Unforgotten

Memorial Day has mixed meanings within our family. On Memorial Day, we usually celebrate my maternal grandfather's birthday, which is May 25th. It is also the day we honor my paternal grandfather for his service in WWII and my maternal uncle for his service in the Navy. However, this Memorial Day is very different for us than those in the past. It is our first without Granddaddy. Our first without visiting him and throwing him a big birthday party. It's also a first for us in quite another way. With the discovery of Scott's biological family, we have a another member of the family to honor on this day. Scott's biological father served in the Korean War, earning the Silver Star for Gallantry, along with other medals for his courage and bravery. We are thrilled to be able to honor him today for the first time.

Scott's biological father fought in one of the worst battles of the Korean War. Known as "Heartbreak Ridge," this battle was the backdrop of a movie of the same title by Clint Eastwood. Not familiar with this battle? You can read about the battle at http://www.2id.org/heartbreakridge.htm

As with many Korean Veteran's, Scott's father didn't speak of the war. The war was often called "The Forgotten War," though many of the veteran's who fought in it could never forget it. After the war, Scott's father felt that Korean War Veterans had been forgotten. He had lost so many friends in Korea, especially on Heartbreak Ridge. When the Vietnam War Memorial was dedicated, he became upset. He felt that Korean War veterans and those who never made it home had been completely forgotten. Years later, his daughter Denise, wrote a beautiful poem for his birthday to honor his service to our country. Today is an appropriate day to share this poem, to remember him, my grandfathers, my uncle, and all of our service men and women who so willingly served and gave their lives for their country.

UNFORGOTTEN

Dedicated to all the UNFORGOTTEN

Veterans of the Korean War

I can't imagine fighting with people I don't know

Or going to a country because they said to go

I don't know what it's like to see the things you saw

Or killing complete strangers just to see another dawn

I have no understanding of the horror that you hide

But is would be an honor to share the tears you've cried

So, I cry for the pain and I cry for the lost

I cry for your heartache and I cry for the cost

I cry for all the heroes we forgot when they returned

I cry for the hatred and I cry for what we've learned

I cry for the memories of the things you left unsaid

I cry for the wounded, the survivors, and the dead

I cry for how you've managed to hide what you had to do.

I cry for my hero, DAD, because my hero is you.

Written by Denise L. Green December 8, 2002

for her father Edward L Green

So today, we are honoring OUR HEROES! Your courage and your bravery inspire us. It is our privilege to honor you. We love you and miss you so very much!

Edward L. Green (K Co 23rd Inf Rgt, Korean War) - Scott's Biological Dad

Joseph E. Rudd, Sr. (Navy Pilot, WWII) - Cathy's Grandfather

Bobby L Mathews (Navy) - Cathy's Uncle

We also honor our heroes who are still among us today, who have served or are still serving our country. We love you and are proud of your service and sacrifice!

Glenn D Denny (Commander Ret. USN, Vietnam Veteran) - Scott's Dad

Michael Faulk (Lt. Commander Ret. USN) - Cathy's Uncle

Bryan D Denny (former Capt. USAF) - Scott's brother

Paul Denny (US Army, Vietnam Veteran) - Scott's Uncle

Donald Whitley (USAF B52 Bomber Pilot, Vietnam Veteran) - Scott's Uncle

In His Love, Cathy