On May 24, after the flags had been removed so the field could be mowed
(this process has been done a number of times since the beginning of
the memorial garden), a number of people gathered to replace the flags.
It is a longer job every time it is done. This year some of the people
had placed flags on other occasions; others were doing it for the first
time. It was a moving experience for all who participated.
Among those who installed the flags in the early morning hours of May
24 were the following: Ned Kelley, Fayston, has changed the numbers on
the sign and has placed flags many times. Ned is a veteran of the Coast
Guard, where he was a 3rd class Gunner's Mate from 1961 to 1965. Both
Ned and Richard Czaplinski, who was a lieutenant in the Navy from 1964
to 1969, are active in Veterans for Peace. Additional veterans, both of
these originally from England, who participated were Michael Ware, who
was a second lieutenant in the 1st Battalion of the King's Regiment
from 1957-1959, and Keith Taylor, who ended his service as a
lieutenant. He was initially commissioned into the Royal Northumberland
Fusiliers and served in Korea in 1951; he then served in the Parachute
Regiment for three years in the Territorial Army and was in Malaya
during the time of the terrorists. He carried the Regimental Colour at
the Coronation of H.M. the Queen in 1953. He is currently chairman of
the Trustees of the British Army Benevolent Fund America which supports
British soldiers and their families in times of need (www babfa.org).
His photos of our day together will be on their web site.
Others who were part of this time were Daniel Summers, Kim Summers,
Maura Lane, Callie Willis, Al and Sal Molnar, Carol Thompson,
Kinny Perot and this writer. For all of us, this was a time of profound
gratitude and of sadness. Every flag represents an individual, a
family, a community, our country, all of us. In addition to those who
gave their lives, thousands have been seriously injured, mentally
and/or physically. We think of these people and of the people of all
countries who have been profoundly injured by the hatred and dark
violence of war.
May we all work for peace.
Buck lives in Fayston.
