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Wild Bill -> (11/12/2001 2:05:00 PM)
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I was around, Chief, and cheering. You just didn't hear me...35 years ago, 50 years ago and even 60 years ago.
Not quite four years old, I still remember the cries of anguish in my house at the events of Pearl Harbor. How could I forget my father and uncle enlisting in the what was then called The United States Army Air Force. I remember my mother and me following him everywhere we could.
I remember the caravans of trucks, tanks, and men while I sat up all night as a lad of seven on a tiny side porch as they rumbled past, many to never return.
Years later, I can still see the face of a younger friend, his face bright with enthusiasm, lieutenant's bars shining on his shoulders as headed to Vietnam. I still feel the cold dry telegram his father thrust into my hands telling of his death.
I've seen heroes and cheered, as a tiny tot, as a teenager, as an adult and now as a Senior.
I've cheered you all along. I still do. Life's timing was bad for me...too young for one war (Korea) and a tad too old for the next one (Vietnam). I wanted to go. They would not let me go.
But I cheered my two sons who also served when they got old enough to do so, one in the Navy and one in the Army.
I'm hoarse, and my voice doesn't carry like it did, but I'm still cheering as loud as I can. So are a lot of others, believe me!
Present Arms!
Wild Bill
[ November 12, 2001: Message edited by: Wild Bill ]
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