A salute from the north
To the Editor:
Gen. Douglas MacArthur once said, “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.” And so it was for one more Vietnam veteran with whom we have had the privilege of knowing on Pine Island.
As a deputy zone commander and my wife a commander, we know the value of stories shared by veterans at the V.F.W. or Legion Post. During an evening in January ’08 at the V.F.W. Post #4353 and sharing a couple of beers, I was reflecting on the fact that after my involvement with the clean-up at 911, my ability to control my emotions was almost non-existent, and could start crying for what appeared no reason. I was abruptly informed by this Vietnam vet, and I quote, “Damn, I cry every night thinking about Vietnam, if you want to cry, you just go ahead and cry, nobody in here will think your weak, you did a job and we thank you.” Words I will never forget.
In October ’08, a phone call to Canada from a friend informed us that this veteran was in hospital with cancer of the throat. We called the hospital and chatted for quite some time and you could feel his spirits lifting. When we arrived on Pine Island Dec. 26, we went directly to the V.F.W. and were very happy to see our old friend sitting at the bar (his voice a little softer, his pain subdued by drugs, but his handshake strong as always). A week later, we attended a memorial service for veteran Tommy Shipferling at Legion Post #136, and there was my friend, on honor guard duty, rifle in hand to honor the passing of a fellow veteran (his own pain set aside to due his duty). These are just a few of the small details I know of an old soldier who faded away on March 13, 2009.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
We salute, Larry “Tex” Whitley from his friends in Canada. May he rest in peace.
Greg and Pam Kobald
Ontario