Saturday, August 6, 2011
After 11 yrs of work, the memorial and statue
are complete! It is totally awesome.
A healing, peaceful, humanitarian place honoring Vietnam Vets.
A well deserved space.
The statue. The soldier carrying the wounded one was a hero who won a Medal of Honor for saving the lives of 2 Marines. He was from Portland. The wounded soldier represents Jim's MIA childhood Canby friend, Warren E. Newton.
The artist used a photo of Warren that Jim gave him to do the soldier's face.
Another friend of ours, gave the artist suggestions on real details such as the rifle. The artist wasn't going to include a gun but Bob told him that soldiers never went anywhere in 'Nam without their rifle!
I believe that this is a Vietnamese bell for peace?
Like the ones Tibetan monks use?
Looking at Grandpa Tex' special brick!
Jim met a fellow Vet who served in 'Nam when Jim was there.
Same time. The guy was in KooChi...where soldiers in the field, like Jim,
went for R & R. The guy was in awe when Jim said he was in Tay Ninh. Jim
also was in on the Tet Offensive and had gone into Cambodia when they were not suppose to. The soldiers were sent in but told "you are on your own." Nice! :-(
Lots of Vets! Lots of Harleys!
The Vietnam war was called the "Helicopter war."
The Medic-Copter was the soldiers best friend!
The Memorial honors the helicopter and its pilots
for saving so many lives.
Contemplating what it all means.
Remembering those who served and thanking them
for their service, dedication to country, and their sacrifices.
The ceremony began with the presentation of the flags and
a bagpipe.
Family and friends gathered!
Children were there.
Veterans of all backgrounds were there.
Speakers spoke....a lot!!
The National Guard provided many of the speakers.
This was a Brigadier General.
There was a 21 gun salute and "Taps" was played.
Tears were shed. And a 62 yr old husband suddenly stood at "attention."
The National Guard Band performed.
A red, white, and blue helicopter buzzed the area.
It represented the Medic helicopter.
It was a very moving ceremony. A good thing for Mr. B to
be a part of. He choked up several times. He was solemn at times.
He was smiling at other times.
Jim met up with the guy he was host to. 3 guys from Warren's unit were there
from Washington DC and California. They had heard about the ceremony and wanted to be a part. They were honored guests. They were there when Warren's copter went down. The one fella gave Jim a photo of Warren sitting in the doorway of a helicopter getting ready to take off. It was his last photo and flight. Jim choked up when he shared the photo/story with us.
(EVERY year, Jim puts a rose on the MIA statue at the cemetary in Canby...in honor of Warren. He cleans it too. Warren must have been a very special friend.)
Old neighbors connected.
Families got to explore military vehicles.
It was a pretty special day for a great many Veterans, families, and friends.
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