And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood

I love this song and the lyrics that go with it. It makes me choke up every time I hear it. Especially if you really stop and listen to what is being sung. This tribute is one of the best I’ve seen to go along with the song. Please watch it all the way through and remember those who’ve given it all for our freedom. Also, don’t forget those who still live while continuing to die a little each day from their service to our country. Hug a veteran!

As a society we remember all those who’ve passed on on Memorial Day but let’s not forget what it was originally established as…

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service.

Rather than go on with words, I’ll share some photos…

To the men who gave their lives in Vietnam November 8th, 1965…

To my dear friend Robb Needham. Your sacrifice and smile will never be forgotten.

Day 240 of 365…

Remembering our veterans is a good thing. Remembering those who have given and sacrificed for the freedoms we each enjoy. The Clark County Mural Society wanted to honor our veterans by creating the Remembrance Wall.

You may have driven past this memorial and never given it a second thought. As you drive (or walk) south on Columbia headed toward the Columbia River Waterfront you pass under the railroad tracks. Along 550 feet of the rail wall you’ll see these murals. Next time you’re down there stop and actually walk the wall and remember those who’ve given for us. This wall is also very close to Esther Short Park so meander down and check it out next time you’re there.

The Remembrance Wall is located along W 4th Street west of Columbia Street.

Day 168 of 365…

Starting Wednesday August 4th, 2010 Clark County, WA (and beyond) residents will have an opportunity to visit the American Veterans Traveling Tribute which will be in La Center, WA for 5 days. Between Wednesday and Sunday the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be open 24 hours per day allowing everyone ample opportunity to visit it in their own personal way.

The official journey to La Center will begin at 2pm on Wednesday with several hundred motorcyclists escorting the “wall” to Holley Park. Once it arrives it will take about 4 hours to get it all set up. The whole experience will be open from 6pm Wednesday until 5pm on Sunday.

This certainly will be a most emotional exhibit and time (I know I’ve teared up while reading about and researching this). I’ve lost dear friends who served and sacrificed the ultimate price and have many loved ones who have served (and sacrificed in other ways) our country through every major conflict back to World War II.

The following is a brief description of what to expect as identified on their website:
Our traveling tribute is a true depiction of the great sacrifices made throughout the history of our country. It consists of:

* Displays representing statistics from every war/conflict that the USA has been involved in.
* A series of World War II panels portraying the entire timeline of events.
* A Korean War tribute representing the timeline of the entire conflict with corresponding battle maps and photos.
* The Traveling Vietnam Wall – 80% replica (largest replica) of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. The “wall” stretches over 380 ft long from end to end and contains all 58,253 names. The “wall” is current through 2009 and is constantly being updated to accurately pay tribute to those who died during the Vietnam war.0
* A timeline, series of facts and figures, and a display of art from Vietnam veteran artists depicting patriotic and veteran themes.
* A display of USA founding and significant historical documents including the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and other historical documents. (and even more…)

My Vietnam Veteran… My Dad!

I love you and thank you for all you gave for me to have the freedoms I do…

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be set up at Holley Park located at 1000 E. Fourth Street, La Center, WA. You can also connect with La Center Honors Vets on Facebook.

Today I’ll break from my normal “Getaway Sunday” schedule to do a little pre-Veteran’s Day tribute.

Yes, Veteran’s Day will be celebrated this Wednesday, November 11th by the entire country but maybe you could take 6 minutes out of your day today to remember all those who served and sacrificed on this particular day in 1965 in the jungles of Vietnam? Please watch this video and reflect on the words of the song.

Veteran’s Day

A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

To the 48 who sacrificed their lives on November 8th, 1965 I thank you with all of my being. To those who lived through this horrific battle and have sacrificed every day since, I thank you more than you can possibly know…