A Visit to The Wall, and Other Memorials

Last weekend, the boyfriend and I went to DC to visit the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall and the other Memorials. He had never been to the Wall, and as we are planning to go to the  Gathering of Eagles  on March 17, we decided to see the Wall while there are not ralliers and protesters around.

The Wall visit was sobering and somber, as it always is for me, and he was also touched by it. We took some pictures, posted above. We also visited the Korean War Memorial, and the World War II memorial.

While walking from the Korean War memorial to the World War II Memorial, we passed a small memorial that you could barely see from the walkway. When we decided to check it out, we walked on a dilapidated pathway towards a white structure that was covered with black,sooty dirt.

I had tears in my eyes before we even got to the structure, because I could read across the top something about "World War"...with no number after it....and I said "This is so sad, they built this Memorial thinking there would be no more wars like that one, this Must be a World War I memorial."

We found out that is indeed a World War I memorial, built to honor the fallen from the District of Columbia in that war.

By this time, I was also openly crying, saying "This is so Wrong, this memorial should not be this dilapidated!" and also, "I never knew this was here before, how could I have visited here so many times and missed this?"  While I wept, I told Tony that I had memories of reading a letter written by I believe one of my grandfather's older brothers or cousins? who had flown the open cockpit biplanes in WW I.  That letter has been lost to the mists of time, and anyone I could ask about it is now gone, but I just remember him writing about the beauty of the skies when they flew, and how much he loved flying.

I dried my eyes as we prepared to leave and made a promise to myself to look up whatever I could find about this memorial when I got home. What still upsets me enormously is, if we allow the memorials to those who have fallen in a war to become dilapidated and in need of repairs, are we not dishonoring the memory of those who served and gave their all?

In my research, I found out more about this memorial, and I share those links here  Click here: World War I Memorial - Washington D.C. Attractions

Click here: Statue / monument of DC World War I Memorial in Washington DC by Sculptor Unknown

 

Click here: Mark David Richards, DC Service in WWI and DC World War Memorial, May 26, 2002

 

I found out I was not the first person to be concerned about it's dilapidated state.   Click here: DCPL: Most Endangered Places - DC World War I Memorial

 

and I found an NPR show done about it.  Click here: NPR : Washington's World War I Memorial

 

We walked on towards the World War II memorial Click here: National WWII Memorial  and just happened to enter on the side commerorating the Pacific part of the conflict, which seemed appropriate, considering my Grandfather's service in WW II .

 

We were privileged to walk up upon a conversation between a National Park Service employee who was just getting ready to give a lecture about the battle for Iwo Jima, and a gentleman who had served in the War flying B52 bombers, and seen action at Iwo.That gentleman remained while the lecture was given, and the Park Service employee several times asked him for input or clarification.

 

Afterwards, Tony approached him and shook his hand, and told him what an honor it had been for him to be present there with us, and also thanked him for his service.

 

The only other things I wanted to mention about our trip was that we of course took another picture of the memorial for the Nurses who served in Vietnam, which holds a special place in my heart because of my aunt's service

 

and that we asked a Park Service employee several questions about what to expect on March 17, and based on her replies, she still had No knowledge of the Gathering of Eagles but all her answers referred to the antiwar rally being held that day.

 

So please, Help Get The Word Out! 

What: Gathering of Eagles

When: March 17th, 2007
0700-1600 (7 AM to 4 PM)

Where: The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall, Washington D.C.

Why: To stand silent guard over our nation's memorials, in honor of our fallen, and in solidarity with our armed forces in harm's way today. Read our mission statement.

 

 

Tags: Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, World War II Memorial, World War I Memorial, Gathering of Eagles

WEDNESDAY HERO

(The post below is part of the Wednesday Hero blogroll. There is more on the blogroll at the end of the post.)

This Weeks Soldier Was Requested By Echo9er

 

Sgt. Maj. Brent "The Rock" Jurgersen Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th   U.S. Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division        Active Duty   Not even two near-death encounters deterred Sgt. Maj. Brent Jurgerson's passion and eagerness to serve his country and lead his troops back home. Jurgersen celebrated his second "alive day" anniversary January 26, 2007.   It was a day of mixed emotions for him because on that same day two years ago he was given a second chance to live. It was a day that changed his life forever.   While on patrol in Ad Dyuliah, Iraq, two rocket-propelled grenades struck his Humvee. The explosion killed his gunner and left Jurgersen fighting for his life, flat-lining twice on the operating table in Balad.    Afterwards, during a promotion ceremony in August of 2006, Jurgersen was selected for a command sergeant major appointment. Becoming the first full limb amputee student to attend the academy. You can read the rest of Sgt. Maj. Jurgersen's story here.    

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

 We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

 

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate inhonoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by going here.

 

Tags: Wednesday Hero, US Army, Military, War on Terror

Godspeed,Army Spc. Ethan Biggers

For an update on the soldier previously mentioned  here  , I went by the CaringBridge site today and learned that Army Spc. Ethan Biggers passed away yesterday.

The CaringBridge link is here  

www.caringbridge.org/visit/ethanbiggers

 

and for the news story that is mentioned, I found links (free registration may be required)

 

Click here: Beavercreek man dies nearly a year after being shot in Iraq

 

Click here: Family's story one of duty, love

 

and a link to a photo gallery 

Click here: Ethan Biggers

 

 

A guestbook for condolences is here 

 Click here: Guest Book - Army Spc. Ethan Biggers

 

Please keep the family and friends in your prayers.

 

 

PGR Mission for Lance Cpl. Daniel T. Morris~Mission Complete

Yesterday, Thursday Feb.22,2007, Tony and I had the privilege of standing with the Patriot Guard Riders to honor an area fallen Marine, Lance Cpl. Daniel T. Morris.

This was the first funeral mission we have been able to attend, and it touched particularly close to home for both of us as Tony's son, who is now at Army Basic Training, is the same age as the fallen Marine that we were honoring. Our hearts ached for the family and friends, and it was wrenching for us after we arrived at the church, to see so very,very many bright and fresh-faced young people coming to show their respect for their friend who is gone now at such an early age.

We had to leave right after the funeral, as I had to work yesterday afternoon, and when I came home from work last night, I felt I was too tired to compose my thoughts coherently to post anything about this.

This morning, as I gather my thoughts to post about this very touching and moving experience, I am continuing to send up prayers for the family and friends of this fallen hero, and hope many others are doing the same.

Standing yesterday in the blustering wind and holding the flag of our country in honor of a young man who gave his life in service to our country, a young man I never had the privilege to meet in life but who is remembered with such love and affection and respect by those who knew him: I think I gained a deeper understanding of what respect and honor and love for our country mean. And for that, I humbly thank the family of Lance Cpl. Daniel Morris, who invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend.

The memories of yesterday are......the solemnity of the first military funeral I have ever attended, the salutes of the veterans for their fallen comrade, the haunting bagpipe notes of The Marines Hymn and Amazing Grace, the stark sound of the 21 gun salute,

and the sound of Taps from the bugler, echoing across the rolling hills around an old brick church on a back road in the heart of small town America.

While I knew there would be moments that would bring tears to my eyes yesterday, what caught me completely unguarded were the people who stopped to thank those of us from the PGR for attending. I never expected or anticipated any thanks, and it was extraordinarily humbling to have several people in the midst of grieving take a moment to say 'Thank You' to us as they passed by.

As we stood holding our flags next to the walkway, the headstone across from us caught mine and Tony's eyes at the same time......the headstone of another soldier buried in this small cemetary, with the words 

 "2D Lieutenant, 317 Artillery, World War I ".

My heart sighed for a moment, thinking to myself "How long we have been burying those who served our country over the years"...and then it came to me that it was somehow fitting, that his family was laying this young hero to rest in the company of other heroes from other wars, on a hillside close to the home and family that he loved and wanted to protect by serving.

So,rest in peace, Lance Cpl. Daniel T. Morris, you served faithfully and well. My heartfelt thanks that you chose to serve.

Praying today that your family and friends will continue to be surrounded with comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead.

------------------

The many links that I found today from area news organizations and bloggers:

 A Gallery of Pictures from the Funeral from the Staunton News-Leader

Marines Memory Shines Bright As Family Mourns

Semper Fidelis

Funeral for Fallen Marine

Click here: SWAC Girl: Lance Cpl Daniel Morris ... A community honors a local fallen hero

Click here: SWAC Girl: Lance Cpl Daniel Morris ... A community wraps its arms around a fallen hero's family

Click here: Hillary Haaawww!!!! Hillary Haaawww!!!! - Spank Zone - God, Country, Corps

Click here: The Journal of Civilized Man: The Fallen Hero: LnCpl. Daniel T. Morris

God rest the soul of this fallen Hero, and all our Fallen.

 

Tags: Patriot Guard Riders, Fallen Heroes, US Marines

Gathering of Eagles Press Conference Today

When: 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, February 22, 2007

Where: The National Press Club
First Amendment Lounge
529 14th St., NW, 13th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20045

Who: Larry Bailey, Co-Chairman, Gathering of Eagles
Ted Shpak, National Legislative Director, Rolling Thunder
Jeff Roy, National Junior Vice Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart

Spokesmen for three veterans organizations which are urging their members to rally in Washington, D.C. on March 17, 2007, to protect the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) from antiwar protesters will be holding a press conference at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, February 22, 2007, at the National Press Club to announce their plans to protect The Wall and rally for America’s servicemen and women serving in Iraq.

Word has been spreading like wildfire across the country in the veterans’ community about the plans of an anti-American group to hold an antiwar rally on Saturday, March 17, 2007 at, according to their announcement, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (Constitution Gardens.)

The Gathering of Eagles was formed by Vietnam veterans to protect the Vietnam Veterans Memorial from being desecrated as the Capitol was at an antiwar march last month. While there is no way to accurately gauge attendance, it is expected that thousands of veterans, their families and other patriotic Americans will gather that day to protect The Wall and other war memorials. In addition to Rolling Thunder and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, participants in the Gathering of Eagles rally include Move America Forward, which is organizing a cross-country caravan that will bring Gold and Blue Star parents and veterans to the Gathering of Eagles, and FreeRepublic.com.

Sources: Click here: Gathering of Eagles » Press Conference Tomorrow

Click here: Groups to Announce Plans to Protect Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Rally for Troops

 

 

Here is the Mission Statement for Gathering of Eagles:

Our Mission Statement

1. Gathering of Eagles is non-partisan. While each member has his or her own political beliefs, our common love and respect for America and her heroes is what brings us together.

2. We are a non-violent, non-confrontational group. We look to defend, not attack. Our focus is guarding our memorials and their grounds.

3. We believe that the war memorials are sacred ground; as such, we will not allow them to be desecrated, used as props for political statements, or treated with anything less than the solemn and heartfelt respect they–and the heroes they honor–deserve.

4. We are wholly and forever committed to our brothers and sisters in uniform. As veterans, we understand their incredible and noble sacrifices, made of their own accord for a nation they love more than life itself. As family members, we stand by them, and as Americans, we thank God for them.

5. We believe in and would give our lives for the precious freedoms found in our Constitution. We believe that our freedom of speech is one of the greatest things our country espouses, and we absolutely hold that any American citizen has the right to express his or her approval or disapproval with any policy, law, or action of our nation and her government in a peaceful manner as afforded by the laws of our land.

6. However, we are adamantly opposed to the use of violence, vandalism, physical or verbal assaults on our veterans, and the destruction or desecration of our memorials. By defending and honoring these sacred places, we defend and honor those whose blood gave all of us the right to speak as freely as our minds think.

7. We vehemently oppose the notion that it is possible to “support the troops but not the war.” We are opposed to those groups who would claim support for the troops yet engage in behavior that is demeaning and abusive to the men and women who wear our nation’s uniform.

8. We believe in freedom at all costs, including our own lives. We served to protect the freedoms Americans enjoy, and we agree with Thomas Jefferson’s assertion that “From time to time, the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”

9. We will accept nothing less than total, unqualified victory in the current conflict. Surrender is not an option, nor is defeat.

10. We stand to challenge any group that seeks the destruction of our nation, its founding precepts of liberty and freedom, or those who have given of themselves to secure those things for another generation. We will be silent no more.

Click here: Gathering of Eagles » Our Mission Statement

 

And if you go to Gathering of Eagles Homepage  http://gatheringofeagles.org/

 

the Event Information is listed on the Sidebar.

Event Information What: Gathering of Eagles

When: March 17th, 2007
Assemble from 0700 and 1000.

Where: The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall, Washington D.C.

Why: To stand silent guard over our nation's memorials, in honor of our fallen, and in solidarity with our armed forces in harm's way today.

 

 

Tags: Gathering of Eagles

A PGR Mission Tomorrow for a Fallen Marine

The boyfriend and I will be attending a Patriot Guard Riders mission tomorrow for a fallen Marine from our area, Lance Cpl. Daniel T. Morris.

February 15, 2006.
The Department of Defense announces the death of:

Lance Cpl. Daniel T. Morris, 19, of Crimora, Va., died Feb. 14 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Morris was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

There is a story on him in our local paper, the Daily News- Record, here

Area Marine Killed In Iraq by David Reynolds

and I found this listing of his obituary from a local blogger 

Click here: SWAC Girl: Obituary: Lance Cpl. Daniel T. Morris

 

This death hits close to home. A coworker of mine had grandchildren who attended school with this Marine.

 

Rest in peace, Lance Cpl. Daniel T. Morris. Prayers are going up for your family and friends, and we will stand with many others to honor you tomorrow.

WEDNESDAY HERO

(This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. There is more about the blogroll at the end of the post.)

 

Staff Sgt. Kara Opperman 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron       Staff Sgt. Kara Opperman performs a quality control check Feb. 13 on fuel coming out of a fill stand at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Sergeant Opperman ensures the fuel is safe and meets Air Force specifications before it is used for aircraft and equipment.    

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

 We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by going here.

 

 

Tags: Wednesday Hero, US Air Force, Military, War on Terror