http://www.dmzdustoff.org/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl? http://www.eblah.com en http://www.dmzdustoff.org/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1274966723/ http://www.dmzdustoff.org/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1274966723/#num1
At this time in May, my mind drifts back to the early to mid-60’s and the numerous protest songs that were common then.  Among them, The Cruel War by Peter, Paul and Mary, and The Kingston Trio’s hit Where Have All The Flowers Gone that posed a question to our politicians then that is timely today—“When will they ever learn.”  


A Time to Remember

My heart is heavy as I contemplate another Memorial Day, knowing our men and women are still dying in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Growing up in the 50’s, Memorial Day often meant the beginning of a long summer vacation, major league baseball games, a picnic, or perhaps a parade.  Then, in the late ‘60’s I served in Vietnam and for me, the meaning of Memorial Day changed---forever.

I recently attended my first military reunion and would like to recount an emotional ceremony often used at such occasions.  The event is known as The Missing Man Toast and its purpose is to honor our comrades who didn’t make it home.

          “You are not forgotten, you are here with us tonight.  The table in the center
          of the hall is set just for you.  Had things been different, you might have been
          sitting with us, laughing toasting, telling us just how close you came that time
          and how lucky you were.  God how we miss you.  Why you??

          Your tablecloth is white—symbolic of your willing response to your country’s
          call to arms.  The single rose at your place setting is emblematic of the families
          and loved ones forever left behind.  The red ribbon is what we still wear to bear
          witness to the continuing of POW’s and MIA’s as we unceasingly demand a
          proper accounting for those of you still missing and unaccounted for.  There is a
          slice of lemon at your plate, keeping us mindful of your bitter fate.  There is salt
          too…symbolic of the river of tears shed by families and loved ones.  

          Your glass is inverted because you are not with us tonight.  Your chair is empty
           because you are not here to sit with us tonight.  You were there for us—we are
           still here for you.  In honoring you, each of you, all of you, we stand silently and
           face YOUR table—the table where you should be sitting tonight.  We stand
           silently in your absence, silently except for the saying of your name. We will now
           escort our special guest to the table of honor.”
            
            A uniformed soldier advances slowly in break step towards the table, an
            American flag clutched to his breast.  Upon reaching the table, he ceremoniously
            places the triangular folded flag on the table and departs.  
        
            “Please rise and raise your glasses…a toast to our honored guest.”  

            Whether it’s a toast or some other poignant way to remember, we should
            honor all of the men and women who have died serving our country.  This is their
            day and our obligation.

             Bruce Hill.                                                     .
             Herndon, VA
]]> Thu, 27 May 2010 09:25:23 Bruce Hill (Guest) http://www.dmzdustoff.org/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1268141376/ http://www.dmzdustoff.org/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1268141376/#num1
thanks.]]> Tue, 9 Mar 2010 08:29:36 spurgedeere (Guest) http://www.dmzdustoff.org/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1248962672/ http://www.dmzdustoff.org/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1248962672/#num1
Dustoff Association  http://www.dustoff.org

Vietnam Dustoff Association  http://www.vietnamdustoff.com

Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association http://www.vhpa.org

Vietnam Helicopter Crewmembers Association  http://www.vhcma.org

Vietnam Helicopter Flight Crew Network  http://www.vhfcn.org

American Huey 369  http://www.americanhuey369.com

498th Dustoff  http://www.dustoff.net

Joe Kline Aviation Art  http://www.joekline.com/index.htm

5th Mechanized Division  http://www.societyofthefifthdivision.com/

Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Museum  http://www.vhpamuseum.org ]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:04:32 Administrator http://www.dmzdustoff.org/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1235219670/ http://www.dmzdustoff.org/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1235219670/#num1
http://www.vvmf.org/index.cfm?SectionID=17

It is dedicated to those veterans of the Viet Nam War who have Died After Tour, perhaps due to their tours of duty in Viet Nam. It is titled "In Memory of..."

This web site information comes to us from Edward Rose Yakush, brother of George. George died of Cancer in 2008, a probable cause of Agent Orange. ]]> Sat, 21 Feb 2009 07:34:30 Administrator http://www.dmzdustoff.org/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1220832148/ http://www.dmzdustoff.org/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1220832148/#num1
Jerry Graff has run into a grunt that remembers getting picked up by a 237th Huey with the words "Got Ya" or "Gotch Ya" or something to that effect on the bottom of the aircraft. IT SEEMS TO ME I HAVE HEARD THIS BEFORE....the "belly art", that is. I believe this was in 1969, which was when I was there, but I don't recall ANY art on the aircraft other that the red crosses....

Can anyone enlighten us????  We've already married up a few ground pounders and our crews, can we do it one more time?

Phil]]> Sun, 7 Sep 2008 20:02:28 Phil Marshall 711