Rennies in camouflage

[Merlin the Elder]

The vet I would most like to hug died nearly three years ago—my dad. He lived a full, long, mostly rich life, and it was just his time to go.

He was a veteran of WWII and Korea, retired in 1963 after 23 of service to the USAAC/USAF. He was captured in the Philippines in May of `42, endured the Bataan Death March, and spent the rest of the war as a POW. His last year in captivity was in a camp near Fukuoka, Japan where he worked mining coal for the Japanese. The two atomic bombs fell within about 60 miles of his camp.

One of the most amazing things about my dad is that he never spoke ill of the Japanese as a people, and in fact held many that he had encountered in high regard. Everyone that knew him, liked him, and he had no enemies.

He may not have been a hero to anyone but me, but that's ok. I just wanted you to know a little about him. 

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

A reminder that on Memorial Day all vets grabed or not are welcomed to march in the parade at Scarborough.  If you are a vet or know a vet bring them to the cottage below the falcon stage before 12:30 so the can get a yellow ribbon and then all vets will go to the keep and march/walk/ride what ever they wish in the grand parade.

Huzzah & Hooah! Please extend the message to your Royal Family there that I send "Thanks" on behalf of the young Warriors and veterans I work with for such an honored recognition. They should be proud of this event!

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

M'Lord Merlin,

After reviewing the following, I think your father surely fits the bill. Thank you for his service.


Main Entry: he•ro
Pronunciation: \?hir-(?)?\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural heroes
Etymology: Latin heros, from Greek h?r?s
Date: 14th century

1 a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b : an illustrious warrior c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d : one that shows great courage
2 a : the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work b : the central figure in an event, period, or movement

[Merlin the Elder]

Thank you for that, Warrior Monk...

[Butch]

Merlin, please allow me to thank you for your father's service.  Also, please allow me to pass along my wishes that he rest in peace.

I need to add my name to this thread.

I served from 1979-2010, and just retired from the Marine Corps.  It sure went quick!

[Cap'n Hunnar Graybeard]

I started my military service in the US Navy in 1981 and ended in the US Army Reserves in 1994.
(What a long strange trip)

Navy - Operation Specialist

Army - 31C Radio Operator, Commo Section NCO

Veteran of Desert Storm

[bradenmac]

US Army, Airborne, Gulf War Veteran 1985-1991

[Scotsman]

Hugs!  Now bring him to Faire so the rest of us can mob him!

No worries, he is a huge Rennie too!

[angusmacinnes]

I served for 8 years and 4 days, yeah funny how we remember those things, with the Army Military Police Corps.  Most the time was spent in Military Police Investigations.  Thanks to my Uncle Sam for making it possible to see many parts of the planet I would never have gotten too otherwise.  A huge thank you to those that continue to serve.  Those rough men and women who are willing to defend freedom.

[SirRichardBear]

the count was 148 veterans in yellow sashes in Scarborough Memorial day parade.  Thank everyone of you.

[Merlin the Elder]

The post-parade ceremony in the Village Green was quite moving. My wife and I attended in honour of my late dad. My utmost respect and thanks to all of you.

...Lest we forget...

[bradenmac]

If ye cross my path whence I am upon the shire of Mount Hope, PA, thoust may see pins upon my garb that seem a bit out of place in comparison to the others....my Jump Wings and Air Assault Wings..

[Fly'n Penny]

Been a while since anyone posted here. Just wanted to give a shout out to my son who should be coming home next month after 1 year in Afghanistan protecting liberty and serving selflessly!

Memorial Day approached ... hug a Vet!

Good to hear that he's soon to be on his way back.  I've been out here in Iraq for about a month and a half so far, but I won't be here nearly as long as he was there.  Just hate that I will miss the majority of faire season.  Maybe TRF, who knows?

[bradenmac]

Good to hear that he's soon to be on his way back.  I've been out here in Iraq for about a month and a half so far, but I won't be here nearly as long as he was there.  Just hate that I will miss the majority of faire season.  Maybe TRF, who knows?

Good luck and keep safe...You'll be raising a pint in no time...

[JimsDana]

Okay guys I am looking for the rest of this poem, I understand that the last part is and epitaph that it has been used in many versions, but I need the one that has "Iwo Jima" in the text.
Mom said this is the beginning and the end is correct we would like to find the correct middle (1942)


You can have your Army Kakiis,
And your Navy Blues,
But here's a different fighting man,
I'll introduce to you.
His uniform is unlike,
Any you've ever seen,
The Germans called him "Devil Dog",
His title is "Marine".

(Missing....)

And when he gets to Heaven,
St.Peter he will tell,
Another "Marine" reporting Sir.
I've served my time in Hell

Thank you Dana