No one cares this is the anniversary?

Albert- Great post.

I just returned today from a funeral in Virginia for my first wife's father. He died on Memorial Day at 79 years of age.

This man, John Horace Parrish, lied about his age and joined the Marine Corps at age 16. A year later, the guy was in the initial landing force at Tarawa and was wounded, receiving a Purple Heart at 17. He went on to work his way through the Pacific Theater.

John became a member of the US Navy's Underwater Demolition Training team 2- which later evolved into the US Navy Seals. John was one of the first men to be priviliged to work with the new SCUBA gear, and was later a certified Deep-Sea Diver for the USN. He finished out his career as a USN Seal Trainer.

John spoke very little about the war in the Pacific- except to say that:

1. It was beyond anyone's comprehension without being there

2. Japanese Imperial Marines were to be greatly feared!

3. US Marines quickly learned to love flame-throwers, and used them until their arms were blistered with burns.

4. Americans should never forget the sacrifice of those Pacific warriors.

Here's to the memory of John Horace Parrish.

Albert, your uncle is a great man that survived Hell on earth for the freedom we have. Too many of our Vets are forgotten and unappreciated! I would suggest for people to watch Band Of Brothers to see what these men did for our country and the world.

My original response to this thread came back when Albert posted it in 2004. Much has changed since then. One of my sons joined the Marine Corp (Semper Fi) and my daughter joined the Army National Guard. As a 51 year old father that grew up in the end of the Korean War and the whole Vietnam conflict it got me to thinking. My oldest son gave me the book by Kurt Vonegut called "A Man Without a Country" which is sort of a put a pen to the paper and write what you are thinking kind of book. Earlier in this thread it was mentioned that we hope we are thinking of our grandkids in our plans. Vonnegut wrote"I don't think people give a damn whether the planet goes on or not. It seems to me ais if everyone is living as members of Alcoholics Anonoymous, day by day.... I know of very few people who are dreaming of a world for their grandchildren." He does go on to say he hopes we are teaching our children to believe in our country. I hope we all remember that it's not only what we remember but what we pass on. Peace.

boss302