To all of you brave soldiers who gave up your tomorrows so I could have mine: THANK YOU. RIP: my brother, RANDY LEE TAYLOR 27 May 1947 - 17 Aug 1967 Chu Lai VietNam
FOR RANDY
Was it so long ago we huddled and listened to booming voices
Making grown up choices
That took you there
And left me here tears rolling goodbye
Okay, okay we made a pact
We'll grow older and he’ll be back
But just for now pretend he’s around the corner – behind a tree
Dirty faces, bare feet, spindly arms and legs
You’ve grown older
You’ve been a solder
No need to grieve
In my little girl’s world of make believe
I simply put you back around the corner – behind a tree
I turned my face and covered my ears
So in my head you lived all these years
I’ve let you be safe and living in a world only I can see
The speeches are over, the crowds are gone
The Wall brought you home to me
Frozen in time on that shiny black wall, instead of in my mind
Vision is blurred, tears bittersweet, spotlights and the irony of Christmas lights
Reflected on the glassy wall
Tonight I find you among the rows
I read out and touch you and press my face to the cold black stone
When at last the stone has warmed
Randy Lee Taylor is stamped on my cheek as well as on my heart.
Tonight I went to the Wall and I cried.
Beautifully written. I would like to add four friends of mine from Seton Hall who should be remembered-- all KIA in Vietnam. I left more there than a year of my life.
Brian Conlon, 1LT USMC, SHU Class of 1965
Jerry Geoghegan, 1LT USMC, SHU Class of 1965
Steve Leonardis, 1LT US Army/ROTC, SHU Class of 1965
Donny Leta, 1LT US Army/ROTC, SHU Class of 1966
A touchimg tribute, Jen, to a fallen warrior; it's something we should all keep in mind this weekend as we enjoy our cookouts and such. Our freedom isn't free; it's been payed for time and again by the selfless sacrifices of guys like your brother.
My hat's off to Joe Bilby and Dan Daly, both Viet Nam veterans, as well as the many other vets on this web site, from conflicts around the globe.
I was remiss in failing to recognize the living heros. So to all that have served this country I wish to personally thank you for your sacrifices. Those of you who returned home have lived a lifetime with your memories.
We planted new flowers and placed American flags on the graves of our five deceased veteran relatives. Though none lost thier life serving our country, I am sure that in at least one case, war-time injuries and illness contributed to a severe shortening of his life.
I'm certainly no hero, just did my job and managed not to screw up. Glad to still be here though. The good news for me is that my son in law will be coming home from Iraq next week!
The grill will be on and the beer will be chilling. But if it was not for all our true heroes that wear and have worn the uniform of our country...the freedoms we take for granted would not be.
I will salute those heros and say a pray of thanks. First on my list will be my daughter who has just returned from Iraq. I am proud of her!
That was very touching. I want to remember my dear friend Tommy Clarken who lost his life at such an eary age in Vietnam....I think of him & his family often.
About one hundred Mexican men waiting at Scotland Road and Central Avenue at 7 am this morning to be picked up for day work. Know not today is a holiday and what it stands for. Interesting most of the local taverns and bars had Cinqo de Mayo celebrations this year.
We have a great ceremony in West Orange every year honoring ten different veterans from town. It is usaully very moving for them and their families. It is run by a town official who is a former green beret. West orange proclaims itself as the most decorated town in the state. Some of us still remember what today stands for.
Jen, There is a front page story in The Asbury Park Press today about a gentleman from Lacey, NJ who may have served with your brother in Chu Lai Vietnam. Check it out on the Asbury Park Press website. Good Luck.
May God Bless your brother and all other US Veterans. BD
Thanks Bob. I did a browse and found ths story. Baker was a Marine - my brother - in the Army. But I have spoken to a man who served side by side with him.
