Posted on Aug 24, 2014

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

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL

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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

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Edited 10 y ago

Posted 10 y ago

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SFC Mark Merino

Posted 10 y ago

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

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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL

10 y

Thanks, Mark as Veterans that have put in their time and made the ultimate sacrifice, its only brings clarity to a dignified life of meaning. It means a lot to honor the brave and bold "Veterans for Life Brother"

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SFC Mark Merino

10 y

Amen

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CW4 (Join to see)

Posted 9 y ago

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.

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SSG (Join to see)

Posted 9 y ago

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...

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SFC Mark Merino

Posted 10 y ago

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....

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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL

10 y

Thanks I appreciate the post, mighty favorable Mark and noble.

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SPC (Join to see)

Edited 10 y ago

Posted 10 y ago

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.

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SFC Mark Merino

10 y

Wow. Do you have any pictures? Are we talking Bridge over the River Kwai stuff?

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SPC (Join to see)

10 y

Yes, Bridge over River Kwai! http://public.fotki.com/ilyap/se-asia-2008/bridge-over-river-kwai/img5409.html This is the bridge itself, the area in the middle was replaced, as it was damaged during the war.

Looked through the allied war cemetery until I found a Jewish POW:
http://public.fotki.com/ilyap/se-asia-2008/bridge-over-river-kwai/img5420.html

The town itself is a peaceful, quiet Thai town:
http://public.fotki.com/ilyap/se-asia-2008/bridge-over-river-kwai/img5432.html
http://public.fotki.com/ilyap/se-asia-2008/bridge-over-river-kwai/img5407.html

Bridge over river Kwai

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SFC Mark Merino

10 y

Great share!

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SGM (Join to see)

Posted 10 y ago

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..

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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL

10 y

Thanks for the post, I plan on visiting a cemetery myself and seeing the war dead. I now understand "Freedom as I grow older after serving our Nation in the Army.

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SGT (Join to see)

10 y

I have always found a walk through Arlington National Cemetery to be a very good reminder of the true cost of our freedoms. I've been three times, and made sure to see the changing of the guard at least once each time.

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SFC Mark Merino

Posted 10 y ago

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

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CPT Alan W.

Posted 9 y ago

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.

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