WE | The Beauty of America | The Honor Guard
I speak on behalf of my fellow soldiers and myself...
We were young, physically fit, and all we owned fit into a duffel bag. We believed with all our heart in God, duty and country. We were concerned about getting through one more day, and worry about tomorrow when it came. We followed orders and accomplished our missions, as did the American veterans of foreign wars before us. We heard the hurtful names many people called us and about the protests. We choose to be soldiers and continue fighting to defend the freedom of others. We did not take actions in battle to promote ourselves to be heroes.
We have been told that some people falsely claim to have been with us in combat as soldiers in Vietnam. We are deeply saddened by those who would step on our lost brother's graves with lies. We fought valiantly each day and protected each other, so every mother's son could return home to her. We know that those who didn't return home gave the greatest sacrifice when they gave all they had. We believe that those individuals without integrity will continue to try and surface as heroes without merit. We stand fast in the belief that Americans will truly know in their heart who was there and who was not.
Author: James Rockett, Navy Corpsmen III MAF / NSAH Danang, Vietnam 1967-68 Copyright 2001
On September 11, 2001, Americans learned their home is no longer a safe harbor
The mainland of the United States had been virgin from foreign terrorist attacks
On that day, evil raised its ugly head against a people who love freedom
Evil came to Americas picturesque New York City in the form of suicide bombers
The worlds two tallest buildings collapsed, virtually in an instant
The unthinkable took place; historic Washington, D.C. was also attacked
In the end on that morning, over six thousand American lives were silenced forever
These actions awoke Americans from their days of viewing sports heroes and celebrities
On that day they discovered what every United States combat veteran knows that war is hell
Americans prayed to God for their country and the families of those who were lost
They prayed for brave fire fighters, policemen, soldiers, medical personnel and rescue workers
Americans united showing their full support to the President and the government
They proudly flew their American flags as a symbol of their allegiance to the United States
The American people seek justice against and protection from evil
The beauty of America is in the hearts and minds of her people and forever will she stand for freedom
God bless America
It was a warm summer day at the cemetery
Twelve gray-haired veterans made up the Honor Guard
They came to give say a final goodbye to a fallen comrade
Three Officers of the Guard, the Chaplain, Seven Riflemen and a Bugler marched up to the casket
The air was incredibly silent except for the sound of a light breeze
The veteran survived active military duty but finally reached lifes end
The Chaplain quoted scripture verses and said a final prayer for his fellow veteran
The Officers of the Guard folded the American flag and presented it to the veterans family
The Captain of the Guard called out three times Ready Aim Fire
Each of the three times, the seven rifles echoed in the cemetery as if only one shot had been fired
During the firing, 21 Brass shell casings rapidly ejected from the M-1 rifles reflecting the suns brightness
The Bugler ever so softly played TAPS
The Seven Riflemen marched respectfully past the casket
Quietly the family exited the gravesite between the two rows of Riflemen
Twelve gray-haired veterans marched away knowing they had given their fellow veteran his final military salute with honors
God bless all who served our country
Marilyn Monroe
Girl
Jim Croce
Village Girl
Viet Cong
Island
Roy Orbison
Bartender
Models
Woman
Mexican Man
Woman
Woman2
Corner Bar
Safari Man
Life in Danang: James "Doc" Rockett Thon My Thi village, located south of Danang near Marble Mountain, was part of the NSAH MEDCAP. Larger villages often had MEDCAP teams residing in their villages, but villagers of Thon My Thi were treated by NSAH.
Military Family: Proud to Serve! Our family, like many others in the United States, has a proud history of serving our country. From Private John Rockett, who entered the Revolutionary War at age 16, to my son, Michael who served in the U.S. Coast Guard at the Great Lakes, on Search and Rescue Missions.
Doc Hollywood: Star Power! Former "New Mickey Mouse Club" member, Allison Fonte, and I have been friends since her college years in Spain and at Stanford. Currently..
Harley Davidson: Live to Ride These are my Oregon Buddies, we meet occasionally up at different locations. We originally met at the famous Hollister Independence Rally, home of the filming of THE WILD ONE with Marlon Brando. Now they all have Harley Road Kings, a great cruising bike.
