Memorial Day 2025

[Lee Bowen]

Once again, we are reminded of the sacrifices that many of our forebears made to ensure we as a nation could enjoy the basic rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.  I cannot comprehend an America without those sacrifices, or the resulting lifestyle we take for granted today.  I salute all veterans, no matter which branch, and give many thanks to all who served.  Lee Bowen, (USMC 1979-1981)

[Duke Gilleland]

Lee, This week has been a blur. Had total knee replacement and has been pretty tough. Usually travel over to Rockdale Texas and put flags on two graves in the IOOF there. One was my Daddy's cousin and another was a young man about the same age who was raised in the same small country community(Tracy) in Milam County.
The cousin, a ships barber on the West Virginia, died December 8 from wounds received the 7th. The other young man was never found on the Arizona.

Now, how was it that two young Seamen, both in their early 20's, from a rural community of less than 150 residents,died on Battleship Row less than a mile of each other. Their graves are about 30 spaces apart in Rockdale.
I'll be the December 7th with 2 flags. God bless them both

[Lee Bowen]

As long as someone remembers them, they are still alive. I read or heard this somewhere, and it is especially true at this time.

[Duke Gilleland]

Lee, Very well said