11th November 2009

Hug a veteran today and say thank you. Some people don't actually know what a veteran is. Veterans are people who served in the military (U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard) in times of war or peace. I have been to a couple places which honor veterans from various wars. Last year I highlighted those who were in World War I, this year I am going to focus on the Vietnam War since my father, a couple friends and my mom's significant other were in it. I have been to the Vietnam War Wall in Washington D.C. and it is horrible that there are too many names are listed there, both men and women. 58,178 names in total engraved on that dark marble wall.

The youngest Vietnam KIA is believed to be Dan Bullock at 15 years old.

The oldest person on the Wall is believed to be Dwaine McGriff at 63 years old.

At least 5 men killed in Vietnam were 16 years old.

At least 12 men killed in Vietnam were 17 years old.

There are 120 persons who listed foreign countries as their home of record.

At least 25,000 of those killed were 20 years old or younger.

More than 17,000 of those killed were married.

Veterans killed on their first day in Vietnam 997 (unconfirmed)

Veterans killed on their last day in Vietnam 1,448 (unconfirmed)

Number of Chaplains on the Wall -- 16 (2 Medal Of Honor)

Number of Women on the Wall -- 8 (7 Army, 1 USAF - 7,484 served)

There are 226 Native Americans on the Memorial.

There are 22 countries represented on the Memorial.

Most common name on the Memorial "Smith" with 667 veterans.

The most casualties for a single day was on January 31, 1968 ~ 245 casualties.

The most casualties for a single month was May 1968, 2,415 casualties were incurred.

Thank you to all of our veterans, in all countries for your service in the past for our countries and 
to those who are even serving now.

Including my father, who was a Vietnam vet,
 A1C, US AIR FORCE and today would 
have been his 69th birthday as well. 

Happy birthday dad.