VETERANS

Throughout our country's history, the rights we often take for granted have been earned, preserved and paid for by soldiers.  In the words of a military chaplain:

It is the Soldier

"It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier,
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
Whose coffin is draped by the flag,
And Who allows the protester to burn the flag."

[ By Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC ]

Members of the armed forces are governed by a code of conduct which in a few paragraphs, defines the depth and scope of a soldier's commitment and the basis for the brotherhood that is forged from military service.  The current code for today's soldiers has been amended to reflect politically correct language.  Because most of our classmates served during the Vietnam War, what follows is the code as it existed during the service of our classmates.  Let it be a reminder to those who have served, and for those that have not, hopefully, a source of understanding.

* Deceased Classmate

** Deceased Classmate, Killed in Action - Vietnam