They Remember, by Connie Gibbons
They remember…
…the reality of war. Danger. Smells. Artillery bombardment, relentlessly screaming for days on end. Brothers and sisters falling; the ground awash in blood red puddles and rivulets. Fog shrouded mountains and dense foliage hid enemy, relief, and incoming. Sticky, wet, ruby colored helicopter floors. Too much blood. Not enough blood. Explosive, pounding, tragic battle. Nighttime arc light revealing faces darkened by soot and terror; 1000 yard stares. Peace and calmness coming only in death.
They remember…
…ravages of countless fallen; those they could not leave behind, but could not immediately go after. Today, and most days for more than forty-five years, their lives and loss are painfully grieved. Brothers and sisters, all. Those who had your back and you, theirs. Helplessness. Hopelessness. Wretching terror from aging memories.
Today, especially…
Remember…
The Fallen,
…and those who remember their fall.
BRAVO! supporter and blogger Connie Gibbons writes from the Pacific Northwest where she lives with her husband, Greg, a Marine from Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines during the Siege of Khe Sanh.
Stunning closing line to a memorable tribute
Beautifully written, Connie. My older brother was not at Khe Sahn, but he was 1st Marines in 1966-7, and he saw much of the same. It took 25 years before he’d talk about his experiences, and still doesn’t talk much about it. My best regards to you and your husband. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you Betty and thank you, Kitty.
My uncle, Douglas W. Smith, was killed on 2/25/68 at Khe Sanh. He was with Bravo co. 1st BN, 26th Marines. I would love to hear from anyone who might remember him. He was 18 when he was killed and most of those that he served with were killed during that patrol. I am just learning the history of the day he died. Thank you all for your service.