VETERAN'S DAY 2004

The eleventh day of November was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate the ending of the World War I. After more wars and more endings to conflicts it was decided that it was impossible to have a special day for each one and so the determination was made to honor all veterans on that day.

As a veteran myself, I would like to say that while we are thankful for the remembrances of our nation, we too would like to remember some veterans; Those who did not return.

I can't remember ever talking very long to one from any of the conflicts in which our troops have been engaged, without that person speaking, usually softly, of one who didn't return home. Yes, I know that Memorial Day is for them but for many of us THEY are veterans too and we honor them on this day as well.

Let me share this personal memory. It was January, 1945, when a troop ship tied up to the floating dock on the island of Pavuvu. We didn't know what outfit was stationed there but soon were welcomed to the First Marine Division and assigned to our outfits. My assignment was to a Special Weapons Company.

One by one the men were ordered to report to the Commanding Officer's tent. When my time came, I was apprehensive, thinking this would be a very personal 'this is what I expect of you' type of speech, 'though these were usually given to the group as a unit.

Imagine my surprise when Captain L.K. Hennessy said something like, "At ease, Son. Would you like a cup of coffee? Sit down and relax. I would like to welcome you to this outfit and since we will see some rough times together, I would like to know a little about you." All of my Boot Camp training, Advanced Infantry training, Mechanic's School and Driver's Training, together with a few bad times under a career-hardened Gunny Sargent at M.C.B., San Diego, had failed to prepare me for THIS! His next question, however left me speechless! " How is your relationship with God? Do you know Christ as your Saviour?" He then proceeded to assure me that if I ever wanted to talk about it, don't bother about channels, just come to his tent and say so.

I later learned that I was not singled out, but that every man in his command had been so counselled. I never heard anyone complain about it.

On April 1st, we landed on Okinawa. About a month later there was a desperate need for Officers in the Infantry Companies and our beloved Captain was given command of one. We mourned the loss of our "Ol' Man" but that was nothing compared to our grief a couple of weeks later when word came of his death as he led his men in an attempt to take one of the hills in the Southern part of the Island. They had come under heavy fire and fell back. A wounded man was left behind. There were many willing to volunteer to go back for him, but the Captain's decision was final; "He's my responsibility, I'll go". Neither he nor the other man made it back.

I don't know if his family requested his body be returned to the States after the war, but my memories of him, as I am sure of many others, is that cemetery on Okinawa. I have often looked at the pictures of his grave and thought, "Captain Hennessy, you were a good Marine and a great witness for Christ. Some day, I will proudly stand with you as we honor our Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ, in that final parade as all those in His army pass in review.

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