Without trying to sound self-serving, I will honor my Fallen Bothers and Sisters. I will honor those presently serving - particularly those in battle in Afghanistan under the most draconian ROE's that our military has ever had to endure.
Tomorrow is the 43rd Anniversary of the commencement of Operation Pipestone Canyon, in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. This was a clear and defoliate action in an area known as Gonoy Island, an infamous lair of the enemy. We saddled up and hit the trail at 0200 from our rear area in An Hoa and set out for Gonoy.
It was during that operation that I was exposed to Agent Orange. At the end of the operation in mid-June, we were still in the area when the bulldozers and sprayers came through. They totally denuded the area of foliage and sprayed enough Agent Orange to contaminate the place for years. It took almost 40 years for the exposure to Agent Orange to manifest itself in prostate cancer.
I'm in no way bitter over my injuries and the exposure to Agent Orange - no one knew at the time how deadly it was. What I can't abide are the Sunshine Patriots and posers who show up and lie about their (false) service and exploits at the expense of guys who have rendered genuine service, often paying with their lives.
This Holiday is about the Fallen - the men and women who gave the last full measure of devotion in service to our Nation.
When I'm grilling my perfectly seasoned monster steaks this weekend, and sipping my Cabernet, I will be thinking about my Fallen Brothers - they shine forever in youth and Heroism!
God Bless them all, Gallant Heroes!
Nos genuflectitur ad non princeps sed Princeps Pacem!
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)