The closest city to me is the tiny (pop 5,000) town of Lenox.
Every Memorial Day they pull out all the stops with a parade. There will be fire Trucks, the high school marching band, speeches, marching veterans, and the towns only two fire trucks.
It's small, sweet, maybe a little corny. Like a Norman Rockwell scene come to life.

But, it's genuine, and meaningful. I wouldn't miss it.




Get out there and mark the day.

And remember,  Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime.

Memorial day is for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces.

Last edited by Goose (5/28/2017 8:56 am)

Memorial Day is for the fallen from our Armed Forces, whether in peacetime or (but especially) in wartime.

Veteran's Day is for all who have honorably served, whether in peacetime or in wartime, whether living or deceased.

Armed Forces Day is for those who are presently serving.

Nevertheless, tomorrow, if you see someone in uniform or sporting a "veteran" ball cap, thank them for their service.   And you don't need to wait for a special holiday to express such thanks.

San Diego-based Navy pilot laid to rest 52 years after being shot down in Vietnam

SAN DIEGO -- A San Diego-based Navy pilot who was shot down during the Vietnam War more than 50 years ago was laid to rest Sunday.

The remains of Lt. Commander Frederick Crosby were brought to their final resting place at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery by horse-drawn carriage with Patriot Guard riders lining the street. Crosby's family and friends came from all over the country for the ceremony five decades in the making.

On June 1, 1965 Crosby was flying over North Vietnam when his plane was shot down by enemy fire. Thanks to DNA from his sister Sharon, Crosby’s remains were positively identified and brought back to the U.S.


Lt. Commander Frederick Crosby


“Never leaves you, it’s with you every day. I don’t think in those 52 years that I haven’t thought of him,” said Sharon Crosby. "We have our closure today, we really do."

Full military funeral rites were administered along with a U.S. Navy flyover to honor the fallen naval pilot.

His daughter Deborah who flew in from New York says it was overwhelming. She was around 7 years old when her father was declared missing in action.

“We grew up in Point Loma so my dad being buried here at Fort Rosecrans is truly coming home,” said Deborah. "He actually wasn’t supposed to be on this mission he volunteered to fly on this particular mission because that’s the person he was."

Deborah thanked the U.S. Department of Defense and the Government of Vietnam for administrating the DNA testing that positively identified his remains.

She says Memorial Day has taken on a different meaning now, compared to last 52.

“I haven't really talked about it much. Now, it’s a different story. It’s easier to tell now that my dad’s home and that he’s received the honors that he has,” said Deborah.

To date there are still 1,611 American servicemen and civilians that are still unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.




BTW, Fort Rosecrans Cemetery is a lovely and solemn place overlooking the Pacific

Last edited by Goose (5/29/2017 6:01 am)