As this is the Waaambulance, I feel the need to "vent" a little here....
..Today, 11/11/08 was Veterans Day. Banks were closed, no mail service, schools closed, etc.
1/2 of the people in this state were off from work.
Parades were held, ceremonies went on, and there was a little blurb on every news station.
Yet, as I spent my day placing flags & visiting my great uncle (USN 1940-1944) and my uncle (US Army 1967-1969) at the cemetaries, a certain sadness fell on me...
...Not only were "forgotten" vets lacking flags, "forgotten"
FD vets were lacking flags or any signs of anything....
...I think its absolutely disgusting that depts bury members with a "XYZ
FD" inscription on a headstone, or "marker", yet never think twice about it.
...Since many depts seem to lack in interest in their departed members, I think its time for a change...
...We have a list of all departed members since 1911. Where they are, section, plot, etc. Once a year, a VERY dedicated individual (and some other helpers) go out and "do the right thing"....
...In the process, we run across "other brothers from other depts"...
...PAY IT FORWARD.... The next time you go to visit someone, and you see an
FD marking nearby, DO THE RIGHT THING....whether you place a stone on the headstone, place a flag, or push away some overgrowth, dont ever forget your brothers and their families. Even if they're not from a dept anywhere near you. We're all on the same team.
...And towards the "youngins"... your
FD/Company WOULDNT exist without the guys that founded it. The same respect should be given to an ex-chief that died in 1942 as it is to someone that died in your lifetime. Remember, we all have families.
Veterans Day 2008
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