I had been looking forward to a 3 day weekend so that I could attempt to catch up on Nihon Vogue homework (lost cause, more on that later), to move furniture back to their proper location after having our floors refinished, to purchase a new washer and dryer (long overdue) and to wash the crystals on two surprisingly dusty chandeliers. For Memorial Day, I felt it was our duty to pay tribute to those who have died in the name of freedom. Rob, Whimsy Dog and I went to Evergreen Washelli Cemetery north of Seattle to honor fallen hero's. Hundreds of brave souls who fought valiantly in World War I and II, Korea, Vietnam and Gulf Wars have been laid to rest in a beautiful and serene location. Each name represents a loved one and a life story that I can only guess at, speculate or surmise. Several Medal of Honor recipients were profiled - it was so humbling to learn details of their brave acts which led to the ultimate personal sacrifice.
Spec 4 Richard Gene Bauer was from Anchorage, Alaska and perished during the Vietnam conflict. I received a MIA bracelet with his name when I was about 13 years old and I have kept it safe ever since. I didn't have the heart to destroy it after learning of his fate, despite instructions to the contrary. Richard was born June 19, 1950 and was only 19 years old when he died on November 4, 1969 in Khanh Hoa, South Vietnam. I have taken an etching of his name (16W, Row 26) on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC every time I have been to the nation's capital. I never knew him and know nothing about him other than the few details above. For decades, I have thought of him, wonder what his life would have been had he had more years to live it, and thank him, thank him, thank him for his service to the country.
No comments:
Post a Comment