Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad -- Veterans Day Edition -- 11/10/03

[undergroundrailroad]

MONDAYS 'IN' THE UNDERGROUNDRAILROAD -- November 10, 2003 -- THE VETERANS DAY EDITION 2003




THE VIETNAM WALL MEMORIAL

LIFE AND SORROW

Welcome to Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad. Today, Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad will *not* offer refreshments.

Today, Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad remembers The Vietnam War through a gallery of pictures. Not just our Vietnam Veterans and soldiers who died, but civilians. These powerful photo contributions were significant in understanding the Vietnam War in the context of pictures. I want you to visualize a blank piece of paper. As you "hold" that blank piece of paper, I want you to open your mind to the first page of a blank diary and silently "write" your entries as you view the pictures that I am posting today. I offer no editorialization of the photographs as they are all very subjective. But I did find them "moving" and powerful. My thoughts as I organized the photos was the "moving", physical moving of the subjects as they were being photographed.

If you wish to learn more about the specific photos, you may click on The Vietnam War. This link also provides the photographers credits.
_____________________________________________________________________


Kim Phuc Phan Thi

FEW PEOPLE knew her name, but everyone remembers the photograph of her as a young girl, running naked down a road, her body on fire with napalm. That pulitzer prize winning picture changed the way the world would look at the Vietnam War. It also changed the life of Kim Phuc Phan Thi,, the little girl in that photo whose name means "constant happiness". Yet it is so ironic that it would take Kim almost half of her life, 14 operations and defection from Cuba before she would understand the true meaning of her name.

It was during the summer of 1972 when the beginning of Kim's life would change forever. On June 8th of that summer Kim, age 9, and her family were evacuated from a temple where they had taken refuge. Suddenly as they left the temple, napalm bombs were being dropped. Kim starting running not realizing that her body was on fire and her clothing had instantly burned off her body. Kim, running and crying, was burnt from the waist up with her arms outstretched towards Associated Press Photographer Nick Ut who captured the moment with his camera. After taking the picture he dropped his camera and ran Kim to the hospital. In the meantime, Kim's mother was frantically looking for her daughter and after 3 days found her near death. She had been placed in the "death room" and her family was expected to take her away. There was nothing more they could do for her. Kim was in horrific pain, her body still burning from napalm. There was nothing to give her for pain. Only the love of her parents and the meaning of her name, meaning that would be necessary to fight for her life. Her father begged and pleaded with the hospital to do something for his daughter. She was not dead yet. What was he to do? By this time that powerful picture of an innocent child was on the front page of just about every newspaper all over the world. This catapulted Kim to instant fame and she was transferred to to elite Barsky burn clinic in Saigon where her road to recovery would begin. It would be necessary to remove the dead skin from her body. To explain how painful the napalm burns were, Kim compared water, which boils at 100 degrees Celsius, to napalm, which burns your skin at about 800 degrees Celsius. As Kim grew older she realized that she wanted to leave Vietnam to study medicine but the Vietnamese government wanted to keep Kim around to answer questions about her ordeal and meet with journalists who were eager to interview her. Finally they allowed Kim to study in Cuba. It was also during this time that Kim found love and was married. It was during a flight from Moscow to Cuba that Kim and her husband found an opportunity to defect. When the plane stopped in Gander, New Finland, Kim and her husband found the Immigration Office, surrendered their passports. They were now safe.

Kim has spent the rest of her life in emotional recovery. She sought out Nick Ut and the two have remained very close friends. And the little girl in the photograph? "When you see that little girl running up the road, you see that she is crying out." "See it not as a cry of pain. Rather, see it as a cry for peace."

________________________________________________________________

Images of Vietnam


_____________________________________

Eulogy for a Veteran



Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the Gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

author unknown
_____________________________________________


"C" Rations

What did the Vietnam soldiers eat while in the trenches? Their meals were called "C" and "K" rations. They were designed to be easy to cook at high altitudes and featured three main menu options. While the rations lacked Vitamin A, they were keeping the soldiers fed and relatively healthy. C rations consisted of six cans: three contained a meat and vegetable and the other three had crackers, sugar and coffee. Packed with 2,974 calories, C rations were considered too bulky for use by mobile troops. The K ration was created to cater to the needs of paratroopers, tank crews and other soldiers who depended on mobility for survival. It was adopted in 1942, the K ration yielded 8,300 calories in eight units but didn't meet mineral and vitamin standards.



The Boondocks by Aaron McGruder


_________________________________________

Questions of The Day

1. What picture touched you the most? Why?

2. Name one food or beverage item that you *MUST* have on a daily basis.

3. How many framed pictures do you have at home or work on display?


OK, I'm OUTTA. See you next Monday 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad

[GOPisEvil]

1. Hi Mina!!!!

A powerful daily thread today. I urge everyone to go to the Vietnam Memorial - it is one of the most humbling places I have ever been.

1. I can't pick a most powerful picture of those shown. Each one has a powerful message.

2. WATER!!! I drink a gallon a day, at least!

3. Hmmm...about 3 or 4.

It's also my mom's birthday today, so I'm celebrating with her and my dad tonight! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! :party:

Just for you:

[undergroundrailroad]

5. Hi, I found something for Mom.

I hope you enjoy your celebration with her tonight. :party:

I have visited the Vietnam Memorial wall and it was very sad for me. Many personal reasons. There was once an article about things people leave at the wall. Money, beer, food, clothing, anything that has joint meaning about the war and the person leaving the item. The items left are cataloged and I heard that the items were going to be exhibited .

Questions:

Must have H2O and several pictures.

Thanks for the golf cart today. Have a great week GOP.

Love,

Mina

[YellowRubberDuckie]

2. That's a beautiful thread....

But you're a day early.
Duckie

[undergroundrailroad]

6. Welcome to Mondays IN The Undergroundrailroad

Welcome and allow me to introduce you on our red carpet as I do all new arrivals. This is a Monday only thread where we meet greet, ignore spell check and just relax. I hope you will visit again.

Thanks for the comments about the thread. Yes, a day early, but I wanted to make the feel of the thread a bit more serious today in advance of Veterans Day.

Best wishes,

UGRR

[blazinjason]

3. What a beautiful FOUR STAR Mondays IN The UGRR! Bravo Mina.

What beautiful and sensitive pictures of the Vietnam era Mina. I am very moved by your tribute today and I thank you for it. My father was in the Vietnam War. He was drafted and when he returned, his life changed forever. He discussed with me his interaction with the Vietnamese citizens and how poor they were. He even shared his water and food with a family and when he left, he continued to maintain that communication via another friend who was still in Vietnam.

Questions:

I think the photograph of Kim Phuc Phan Thi is my selection. You explained in detail what happened to her on that day. I knew the picture but did not know what became of her. Thanks Mina.

Daily, I must have water.

I have 4 framed pictures of my family in my office and dozens of photos at home everywhere.

Thanks for a beautiful Veterans Day Monday IN The UGRR Mina.

Have a good day.

BJ

[undergroundrailroad]

7. Thanks BJ for your kind words.

So your Dad was in the Vietnam War. I have many friends and family members that served in the Vietnam War. Most were drafted and in that era your only option was college or Canada. Very unfair towards many who had no options and just wanted peace.

Your daily beverage is Water, you liked the photo of Kim Phuc and you have 4 framed pictures in your office, dozens at home. Great!

Thanks for your kind comments and for dropping in to check things out in the UGRR today.

Good week ahead!

Love,

Mina

[blazinjason]

25. Your welcome Mina. I hope everyone will look at this thread. It is your

best ever! (NOTE: Don't hold me to this, I might like another one in the future).

Great job Mina.

Happy Veterans Day Dad and to all the Veterans out there.

BJ

[undergroundrailroad]

26. Thanks.

See ya next week.

Mina :loveya:

[GoGo1]

4. Good Afternoon Mina. Your pictorial tributes are very moving.

I have always wondered about Kim Phuc and her story. Your article has renewed my interest in her. I understand there is a book about her life and I think I'm going to purchase it. I didn't realize that she spent most of her life recovering from this ordeal and at the time the media did not offer many details about what happened to her that day. I'm happy to learn that the outcome of her life has some positives. She was one of those mental images that I never forgot.

Thanks Mina for Mondays IN The UGRR. I never know what your going to do next. One is better than the other but for different reasons. All good.

I do like the picture of Kim Phuc holding her baby. What a moving photo of motherhood and the scars of her accident mean NOTHING to her beautiful baby.

Each day I have a cup of green tea. :) I was told it has some health benefits. So, green tea is my "must" have beverage.

I have pictures of my children and grandchildren all over the house. Once my oldest son came to visit me and he realized that he had not sent enough pictures. So he now send pictures via the computer all the time. I print them and place in frames. So easy:). I love the holiday photos the best.

Have a wonderful week Mina. Loved your daily today.

Love,

GoGo

[undergroundrailroad]

10. Hello mutual lover of green tea :-)

Thanks for the kind words and for your visit today gogo.

The story of Kim Phuc is so touching and complex. I look at her today, she is OK. I'm glad. I also like the same photo as you do. I know sometimes we don't want to confront the ugly conditions of war. BUT WE MUST. Living in the Vietnam era and protesting against it, it was important for me to understand the people of Vietnam and how they coped with War. Yes, sometimes we may look the other way. I did not. That war motivated me to do many things in my life and still does.

Your must have beverage is green tea. I am also a lover of green tea. You like holiday photos the best (so do I!) and you also liked the picture of Kim Phuc. Yes, a very powerful picture indeed.

Have a great week ahead.

Love, peace,

Mina

[Brewman_Jax]

8. G'day, Mina/UGRR

Yes, it's the week of Veterans Day. That's a quite a photo collage for the occasion.

Now for your questions:

1. The in-country photos, for they show that war is not fun and games. :-(

2. Water and green tea. Gotta have 'em.

3. I have a world map poster and a Bruce Lee poster in my living room.

Always good to see you, Mina. Enjoy the week! :hug:

[undergroundrailroad]

11. Thanks for visiting Lurking_Argyle! Hello :-)

I like this: the "week" of Veterans Day. Indeed the holiday should be longer than a day. So many men and women have given so much to WAR in our country. Is one day enough?


Thanks for your kind comments on the photo collage.

You like the 'in-country" photos. Yes, I agree. Look at the children very carefully. They look away, they run away or they are too young to understand. Children do not ask to be born and the conditions (as bad as they were) were not helped by war. We were told in the US that we were "helping" the children and yes, some did benefit from war. There was an airlift of children (infants) taken to the United States that were adopted. I followed a few of their stories.

Well, let me get to the questions. I can talk about this all day!

LOL, we have quite a few DUers who like green team including me!

I love maps. I also have a world map sent to me from National Geographical magazine. I'm going to have it framed. BUT what is a living room with out the great Bruce Lee. Wasn't he something!

Always good to see you too Lurking Argyle. Thanks for stopping in to say hello. Here's a :hug:

Love,

Mina

[Aristus]

9. Good Morning, Mina! This veteran and son of a veteran thanks you.

Vietnam was so horrible and so avoidable. That damned phrase, "Imminent threat to our country and our way of life", has been misused yet again to get our troops killed halfway around the world, bringing 'democracy' at the point of a gun to an ancient culture of which we have little understanding, and which has little use for our brand of democracy. And innocent children are once again in the cross-hairs. Damn these men (The Administration) to Hell forever.

I'm sorry. Rant over. Thank you again for the beautiful tribute to our veterans, and the reminder of the children who suffer the most in all of this.

The photo of Kim Phuc Phan Thi has remained with me since I first saw it in Life Magazine when I was six. It's horrifying. However, I have to mention the painting of the veteran at The Wall. It is my father's favorite portrayal of a Vietnam Veteran. As a Vietnam Veteran himself, he is sick of the portrayals of his brethren dressed in ragged fatigues and boonie hats, drunken, embittered and often psychotic. He was pleased to see a veteran dressed in a natty suit, carrying a briefcase. A man who went on to a productive and successful life after the war, as most veterans did. My father has had a solid career in the medical field and has earned the rock-solid respect of his colleagues. He did have his post-traumatic episodes, and they may have contributed to my parents' divorce; but today, he is happily re-married to a wonderful woman, he and my Mom are on good terms, and his career is rolling along, and shows no sign of stopping, even at his age of 63. I'm proud of him, and all our brave men and women who have served their country, even if the cause for which they fought was unworthy of their courage. I don't feel worthy myself to be numbered among them for being sent to the Gulf. It was a decision completely beyond my control.

2. Peanut Butter. Salt and protein; can't live without them. :9

3. Well, just looking at my computer desk, and the shelves in my living room, 28 framed photos of my step-son, my grandson, my step-daughter and her husband, and my wedding photos with me and my wife.

Thank you as always for making my day, Mina! :loveya: :hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

15. I can't thank you enough times for your comments Aristus. Your a hero.

The Vietnam War Memorial holds so much meaning in my life. It is so powerful and when you see the name of a person you know, you just stare at it. I urge everyone to visit it once in your lifetime. It's a must see tribute.

As for your rant? I loved it. As you so eloquently (and with passion) state, "Damn these men (The Administration) to Hell forever". I understand your anger.

Now, for the questions. I loved your response about your Dad and the perception that people have of former Vietnam veterans. Yes, it is a sterotype and it is wrong. That is why I selected this picture today. The man touching that wall, watching his pain as he reaches out.

And that award winning picture of Kim. That one image that has remained in the minds of so many.

I am so proud of your Dad and you Aristus. So very proud.

Now, you need Peanut Butter and salt! OK, good answer. I like it for the protein also.

WOW! 28 framed photos. Thats just wonderful. Tell Mrs. Aristus I said hello.

Once again Aristus, thank you for posting in the thread today and every Monday.

Love, :loveya:

Mina

[Swede]

12. Why we wear poppies-

In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

The name of John McCrae (1872-1918) may seem out of place in the distinguished company of World War I poets, but he is remembered for what is probably the single best-known and popular poem from the war, "In Flanders Fields." He was a Canadian physician and fought on the Western Front in 1914, but was then transferred to the medical corps and assigned to a hospital in France. He died of pneumonia while on active duty in 1918. His volume of poetry, In Flanders Fields and Other Poems, was published in 1919.

[undergroundrailroad]

17. Hello Swede. Thanks for that beautiful poem.

Hello Swede. Welcome to Mondays in the UGRR a place 'IN" The Democratic Underground where we meet on Mondays hug each other and answer questions of the day. I'm glad you found your way down here to visit me. I have rolled out the red carpet in your honor.

Thank you for that beautiful poem, IN FLANDERS FIELDS, by John McCrae . It is a beautiful poem. Thank you for the additional information about it's author. That's what I love most about Monday. I learn something new.

Why we wear poppies? To this very day, I always purchase a poppy from a Veteran and wear it with pride. It was considered an INSULT to walk pass a veteran with the poppy can (and the poppies) with out stopping to give something. My question: is there a basis between the poem and it's connection to poppy day (as we used to call it in school)?

Once again, thanks for spending time with us and sharing that poem, IN FLANDERS FIELDS.

Warmest regards,


UGRRMina :loveya:

[CanuckAmok]

13. outstanding post today (as usual)!

1) I think there's no doubt that the photo of young Kim Phuc Phan Thi touched me the most; it does everytime I see it. I also found myself moved by the man at The Wall. Usually retouched 'ghost' photos fail at conveying their message, but that one is really powerful.

One footnote: Kim Phuc Phan Thi didn't defect in "Gander, New Finland", but rather Gander, "Newfoundland", right here in Canada.

2) Hmm...white wine.

3) at work: 1 (Mrs. Amok), at home: probably 20 or so , mostly of ancestors, friends, and our cats. Yes, we have framed photos of our cats--wanna make something of it?!


Peace.

[undergroundrailroad]

18. Thank you so much CanuckAmok for your comments.

Your are indeed correct. Kim Phuc Phan Thi defected in Newfoundland. She is a Canadian citizen. I see you are from Canada. I used to visit Canada from the Windsor Bridge in Detroit. Canada is a beautiful country. Many of my friends have moved there. African-Americans during the 50's, 60's, and 70's were treated better in Canada and all to this day do not regret leaving the United States.

Last night I was not sure if I was going to use the picture of the man Wall. But once I saw it, I knew I *had* to go with it. It's a very powerful and dynamic picture. I'm glad you liked it.

So, you need a glass of white wine. Let me see what I can do for you my friend.

You have about 20 photos of your family, friends and your cats! Please share them with me. I love photos in the UGRR.

Thanks for spending time with me today.

Warmest regards,

UGRRMina

[CanuckAmok]

33. Mina, I grew up in Niagara, the end of the original UGRR...

There are Freeman gravesites, Freeman churches (my old Cub Scout pack held meetings in one), and lots of interesting Black History. And, of course, there are hundreds of residents who can trace their roots back to American Slaves.

Contact the Niagara Parks Commission, the Niagara Falls Museum, or the Niagara Falls Historical Society if you're interested in learning more.

Cheers,
'Amok

[BigMcLargehuge]

14. Greetings Mina and a welcome happy veterans day to all our

current and former members of the armed forces, a thanks to all who served in The Great War, The Second World War, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Gulf 1 and the current Gulf conflict. I'd like to thank my grandfather Jean Paul Bourbeau for his Service in the US Navy at the Battle of the Coral Sea, and my father Robert Louis DeRego for his service in Vietnam from 1961-1964 with the Green Berets.

Veterans Day was always been treated as a non-holiday in my house. My Dad would rarely, if ever, discuss his service, took no credit for his actions, and harbored a general disdain for the US government following his tours of duty.

Like so many others of current and wars past, he enlisted voluntarily. An act he describes as "the folly of youth". At 18 I wanted to join the service, which prompted the first time my father ever described some of his experiences in detail. One such story resounded:

(paraphrased)

We arrived Saigon to receive our detachment orders. The guy in charge of overseas operations explains that we are supposed to help the South Vietnamese army patrol an area of 35 miles around Nha Trang and engage and harass the enemy on sight. My CO turned to me and asked, "so Peewee, have you got the guts to kill?" I didn't know what to say. I was 19 years and what the hell did I know.

We flew into Nha Trang the next morning and the base was under heavy fire. The fighting lasted most of the morning, and eventually subsided. We lined up each wounded man and I began administering first aid. I was the medic and my first duty was to assess who could and could not be saved. My CO was wounded and lay there begging, "help me Peewee, help me!"But I had to step over him because in the time it would have taken to save him I would have to let three other men die. I did everything I could for everyone I could. It turned out the guts I needed to kill were there, but not in the way he expected.

A week later the same guy that gave us the "kill everyone" outside Nha Trang speech in Saigon showed up to take command at Nha Trang. Suddenly the mission changed, we were no longer allowed to venture outside the perimiter. From now on out mission would be guarding and maintaining the security of the base.

It was all bullshit.

(end story)

My Dad received several medals and commondations for his service, none of which he will discuss freely. I remember him giving my younger brother his Silver Star to use as part of a childhood Halloween costume (Han Solo for those interested), and I remember he had a box of other "stuff, junk, debris," as he called it, stowed away in the bowels of our family home. Inside were other bars, other medals, and bullets. Discussing them was never an option.

When it came time for the recruiter to take me for a physical my Dad, the 5.4" former Green Beret, "persuaded" him to leave without me and never to darken our doorstep again.

My Dad explained that he was always more concerned about being known for what was important. He was a Dad, a husband, a businessman, a plumber, a restaurant owner, these, he said, were the measure of his stature, not the experiences into which he was thrust as a wide eyed and naieve youth.

I have made it a family tradition to participate in Veterans Day services and rememberances here in New Hampshire, and I intend to teach my son to do the same. The day is far to important to be left to mattress and appliance sales, to lonely old men and cold stone monuments. Our veterans, all veterans, whether serving by circumstance or their own personal choice, deserve more. They deseve our gratitude and our support.

I call my Dad every Veterans Day and thank him, and I thank all the veterans with whom I work personally, and their humility humbles me.

I have taken Siegfried Sassoon's words to heart, although written in 1919, and about years following a war so distant from us now, the words ring true and burn today as they did then. Have you forgotten yet?

Aftermath by Seigfried Sassoon

Have you forgotten yet? ...
For the world's events have rumbled on since those gagged days,
Like traffic checked while at the crossing of city-ways:
And the haunted gap in your mind has filled with thoughts that flow
Like clouds in the lit heaven of life; and you're a man reprieved to go,
Taking your peaceful share of Time, with joy to spare.
But the past is just the same - and War's a bloody game ...
Have you forgotten yet? ...

Look down, and swear by the slain of the War that you'll never forget.

Do you remember the dark months you held the sector at Mametz -
The nights you watched and wired and dug and piled sandbags on parapets?
Do you remember the rats; and the stench
of corpses rotting in front of the front-line trench -
And dawn coming, dirty-white, and chill with a hopeless rain?
Do you ever stop and ask, "Is it all going to happen again?"

Do you remember the hour of din before the attack -
And the anger, the blind compassion that seized and shook you
As you peered at the doomed and haggard faces of your men?
Do you remember the stretcher-cases lurching back
With dying eyes and lolling heads - those ashen-grey
Masks of the lads who once were keen and kind and gay?

Have you forgotten yet? ...
Look up, and swear by the green of the spring that you'll never forget.

And from Wilfred Owen, killed during WW1 comes this anti-propaganda piece that, though written a generation before my Dad was born, speaks of his attitude.

Dulce Et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen.

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind
Gas! GAS! Quick, boys! An ecstasy of fumbling,
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling,
And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime . . .
Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.

In all my dreams, before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.

If in some smothering dreams you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues -
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori

Questions of The Day

1. What picture touched you the most? Why?

None touched me the most, but all touched me. From the young and hopeful faces of the soldiers to the terrified visages of the Vietnamese, all the pictures moved me.

2. Name one food or beverage item that you *MUST* have on a daily basis.

Coffee. Can't run the engine if there's no gas.

3. How many framed pictures do you have at home or work on display?

About 20. In my office I have two, Mrs. McLargehuge and Little McLargehuge in one frame, and two pics of my Grandmother in another frame.

[undergroundrailroad]

21. WOW! Another passionate and powerful post in the UGRR. I would like

to wish your father, the senior Mr. McLargehuge a Happy Veterans Day and yes, I am sick of the commercial aspect of the day. As you state, left to mattress and appliance sales.

I really enjoyed reading your post BigMac. WOW! Your Dad sounds like an interesting person. I read with deep interest the story you wrote. Your Dad should write a book! Please wish him a Happy Veteran's Day!

Also, thank you for the poems. Several visitors have offered poems today and I greatly appreciate that.

I just *LOVED* your answer to my first question. "None touched me the most, but all touched me." BigMac, that is just beautiful. This thread is bringing out the best in everyone today :loveya:

You need your cup of coffee everyday. Do I have any coffee in the UGRR?
Yes!

I see you are surrounded by photos of your loved ones. This does not surprise me. LittleBigMac :) Mrs. BigMac :) and now your Dad.

In honor of your grandfather, Jean Paul Bourbeau and your father, Robert Louis DeRego. Happy Veterans Day from Wilhelmina and thank you for your service to our country.

Love,

UGRR Mina

[BigMcLargehuge]

37. Actually, I am trying to get him to work with me on a book

about his experiences, but he's reluctant. Luckily, I got the stuborn gene from him and keep pressing. I am about to give him my old computer so we can acclimate himself with recording his thoughts.

I have a recent pic of him but no place to host it :(

[scarlet_owl]

16. Wow. Thank you for posting the pictures.

My father-in-law is a Vietnam veteran and the war has profoundly affected his life. He came back an alcoholic and severely depressed. He eventually gave up drinking, but he has never had a close relationship with my husband, or anyone else for that matter. He does not allow himself to get close to anyone. In fact, I don't think I have seen him in over a year. He refuses to tell my husband where he lives or give out his phone number. Any contact with him is on his terms. That war destroyed more people than will ever be known. Now, to answer your questions:

1. All the pictures touched me deeply. I can't possibly pick just one.

2. I have to have my tea every day.

3. There are so many framed pictures around here, I can't count them all!

[undergroundrailroad]

22. Scarlet Owl, welcome to Mondays IN The Undergroundrailroad.

Let me get the RED CARPET OUT for your arrival!


Welcome to Mondays IN The Undergroundrailroad (UGRR). I welcome all newcomers on the carpet to make them feel welcome here. This is a place where we meet, greet, hug each other and ignore spell check on Mondays. I'm glad you found your way to visit me.

I was touched by your story about your Father-in-law. Many Vietnam veterans withdrew from society. There was little outreach, I mean real outreach from our country to help them. Many felt useless in society upon returning and had no where to turn. Yes, alcohol use was a problem. These men also returned with many health problems and the VA hospitals are sometimes not within reach to help the veterans. I understand what your feeling here. You are not alone.

So, your must have beverage is tea :). There are so many tea drinkers (including me) at DU! And you can't count all the framed pictures at home.

Thanks for taking time out to check things out here. I hope to see you again in the UGRR.

Warm regards.

UGRRMina

[scarlet_owl]

38. Wow! A red carpet! For me?

That is so fancy for just little old me! I have been reading the Mondays IN the Undergroundrailroad for a while, but this was the first time I have posted. It won't be the last! Thanks for the warm welcome, Mina.

[ScreamingMeemie]

19. Hi Mina...

It is with blurry eyes that I write you back. Those pictures evoke so many emotions...and then thinking of what is going on in today's world-I have to wonder if we have learned anything.

The most powerful picture is hard to say. When you see the young, smooth faces of these men that were expected to die...drafted to die...for what? I think those in context with the dead soldiers and the makeshift graveyard speak volumes.

What beverage or food item...hmmmm. Coffee, yep coffee. Love it, have to have it. Drink it all day long. Thank good goshness that it has come down in price.

My entire house is pictures on display. We have probably around 80, but I am not completely sure of that. Some day I hope to do a family tree of portraits on the wall of both my husband's and my family.

Mina, Have a great week...and thanks for giving me a moments pause to contemplate.

[undergroundrailroad]

23. I'm cried out. It took so much stop and go emotion to get this project

done. This was very painful and thanks Mrs. Grumpy for your blurry eyes. I just wrote to another member telling them that I had to stop for a moment because of the overwhelming story that was posted in this thread. So many sensitive, honest stories in this thread.

Again, thanks for your tears. I am not alone. :grouphug:
I love you Mrs. Grumpy (who btw is NOT "grumpy" at all!)

Well, let me find you a cup of coffee Mrs. G :)
YES! A nice steaming hot cup of coffee:



A family wall tree. That's a great idea. I might design something like that with my photos.

Thanks for dropping in Mrs. G. Also, thanks for being a great moderator at The Democratic Underground.

Love, :loveya:

Mina

[proud patriot]

20. Pass the kleenex I'm crying again Dagnabit

1. What picture touched you the most? Why?
the first picture . because my uncle made it home
and is the man standing at the wall remembering
horrible things and brothers lost .

2. Name one food or beverage item that you *MUST* have on a daily basis.

Water

3. How many framed pictures do you have at home or work on display?

probably about ten , i'd have more but my walls are lathe and plaster.

Have a great one Mina and Duers .

[undergroundrailroad]

24. We're both crying Proud Patriot.

Here's a hug :hug:

The man at the wall. That is such a powerful picture. I was unsure if I was going to use it today. But after my crying eyes, I decided to go forward with the photo.

You need the good ole H2O (ice cold water :) )

Thanks for dropping in PP and thanks for the great job you do moderating DU.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[hussar]

27. and for us Brit vets

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

[undergroundrailroad]

28. Absolutely ! Welcome Hussar to Mondays 'IN' The UGRR, Red Carpet arrival

Welcome to Mondays In the UGRR. A place where we hang out on Mondays to jump start our week ahead. I welcome you on the red carpet!

I appreciate those pictures you posted and yes, my tribute extends to Veterans all over the world including GB.

Thanks for visiting me today and sharing the photos.

Warmest Regards,


UGRR Mina

[undergroundrailroad]

29. Veterans Day Memorial (n/t)

[undergroundrailroad]

30. Veterans Day Memorial (n/t)

[undergroundrailroad]

31. Veterans Day Memorial (n/t)

[JohnKleeb]

32. ok

1. What picture touched you the most? Why?
The one with the girl who was napalmed, it shows how horrible war is.

2. Name one food or beverage item that you *MUST* have on a daily basis.
Milk
3. How many framed pictures do you have at home or work on display?
like 4-5.

[undergroundrailroad]

35. Hey John. Thanks for dropping in.

It ain't Mondays if you don't drop in the UGRR giving us reasons about school ;-)

OK, let's get to the questions.

That infamous picture of the Kim Phuc does show how horrible war is. When I first saw the photo, I knew the author of it would win awards. Indeed, Associated Press Photographer, Nick Ut, would win the Pulitzer Prize for that photo and the friendship of his subject.

You must have your milk every day :)

And, finally, you have about 4-5 framed pictures on display. Excellent.

John, did you go to school today??

Love,


UGRR Mina

[JohnKleeb]

39. YEs I was at school today and it was so cold

Yea I drink my milk with just about everything.

[undergroundrailroad]

44. John, no school today!

Drink your milk, OK?

Mina :hi:

[fortyfeetunder]

34. Thanks for a thought provoking one UGRR

I have to admit the picture of Kim as a mom is the most touching. That after all the trials she had, she did evolve to a beautiful woman. It reminded me of another dear friend who I love as a sister who also had a chaotic unsettling life in Vietnam before coming to the states. She is doing so well now I can't express my happiness enough.

Meanwhile

I gotta have my H2O in any form, hot tea, water, seltzer.

I scrapbook so I keep many home pictures in a scrapbook. On my desk in the cubicle from hell, I have about a dozen pictures of my little one from the time he was a baby up until now. He was always photogenic from day one...It brings a smile to me when I look at them

[undergroundrailroad]

36. Welcome to Mondays IN The UGRR Fortyfeetunder. Let me get the red carpet

out for your official welcome:



We attempt to jump-start your week 40FU (I like your DU Name). But we ignore the heck out of spell check and pretty much do/say what we want. But it's always fun on Mondays and I'm happy that you clicked and checked things out down here.

Now, let me check you out.

You choose the that classic photo of Kim running. I see you have some extended feelings about that photo that are personal. I'm glad your adopted sister is doing well.

Gotta, have that H2O. Best beverage in the world (next to the green tea for me ;-)

And your into scrapbooks. LOL, you should see my scrapbooks. EVERY year I "promise" myself that I'm going to organize the many photos that I have.

Some will be donated. I want to share that history I had to visit in my life in the form of segregation, racial. Hopefully I will find a good home for the photos.

Well 40, thanks for dropping in. Your no longer a new member in the UGRR. Drop in any time!

Warmest regards,

UGRRMina

[bleedingheart]

40. Visited my Dad's grave today

He fought bravely in Luzon and Guadalcanal and received two bronze stars. Loved his country and his family and was a Democrat til the day he died.

Today I pulled the grass away from his marker and prayed that he is at peace.

1. The Vietnam War memorial.
2. Tea
3. tons...

[undergroundrailroad]

42. Wow bleedingheart! Your dad received two bronze stars! Very nice.

Thanks for posting your comments. Welcome to Mondays 'IN' The UGRR.
Step on the red carpet and receive your official welcome!



We meet/greet every Monday attempt to jump-start our week ahead. We hug each other, talk about just anything and ignore the heck out of spell check.

About your story. I appreciate this post today, Veterans Day. In honor of your day, I'm going to make a little room for him on the red carpet also. Sounds like your Dad was a class act and your visit to him today was moving.

I was not going to use the Vietnam Memorial Wall photo but I'm glad I did. Everyone likes the photo and I appreciate the comments I'm receiving in response to the photo.

So you like tea? I think our top response to the second questions was tea and water. Tea actually takes care of both ;-)

Tons of photos (smile).

Happy Veterans day to Dad in the UGRR today.

Warmest regards,

UGRRMina

[cally]

41. Hi MIna

I couldn't answer this thread most the day because I couldn't find the words to express how sad and furious those pictures made me. I'll try since you need some more responses.

1. Well, all. Probably the older woman praying among the young girls. I could just feel her sorrow and desperation for divine help. Then the man tied up. Those pics always get me. I've seen lot's of those from Iraq and Afghanistan and I always wonder how we ever, or any other nation, plans to restore peace while treating individuals that way. It is so inhumane.

2. Well water, of course. But I really need my morning cup of coffee.


3. Maybe 6-7 at home and 3-4 photographs at work. Lot's more prints and pictures at both home and work.

[undergroundrailroad]

43. Where is the red carpet. I just had it?? OK, I found it.

I just love the red carpet and your return visits (and my status as your DU Sister) qualify for a trip back on it.

Back to the thread. I received several pm's from members who expressed your words. They were crying, could not find the words to respond in the thread and told me they would return.

My experience working on the thread was emotional. I was crying, remembering an era that I was familiar with, focusing on our current war, noting the similarities.

I was also overwhelmed by some of the responses. I sent a pm to a respondent telling this person to give me a minute to respond.

This was the most painful thread I have *ever* worked with. I won't do this again.

Back to your responses, you liked the photo that my Mother selected as her favorite. The praying of students and the older woman who prayed with them.
Yes, the man tied up. I went back and forth on that photo ultimately deciding to use it. Was it too graphic? Yes it was. I felt the photo made a statement in our current war, only in another region of the world.

You need your coffee. Well, we both do! :hug:

Lots of photos! Both at work and home.

Thanks for dropping in to say hello on Veterans Day.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[pmbryant]

45. A Veteran's Day response

Looks like I'm a little late for "mondays" in the Undergroundrailroad, so I'll take "Tuesday in the Undergroundrailroad", if that's ok!

Thanks for a wonderful Veteran's Day thread, Mina.

1. What picture touched you the most? Why?

2. Name one food or beverage item that you *MUST* have on a daily basis.

3. How many framed pictures do you have at home or work on display?

(1) The picture of the young kids running past the bloody, dead person in the street. Pictures showing the gruesome reality of the death of war are not published very often these days. I sometimes wish they were, since it might cause more people to think about the real consequences that are too easy to brush off if we never see them.

:-( :-( :-(

(2) I don't think there is anything I must have on a daily basis except water.

(3) None at work. A handful at home. Not many at all.

:hi:

--Peter

[undergroundrailroad]

47. It's never, ever late Professor to welcome you in the UGRR.

Thanks for dropping in today to discuss the Veterans Day thread and the photos.

Yes, I selected the picture of the children running past the dead bodies because of the innocent expressions on their face. They did not want to look yet they were being respectful of the deceased. I do agree, this picture is one of the best.

Love,

Your student, Mina

[Kamika]

46. That first picture

Is the wall really airbushed like that?

Anyway the other pictures almost made me cry except the one with guns stuck in the ground.. it left me untouched for some reason

[undergroundrailroad]

48. No, but I really like it.

The photos are very sad. Many members wrote to tell me they could not look at them. This was the most difficult Mondays IN The UGRR I ever had to write.

Stop in next week Kamika and I'll give you your red carpet welcome, proper.

UGRR Mina