Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Location: Approximately 50 miles from Missoula MT/38 yrs full time after 4 yrs part time
2,308 posts, read 4,122,972 times
Reputation: 5025
Advertisements
I have a very close friend, age 92, who saw a lot of action as a BAR man in the 2nd Marine Raider Batallion in 1943 and 1944.
He lives alone, by choice, outside of a small town in Montana.
He has 3 grown children who live in three different states who come to see him on a rotation basis so that one of them sees him every month. He gets along with them quite well.
He gives up very little information re his 18 months in combat and lives a very quiet but comfortable life........however he is showing signs of failing ......
There is a local Marine Corp League in the area, ..however he has never contacted them and does not want to do so.
He will be buried locally next to his wife, .....and I think it would be a terrible shame if the local Marine Corp League is not involved with his funeral.
My question is this:..........should I (anonamosly make the local MCL aware of the situation, so that at the time of his death, he is honored for his service to this country.
Opinions please.
I tend to side with what he wants and displayed (as in he seems not interested in the Marine League) and also curious what his kids have to say.
I myself would never impose such thing on him at his funeral, especially since he has shown he does not want anything to do with them.
As a former Marine myself, I completely agree with this.
He's aware of the league and has chosen not to associate, why does the OP thin k they know better?
As a former Marine myself, I completely agree with this.
He's aware of the league and has chosen not to associate, why does the OP thin k they know better?
Its a nice thought on the op's part..........and he is asking opinions..........so it is not like he "thinks he knows better"
Asking the sons is a good idea,,,,,,,,,,
I have a very close friend, age 92, who saw a lot of action as a BAR man in the 2nd Marine Raider Batallion in 1943 and 1944.
He lives alone, by choice, outside of a small town in Montana.
He has 3 grown children who live in three different states who come to see him on a rotation basis so that one of them sees him every month. He gets along with them quite well.
He gives up very little information re his 18 months in combat and lives a very quiet but comfortable life........however he is showing signs of failing ......
There is a local Marine Corp League in the area, ..however he has never contacted them and does not want to do so.
He will be buried locally next to his wife, .....and I think it would be a terrible shame if the local Marine Corp League is not involved with his funeral.
My question is this:..........should I (anonamosly make the local MCL aware of the situation, so that at the time of his death, he is honored for his service to this country.
Opinions please.
My father passed away in 2005.... he may have even known this guy.......too few of them left........Please mention that the son of a Guadalcanal marine says "salute"
It could be a matter of modesty. He might not want attention or recognition....even though he deserves it.
Try to speak to him and his sons.. He may just be being modest or shy, or he may really just not want attention.
I'm glad you recognise him as being a great man who deserves recognition but I would run it by his next of kin out of respect for them.
Some combat veterans don't have fond memories of combat. I agree with what you're saying, but some of these guys learned to suppress or bury dark memories and don't want to live it again. It doesn't take much to trigger.
I know it's not the popular psychology of today, but avoiding triggers and suppressing horrible events is just as likely as modesty. I would honor him by honoring his wishes.
Location: Approximately 50 miles from Missoula MT/38 yrs full time after 4 yrs part time
2,308 posts, read 4,122,972 times
Reputation: 5025
Thanks for the various responses (opinions).
Let me be clear.....I would never take it upon myself to make the decision regarding a military presence at his funeral.
That choice would come from his 3 children(1 son & 2 daughters).......AND several months ago I did briefly mention to his son about the MCL having an active presence in this area. I don't know if the son has had any discussion with his dad or if anything has been decided.
Yes he is a "quiet/somewhat introvert type" who did very well in his law-career and was married for almost 69 yrs.
.
He has taken the death of his wife very hard.
Two things he did make clear to me several yrs ago was that he did not believe in detailed and lengthy obits..........in fact he would be quite satisfied if his read: .... "..........
That is a direct quote from him.
Mr. XXXX XXXXX was born in 1925 and died in 20XX.
The 2nd thing he mentioned was that he joined the Marines the day after he graduated High School and had to provide parental consent since he was not quite 18 yr old.
At this point, I will just continue to be an observer.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
