The Greatest Generation, Minus One...

[Honu-Hugger]

My Uncle Bob died last week and this is my way of honoring an extraordinarily good man. A truly good friend to so many and to his community, and a loving father and husband. Served in the US Navy during WWII and the battle of Normandy and yet he seldom spoke of his service -- something really does seem special about this generation. He is loved and will be missed by many...

 

[nwcanonman]

D2,
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Your uncle Bob may have known my uncle Roy, who also spent 33 years serving in the US Navy and passed a year ago on Memorial Day. I'll bet they're sharing a beer in heaven tonight.
They are the reason we have freedom today.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I am sorry to hear about your loss. What your Uncle Bob and his generation went through was extraordinary. It saddens me that Nikki and most of her generation is growing up without the benefit of learning about their struggles first hand.

My Father was in B29's, and I had an Uncle in each service; the Navy, Marines, and Army. You can guess what the family reunions were like with the brothers and their kids arguing over which service really won the war.

 

[rover]

Thank you for let us share in honoring him.

 

[Honu-Hugger]

Thank you, guys, I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face for the first time since he died -- I knew it would come, but I didn't know when. You guys are just great, and what you said is so true; we owe so much to all that those good people fought for.

I hope I didn't upset anyone -- I didn't mean to. The picture hit me hard and I just felt that photography isn't always about beauty.

 

[kiev4a]

We owe them so much and they are disappearing so fast now.

 

[akalai]

Doug, its a great photo, it says so much and so simply. My condolences.

 

[laptoprob]

What can one say when 'Bob's your uncle'? He will always be and never fade away!
Sorry for your loss.

Rob
(Uncle Bob to my nephews!)

 

[bmattock]

My Uncle Bob died last week and this is my way of honoring an extraordinarily good man. A truly good friend to so many and to his community, and a loving father and husband. Served in the US Navy during WWII and the battle of Normandy and yet he seldom spoke of his service -- something really does seem special about this generation. He is loved and will be missed by many...

I'm a member of the American Legion. I'm the youngest veteran there by about 20 years minimum - more like 40 years. Most active members are not Vietnam vets, they're WWII vets. We had our monthly meeting Monday night and our Chaplain went over the list of hospital visits - it took 30 minutes. We also played 'Taps' for those members who had passed since our last Memorial Day meeting - the number was 31 - out of 430 total members.

I am so sorry for your loss, and yes, we are losing more and more every day. Real heroes, all.

For those in the USA, remember Memorial Day and what it is for - put a flag on the grave of a veteran if you have a moment. This year, there were not enough volunteers from the American Legion, so the local "Royal Rangers" pitched in to help. I feel certain that other countries have similar remembrances.

My photos from Veteran's Day last year:

http://www.growlery.com/veterans_day_2004/

Sincere Condolences & Semper Fidelis,

Bill Mattocks

 

[titrisol]

The greatest generation it was/is.... now they'll make heaven a better place

 

[sooner]

Thanks for sharing the story and picture of your uncle Bob, and my sincere condolences. I too have an uncle Bob, much loved and fortunately still only in his 50's. It's important to see photos like yours, not only to honor those in them but also to recognize how precious life is and where we're all headed. It makes me appreciate being able to eat a double cheeseburger and run down the street for no reason--not that I will likely do either, today at least. Hmm...maybe I should?

 

[childers-jk]

Great photo, great rememberance. My heart felt best wishes to you and your family.

Jeff C.

 

[Sawdust]

So sorry to see another one of my group go. My first war WWII as a torpedo bomber pilot, my last war Nam being shot at in helos... the next few years flying off aircraft carriers and commanding ships. Don't miss the wars!!!

We don't think we were great, just doing what Americans do when it's crunch time..

So many shipmates gone, but those of us left don't forget them.

My sincere condolences.

Dusty

 

[nwcanonman]

So sorry to see another one of my group go. My first war WWII as a torpedo bomber pilot, my last war Nam being shot at in helos... the next few years flying off aircraft carriers and commanding ships. Don't miss the wars!!!

We don't think we were great, just doing what Americans do when it's crunch time..

So many shipmates gone, but those of us left don't forget them.

My sincere condolences.

Dusty

Dusty,
Our heartfelt thanks for all you've done.

 

[peter_n]

Doug thank you for posting the photo and for sharing your loss. I am sorry for your trouble. Every Memorial Day there are fewer and fewer Uncle Bobs. I come from a country where the civilian population became the front line during the latter part of WWII. The stories I have heard and the extraordinary bravery exhibited by both civilians and the military in that conflict are unforgettable. We must never forget that we are free because of them.

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

Doug- May I offer condolences to you and your family in the loss of your Uncle Bob? I also wish to thank you for sharing with us.

I think many of the members of our list are probably sons, daughters, nieces and nephews of men and women who served in the Allied arm forces. Others may have served at home supporting the men and women who sought to defend freedom and won. My Dad's greatest moments in life were when he served in the Pacific. One of my son's great grandmothers was a riveter in an aircraft factory. He knows that this is part of his family history.

We are free due to their experiences. I think we will never forget guys like your Uncle Bob.

Bob H

 

[MCTuomey]

Rest now in peace, Uncle Bob. Few are more deservng.

 

[Krasnaya_Zvezda]

A heartfelt salute to your Uncle Bob---he and the men like him went through a hell that cannot be imagined. Young guys, 18, 22, whatever. We try to associate high morals and intentions to their actions, fighting for freedom, defending the country, who knows. My old man was in the Pacific, 1943-1945, Phillipines, Leyte Gulf. I never once heard him go on about "why", it was just "my country called me, and I went. Didn't want to go, but I went."
I will never be able to understand the commitment and heroism of these men. The guys who hit the beaches at Normandy, "Easy Red", literally walked into a wall of flying lead; certain death; It is beyond my comprehension, in the most literal sense. When the question of human conflict arises, I speak a different language than they--- I'm not going to diminish their heroism by digressing into an anti-war statement---- I'll leave it at this: I don't believe that war is an answer. But for those who found themselves there, willing or unwilling, I salute their courage, and their sacrifice.
Here's to you, Uncle Bob. Rest easy.
Sincerely,
KZ