Yesterday the flags were changed out at Bunker Hill. Bunker Hill is a Vietnam Memorial that was dreamt of and started by a Marine who did a tour in Vietnam.
Bunker Hill overlooks the prairie. The day was hot but the gale force winds from the south made the day bearable.
Far Guy and another fellow that served in the Air Force took down the Air Force flag.
Uncle Archie and another fellow put up the new Air Force flag.
One by on the flags were changed out. Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, POW ~ MIA and the American flag.
There are still about 2,000 soldiers that have not been accounted for in Vietnam. It seems that most of them have been forgotten by the government, but not by the soldiers that served with them, or their families.
I cannot imagine the not knowing, the wondering what happened to a family member…it must be almost too much to bear.
The flags were not burned today, it was too windy. They will be properly disposed of when the wind dies down.
Many thanks to Howard and Trudy who invite the public to share this day with them. Trudy cooks for days and a picnic lunch was served after the ceremony:)
What an awesome way to spend a Saturday! Many thanks to Far Guy and Uncle Achie for their service...
ReplyDeleteI come from a military family and have many who have served, and many who still serve. The ceremony of the flags is solemn and poignant. Thank you for sharing it with me, Connie.
ReplyDeleteI used to wear one of those POW - MIA bracelets. I still remember my guy's name and the last time I checked he had never been found...
ReplyDeleteI would have had a big lump in my throat at that ceremony.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe the winds yesterday. Some of my outdoor furniture took wing.
What a wonderful tribute for our armed services. My heart goes out to the families of those MIA. Like you, the 'not knowing' would haunt me.
ReplyDeleteA moving and powerful tribute. I cannot imagine the horror of not knowing what happened to a loved one.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very meaningful ceremony.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to honor those who serve and have served. God Bless all of our troops and veterans.
ReplyDeleteA great way to honor the armed services. It must be so hard on those whose loved ones have never been found.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post.
ReplyDeleteThis government can't do much of anything, let alone remember the past.
What a wonderful tribute.
ReplyDeleteI honor all those who have served and are serving. Thank you.
This brought tears to my eyes. I know a family whose Dad is POW-MIA from Vietnam...they were all tiny children when it happened. The kids are all parents and grandparents (in some cases now) and they still wonder....possibly their Mother knows as she passed over a few years back. I hope they met again...if so, I'm sure there were tears of joy.
ReplyDeleteLinda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
Beautiful ceremony. I can't imagine what it must be like to never know what ever happened to a soldier in the family who went off to fight in any of the wars.
ReplyDelete