Consider the idea of a two-day national holiday. Start with Memorial Day to honor those lost in wars. Then, celebrate independence with parades, speeches, and fireworks. These days are closely connected. We remember sacrifices to appreciate cherished values.
On my desk, a plastic vial holds sand from Omaha Beach in France. This beach was the D-Day site on June 6, 1944. A military cemetery overlooks the beach. It holds more than 9,300 graves marked by crosses and Stars of David. It’s over 4,000 miles from these battle-scarred beaches to Park Forest, where I live. Yet, these two locations are linked by memory.
Park Forest is sometimes called “G.I. Town.” It was created post-World War II to help veterans rebuild their lives. A place for creating stable, peaceful futures. At first, on Memorial Day, many gathered at the Village Green in Park Forest. They honored those who died in war. Among them was Carl Dalke. Dressed in his uniform covered in medals, he served during World War II. Carl passed away 15 years ago.
The Park Forest American Legion Post 1198 once played a big role in these tributes. But now, the events have shrunk in scale. This year, the ceremony lasted less than 20 minutes, attended by about 40 people.
“We shall not forget” – a promise inscribed on a memorial plaque at Village Green. It lists the names of six Park Forest residents who died during the Vietnam War. This is their legacy to those living.
On September 4, 1965, Lt. Col. James Alvin Branch’s F-4 Phantom went down during a mission in North Vietnam. Recovery was delayed due to enemy activity. His remains were identified years later by a joint U.S./Vietnamese team.
In 1967, Warrant Officer Rodney O. Davie’s helicopter collided with another, killing eight crew members in total.
Marine Lance Cpl. Terry King was killed in combat in Vietnam in March 1967 after serving less than a year.
Army Cpl. Joseph Passavanti III died due to small arms fire in May 1968, a few months into his Vietnam tour.
Army Sgt. John A. LaBundy, nearly 21, died in what was termed a hostile action in Vietnam in June 1968.
Army Pvt. Gary McHugh died in May 1970 when weather conditions delayed critical medical evacuation.
Today, amidst political noise, we must focus on values that shape our nation of hope.
Jerry Shnay contributes as a freelance columnist for the Daily Southtown.
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