1) My dad, Ralph Cochran, didn't talk about WWII except with pals who also served

Army Air Corps Sgt. Cochran spent his last days in service leading patrols searching for Japanese soldiers that didn't know the war was over on Guam, Saipan, and Tinian

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My parents

My 1st job..I was doing a Memorial Day broadcast from the local airport. My father came along to see the visiting B-29, that flew in WWII.

During a break I saw a man at the rear of the plane, looking up at the tail gunner spot with tears running down his face.

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3) Later my father spoke with the man. He said that was the 1st time he had seen a B-29 since his was shot down. He lost many friends that day but he took out 2 enemy planes and survived the crash landing too

My father said..remember-that's what a hero looks like

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4) That's what Memorial Day is about. Pausing to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

So say a quiet thank you to those who served America in every war...like the stories that follow in this thread.

Thank you. And God Bless America.

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PFC Joseph Ouellette of the 9th Infantry scouted the enemy in the Korean War and went back again and again under heavy gunfire and was killed in action

An Operating Outpost was named after him for his heroic efforts

Private Ouellette was 19

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Korean War Memorial

6) U.S. Army 1st Lt. Sharon Lane, a nurse at the 312th Evacuation Hospital-the only American woman killed by enemy fire in Vietnam

After a 60 hour week she used off hours to care for American soldiers. Then Viet Kong rockets struck and killed Lt. Lane. She was 25

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7) While serving in the Iraq Ross McGinnis' convoy came under attack. A grenade was thrown in to his vehicle

He shouted a warning to the other men with him then threw himself on the grenade and was killed. Those 4 had only minor injuries

McGinnis was 19

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8) God bless them all and the people who loved them.

Help your kids and grandkids understand as well. I hope its a meaningful day for you.

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