Agreed. I didn't lose any shipmates (I served in the "between conflict" period), but I can sympathyse.
I also don't feel a need to call any attention to my service. Let those who know remember in their own way, and leave them in peace. They were called, and they answered. Don't despise them for that, and don't try to apologise. It's a bit late for that, and the cruelest wounds (those from the people supposedly being served) are still too deep.
That is the counting the cost memorial, that is just outside the American Air Museum at Duxford. It's 52 glass panels leading up to the main entrance of the building. Each pannel contains a large number of various depiction's of US WW2 aircraft engraved into it. There are 7,031 of these engravings, the total number of recorded aircraft loses by the 8th USAAF and NAVY in Britain during WW2.
That's just the aircraft, not the crew. On the memorial there are some 400 engravings of B17's which flew from bases in the area (like RAF Alconbury close to where I live). Each B17 contained a crew of 10, so start adding up.
On top of that this is one of four Major Memorials to US airforce aircrew and service personel in the region, the others are the Sally B (the UK's only flying B17), the American Air Museum itself, and the Madingley American Cemetery where about 3,836 US
( ... )
Thank you Kage. I grew up in a military family; grandfathers served in the Army, father served 25 years in the Air Force, mate served 6 years in the Navy.
Being a military kid growing up, I was always very aware of what this day truly means, and it does bother me a lot how civilians take this day for granted. They either have severe short-term memory, or they don't care, since they've never been directly affected by the military.
Regardless, thank you for reminding everyone. Miss you, grandpas.
Memorial Day to me is my day to begin things anew, a fresh start because I am free to do so.
There are many who have given all for my liberty, safety, prosperity. I choose to remember with joy. But I also make a point to be grateful at every opportunity, not just on special days.
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I also don't feel a need to call any attention to my service.
Let those who know remember in their own way, and leave them in peace. They were called, and they answered. Don't despise them for that, and don't try to apologise. It's a bit late for that, and the cruelest wounds (those from the people supposedly being served) are still too deep.
Reply
That is the counting the cost memorial, that is just outside the American Air Museum at Duxford. It's 52 glass panels leading up to the main entrance of the building. Each pannel contains a large number of various depiction's of US WW2 aircraft engraved into it. There are 7,031 of these engravings, the total number of recorded aircraft loses by the 8th USAAF and NAVY in Britain during WW2.
That's just the aircraft, not the crew. On the memorial there are some 400 engravings of B17's which flew from bases in the area (like RAF Alconbury close to where I live). Each B17 contained a crew of 10, so start adding up.
On top of that this is one of four Major Memorials to US airforce aircrew and service personel in the region, the others are the Sally B (the UK's only flying B17), the American Air Museum itself, and the Madingley American Cemetery where about 3,836 US ( ... )
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Being a military kid growing up, I was always very aware of what this day truly means, and it does bother me a lot how civilians take this day for granted. They either have severe short-term memory, or they don't care, since they've never been directly affected by the military.
Regardless, thank you for reminding everyone. Miss you, grandpas.
Reply
There are many who have given all for my liberty, safety, prosperity. I choose to remember with joy. But I also make a point to be grateful at every opportunity, not just on special days.
- with a grateful and joyful heart
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