November 26, 2009 — It's Thanksgiving Day and I am in Searcy, Ark and sitting here at my laptop tapping away. MollyB, my Golden Retriever, and I drove up yesterday and it was a good day for travel. The weather was clear as a bell...not to cold...and definitely not too hot. MollyB has much to learn about traveling, but being as young as she is I could not expect her to do everything perfect. All-in-all she is a good traveler and will only get better.
I like to come to Searcy every Thanksgiving to be with my son, his wife, and my grandchildren. It is always a special time for us. My daughter-in-law has a large family here and we all get together at her folks house. It is always a grand time of family being together. Wanda never gets to come on these little trips as she is always home working so we can buy more beans. Doesn't seem fair to her, but she is okay with it and it is the way it is. We will be in Memphis, Tenn this New Year at my niece's and look forward to that trip.
In thinking back over this past year I have much to be thankful for. There have been some trials and tribulations to be sure, but most importantly there have been all the good things. I have had the opportunity to spend time with both my sisters...something I have not been doing as much as I'd like...but I am thankful we were together. I am thankful that I decided not to go back to work full time and to do substitute school teaching. It's been a good experience so far. I am thankful that a four-legged blonde headed girl dog has come into my life. She is a challenge, but one that Wanda and I have gladly accepted...we love her dearly and our cat Boots also. I am thankful for all the veterans and their families in this country...those veterans that stood guard so we can remain a free and great country. I am thankful for those men and women that stand guard today...in far away places and in harms way...for their families that bare the burden of the dangers their loved ones face day to day. I pray God keeps them all safe.
Most of all I am thankful for my wonderful family and my friends. There just isn't anything more important in this life...it's what really matters!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
What If...
November 18, 2009 — The "What if" in life can be a bit silly to even think about at times. I mean it's usually about something that hasn't happened so why deal with it...right? Well I propose that maybe they are worth dealing with sometimes as they may cause one to stop and think a situation completely through or help them realize that what they have is really good stuff. That was the case for me just the other day.
It was about 4:30 p.m. this past Monday that I was coming home from the VA Medical Center in Temple, Texas. I had entered the area of Austin on I-35 that one with a sane mind or no other recourse enters at that time of day...rush hour. It was total grid lock and I mean total. I'd inch forward a bit and then stop a couple of minutes as the traffic slooooooooooooooooowly moved along. This is when Wanda gave me a ring on the phone. I figured she wanted to remind me about picking up the things she needed to fix dinner after getting off work. When I answered Wanda said "Terry, I am on my way home and I need to go to the hospital." Wanda never starts out a phone call with me using my name (she usually starts with "Honey") and the way she said my name I new instantly that something had happened to somebody and it probably wasn't good. In a split second or so there were any number of things that ran through my thoughts. She explained that she had been hurt at work...a heavy box had fallen as she moved a ladder and it knocked her over ending with her hitting her head on a metal table nearby. This took about 15 seconds to explain and again a multitude of thoughts ran through my brain. I mean head injuries are often times not good. My initial response on the phone was "are you alright." Wanda replied she was, but needed to go to the ER. Now Wanda is not one to ever complain about aches and pains as she has experienced much in her life. So when she does it raises a red flag for me.
Thank goodness a friend was there to get her from work and then to the ER. Her boss wanted to call an ambulance, but of course Wanda refused. I was in no position to get to her quickly being stuck in the "Austin I-35 Parking Lot." An hour later I get to the ER and she is holding an ice bag on a nasty lump over her right eye brow. A CT scan revealed no serious damage so they sent her on the way with an Rx for pain and nausea.
In thinking over this incident the past day or so the "what if" has cropped up in my mind. Here is someone I care so deeply about and we have such a good relationship and we depend on each other. What if she wasn't there...what if there wasn't the teasing we do with each other daily...what if she wasn't there to rub lotion on my bad foot, to look after our dog and cat, to look after her grandchildren and so many, many other things. What if she wasn't there so we could tell each other that we love and care about each other. These are the "what ifs" that are worth contemplating. They cause me to pause and reflect just how important these things are. Oh, I would get by without Wanda. Life would have to go on, but that life would be less fulfilling without her by my side and it's what really matters.
It was about 4:30 p.m. this past Monday that I was coming home from the VA Medical Center in Temple, Texas. I had entered the area of Austin on I-35 that one with a sane mind or no other recourse enters at that time of day...rush hour. It was total grid lock and I mean total. I'd inch forward a bit and then stop a couple of minutes as the traffic slooooooooooooooooowly moved along. This is when Wanda gave me a ring on the phone. I figured she wanted to remind me about picking up the things she needed to fix dinner after getting off work. When I answered Wanda said "Terry, I am on my way home and I need to go to the hospital." Wanda never starts out a phone call with me using my name (she usually starts with "Honey") and the way she said my name I new instantly that something had happened to somebody and it probably wasn't good. In a split second or so there were any number of things that ran through my thoughts. She explained that she had been hurt at work...a heavy box had fallen as she moved a ladder and it knocked her over ending with her hitting her head on a metal table nearby. This took about 15 seconds to explain and again a multitude of thoughts ran through my brain. I mean head injuries are often times not good. My initial response on the phone was "are you alright." Wanda replied she was, but needed to go to the ER. Now Wanda is not one to ever complain about aches and pains as she has experienced much in her life. So when she does it raises a red flag for me.
Thank goodness a friend was there to get her from work and then to the ER. Her boss wanted to call an ambulance, but of course Wanda refused. I was in no position to get to her quickly being stuck in the "Austin I-35 Parking Lot." An hour later I get to the ER and she is holding an ice bag on a nasty lump over her right eye brow. A CT scan revealed no serious damage so they sent her on the way with an Rx for pain and nausea.
In thinking over this incident the past day or so the "what if" has cropped up in my mind. Here is someone I care so deeply about and we have such a good relationship and we depend on each other. What if she wasn't there...what if there wasn't the teasing we do with each other daily...what if she wasn't there to rub lotion on my bad foot, to look after our dog and cat, to look after her grandchildren and so many, many other things. What if she wasn't there so we could tell each other that we love and care about each other. These are the "what ifs" that are worth contemplating. They cause me to pause and reflect just how important these things are. Oh, I would get by without Wanda. Life would have to go on, but that life would be less fulfilling without her by my side and it's what really matters.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Two Really Nice Days
November 12, 2009 — The past few days have brought home to me just why I am proud to be an American. On Tuesday I joined with three other members of my Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post and one member of our Ladies Auxiliary in visiting one of the local elementary schools. The purpose of our visit was to talk to all the 4th and 5th graders of the school about what it means to be a veteran. Each time I have gone into a classroom either as a teacher or as a student I have come away having learned something. That's the idea right? Well our visit to this school was no different.
VFW members visiting classrooms in their communities during the month of November each year is a VFW program called Veterans in the Classroom. My VFW Post has been participating in this for years. Each member has the opportunity to speak about whatever veteran topic they desire. It's always interesting to hear what other members have to say. I spoke with the kids on two specific subjects: (1) the meaning of Veterans Day to me, and (2) about the POW/MIA issue. It is sometimes difficult for veterans to speak using words the kids can understand. All of us try very hard to do so because we learn from the teachers and administrators that are also there that this important to the kids to help them understand better what they are talking about and learning in their classes.
So what else did I learn on this day? Well after each of us speaks we then field questions from the kids. There are the usual questions such as "what kind of plane did you fly" and "how long was the war"...that sort of thing. But on this day we had more comment than question from the kids...comments such as "my Grandfather was in WWII", "my Uncle Bob was in the Army and went to Vietnam", and my Great Uncle Joe did this or that while he was in the Navy. Wow, I learned that there is indeed good discussion going on in families of these children about their heritage and what it all means. These kids are bright and thirsty for knowledge and they remember. It warmed my heart and helped me to stand taller as a veteran.
Yesterday I participated with other members of our VFW Post in the annual Veterans Day parade here in Austin. Nearly every veterans organization in the city joins in this event along with so many community groups and city, county, and state organizations like the city fire and police departments. The parade runs up Congress Ave from the Ann Richards bridge over the Colorado River to the foot of the state capital. It's amazing to me the number of people that line the parade route and applaud, wave flags, hold thumbs up as each group passes by. Again, it made me proud to be an American...to be a veteran. The parade is concluded by a ceremony held on the grounds of the capital where the all to politically charged speeches are made and then ceremonial wreaths are laid at the foot of a replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. The members of our VFW then go to the Post Home for an Open House and a lunch. When our Post Commander returned from the ceremony at the capital he remarked that the speeches were a bit long and each speaker made a proclamation that this was Veterans Day etc, etc. The Commanders thought to that was he did not need to know this as it was proclaimed Veterans day long ago...a funny thought.
So, a really great two days. I have another opportunity to go to a school on Friday as part of Veterans in the Classroom. And, I will have many more opportunities to stand tall as a veteran... helping other veterans and their families and helping in our community...it's what really matters.
VFW members visiting classrooms in their communities during the month of November each year is a VFW program called Veterans in the Classroom. My VFW Post has been participating in this for years. Each member has the opportunity to speak about whatever veteran topic they desire. It's always interesting to hear what other members have to say. I spoke with the kids on two specific subjects: (1) the meaning of Veterans Day to me, and (2) about the POW/MIA issue. It is sometimes difficult for veterans to speak using words the kids can understand. All of us try very hard to do so because we learn from the teachers and administrators that are also there that this important to the kids to help them understand better what they are talking about and learning in their classes.
So what else did I learn on this day? Well after each of us speaks we then field questions from the kids. There are the usual questions such as "what kind of plane did you fly" and "how long was the war"...that sort of thing. But on this day we had more comment than question from the kids...comments such as "my Grandfather was in WWII", "my Uncle Bob was in the Army and went to Vietnam", and my Great Uncle Joe did this or that while he was in the Navy. Wow, I learned that there is indeed good discussion going on in families of these children about their heritage and what it all means. These kids are bright and thirsty for knowledge and they remember. It warmed my heart and helped me to stand taller as a veteran.
Yesterday I participated with other members of our VFW Post in the annual Veterans Day parade here in Austin. Nearly every veterans organization in the city joins in this event along with so many community groups and city, county, and state organizations like the city fire and police departments. The parade runs up Congress Ave from the Ann Richards bridge over the Colorado River to the foot of the state capital. It's amazing to me the number of people that line the parade route and applaud, wave flags, hold thumbs up as each group passes by. Again, it made me proud to be an American...to be a veteran. The parade is concluded by a ceremony held on the grounds of the capital where the all to politically charged speeches are made and then ceremonial wreaths are laid at the foot of a replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. The members of our VFW then go to the Post Home for an Open House and a lunch. When our Post Commander returned from the ceremony at the capital he remarked that the speeches were a bit long and each speaker made a proclamation that this was Veterans Day etc, etc. The Commanders thought to that was he did not need to know this as it was proclaimed Veterans day long ago...a funny thought.
So, a really great two days. I have another opportunity to go to a school on Friday as part of Veterans in the Classroom. And, I will have many more opportunities to stand tall as a veteran... helping other veterans and their families and helping in our community...it's what really matters.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
The Tragedy at Fort Hood
November 7, 2009 — I am just beside myself when I think about the events of this past Thursday afternoon at Fort Hood, Texas. The agony of the victims and now the agony of their families that will last a lifetime. What a shame...what a waste!
This deranged killer, a psychiatrist, and one that needed one of his own badly, indiscriminately took the lives of 13 and possibly more heroes. All apparently because he could not reconcile in his own head about religion, his beliefs, and war. Well, if he lives and I hope he does so that justice can be done, then I hope that justice is swift and final and they send this bastard to meet his Allah!
There will be an untold number of stories about the victims of this tragedy. At least I hope that is the case. One never knows about our media though. The victims are the heroes here. The police officer that took this bastard down is a hero. It is to these heroes that we owe the fact that we must never forget them. It is to these victims families that we owe our thoughts and prayers over the coming days as they struggle to deal with their loss and pain. It is to the community of Fort Hood and Killeen, Texas that we pay honor and grieve with them over this great loss. We must never forget!
These are the heroes that pay the price for our freedoms...for the everyday right to do as we please within the law and society. These are the heroes that say we will not stand for terrorism in this world and we will fight it to the death. These are the heroes that willingly put our country above self...that live and walk the walk. We must never forget...it's what really matters!
This deranged killer, a psychiatrist, and one that needed one of his own badly, indiscriminately took the lives of 13 and possibly more heroes. All apparently because he could not reconcile in his own head about religion, his beliefs, and war. Well, if he lives and I hope he does so that justice can be done, then I hope that justice is swift and final and they send this bastard to meet his Allah!
There will be an untold number of stories about the victims of this tragedy. At least I hope that is the case. One never knows about our media though. The victims are the heroes here. The police officer that took this bastard down is a hero. It is to these heroes that we owe the fact that we must never forget them. It is to these victims families that we owe our thoughts and prayers over the coming days as they struggle to deal with their loss and pain. It is to the community of Fort Hood and Killeen, Texas that we pay honor and grieve with them over this great loss. We must never forget!
These are the heroes that pay the price for our freedoms...for the everyday right to do as we please within the law and society. These are the heroes that say we will not stand for terrorism in this world and we will fight it to the death. These are the heroes that willingly put our country above self...that live and walk the walk. We must never forget...it's what really matters!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Travels With My Niece and Daisy Jane — Part 5
November 6, 2009 — This will be the last time I do a cut and paste from my Facebook account to this blog. I just have a lot to do right now and will do a recount of my trip here in this blog later.
Home Again
I arrived home yesterday around 5 p.m. and I must say that there is no place like home. Dorothy had it right! My dog MollyB greeted me with many licks and much pawing. I missed her a bunch and Karen took good care of her and our cat Boots...she always does.
While I could spend time recounting the past 10 days, I will wait for when I have more time and it all sinks in. For now I'll just say that the trip was simply terrific. My niece Tamara is a great travel companion (among many other things) and I thank her for everything. Daisy Jane was the best damn black dog in the world. She and I have a great appreciation for junk food. However, I don't think I will be receiving a Christmas card from her vet this year for fattening Daisy up on this stuff. She was the most patient dog with us humans and our silly ways.
So it is back to being at home and all the wonderful things about being here with Karen, MollyB, and Boots...it's what really matters!
Home Again
I arrived home yesterday around 5 p.m. and I must say that there is no place like home. Dorothy had it right! My dog MollyB greeted me with many licks and much pawing. I missed her a bunch and Karen took good care of her and our cat Boots...she always does.
While I could spend time recounting the past 10 days, I will wait for when I have more time and it all sinks in. For now I'll just say that the trip was simply terrific. My niece Tamara is a great travel companion (among many other things) and I thank her for everything. Daisy Jane was the best damn black dog in the world. She and I have a great appreciation for junk food. However, I don't think I will be receiving a Christmas card from her vet this year for fattening Daisy up on this stuff. She was the most patient dog with us humans and our silly ways.
So it is back to being at home and all the wonderful things about being here with Karen, MollyB, and Boots...it's what really matters!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Travels With My Niece and Daisy Jane — Part 4
November 5, 2009 — I am still lazy so what follows is my posting on Facebook of yesterdays events.
St. Augustine Florida and The World Galf Hall of Fame
Yesterday we toured the oldest city in the country St. Augustine, Florida. It was established by the Spaniards in 1565. In 1763 the British took control of the city and the Spaniards fled mostly to Cuba to return to control the city starting in 1784. In 1821, with Spain having trouble controling it's colonies, they lost interest in St, Augsutine and the Adams-Onis Treaty peaceably turned control of the city over to the United States. These facts are from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida.
We toured the old city area which is full of historic spots mostly related to various buildings. It is all very quaint and interesting. There is of course a lot of the usual tourist stuff one has to put up with. It all made for some good photos that are posted separately.
After seeing the old city it was off to the World Golf Hall of Fame (WGH). I have been seeing the promos by Arnold Palmer and Gary Player on the Golf Channel for several years now and when they say "...You just got to go" I found out why yesterday. The place is fabulous! The entire first floor is a tribute to Bob Hope who gave so much to the game of golf. A golf club in his hand became a central prop in his tours to visit troops during many Christmas seasons. I had the pleasure of seeing one of these shows in 1969 while I was deployed with my squadron to Southeast Asia. Mr. Hope and his troupe brought home to us all at a time when we needed it most. The WGH paid tribute to this and many other aspects of Bob Hopes life.
The second floor of the WGH is full of displays about the game from it's very beginning to the most recent (this past Monday) induction ceremony. It is a wonderfuol display of actual equipment, photos, video, and the placques of all the members of the hall. There is an impressive display and documantation of Bobby Jones famed Grand Slam. As an amateur, Bobby Jones was the greatest golfer of his time. He never turned professional. In 1930 he won all four major tournaments and is a feat not yet repeated. He retired from competition at the age of 28.
And so my dream was fulfilled and it was so worth it all. Golf to me is as my golf idol Arnold Palmer has said: "Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated....It satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening — and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented." If you play the game you know what he is saying here. It is a great game.
Well the road trip ends to day. I will depart Jacksonville at 1 p.m., go through Tampa, and then on to Austin arriving home at 5:15 p.m. if Southwest is on time. I am anxious to see Karen, MollyB, and Boots. I am grateful for the time I have spent with my niece Tamara and her dog Daisy Jane. We have had great fun together...it's what really matters.
St. Augustine Florida and The World Galf Hall of Fame
Yesterday we toured the oldest city in the country St. Augustine, Florida. It was established by the Spaniards in 1565. In 1763 the British took control of the city and the Spaniards fled mostly to Cuba to return to control the city starting in 1784. In 1821, with Spain having trouble controling it's colonies, they lost interest in St, Augsutine and the Adams-Onis Treaty peaceably turned control of the city over to the United States. These facts are from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida.
We toured the old city area which is full of historic spots mostly related to various buildings. It is all very quaint and interesting. There is of course a lot of the usual tourist stuff one has to put up with. It all made for some good photos that are posted separately.
After seeing the old city it was off to the World Golf Hall of Fame (WGH). I have been seeing the promos by Arnold Palmer and Gary Player on the Golf Channel for several years now and when they say "...You just got to go" I found out why yesterday. The place is fabulous! The entire first floor is a tribute to Bob Hope who gave so much to the game of golf. A golf club in his hand became a central prop in his tours to visit troops during many Christmas seasons. I had the pleasure of seeing one of these shows in 1969 while I was deployed with my squadron to Southeast Asia. Mr. Hope and his troupe brought home to us all at a time when we needed it most. The WGH paid tribute to this and many other aspects of Bob Hopes life.
The second floor of the WGH is full of displays about the game from it's very beginning to the most recent (this past Monday) induction ceremony. It is a wonderfuol display of actual equipment, photos, video, and the placques of all the members of the hall. There is an impressive display and documantation of Bobby Jones famed Grand Slam. As an amateur, Bobby Jones was the greatest golfer of his time. He never turned professional. In 1930 he won all four major tournaments and is a feat not yet repeated. He retired from competition at the age of 28.
And so my dream was fulfilled and it was so worth it all. Golf to me is as my golf idol Arnold Palmer has said: "Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated....It satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening — and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented." If you play the game you know what he is saying here. It is a great game.
Well the road trip ends to day. I will depart Jacksonville at 1 p.m., go through Tampa, and then on to Austin arriving home at 5:15 p.m. if Southwest is on time. I am anxious to see Karen, MollyB, and Boots. I am grateful for the time I have spent with my niece Tamara and her dog Daisy Jane. We have had great fun together...it's what really matters.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
NAS Jax
November 4, 2009 — NAS Jax is the short and usual way of referring to the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. NAS Jax is home to the remaining east coast Navy Patrol Squadrons (VP) and a host of helicopter squadrons and other units. The base has been in existence since 1940 and it has served the country well in all these years.
Yesterday I was able to see a sight I have been familiar with for over 40 years and that is a P-3 Orion patrol aircraft taking off and landing here at NAS Jax. I know exactly what was most likely going on in that aircraft as it flew in the pattern here at Jax. Some young pilot was going through one of his or her syllabus flights that would lead him or her to the next level of qualification in the aircraft. There were most likely four other crew onboard...pilot/instructor, flight engineer, and two aft observers. I cannot count the many, many times I have flown in a P-3 doing what they were most likely doing yesterday. All total I have about 6000 flight hours in the P-3 in a flying career that lasted from 1965 to 1986.
Today I want to go to the Air terminal for just a short while where I can get a good look at some young pilot learning to fly the P-3. It is a marvelous airplane that has been in service since 1962 and will go out of service in 2012 when the Boeing P-8 Poseidon comes on active duty. At that time the grand ol' P-3 will go to the bone yard, but my memories will live on forever...it's what really matters!
Yesterday I was able to see a sight I have been familiar with for over 40 years and that is a P-3 Orion patrol aircraft taking off and landing here at NAS Jax. I know exactly what was most likely going on in that aircraft as it flew in the pattern here at Jax. Some young pilot was going through one of his or her syllabus flights that would lead him or her to the next level of qualification in the aircraft. There were most likely four other crew onboard...pilot/instructor, flight engineer, and two aft observers. I cannot count the many, many times I have flown in a P-3 doing what they were most likely doing yesterday. All total I have about 6000 flight hours in the P-3 in a flying career that lasted from 1965 to 1986.
Today I want to go to the Air terminal for just a short while where I can get a good look at some young pilot learning to fly the P-3. It is a marvelous airplane that has been in service since 1962 and will go out of service in 2012 when the Boeing P-8 Poseidon comes on active duty. At that time the grand ol' P-3 will go to the bone yard, but my memories will live on forever...it's what really matters!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Travels With My Niece and Daisy Jane - Part 3
November 3, 2009 — Yesterday we travelled from Athens, Ga to the Andersonville, Ga National Historic Site. What a day it was. What follows is a posting I made on my Facebook account.
Andersonville National Historic Site
The Andersonville, Ga Historical Site consists of three parts: (1) The Civil War Prison site (2) The Cemetery, and (3) the National POW Museum. Each in its own is a humbling experience to visit, but to take in all three is awesome.
One can drive around the perimeter of the 26.5 acre prison stockade and if you purchased an audio CD to listen to as you drive it explains what you are looking at in some eight stops along the drive. The CD provides excellent detail of what the 45,000 Union prisoners experienced during the 14 month period the prison was in operation (1864 into 1865). The stockade was built to contain only 10,000 prisoners. There were no enclosed accommodations for the prisoners held at Andersonville, officially known as Camp Sumter, and the conditions were horrible to say the least. The site was chosen because it was far from battlefield action and there was railroad access. The following is taken from the historical site brochure: "There were over 13,000 Union soldiers that died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, or exposure." The dead were kept in a Death House until they could be moved to the burial ground.
The Andersonville National Cemetery was established July 26, 1865 and initially held the remains of dead prisoners from the nearby stockade. By 1868 another 800 Union soldiers were buried having died in hospitals, other prisoner of war camps (there were 3 prisons run by the Confederates and 5 by the Union), and on the battlefields of central and southwest Georgia. This swelled the number of interments to some 13,800 some 500 of which were unknowns. Today the cemetery contains over 18,000 graves as other veterans from other wars have been added. It is an active National Cemetery. Containing 18 separate sections of row upon row of white grave markers are a humbling site to behold. The flag of our country flies proudly throughout the cemetery to honor the fallen that have found their final resting place here.
The prison closed in May 1865. At the end of the war Confederate Capt. Henry Wirz, the stockade commander, was arrested and charged with conspiring with Confederate officials to destroy the lives of Union soldiers and "murder, in violation of the laws of war." No conspiracy existed, but the rage felt in the North over the conditions at Andersonville demanded retribution. Capt. Wirz was tried by a military tribunal, found guilty, and hanged on November 10, 1865 in Washington, D.C. His main defense was that he was only following orders...that he did not have the goods and the means to provide the prisoners with what they needed and what would be considered humane treatment. That must have been true as the South was starving at this time. Much has been argued since the time of the Civil War as to how much of the terrible prison conditions at Andersonville was Capt. Wirz fault. The Daughters of the Confederacy erected a monument to Wirz that stands today in the town of Andersonville.
* Most of the above was taken directly from the Andersonville National Historical Site brochure.
The following is directly quoted from the Andersonville National Historical Site brochure: " Andersonville National Historic Site is the only National Park System to serve as a memorial to all American prisoners of war. Congress stated the park's purpose as providing 'an understanding of the overall prisoner of war story of the Civil War, to interpret the role of prisoner of war camps in history, to commemorate the sacrifice of Americans who lost their lives in such camps, and to preserve the monuments located within the site.' In 1998 the National Prisoner of War Museum opened at Andersonville, dedicated to the men and women of this country who suffered captivity. Their story is one of sacrifice and courage." The museum upholds its purpose and so much more.
From the time of the Revolutionary War to the War on Terrorism there is information displayed about known POWs from the wars this country has been involved in. Clearly laid out, the exhibits detail the experience of POWs, their suffering, the gruesome details of actions by their captors, and the suffering of families who waited for their return to freedom. And their return to freedom is also shown. It is an awesome experience to see and hear. There are many video vignettes, interviews with actual POWs, and countless static displays all very well documented. One cannot help but have tears in your eyes as you view some of this museum. The sacrifices of the men and women whose stories are told here bring to mind one word...courage. They are proof that freedom is not free...that so few of us in this country have little inkling of what it takes to be able to enjoy the freedoms we have. It was an honor to be in that museum yesterday. It gives me the resolve to never forget the motto of the POW/MIA..."Your Are Not Forgotten."
Andersonville National Historic Site
The Andersonville, Ga Historical Site consists of three parts: (1) The Civil War Prison site (2) The Cemetery, and (3) the National POW Museum. Each in its own is a humbling experience to visit, but to take in all three is awesome.
One can drive around the perimeter of the 26.5 acre prison stockade and if you purchased an audio CD to listen to as you drive it explains what you are looking at in some eight stops along the drive. The CD provides excellent detail of what the 45,000 Union prisoners experienced during the 14 month period the prison was in operation (1864 into 1865). The stockade was built to contain only 10,000 prisoners. There were no enclosed accommodations for the prisoners held at Andersonville, officially known as Camp Sumter, and the conditions were horrible to say the least. The site was chosen because it was far from battlefield action and there was railroad access. The following is taken from the historical site brochure: "There were over 13,000 Union soldiers that died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, or exposure." The dead were kept in a Death House until they could be moved to the burial ground.
The Andersonville National Cemetery was established July 26, 1865 and initially held the remains of dead prisoners from the nearby stockade. By 1868 another 800 Union soldiers were buried having died in hospitals, other prisoner of war camps (there were 3 prisons run by the Confederates and 5 by the Union), and on the battlefields of central and southwest Georgia. This swelled the number of interments to some 13,800 some 500 of which were unknowns. Today the cemetery contains over 18,000 graves as other veterans from other wars have been added. It is an active National Cemetery. Containing 18 separate sections of row upon row of white grave markers are a humbling site to behold. The flag of our country flies proudly throughout the cemetery to honor the fallen that have found their final resting place here.
The prison closed in May 1865. At the end of the war Confederate Capt. Henry Wirz, the stockade commander, was arrested and charged with conspiring with Confederate officials to destroy the lives of Union soldiers and "murder, in violation of the laws of war." No conspiracy existed, but the rage felt in the North over the conditions at Andersonville demanded retribution. Capt. Wirz was tried by a military tribunal, found guilty, and hanged on November 10, 1865 in Washington, D.C. His main defense was that he was only following orders...that he did not have the goods and the means to provide the prisoners with what they needed and what would be considered humane treatment. That must have been true as the South was starving at this time. Much has been argued since the time of the Civil War as to how much of the terrible prison conditions at Andersonville was Capt. Wirz fault. The Daughters of the Confederacy erected a monument to Wirz that stands today in the town of Andersonville.
* Most of the above was taken directly from the Andersonville National Historical Site brochure.
The following is directly quoted from the Andersonville National Historical Site brochure: " Andersonville National Historic Site is the only National Park System to serve as a memorial to all American prisoners of war. Congress stated the park's purpose as providing 'an understanding of the overall prisoner of war story of the Civil War, to interpret the role of prisoner of war camps in history, to commemorate the sacrifice of Americans who lost their lives in such camps, and to preserve the monuments located within the site.' In 1998 the National Prisoner of War Museum opened at Andersonville, dedicated to the men and women of this country who suffered captivity. Their story is one of sacrifice and courage." The museum upholds its purpose and so much more.
From the time of the Revolutionary War to the War on Terrorism there is information displayed about known POWs from the wars this country has been involved in. Clearly laid out, the exhibits detail the experience of POWs, their suffering, the gruesome details of actions by their captors, and the suffering of families who waited for their return to freedom. And their return to freedom is also shown. It is an awesome experience to see and hear. There are many video vignettes, interviews with actual POWs, and countless static displays all very well documented. One cannot help but have tears in your eyes as you view some of this museum. The sacrifices of the men and women whose stories are told here bring to mind one word...courage. They are proof that freedom is not free...that so few of us in this country have little inkling of what it takes to be able to enjoy the freedoms we have. It was an honor to be in that museum yesterday. It gives me the resolve to never forget the motto of the POW/MIA..."Your Are Not Forgotten."
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Travels with my Niece and Daisy Jane - Part 2
November 1, 2009 — Since I last blogged here our trip has taken us to Pensacola, Fla and then on to Athens, Ga. We arrived in Pensacola late afternoon on Thursday. Got settled in the hotel and spent a quite evening resting. The next morning we drove out to NAS Pensacola and the National Naval Air Museum. I was astonished at the size of the museum and it's exhibits. I kept hearing from those that had been there that if takes a few days to really see all that is there. I know now how true that is.
It is an impressive museum if you care about aviation and particularly Naval aviation. It clearly depicts the history of Naval aviation from it's beginnings to the present and includes everything imaginable. The displays are laid out so cleanly and the documentation for each is so complete so that there is no doubt what you are viewing. There are many kiosks and of course an IMAX theater. The museum also has on display over 60 aircraft located externally and you can take a bus tour of those if you like.
I am very proud of my part in Naval aviation and as I viewed the museum I was constantly reminded of the great sacrifices made by so many to make Naval Air what it is today. Oft times you can see a bumper sticker on a car that says "Fly Navy"...there is no better way to go.
My niece and I had lunch at the O'club as it was the only one open for such. There is much history in there also. I marveled at the young men and women that came in for lunch knowing that they are future pilots and NFO's (Naval Flight Officer)...they are the future of Naval Air. We then went to the Chief's club after it opened at 1400. There was not much happening there, but did have a good talk with a Marine GySgt and a few other Marines that came in. Nice bunch of guys. I got caught up somewhat on how things are now in the Navy. It is a different Navy then when I retired over 20-yrs ago and then again some things never change. It was a great day and good to be back aboard a naval sir station.
We were up early on Saturday and headed for Athens, Ga to visit my sister and her husband. Raining just about all of the way, the drive from Pensacola to Athens took us through the heart of southeastern Alabama to Montgomery and then on to Atlanta, Ga and another 50 miles or so to Athens. All of it a very nice drive even with the rain. Of course Daisy Jane was her usual patient dog that she has been this entire trip. She is a very good traveler.
My sister and her husband have a beautiful home here in Athens. Her husband has done most of the landscaping as he is a well known botanist (I believe that is his expertise) here in Georgia. I hope to learn some things about taking care of roses. We look forward to spending a quite Sunday with them and then going to Andersonville, Ga on Monday. This coming Thursday is my sister's birthday so we celebrate it a little early today...it's what really matters!
It is an impressive museum if you care about aviation and particularly Naval aviation. It clearly depicts the history of Naval aviation from it's beginnings to the present and includes everything imaginable. The displays are laid out so cleanly and the documentation for each is so complete so that there is no doubt what you are viewing. There are many kiosks and of course an IMAX theater. The museum also has on display over 60 aircraft located externally and you can take a bus tour of those if you like.
I am very proud of my part in Naval aviation and as I viewed the museum I was constantly reminded of the great sacrifices made by so many to make Naval Air what it is today. Oft times you can see a bumper sticker on a car that says "Fly Navy"...there is no better way to go.
My niece and I had lunch at the O'club as it was the only one open for such. There is much history in there also. I marveled at the young men and women that came in for lunch knowing that they are future pilots and NFO's (Naval Flight Officer)...they are the future of Naval Air. We then went to the Chief's club after it opened at 1400. There was not much happening there, but did have a good talk with a Marine GySgt and a few other Marines that came in. Nice bunch of guys. I got caught up somewhat on how things are now in the Navy. It is a different Navy then when I retired over 20-yrs ago and then again some things never change. It was a great day and good to be back aboard a naval sir station.
We were up early on Saturday and headed for Athens, Ga to visit my sister and her husband. Raining just about all of the way, the drive from Pensacola to Athens took us through the heart of southeastern Alabama to Montgomery and then on to Atlanta, Ga and another 50 miles or so to Athens. All of it a very nice drive even with the rain. Of course Daisy Jane was her usual patient dog that she has been this entire trip. She is a very good traveler.
My sister and her husband have a beautiful home here in Athens. Her husband has done most of the landscaping as he is a well known botanist (I believe that is his expertise) here in Georgia. I hope to learn some things about taking care of roses. We look forward to spending a quite Sunday with them and then going to Andersonville, Ga on Monday. This coming Thursday is my sister's birthday so we celebrate it a little early today...it's what really matters!
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