I’ve posted this article on Memorial Day for the past few years, with only a few slight changes. Why? Because it speaks volumes about how I personally feel about Memorial Day as a US Navy veteran.
For many years, I was one of “those” who appreciated the long, 3-day weekend, the cookouts, and the extra time spent at the beach or the lake with family and friends. Of course, I’ve always recognized the true meaning of the day. But as I get older, aka “seasoned,” I now more appreciate what our veterans—those with us as well as those we’ve lost—did for me… for us… for our country.
I didn’t know him personally, but he was my father’s best friend during World War II. They shared many hard and challenging times together in the front-line infantry in Europe, fighting the Germans and the weather. But they also found time for a few laughs along their journey. Such is the way with combat veterans. My father never talked about Kad, but he wrote about him in his diary. After many years of searching, I found Kad’s family and let them know Kad was one of my dad’s heroes.
I didn’t know them personally, but they were from my hometown. They all attended Gainesville High School, graduating a few years before me. Like so many others, they fought for what they believed in. Several times a year, our local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter gathers at their graveside to honor these fallen friends: Chuck, Lindy, Tommy, Marcus, Tom, Bob, Ron, Bobby, Freddy, and Jerry. I just published a book about the 48 men from Alachua County who died in service while in Vietnam.
I didn’t know him personally, but I was there when he died on the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk during Westpac ’75. It’s not something one forgets. During an aircraft crash, you must remain focused and do your job to help keep everyone else safe, dealing with the situation as best you can. I know many of my veteran friends know exactly what I’m talking about. You react based on your instincts and your training. Andrew was just doing his job, the same as the rest of us. But he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was a fellow shipmate who left behind a wife and a young child.
I didn’t know him personally, but I knew of him. He was my son’s age. I know his parents—we attend the same church and are in the same Sunday school class. When I ride or walk by his memorial on the church grounds, I always pause for a moment to say a quick prayer. Chris was an Army infantryman who was killed in action in Baghdad. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. [John 15:3].
I can’t help but think of my father, A.Z. Adkins, Jr., who served with the 80th Infantry Division during WWII, fighting in Europe. He made it back, but so many of his buddies didn’t. I think of Dr. Rufus K. Broadaway, who served with the 82nd Airborne and dropped in behind enemy lines the early morning of June 6, 1944, landing in an apple tree. He made it back, too. I married his daughter.
When I was younger, I knew Memorial Day was important to my father, and I’m sure to Becky’s dad, too. As a kid, while our parents wanted us to know about the war, they didn’t want us to worry. I’m sure they each spent a little quiet time on Memorial Day thinking about those men they served with who didn’t make it back.
My mom once told me that before she met my father (they met after the war), she had written letters to a lot of soldiers who were friends from high school and college. Many didn’t come back. I’m sure she also spent a little quiet time on Memorial Day with her thoughts.
There will be many types of ceremonies this Memorial Day, but we will remember—we will always remember. Veterans and families will still be out there, paying tribute to their fallen brothers, family members, and even strangers who gave their all.
I know I always take time on this day, as I’ve done for the past 50+ years, to remember the sacrifices our soldiers and sailors made in order for us to preserve our freedoms. I hope that you’ll find a little quiet time this Memorial Day to remember and… Never Forget.
All gave some, some gave all.
Fair Winds and Following Seas.
We Have the Watch.
Until we meet again,
Andy
Well said Andy. Thank you and all veterans for your service
Thank you, Beck.
Good memories. Good thoughts on this Memorial Day weekend…
Thank you, Ron.
Thx great message. I will be travelling to Normandy for the 82nd Anniversary of DDAY. I will be thinking of all those soldiers landing on the beaches, and all those paratroopers who jumped during the night. As well as the great French people of Normandy who honor and respect the tremendous sacrifices made by all the Allied forces.
God Bless all those who served!
Thank you, Dillon. Wishing you a great and safe trip.
More than once a year, I remember the night before you died, Andrew. I remember your kind invite to play risk the next night. Because I was a seaman, I was not used to anyone but my closest friends inviting me to hang out. I’ll never forget the look on Mark’s face the next day as he came running into the compartment as if he was going somewhere, and realized that there was nowhere else to go.
*
Been over 50 years now, I also lost my best friend from HS-8 16 days after he served as my best man on Dec. 15th, 1977. Chuck, you became part of my family, in just the four months after you moved up to my hometown. You were perhaps the first “fourth Rhodes boy,” a position which became a rare and common title among the three ‘real’ Rhodes boys, bestowed by my dad.
RIP Andrew and Chuck, we have the watch.
Keith
A moving tribute, Keith. Thank you for sharing.