Memorial Day 2021


 
Memorial Day.... the one day we honor those who served in battle and did not make it home.
We pay tribute to the fallen hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

We hear stories and tributes of the oh so many selfless warriors.
One tribute that I watch every Memorial Day is linked below about the on-board cermony for Loyce Edward Deen.
He is a mere representation of the many young men who fought and never made it home.

Deen, an Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class, USNR, was a gunner on a TBM Avenger. On November 5, 1944, Deen’s squadron participated in a raid on Manila where his plane was hit multiple times by anti-aircraft fire while attacking a Japanese cruiser. Deen was killed. ​
​
The Avenger's pilot, Lt.; Robert Cosgrove, managed to return to his carrier, the USS Essex. Both Deen and the plane had been shot up so badly that it was decided to leave him in the plane. ​
​
It is the only time in U.S.Navy history (and probably U.S. military history) that an aviator was buried in his aircraft after being killed in action.​


The hymn "Going Home" in the video below is sung by the BYU Men's Choir is an interpretations of the original composition by Antonin Dvorak.
A longer version can be listened to HERE.

Film of the landing on the USS Essex can be seen IN THIS LINK.
 
May God bless our Nation and our people whom, with purpose, risk their lives for the common good of providing freedom, health, and safety. May He also impart wisdom and courage that we may find favor in His eyes.
 
Dear wife and I tended to graves today, 4 cemeteries, two flats of geraniums and yellow snapdragons for her father. It’s kind of a “hit” when you are placing flowers on a grave dug in 1917! Finished by stopping for late lunch early dinner with deplorable service, a salad and a sandwich took them forty minutes and they still got it wrong, last visit to that joint!
I was very happy to have tended to her family’s departed, I’m am afraid they will go ignored when she and I are gone.
Bless them all!
 
Frank in Colorado said:
Memorial Day.... the one day we honor those who served in battle and did not make it home.
We pay tribute to the fallen hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

We hear stories and tributes of the oh so many selfless warriors.
One tribute that I watch every Memorial Day is linked below about the on-board cermony for Loyce Edward Deen.
He is a mere representation of the many young men who fought and never made it home.

Deen, an Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class, USNR, was a gunner on a TBM Avenger. On November 5, 1944, Deen’s squadron participated in a raid on Manila where his plane was hit multiple times by anti-aircraft fire while attacking a Japanese cruiser. Deen was killed. ​
​
The Avenger's pilot, Lt.; Robert Cosgrove, managed to return to his carrier, the USS Essex. Both Deen and the plane had been shot up so badly that it was decided to leave him in the plane. ​
​
It is the only time in U.S.Navy history (and probably U.S. military history) that an aviator was buried in his aircraft after being killed in action.​


The hymn "Going Home" in the video below is sung by the BYU Men's Choir is an interpretations of the original composition by Antonin Dvorak.
A longer version can be listened to HERE.

Film of the landing on the USS Essex can be seen IN THIS LINK.
Click to expand...
I remember hearing of this story, but had never before seen the film of the landing, and burial at sea. Brought me to the verge of tears. I must have watched it 4-5 times yesterday. Thank you so much for providing the link. That is truly what Memorial Day is about.
 
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