Memorial Day 2013

It's been six years since my brother's remains were buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The above photos are only three of the many taken that day, yet just these three tell a story. I remember so well every moment of the service and funeral. It was the most grand display of honor and respect given to Capt. Herbert C Crosby, my brother, Vietnam MIA for 37 years. It's the same honor and respect given to all the soldiers buried there, and across this nation.

I look at that very flag shown above every day. It is displayed proudly in the beautiful wooden flag box engraved with his name and his medals. It sits on a shelf facing the burial flag that was given to mom at dad's memorial service in 1991. I have dad's flag mounted on the wall, which since it's 9.5' x 5' so it makes a pretty prominent statement on the wall.  I look at dad's flag every day. They are so beautiful and give me comfort.

Memorial Day, whether traditional (May 30, and always the proper day) or the observed (last Monday  in May-to give everyone a long weekend for BBQs and opening day of summer fun), the day is and always will be special to me. My brother, Herby, was born on traditional Memorial Day in 1947. My dad died on observed Memorial Day in 1991. Herby was buried in Arlington National Cemetery on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend 2007.

Since the funeral in 2007, I have gone to the cemetery every year. He is buried in Section 60, most known for the Iraqi fallen heroes, but many Vietnam soldiers are also buried there, among Korean and WWII. Every year there are more and more graves that Section 60 is almost full, if not already. I see a fresh grave every time I go. I pray one day there will be no more war, no more fresh graves. That's a hard image to vision, but I pray anyway.

I remember, I honor and I decorate the graves of our fallen heroes this Memorial Day weekend. God bless them all and their families. I also stand tall for our soldiers left behind in all wars. They are not forgotten.

Brother Awarded Purple Heart [posthumously after 43 years]

After 43 years my brother, Capt. Herbert C Crosby has received the Purple Heart, posthumously. His helicopter went down January 10, 1970. He and his Firebird Nine One crew were MIA. His remains along with his crew were all eventually identified, and buried in American soil. It took 37 years for Herby to finally be identified, a long 37 years for our family. However, we are one of the lucky families, a success story for the National League of Families. Many are still MIA, but they are not forgotten. No, not forgotten then, and not now.

The award was presented to Capt. Crosby's 94-year old mother on March 28, 2013. She was happy to know he received the award for his ultimate sacrifice. She said, "I wish it were him instead of this. He deserved it though. Took them [Army] long enough." Yes, he did deserve it. 

The U.S. Army Memorandum stated, 

"We have determined that Captain Crosby is entitled to the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with "60" Device and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device."

The family is in the process of obtaining the additional medals he is entitled to. 

Remembering Firebird Nine One and Crew - 2013

Forty-three years. You all are and forever will be in the hearts and memories of those who loved you, knew you. Miss you Herby. 

Ephesians 1:15-17 (NIV)

¹⁶ I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 

Shuttle Discovery at her new home

Click here to view these pictures larger

Merry Christmas!

May the spirit of the season, the main reason we celebrate Christmas, 

bring peace to you now and in the coming year.

Happy Veterans Day!!!!

THANK YOU VETERANS!

I honor you all today and give my salute to you all. Without your courage, sacrifice, and devotion to our country in your service I would not be here today, nor would we have the right to freedom.

It's all because of you...God bless you and your families.

Nudge a Friend

Have you ever just started crying, uncontrollably and not knowing why? Tonight the flood gates opened and the river gushed from my eyes. Why?

I had just finished watching the movie Nora which is about the wife of James Joyce, one of the greatest writers of all time. It was a good movie which I enjoyed watching. When it was finished I started to put a few things away in getting ready for bed. All of a sudden this uncontrollable crying came over me. I leaned against the wall to help keep me from falling, no it was actually to keep me from sinking to the floor in tears. With my head poised against my arms leaning on that wall, crying, I thought why am I crying so. The movie wasn't sad, yet it did bring memories of stories from years gone by. Slam dunk it hit me in the face. I was grieving once again. I had held it in for some time but with another recent death, well, it just hit me and I let the river flow. Maybe it's all the rain today from Hurricane Sandy. This time though I grieved for many.

The past year I have lost so many family and friends mostly from "the greatest generation." There aren't too many of them left, but in this case all my "greatest generation" is gone except for my mother. I've had death or rather the loss of life on my mind so much recently too. Tomorrow I take her the sad news I received this week to mom that her friend Fran has passed. I loved Fran. She loved me. Everyone loved Fran. We will miss her but one more so than many, my mom, as they were very close friends. Fran wrote to my mom up until just a couple months ago. Mom couldn't write back as she can't write anymore. I would write to Fran for mom, yet that was seldom, sad to say.  Francile's death really brought it all home to all who has passed in the last year. Friends dying. It's so very sad to see them go.

As I was crying my heart out I felt this nudge, no two nudges against my leg. I looked down to see my two dear doxies. They were reaching up to hug me and comfort me. What sweet ones they are. They understood. I was so touched. I bent down to hug and hold them dear as they licked the tears from my face and brought a smile to my heart.

No story here, just a note to help me remember a moment in time. A nudge of love, a moment of sadness, great memories and a moment of realization. Enjoy every day of your life...it could be the last day of your life or more sadly the last day of a friend's life. Maybe it't time to nudge a friend for a hug.