To my fellow Gators,
This weekend we remember those who sacrificed of themselves, many with their very lives. Memorial Day for many is picnics, family gatherings and an extra day off. But for a veteran it is always a time to pray for those who serve and reflect on the price we pay to remain free. I notice more and more Gators are professing to be veterans or on active duty. That gives me tremendous hope that patriotism is still alive in the hearts of Americans.
On April 23, 2016 I had the difficult and emotional task of holding a Memorial service for my brother-in-law in Manassas, Virginia. Vernon was a Viet Nam Veteran. Although he was my wife’s brother, Vernon and I considered one another to be brothers. We shared a common era and also we are Viet Nam Vets. Vernon actually fought on the ground in the Army. I was a sailor in the Navy so I did not see the horrors of war he saw. He suffered from PTSD and numerous health related injuries. The strange thing about Combat Vets is that the majority don’t talk of their war experiences, at least to the “civilians” who never served. The Viet Nam Vets didn’t receive the recognition they deserved for serving their country during war. We were spat on and cursed. We were told to wear civilian clothes when we returned home because of the ugly and violent mood of the country. They should have vented their anger to the politicians who got us in the war. but they chose to blame us and vent their hatred on the men and women who were the protectors of their freedom.
As I performed the memorial service, Vernon was finally honored for his service. Two Navy enlisted officers presented colors, then delivered the properly folded triangle with stars showing to his family. So after his return home in 1969, after all these years he was finally recognized for his sacrifice. Too bad he wasn’t there to see it. He would have stood proudly at attention and gratefully accepted the accolades due him. Every Memorial Day and every Veteran’s Day I’ve always sent a special note to Vernon to let him know that I am thankful for him. I’m going to miss that.
The horrors of war never leave the combat Vet. And the honors given our veterans should always be plentiful and given with gratitude. I’m proud to have served my country; but I am even more proud of my fellow Gators who have served or are serving and sacrificing for our freedoms to continue on in America today. As always, on this weekend, I search for a way to honor a Vet by buying a meal, lend a helping hand or just to shake a stranger’s hand and thanking him for serving our country. My brother “in law” and myself and all Viet Nam Vets were vilified for their service and that is why I go out of my way to thank a Vet and recognize him. They deserve it.
That, fellow Gators, is why we are able to have picnics, enjoy family get to gathers, and get that extra day off from work. So for all Veteran Gators. I would like to salute you for your unselfish sacrifice so we can remain a free nation. I am proud to be a Gator and I am humbled by your patriotism. You stepped up to the plate and have carried or are carrying on an act of bravery that is important if we are to survive as a free and independent nation. I give my heartfelt thanks to you for your service. Stand tall and proud as you are recognized. You deserve honor and praise. I’ll hold up a BBQ rib this weekend in remembrance of you. And for all my fellow Gators, There are veterans all around us. They deserve our thanks and gratitude for preserving our freedom. This weekend, thank a Vet. And a final thought, Muschamp still sucks.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE,
Dale USN 1963-1968
This weekend we remember those who sacrificed of themselves, many with their very lives. Memorial Day for many is picnics, family gatherings and an extra day off. But for a veteran it is always a time to pray for those who serve and reflect on the price we pay to remain free. I notice more and more Gators are professing to be veterans or on active duty. That gives me tremendous hope that patriotism is still alive in the hearts of Americans.
On April 23, 2016 I had the difficult and emotional task of holding a Memorial service for my brother-in-law in Manassas, Virginia. Vernon was a Viet Nam Veteran. Although he was my wife’s brother, Vernon and I considered one another to be brothers. We shared a common era and also we are Viet Nam Vets. Vernon actually fought on the ground in the Army. I was a sailor in the Navy so I did not see the horrors of war he saw. He suffered from PTSD and numerous health related injuries. The strange thing about Combat Vets is that the majority don’t talk of their war experiences, at least to the “civilians” who never served. The Viet Nam Vets didn’t receive the recognition they deserved for serving their country during war. We were spat on and cursed. We were told to wear civilian clothes when we returned home because of the ugly and violent mood of the country. They should have vented their anger to the politicians who got us in the war. but they chose to blame us and vent their hatred on the men and women who were the protectors of their freedom.
As I performed the memorial service, Vernon was finally honored for his service. Two Navy enlisted officers presented colors, then delivered the properly folded triangle with stars showing to his family. So after his return home in 1969, after all these years he was finally recognized for his sacrifice. Too bad he wasn’t there to see it. He would have stood proudly at attention and gratefully accepted the accolades due him. Every Memorial Day and every Veteran’s Day I’ve always sent a special note to Vernon to let him know that I am thankful for him. I’m going to miss that.
The horrors of war never leave the combat Vet. And the honors given our veterans should always be plentiful and given with gratitude. I’m proud to have served my country; but I am even more proud of my fellow Gators who have served or are serving and sacrificing for our freedoms to continue on in America today. As always, on this weekend, I search for a way to honor a Vet by buying a meal, lend a helping hand or just to shake a stranger’s hand and thanking him for serving our country. My brother “in law” and myself and all Viet Nam Vets were vilified for their service and that is why I go out of my way to thank a Vet and recognize him. They deserve it.
That, fellow Gators, is why we are able to have picnics, enjoy family get to gathers, and get that extra day off from work. So for all Veteran Gators. I would like to salute you for your unselfish sacrifice so we can remain a free nation. I am proud to be a Gator and I am humbled by your patriotism. You stepped up to the plate and have carried or are carrying on an act of bravery that is important if we are to survive as a free and independent nation. I give my heartfelt thanks to you for your service. Stand tall and proud as you are recognized. You deserve honor and praise. I’ll hold up a BBQ rib this weekend in remembrance of you. And for all my fellow Gators, There are veterans all around us. They deserve our thanks and gratitude for preserving our freedom. This weekend, thank a Vet. And a final thought, Muschamp still sucks.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE,
Dale USN 1963-1968
