We realize that Memorial Day is the observation of fallen soldiers as described here:
“Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. From 1868 to 1970, it was observed on May 30. Since 1970, it has been observed on the last Monday of May. “
It is not the day celebrating veterans who’ve survived wars. Veteran’s Day is in November and is described as follows:
“Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.”
The day for observing active military service members is U.S. Armed Forces Day, which is not a federal holiday, is described as follows:
“Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May in the United States. It falls near the end of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May (the fourth if the month begins on a Sunday, as in 2016).”
Today, Tom is observing his ex-brother-in-law, Ernest (Ernie) Thorson, who was killed in Viet Nam on April 26, 1970. Each year, he writes a tribute to Ernie on Facebook with Ernie’s photo, which states, “The uncle my kids never knew and the cousins they never had.” Below is a picture of Ernie, who was only 19 years old when he was killed.
From this site, there is information listed at the Viet Nam memorial The Wall of Faces:
THE WALL OF FACES
ERNEST LEROY THORSON
WALL NAME: ERNEST L THORSON
PANEL / LINE: 11W/54
DATE OF BIRTH: 05/24/1950
CASUALTY PROVINCE: TAY NINH
DATE OF CASUALTY: 04/26/1970
HOME OF RECORD: MINNEAPOLIS
COUNTY OF RECORD: Hennepin County
STATE: MN
BRANCH OF SERVICE: ARMY
It’s with much sadness that we observe the loss of this young man and extend our love and prayers to those who have lost loved ones in wars. One’s heart remains heavy for a lifetime over a loss of a loved one, never to be forgotten.
Not necessarily in line with the meaning of Memorial Day, which would have been more appropriate for Veteran’s Day, we decided to mention a man we met on Friday night in the bar at the Amerikanos Grille. We met Jim, a 97-year-old veteran of World War II who welcomed us to take photos and share a little about him on our site. We were honored to meet Jim.
Regardless of his advanced age, he is “sharp as a tack.” Every evening, he visits Amerikanos Grille to say hello to his many friends. We were thrilled to hear and see that each time Jim enters the bar, everyone at the bar who knows him, claps and welcomes him one more time. It was a delight to see the enthusiasm each time he arrives for one drink and then takes off for his home, as shown in the photos below.
We’ll include Part 2 with photos of our boating day with Linda and Burt tomorrow.
Again, love and prayers to everyone who lost a loved one in war. May today bring you peace and healing.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, May 29, 2013:
No photos were posted on this date, ten years ago. For the post’s text, please click here.
I learned today that 81,000 military personnel from USA are ‘missing in action’- so hard for their family , having no closure…
Pauline, I ran across these horrifying numbers after I uploaded the post. So sad for all those families all these years. Thank you for writing and traveling along with us.
Much love,
Jess & Tom