On many days, including Veteran’s Day my thoughts turn to those friends who gave the life for their country including Capt John Pape virtualwall.org/dP/papejc01a.htm John is pictured here in the June 27, 1969 LIFE Magazine cover story along with the 241 others who were killed in the Vietnam War in the week ending June 3, 1969. During this stage of the war the article states this was an average 7 day number at this stage of the war. I equally remember, however, and will never forget, the 22 mothers who I notified of the deaths of their sons. The first on the day after Thanksgiving, in Brooklyn, D’Agostino was the name...four steps down off the street to their basement apartment front door. On Feb 22, 1968…five in one day…still dealing with the Tet Offensive. There was also the son who committed suicide at basic training at Ft Hood and yes the wife in Queens ….her first question was “How much insurance did he have.” The stuff a book could be written about…well there was a movie “The Messenger” that was about half accurate. Lest we not forget… I certainly never will.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 12:53:20 +0000