Remembering Connecticut Memorial Days

A friend writes of his own Memorial Day's memories and where those experiences led him.

Hi Tom,

I have been reflecting on your two Memorial Day postings and at the same time received a picture from my brother Dave in this years Memorial Day Parade back at my home town in Tariffville, Connecticut.

I have no experience with war and your story in Vietnam. While I was in Korea in 1964-65 with the Army Air Defense Command, 38th ADA Brigade they were only sending RA officers to Vietnam. I just saw Chinese MIG Jets going up and down the China Sea and checking on our radar signals. Every month they would send in B -52 Bombers to check our response time. They would come in at random times during a 3-4 day time frame so we always had to be ready in “Red Alert.”

One of my fellow Lieutenants, Jim Hennesy, went to Helicopter school after his first tour and died on a mission in Vietnam. I have visited his name on the Wall in DC.

Brother Dave was marching in the Tariffville Memorial Day parade, which continues the tradition of respecting the soldiers in all our wars. My memory is first of marching as a child with flowers and dropping them on the grave of solders when the guns went off, then as a Cub Scout, and later a Boy Scout and Scout Leader. The parade always started at the grammar school near the fire house. All my friend's fathers that returned from the WWII were dressed up in their respective uniforms (Army, Marines, and Navy) These same fathers were my mentors. They coached our Little League teams, played in the Tariffville Men's Baseball League, and supported the Scout Troop.

Most of the time the town fathers were able to afford a Fife and Drum Corps - four guys who provided the beat for the parade. There was no high school band in our town in the 50's. This parade had a very important impact on me as it did for you. I was in awe when they played taps during the ceremony and then the echo was returned from deep in the woods. The 8 gun salute also had a big impact. It was then followed by us kids breaking ranks and scrambling to get one of the shell casings.

As a result of these annual Memorial Day parades, it was a no brainer for me to join Army ROTC and go into the service after college. It was the right thing to do!!

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

Peace, George