[Ironhorse]

Many times during the course of a year I think of the men I served with and of those who served before and after me but most specially at Veterans Day. I have always believed the veterans of WW 2 were never given the honor and grateful thinks they so justly deserved for their sacrifice which without their devotion to duty perhaps we would have a much differant world than we know today. It's sad that it took nearly 50 odd years to build a memorial to them after so many have passed who will never know their service was finally recognized. The war in Iraq and the numerous conflicts our country has found itself in over the course of years may not always have been "popular" with the citizens of this country but we must always support the men and women who serve and have served. Duty and Country are more than just words. I have two friends from my Viet Nam service days on " The Wall " in Washington, DC, who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that I and others may enjoy the freedoms we have. As I grow older and my service days fade further in the past one thing that gives me pride is the fact of my service at a time my country called upon me and so many others. God Bless the USA !!

US Army Engineers, Republic of Viet Nam
1969 - 1970