Arkansas IV

The White County Vietnam Memorial is located in Searcy about 50 miles northeast of Little Rock. On the corner of N. Spruce and W. Race Streets, in front of the Court House is the three paneled memorial to the 13 lost and 3 MIA's from the county.

This memorial includes something I have never encountered before. The insignia on the top right is that of the Seabees.The Seabees are the Navy's Construction Battalion (CB's) and they have built bases, roads etc all over the world. If you are interested you may find out lots more, here;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seabee_%28US_Navy%29

I spent some time talking to a guy from the local Rolling Thunder group and he told me that he thinks he remembers hearing that one of the MIA's was eventually accounted for. I spent some time trying to verify this and could not do so. One hopes that is is right and that info simply eludes me.

He told me another interesting story, too. He, like me, is a member of Patriot Guard. Recently, when the funeral of a local soldier took place, more than 2400 members of Patriot Guard showed up to honor him and protect his family from any who might dare interfere.

Iowa IV

While driving through Iowa, I stopped in the town of Atlantic. I inquired about memorials there only to discover that they did not have one. While talking to some of the people there I was told about a project to restore the American Legion building in town. Begun in 1928, it had fallen into disrepair and a group of citizens decided to buy and restore it. While not exactly on topic I thought that it would be interesting to see what they were doing. I went over with a one of the guys and he showed me all through the building much of which is still under renovation. It is one of those great old buildings with engraved friezes around it, a gym/auditorium and lots of other rooms for meetings, large gatherings or whatever. In addition, a museum is being built in the building. You can see the frieze and the names of some famous American battles on the front of the building.

Another interesting note is that they decided to raise funds by selling "dog tags"! These larger than life versions are kept in the building and depending on how much one donates they are designated a rank. Rank goes from Private ($50.00) all the way to General($5000.00) and one can move up or get promotions by donating more over time! I was impressed by how many have joined the ranks and that there are 7 Generals!

If you would like to participate, contact

A.R.I.S.E. (a 502 C3 non-profit)
P.O. box #1
Atlantic, Iowa 50032

In a small room in the basement, he showed me what I'll call a Flag room. It turns out that this man was an upholsterer for his adult life and he had taken on the responsibility of caring for the flags that are left by citizens at a drop off at the site. He repairs and restores those that he can and sees to it that the others are properly disposed of in a ceremony held once a year. the saved flags are used throughout the town and at funerals, as appropriate.

While we had been talking I had told him about my joining Patriot Guard and our efforts to protect grieving families from these nut case protestors that sometimes show up at the fumerals of theor loved ones who have been lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. He insisted that I take one of the flags that he had restored to use in this effort. Again, I saw thanks! I couldn't be prouder than to have this flag!

Read more about Patriot Guard, here;

www.patriotguard.org/Home/tabid/53/Default.aspx

Later, he asked me if I had seen "Freedom Rock"? I was not familiar with it so he gave me directions. I will tell the story and post some pics in the next post. It is a remarkable story, one of my favorites, don't miss it.

Ohio II

This magnificent memorial site is often referred to as the Ohio Vietnam Memorial and I believe it serves as such. However, it is actually a joint effort by vets, citizens, and private companies. In fact, the state of Ohio is not involved at all.

Far from complete, the are plans for a reflecting pond, helicopter placements, a Blue Star Mother Statue, a heroes wall, a visitor's center and much much more.

For more info;

http://www.ovmp.org

I think the pictures need no explanation or further comment, especially if you have read the previous post, except to say that the Gold Star Mother statue was dedicated to Sharon Lane and her mother was on hand to assist in the ceremony. Sharon lane is considered the only woman actually killed in direct combat in 'Nam. There is a VVA chapter dedicated to her and other memorials in Ohio. She is one of the eight women listed on the Wall in D.C. and among the 67 women lost mentioned in a previous post.

Another interesting fact is that Beallsville, Ohio (pop. 475) gained unwanted national attention between 1966 and 1971 by having suffered the largest per-capita loss of life in the Vietnam War. Six young men lost their lives in the war, a terrible and profound loss for this small town.

If you would like to know more about Patriot Guard, a group of vets who protect soldiers funerals from protesters, go here;

http://www.patriotguard.org/Home/tabid/53/Default.aspx