan W. — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 22:17:56 -0400

I visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial yesterday. I'm working in the DC Metro and get down to the National Mall pretty regularly, and I always try to visit the memorial... And, it always leaves me speechless.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 2:45 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:45:27 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, About a month ago, I stumbled upon a few dedication memorials to Soldiers who have served in the Michigan National Guard and died in combat or who have passed away and served in combat in the past. I usually take the time to thank you for your service, say a prayer and then take the time to reflect on what they might of gone through and relate that to my own career. I have great respect for all Veterans that have died to defend our great Nation.