Arkansas Blog

Let us also remember the other anonymous millions of U.S. Veterans who served and sometimes did not come back.

They didn't serve for parades and acclamation or a brief annual remembrance. They served to protect their families, loved ones and country. Be thankful they have been successful, so far, win or lose.

What about Nick Bacon?

Where's Gen. Wesley Clark?

Let me mention Korean War Medal of Honor winner Herbert Littleton from Polk County, Arkansas. He died from falling on a grenade to shield his buddies. Greater love hath.......

Today I'll be remembering all the great men and women that died while serving their country in addition to the great Arkansans listed above. While I may not always agree with war, I most certainly support our military that is put in harms way.

Carlos Hathcock.

David O. Dodd

While the veterans of WWII are dying at a rate of a little over 1000 a day, I am happy to report that many of these men, well into their 80s are still living rich, full lives.

Many that I'm interviewing could still mash your head if you went for their wallet or pinched their wives. Though it's hard to imagine them as young men, it isn't hard to pick up on the strength that got them thru WWII and the next 60 years of ups and downs.

If only these old soldiers were in the White House or in Iraq running this war without end. They're done with the silliness of ego, pompous talk, and fake morals. They fought the Japanese, the Germans, the Italians. Survived 2 week voyages home packed like sardines in tired old rolling ships. They let home as boys and came back as men.

Uneducated country boys who used the GI Bill to get enough learning to start a little business, they grew into major companies. Poor city boys that felt helpless when they saw the carnage of war, came back and became doctors. Men of unbelievable courage who came home war-weary, their adventurousness satisfied, happy to spend the next 40 years carrying a mail sack thru quiet, peaceful neighborhoods.

They're world now is their wives and family. Most never think of WWII unless some nosy bastard like me pokes a microphone in their face and coaxes them into telling their stories. Several have told me at the end of the interview that they have opened that wound for the last time and will not speak of the war ever again.

My own father never uttered a peep about his WWII service. I suspect the nightmares he suffered all the rest of his life sprang from that experience, but I knew better than to ask. We're all richer for those veterans who will share their stories. I just wish they're wisdom and common sense would stretch to the White House. Without a doubt, they are America's greatest generation and I'm delighted to see so many of them still around. Everyone of them has been in shock when I thank them for what they did. It's amazing that no one every took the time to say it before. So remember to do that if you're lucky enough to know a veteran of any war.

PS My oldest daughter just got back from New Orleans where she and her history loving boyfriend toured the recently reopened new D-Day Museum. It blew her away! She came home with a ton of pictures and brought me a little plastic replica of a D-Day landing craft. From the pictures, it appears like a fantastic place. It has to be great to impress her. So travelers....start your engines and remember New Orleans could use the money right now too. The link is in the box below.

Seems there are lots of "war" movies on tv right now. Most are pitiful renditions by Hollywood, to say the least. Some of the newer versions are excellent of course. I have contended the past few years that "Saving Private Ryan" should be a "must" watch on Memorial Day for those who haven't seen it. Spielberg's movie completely changed the format for war movies. For a different format, "Enemy at the Gates" is an excellent view from the Russian Front.

Allow me to add, I think "Paths of Glory" is the best WW One movie (the French would not allow it to be shown in their country until the '70s.) "Full Metal Jacket" is my top pick for the Vietnam Era. I don't have one for Korea.
Any favorites out there from posters?