Friday, April 30 marks the 35th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon.
The longest war the United States participated in ended when the last Marines were airlifted from the U.S. Embassy in Saigon. This event is very personal to me because my boyhood friend and fellow Eagle Scout, Marine L/CPL Darwin L. Judge of Marshalltown, Iowa, along with CPL Charles McMahon of Woburn, Mass. were killed by a North Vietnamese attack on Tan Son Nhut Airbase on April 29, 1975.
They became the last two men killed in Vietnam along with more than 58,000 Americans who lost their lives in Southeast Asia from 1955 to 1975. I have had many moments to think about Vietnam remembering how some were scorned when they returned home. I pray that American military personnel are never treated that way again.
Vietnam will be discussed long after we are gone but no one can argue that we owe a great debt of gratitude to those men and women who served their nation when drafted or willingly volunteered.
I was fortunate to serve in the U.S. Army after Vietnam but was trained and led by some of the most dedicated patriots I have ever met, many serving two or more tours in Southeast Asia. I would encourage everyone to take a moment and thank a veteran and remember those who are serving in harms way today protecting our liberty.
If you enjoy your freedom thank a Vet! "All Gave Some - Some Gave All." Semper Fi.
