Memorial Day: Remembering Jerry D. Reed
Today is Memorial Day here in the USA, a day we remember those who died fighting for our country. I had an uncle, Jerry D. Reed who served and died during the Vietnam War. Though I never knew him, today I choose to remember him and also dedicate my site to him today.
This is my Uncle Jerry in boot camp in 1968. He served in the USMC.
This picture is from the Virtual Vietnam Veteran’s Wall that First Sergeant James Erwin posted. Thank you for sharing this picture! My uncle’s information on that site is here.
In 2010 I took a tour with Trafalgar Tours and part of that tour included Washington DC. I had never been to DC and part of the day was going to be at the Vietnam Wall Memorial. I told my tour group about my uncle. The whole group was excited to help me find my uncle’s name on the wall.
Everyone was so excited when we found his name. I am just 5’1 and his name was much higher than I could reach to do the rubbing, so my group helped me out to get the rubbing of his name. It was a great group effort.
Thank you to my group for getting me the rubbing! They were all so happy to help me.
Me with the rubbing of my uncle’s name at the wall.
Our tour also took us to Arlington National Cemetery. As beautiful as it is, it is a reminder of how terrible war has been and continues to be.
We also were able to watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and in any weather by Tomb Guard sentinels. Sentinels, all volunteers, are considered to be the best of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment.
Take some time and remember what today is all about: Remembering those who served our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Happy Memorial Day!