Normandy, 1944
DoctorBlade wrote:
It is really really hard to imagine the scale of that. Those poor brave bastards who were storming the beach. It is totally utterly beyond my comprehension of what it must have been like. I hope I never never never experience anything even remotely like that. I've only ever watch Saving Private Ryan once, don't think I will again. I was in tears at the opening where they go up the beach. While War has given us some amazing machinery and technology we all love, it truly is a horrible thing.
Poor poor Jag, this is after the owner put some new springs on to raise it as it was too low before!!!
Damn, I can't seem to hotlink the photobucket. Here is the URL http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s314/tomti1479/e_zpsccbf1634.jpg
A more fortunate kitty car
914Driver wrote:
Details, link?
I have no idea why, but when I explain the Tomb of the Unknow to someone, my eyes well up.
If you're a Mom and your son went off to war and never came back, you can rest at night knowing that it may be him in there and he made it back.
TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Interesting facts about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Sentinels of the Third United States Infantry Regiment "Old Guard"
Q: How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?
A: 21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
Q: How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
A: 21 seconds, for the same reason as answer number 1.
Q: Why are his gloves wet?
A: His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
Q: Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time, and if not, why not?
A: No, he carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
Q: How often are the guards changed?
A: Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
Q: What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
A: For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30".
Other requirements of the Guard:
They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. They cannot swear in public FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way.
After TWO YEARS, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.
The first SIX MONTHS of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends FIVE HOURS A DAY getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
The Sentinels Creed:
My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection. Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands the respect I protect. His bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.
More Interesting facts about the Tomb of the Unknowns itself:
The marble for the Tomb of the Unknowns was furnished by the Vermont Marble Company of Danby, Vt. The marble is the finest and whitest of American marble, quarried from the Yule Marble Quarry located near Marble, Colorado and is called Yule Marble. The Marble for the Lincoln memorial and other famous buildings was also quarried there.
The Tomb consists of seven pieces of rectangular marble: Four pieces in sub base; weight Â- 15 tons;
One piece in base or plinth; weight Â- 16 tons;
One piece in die; weight Â- 36 tons;
One piece in cap; weight Â- 12 tons;
Carved on the East side (the front of the Tomb, which faces Washington, D.C.) is a composite of three figures, commemorative of the spirit of the Allies of World War I.
In the center of the panel stands Victory (female).
On the right side, a male figure symbolizes Valor.
On the left side stands Peace, with her palm branch to reward the devotion and sacrifice that went with courage to make the cause of righteousness triumphant.
The north and south sides are divided into three panels by Doric pilasters. In each panel is an inverted wreath.
On the west, or rear, panel (facing the Amphitheater) is inscribed:
HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD
914Driver wrote: I have no idea why, but when I explain the Tomb of the Unknow to someone, my eyes well up. If you're a Mom and your son went off to war and never came back, you can rest at night knowing that it may be him in there and he made it back.
Your account is not completely accurate.
Either way Gentlemen, it is a humbling sight and very emotional to see in person. I have been fortunate enough to see it a few times in my life. I hope to take my children to see it as well.
The Viet Nam Memorial hits me harder, probably because that was my time, and a number of my classmates are inscribed on there. All need to be remembered.
My first bike! That's not me, it's someone's image from bmxmuseum.com, but that's totally the bike I had...
It was called a Dirt Squirt? Expect off-color comment from Poopshovel or GPS in 3, 2, 1...
This is the Dirt Squirt I remember.
wbjones wrote:
FLASHBACK! berkeley!
In reply to cwh & Conquest351:
I am fortunate to have been to both. They are very moving places. We have the WW2 memorial in New Orleans I want to have my Grandfather's names inscribed in the bricks.
Vietnam Memorial really gets you because as you look at the names, you see a reflection of yourself. It reminds you what they sacrificed so you could be standing there.
Swank Force One wrote:
more information please
Pit Crew nose, Project-G side "sills", lots of careful bodywork for the rest. I suspect it's a stock Miata hardtop with a lot of 'glass work.
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