New Hampshire III

While we were visiting Boscawen we noticed a guy walking in with a bugle in his hand. We got talking to him and it turns out that every night from Memorial Day to September 11th someone comes and plays Taps at the cemetery. This has become a tradition at the site and these musicians, all volunteers, sometimes travel a great distance to do their part. The gentleman we spoke to drives 50 miles each way just to play 24 notes at 7p.m.

These volunteers are young and old, male and female, vets and non vets, but all want to be part of this solemn tribute to New Hampshire's, and by extension, our nation's lost heroes. Steve and I and two other visitors were the only ones present as the instantly recognizable melody floated over this sacred and beautiful place. He told us that sometimes dozens of bulers play at the same time, some echoing the others. That must be a very emotional moment and I doubt that here is a dry eye in the place.

Interestingly, Memorial Day to 9/11 is 100 days and thus the people involved in this tribute call themselves "100 Nights of Remembrance" You can find out more about them here;

http://www.100nightsofremembrance.org/

The bench, donated by the organization, actually has the correct musical notation for Taps!

If you look in the background of the pictures, up on the hill, you can see stone pillars (for lack of a better word) in front of the mousoleums. Each of these has a photo and information about American involvement in a number of wars. The last photo is of the one that gives a little history about Vietnam. This is currently the last in the series. I do not know when, or if, they might be adding more about our more current involvements.

New Hampshire II

The memorial grove, as I call it, at Boscawen features a number of other memorials. They may not be specifically Vietnam related but they are fitting and beautiful. The following photos are of just a few of these.

The first picture is of the Navy memorial asking for remembrance of those sailors who have died in service to our country. I was recently in California and visited the magnificent Navy Vietnam Memorial in Coronado, near San Diego. It, too, is quite remarkable and I will write more about it when I begin relating my travels in the Golden State. I expect to be writing about California in the not too distant future.

The second and third photo here depict the Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial. I have never actually seen one before. It is in a serene little spot with benches for quite reflection. It was quite moving.

The next one is one of two from Rolling Thunder. Most know of their ongoing tribute and honor to vets, but I wonder how many know that their name comes from the B-52 b0ombing missions in "Nam. These were referred to as rolling thunder and could be heard and felt many miles away. The sound of dozens (or hundreds) of Harleys or other big bikes is reminiscent of this, so hence the name.

The final picture is of the Air Force memorial. It is a replica of the one in Arlington, Va. Situated on the grounds of Ft. Myer, the three spires recall soaring and one of the maneuvers of the Air Force Thunderbirds flying team. Here, as well as, in Arlington, the memorial leaves one spot open for the "missing man" as is the custom at flyovers at funerals.

You can find much more info about the Air Force Memorial here;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force_Memorial

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Vietnam memorial sits in a lovely grove of trees just as you enter the state Veteran's cemetery. Located in Boscawen (110 Danial Webster Highway) this unusual site not only boasts the Nam memorial, but a number of others as well. As you walk through the cathedral-like grove on the brick paths you will find dedications from Vietnam Veteran's of America, Rolling Thunder and the Nam Knights. In addition there are POW, Air Force and Navy sites, something one does not often see.

New Hampshire gave, depending on whom you listen to, 226, 227, or 238 of her sons to the efforts in Nam. Regardless of the actual number, they are remembered and honored here along with veterans, of other wars, in other times, throughout the cemetery.

As you enter the cemetery you proceed down this flag lined road. The Nam memorial is to your right and from there you enter the grove with all of its monuments.

The writing on the bench, to the left of the insignia, at the Nam Knights site says that they are a military and law enforcement motorcycle club. Note that the dragon is holding a Vietnam Service Ribbon in his front paws!

This is another one of those visits that is going to take more than one posting to due justice. So, for now I will simply include these initial photos and over the next couple of posts (every 5 days) fill in the rest from this remarkable and dignified tribute. Check back because there is a story here about a daily tribute that you may find very interesting. So far it is unique on my journey!