Never Forget ...

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Yes, this is a rerun, a post I have done for a few years and will probably use again. But it expresses how I feel about Memorial Day, I remember those who have gone before, I cherish their memories.

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They were people, just like you and me.

They had hopes, they had dreams, they had people who loved them.

One day they went out to do their duty ...

And never came home.

Remember them, say their names ...

I remember these fine men, always, but particularly at this time of year.

I knew some, I miss them all.

Captain Carroll F. LeFon, Jr.
United States Navy

Lance Corporal Kurt E. Dechen
United States Marine Corps

Major Taj Sareen
United States Marine Corps

Lieutenant Nathan T. Poloski
United States Navy

Private Robert Bain
Royal Scots Fusiliers
(No photo available)
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Private First Class Albert J. Dentino,
United States Army
Photo courtesy of Kris in New England

Submitted by the readers in 2022 ...

SP5 Wayne S. Bates, "Doc"
United States Army
KIA 06 January 1968, Republic of Vietnam, Binh Duong province

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

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LCpl Gary Arthur Holsclaw
United States Marine Corps
B CO, 1ST BN, 9TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV, III MAF
KIA 02 July 1967 Operation Buffalo
Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam

Gary, we were best friends since we were 9. All the hikes, the football practices, the movies and dances; piano recitals, sleepovers, guarding the school, panning for gold, learning to drive, flying with your dad are still embedded in my mind. Even the moment I learned of your death. My dreams of your return have stopped, but my love for you will never end. You were my brother and friend. We will always be comrades in uniform and out. No hill in Viet Nam or distance on Earth could separate us. I know you are in God's hands, but I still miss you. I'll see you there someday. Ken

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SSG Brian T. Craig
United States Army
Died 15 Apr 2002
Kandahar, Kandahar District, Afghanistan

Army Staff Sgt Craig was assigned to 710th Explosive Ordnance Detachment, San Diego, California. Craig was killed in an accidental detonation of enemy rockets. Brian graduated in 1993 from Klein Forest High School in Houston, Texas. Teachers remember his determination about entering the military upon graduation with the intent of making it his career. He was an exceptional student who once wrote a resume that one teacher used for years as an example to other students. After graduation, Brian enlisted in the Army where he served in Anchorage, Alaska. When he re-enlisted, he served in an elite explosive ordnance disposal group. During his time in the military, he served in Bosnia/Kosovo and North Korea. He was sent to Afghanistan in November 2001. Craig's family last heard from him on the Saturday before he was killed. He just wanted to let them know he was OK and didn't want them to worry about him.

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Captain James Albert Graham
United States Marine Corps
Medal of Honor
KIA 02 June 1967
Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam
Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. During Operation Union II, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, consisting of Companies A and D, with Capt. Graham's company attached, launched an attack against an enemy-occupied position with two companies assaulting and one in reserve. Company F, a leading company, was proceeding across a clear paddy area 1,000 meters wide, attacking toward the assigned objective, when it came under fire from mortars and small arms which immediately inflicted a large number of casualties. Hardest hit by the enemy fire was the 2d platoon of Company F, which was pinned down in the open paddy area by intense fire from two concealed machine guns. Forming an assault unit from members of his small company headquarters, Capt. Graham boldly led a fierce assault through the second platoon's position, forcing the enemy to abandon the first machine-gun position, thereby relieving some of the pressure on his second platoon, and enabling evacuation of the wounded to a more secure area. Resolute to silence the second machine gun, which continued its devastating fire, Capt. Graham's small force stood steadfast in its hard-won enclave. Subsequently, during the afternoon's fierce fighting, he suffered two minor wounds while personally accounting for an estimated 15 enemy killed. With the enemy position remaining invincible upon each attempt to withdraw to friendly lines, and although knowing that he had no chance of survival, he chose to remain with one man who could not be moved due to the seriousness of his wounds. The last radio transmission from Capt. Graham reported that he was being assaulted by a force of 25 enemy soldiers; he died while protecting himself and the wounded man he chose not to abandon. Capt. Graham's actions throughout the day were a series of heroic achievements. His outstanding courage, superb leadership, and indomitable fighting spirit undoubtedly saved the second platoon from annihilation and reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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When You Go Home,

Tell Them Of Us And Say, 

For Their Tomorrow, 

We gave Our Today

- John Maxwell Edmonds 

Enjoy the day, but take a moment to remember ...