Post by floydragsdale on Nov 11, 2013 10:25:03 GMT -5
Hello everyone:
The following took place a few years ago, nevertheless it is still applicable today.
A Parade of Memories
One o’clock, Sunday afternoon, November 11th 2001, one hour before the veteran’s day parade, my thoughts drifted to a closet where my WWII uniform was stored. It was cleaned and pressed many years ago and put in a clothes bag. “Will it still fit”, I wondered?
As thoughts are capable of doing mine zoomed back to 1939 where, in a Jr. High School auditorium, a speech about citizenship was being delivered to the student body. The speaker paused and gazed out over the audience. Then she said to us, “You are the future of our country. Your generation will help guide the destiny of this nation until its time to pass the responsibility on to another generation. Put your shoulders to the wheel and whatever the task, make it your best effort.”
Again, in a flash, my thoughts raced forward through World War II; to the dark days of Pearl Harbor, the losses our Army sustained in the Philippine Islands, “D” Day on the beaches of Normandy, France, and the Ardennes (Battle of The Bulge) Campaign in Belgium. Among these memories are thoughts of wounded and dying men and seemingly endless days of trying to survive the bitter cold months of winter weather; and the thoughts of children appearing from cellars of destroyed houses to beg for garbage from our mess kits can still bring a tear ones eye.
“VE” day and “VJ” day witnessed the conclusion of hostilities. Millions of service men and women waved goodbye to both theaters of war as they sailed for home and became civilians once more to enjoy a short period of peace.
My thoughts then raced on to the Korean Conflict, the years of Viet Nam, Desert Storm and today’s war on terrorism.
While these past events were coming to mind my WWII uniform came out of storage and to my amazement, it still fit. Shoes, pants, shirt and tie to match followed. “By gosh”, I said to my wife, “Let’s go, I’m going to join the parade.” Dinner dishes were still on the table as we left the house.
With my wife on the sidelines on Main Street, I looked for a group to join. The Color Guard was nearby and there were only a few minutes left before parade time. The American Legion Commander granted me permission to march alongside of him just behind the color guard. “Maybe I look out of place in my olive drab Ike Jacket,” but, so what?” I thought.
As the parade began the words of that speaker, of many years ago, came back to mind, “You are the future of our country. Your generation will help guide the destiny of this nation until its time to pass the responsibility on to another generation. Put your shoulders to the wheel and whatever the task, give it your best effort.
Veterans representing wars of the twentieth century were on Parade Sunday the 11th of November 2001. With chins up and much pride in our country we wish you, the up- coming generations well. Individually, you may seem insignificant, but collectively your votes, attitude and efforts will guide this nation through good and bad times. The baton of responsibility is being passed to you. Whatever the task, put your shoulders to the wheel and give it your best effort. Nothing more can be expected of you.
Finally, here’s a tip of the hat to those who made the Veterans Day parade a reality and to the people along the parade route who expressed their thanks by their applause for the Veterans.
The good Lord willing, the devil don’t care and the Creeks don’t rise I’ll be marching in next years Veterans Day Parade.
Floyd Ragsdale
424th Regiment
The following took place a few years ago, nevertheless it is still applicable today.
A Parade of Memories
One o’clock, Sunday afternoon, November 11th 2001, one hour before the veteran’s day parade, my thoughts drifted to a closet where my WWII uniform was stored. It was cleaned and pressed many years ago and put in a clothes bag. “Will it still fit”, I wondered?
As thoughts are capable of doing mine zoomed back to 1939 where, in a Jr. High School auditorium, a speech about citizenship was being delivered to the student body. The speaker paused and gazed out over the audience. Then she said to us, “You are the future of our country. Your generation will help guide the destiny of this nation until its time to pass the responsibility on to another generation. Put your shoulders to the wheel and whatever the task, make it your best effort.”
Again, in a flash, my thoughts raced forward through World War II; to the dark days of Pearl Harbor, the losses our Army sustained in the Philippine Islands, “D” Day on the beaches of Normandy, France, and the Ardennes (Battle of The Bulge) Campaign in Belgium. Among these memories are thoughts of wounded and dying men and seemingly endless days of trying to survive the bitter cold months of winter weather; and the thoughts of children appearing from cellars of destroyed houses to beg for garbage from our mess kits can still bring a tear ones eye.
“VE” day and “VJ” day witnessed the conclusion of hostilities. Millions of service men and women waved goodbye to both theaters of war as they sailed for home and became civilians once more to enjoy a short period of peace.
My thoughts then raced on to the Korean Conflict, the years of Viet Nam, Desert Storm and today’s war on terrorism.
While these past events were coming to mind my WWII uniform came out of storage and to my amazement, it still fit. Shoes, pants, shirt and tie to match followed. “By gosh”, I said to my wife, “Let’s go, I’m going to join the parade.” Dinner dishes were still on the table as we left the house.
With my wife on the sidelines on Main Street, I looked for a group to join. The Color Guard was nearby and there were only a few minutes left before parade time. The American Legion Commander granted me permission to march alongside of him just behind the color guard. “Maybe I look out of place in my olive drab Ike Jacket,” but, so what?” I thought.
As the parade began the words of that speaker, of many years ago, came back to mind, “You are the future of our country. Your generation will help guide the destiny of this nation until its time to pass the responsibility on to another generation. Put your shoulders to the wheel and whatever the task, give it your best effort.
Veterans representing wars of the twentieth century were on Parade Sunday the 11th of November 2001. With chins up and much pride in our country we wish you, the up- coming generations well. Individually, you may seem insignificant, but collectively your votes, attitude and efforts will guide this nation through good and bad times. The baton of responsibility is being passed to you. Whatever the task, put your shoulders to the wheel and give it your best effort. Nothing more can be expected of you.
Finally, here’s a tip of the hat to those who made the Veterans Day parade a reality and to the people along the parade route who expressed their thanks by their applause for the Veterans.
The good Lord willing, the devil don’t care and the Creeks don’t rise I’ll be marching in next years Veterans Day Parade.
Floyd Ragsdale
424th Regiment
