Memorial Day Edition

May 26, 2008

robertfridley, originally uploaded by denisecastellucci.

This is my birth grand-uncle Robert Fridley, who died in World War II after a bombing run over Yugoslavia in 1945. He was part of the 463rd Bomb Group, 775th Squadron.

Robert didn’t get a chance to meet the woman he was going to marry, have kids and grandchildren, or live the life dreamed about when he was growing up in Santa Cruz, California. Instead, he is buried in the military cemetery in San Bruno. I have copies of his letters to his sister and a four page letter from his best friend who helplessly watched Robert’s plane go down.

He wrote, “We were young and life was a challenge. We were ‘risk-takers’. We talked about “today”, not yesterday or tomorrow. We were sad and had compassion for those who were gone, but we were not morbid. It takes young people to fight wars! Next morning, another 5:00 AM wake-up call and another mission.”

My father is a veteran of the Korean War and my brother-in-law was a sniper in Vietnam. I have grown up with stories that barely scratch the surface of the sacrifice. I can only imagine the terror, horror, the heartbreak, the fatigue, the dark humor, the valor, and the terrible choices.

I listen to News Hour on PBS. At the end of most broadcasts, they post the pictures and names of the fallen of this war. It is like a kick in the stomach as I am a mother and I put myself in the shoes of mothers across the country who have lost their sons and daughters.

Today we honor the living and the dead who serve and have served this country. Our America flag flies today as it does on all patriotic days, it is the very least we can do.

Just as a reminder Marinmaven has featured the great work the Marin Republican women are doing to help our wounded troops in the San Francisco Veterans Hospital. Jason Lewis of Marin Nostalgia turned me onto Adopt The 82nd. San Rafael photographer and Marin Native, Klaus Larsen started this organization that sends care packages to the 82nd Airborne Division overseas.

There is another local group called “Operation Triple H“, which means Helping our Heroes from Home. They have gained support from Rev. Jan Hegland, Chaplain to the San Rafael Police Department, and support of the Marin Rod and Gun Club. This group collects items to be sent at R&R center at Quatar. Since 5/11/2007, they have shipped over 1500 lbs in over 200 boxes of supplies.

Check out their website which has a list of items that that troops can use. Local donation can be dropped off at:
House of Steel
c/o 1st Lt Gregory Allen
and Janet Ashby
33 Mary St
San Rafael, CA 94901

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