I observe Veterans' Day for several reasons. First being my dad and five uncles who served in the various branches of the armed forces in WWII. History compells me to honor them and their generation. Second, my contemporaries who fought a difficult war in difficult times. In retrospect, I found myself in deep when, a week out of high school, I raised my hand and swore to "defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic." Little did I realize the accomplishments which would arise from those taking the oath with me that day. Two would rise to four star rank, five reach three stars, two would become astronauts, and scores would serve with distinction. Fortune smiled upon me that day to have such a group befriend and care for me in the years that followed. We also took the Code of Conduct, which stated, "I am an American fighting man defending my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense." Not a hollow statement, seventeen of those there that day would die in combat. Another 35 were killed in operational accidents, mostly plane crashes. I must express my gratitude to these individuals. A third group that I remember, and perhaps with the greatest affection and sense thankfulness, are the many individuals who served with me through the years. Even though I served with two Medal of Honor winners, it is the regular serviceman doing his (or her) job that marked my memory the most. They worked with commitment, endurance, resourcefulness, and humor. I thank God for them. Finally, I stand in awe of those who have carried on onto this day. Although I have lost family members or close friends in each of the five services in recent years, I want to emphasize that this is not Memorial Day but Veterans' Day. Instead of visiting cemetaries and playing taps, we celebrate the contributions of those with us who have sacrificed to serve.Those who return from combat intact physically still experience the flashbacks and dreams. To those who minimize this, I say that until you have experienced it and the disruption it does to your life, you have no clue. And those who never faced combat still faced separation due to deployments, incredibly long hours, and hazardous training.
Thank you all.
A couple of years ago, one of my sons asked, "Can't we do something fun on Veterans' Day and still be honoring them?" Smart kid. We decided to dive on the Corsair off Oahu, take some pictures, and present them to a retired Marine friend who flew that aircraft. It was marvelous, as you can see.
Last year on November 11th we dived another WWII navy aircraft, the Helldiver, off Maui. Great day.
The reason I post on this board, is that I several of the divers I have met here are vets, and I'm sure there are more.
So Kimo, I'm thinking of your diving in Haiphong Harbor at the height of the Vietnam War.
Loanwolf and Kagey747, I realize military aviation is a particularly dangerous endeavor. That's why we have so many plane wrecks to dive. Thanks.
Dusty2, thank you for your years of service, including one in Vietnam.
Arctic Diver and John Rawlings, thank you for your service.
ShavedheadPhil, and all of you still serving, I offer my deepest gratitude.
Saying "Than you for your service" has become part of "patriotism lite", like wearing a flag in your lapel. The last refuge of the scoundrel.
I hope you accept my gratitude as being deeper than that.
-Curt
Happy to be alive.
by Unknown
