This Memorial Day, remember Gainesville veterans who lost their lives
One final hand salute. During the course of his U.S. Air Force career, he had received hundreds of salutes, but this final one was rendered as he was lowered in to the sacred grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.
Col. Mayer Littman was recently buried after serving our country for over 25 years flying every kind of aircraft the Air Force ordered him to fly. He flew single-engine aircraft and fighter jets during peace time and over the angry skies of Vietnam. Mayer Littman was my friend.
On Memorial Day, all of us will stop and reflect on someone dear to us that served our country. Extended family members of Haisley Lynch (no relation) will recall his sacrifice in World War I and being the first casualty from Gainesville to be killed in action. World War II took the lives of 128 local young men, including the highly decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran Milton Lewis. During the Korean War 16 county men lost their lives, including Chauncey Bennett, who was last seen safely parachuting to the ground in enemy territory to never be seen again.
So many young men from Alachua County lost their lives in Vietnam that it still hurts my soul to even think about it. Army Sgt. Vernon Carter had just written a letter, from Vietnam, to The Sun, saying he would be home soon and to wish all a happy holiday. His family will be thinking about him Monday, as will members of the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Unfortunately, the War on Terrorism has taken the lives of numerous men from our area. Ronna Jackson, the Vincent family, the Clark family, the Tomorio family and Jeffrey Wershow’s mom and dad are among many other families who will be remembering their sons Monday (as they do every day). War is so costly and freedom most certainly does not come free.
More from Jim Lynch:
Withdrawal from Afghanistan brings back memories of Vietnam
Pause to remember those who never made it home from war
Remembering a day that changed the world
Ceremonies will be held this weekend to remember those that chose to leave the comforts of home, put on a uniform and be assigned to places around the world that most never even heard of. Some were placed in danger while some served in such remote places that they would welcome company.
They all had one thing in common. They were all young, full of energy, believing they were invincible and so proud of the uniform they wore. Now we have lost so many of them.
On Memorial Day, every family will look at the picture they have displayed in a prominent place and remember their loved one. They will look at that photo of a beaming young man or woman and recall how eager and excited they were to follow in the footsteps of other family members who have served. We thank them and will always remember the sacrifices they endured.
On Monday speeches will be made, volleys of rifle fire will be pointed toward the sky and the tear-jerking sound of taps will be played in the distance. Thank you, my fellow veterans. Our country remains free because of you.
On this upcoming Memorial Day, I and many others will once again render a final salute in your honor. We will never forget.
Jim Lynch served in the U.S. Army from 1967-69.
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This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Jim Lynch: On Memorial Day, remember Gainesville veterans who died
