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A SALUTE TO OUR ARMED FORCES

My husband and I attended his Naval Reunion in beautiful Branson, Missouri in October 2001. Even though we beheld much beauty around us in the Fall mountains of Missouri, what remains with me the most was "A Memorial" given to the men who died during past wars while flying secret reconnaissance over enemy territory. Many of these men did their job and never looked back. This article brings a salute in the way of a memorial given by one of them, Dr. Robert M. Jaye, now residing in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

In light of the our first war in the 21^st century which we are now engaged in, I felt our readers would appreciate what Dr. Robert Jaye, of the Armed Forces Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons had to say to his fella members during their annual Navy Reunion this year. Armed Forces such as these are laying their lives on the line for America even as you read this. I ask Dr. Jaye for permission to reprint his words as he addressed this group of past freedom fighters, to help us understand the commitment these men and women make to keep American free of fear and terror, whether they be sons, daughters, husbands, wives, grandsons or granddaughters.

Dr. Jaye began by saying, " In our gathering here tonight, we miss our squadron mates who lost their lives in conducting the mission assignments given to our various squadrons. We remember also those who have passed from our rolls because of death from accident or natural causes.

Unknown to the people of America for the most part, they were nonetheless the glory of their times. With us they have left a name to remember, even if only by us few. We are to report the praise due to them. Remember that no plane in our squadrons ever turned back because of the threat of hostile action.

I do not know of any fitting memorial to them or any due honor to our squadrons. Citations and medals were all too few. None of us are qualified for the Combat Action Ribbon for air warfare ,we have been left off the qualifications for that award. Yet, our comrades perished as though they had never been. They are as though they had never been born in most cases. So many did not leave any children behind them, only aging parents who can never, like we cannot, forget them.

Those men were good for America, even though their names are forgotten by our nation. They may rest assured that we shall never forget them. They have left America a good inheritance, and our own children ad grandchildren are within the American covenant of peace.

Their memories, both those who were killed in far away places and those who have left us by disease since those terrifying days, their memories, I say, shall remain forever. Their glory shall never be blotted out as long as we live.

May their survivors be comforted because we remember. May their bodies rest in peace. Those in the sea have an ocean for a shroud, the clouds for a monument, and the whimpering sighs of the wandering winds to sing over their resting-places far from America.

I have growing faith in America's future. I stand here tonight among men and women who know the invincible character of our people. Our Armed Forces cannot finally be stopped. Politicians can, but not the Armed Forces.

You who are here know, with me, the sputter and roar of mighty engines, the dark majesty of the night over enemy waters and shores, and some the savage destruction from the skies. Known to too many of us is the loneliness of the turret, the sadness of the separation from those loved and cherished. Some went on and on until death alone stopped them.

We may never know the status of their births, those officers and enlisted men, but we do know the dignity of their service and deaths. Together we have known the sweat of the tropics and cold of Siberia. We have, some of us, know the blood and tears of parting forever. We were an unusual group. We had tolerance for each other. We had balance of ability from the commanding officer to the lowest rates and ratings. We had the intelligence to do the task assigned and we had the courage not to turn back.

Now the twilight gathers for many of us, especially for those of CNO Special Project, VW-1A, VW-2A, VW-3A, VQ-1, VQ-2, VQ-5 and VQ-6 in their early days. The shadows are lengthening for us all. Some have already passed through the sunset gate, and the rest of us are pressing onward down the sunset trail. For me and many others the memories of intelligence gathering, signal intelligence and "ferreting", along with the occasional searchlights and anti-aircraft shell or the tracer, mixed with airplanes are as fresh as this evening's air.

May the names of those that are gone live forever, and may God bless America."

As I listened to this speech given by Dr. Jaye, I had great compassion for these men who have served and died for freedom in America. Some, like Dr. Robert Jaye and some like my own husband, who have been left behind to remember those brave men who served with them in the Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons. They were friends and brothers put into harms way and who courageously did their jobs well.

Today in a current war over terrorism in the world, we have fearless men and women being put in harms way to fight for our freedom in America. Because of these valiant men and women we can sleep soundly in our own bed tonight. As they were called upon to die for this cause, some will be memorialized by those few lucky enough to survive. So today I salute those who have served and are serving. I hope this article will stir your own hearts and will remind you to remember our Armed Forces in your prayers as you turn out the lights tonight. Pray God will Bless America once again and keep our Armed Forces safe.

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Last Updated on November 4, 2004

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