READINGNAMESWREATHLAYINGSAC2009

I met a man not too long ago. We got to know each other a little and I felt a special friendship

was beginning. We had some serious words regarding the active duty soldiers, Iraq and Afghanistan. He called me and even emailed me frequently in such a short period of time.

I was in Hawaii to Welcome Home the 1st Battalion 27th Infantry Regiment Wolfhounds and other soldiers. The same unit I served with in Vietnam. I also learned some soldiers were deploying. He was one of them. This was mid March. I was in Florida the last week in April and learned he died in Iraq. I was there to give them that Welcome Home we didn't get when we returned from Vietnam.

He is but a mere representation of what is happening to our soldiers who are in harm's way. But today, I get to honor him. To pay tribute to him before you. Not just to him but to all as the names are names of those you and I have come to know as friend, father, mother, son, daughter, uncle, nephew.

So it is only fitting that we are here at this hallowed place to remember our fallen soldiers. Some of my words may sound like words you have heard before from me or someone else. That's because they are.

The numbers still don't make sense as those of our fallen and wounded seem to grow. And the pain that is felt from household to household is heard. As I have expressed in the past, I am not one to voice an opinion for or against the war. Rather, I would like to reassure the families that these sacrifices and those who made them are not forgotten.

In many backyards someone is preparing the barbeque, the kids are in the pool and the Jazz Festival is taking place not too far from here. These are the kinds of freedoms; many lives have been given for. I suppose Memorial Day may appear to be just a 3 day weekend to some who may not be here. But, it is more than just that a 3 day weekend.

As I said earlier, I got to Welcome Home some soldiers and shake several hundred hands as they returned. But, the sad thing is that I know many of them now and that means it has hit

closer to home. Unlike Vietnam, these warriors deploy for a period of time, come home for a period of time and re-deploy. And yes, the answer to it all I am given has not changed, " It's just a job, sir!" they tell me.

Those freedoms I spoke of; many our nation enjoys and often taken for granted were paid for

by the sacrafices of our warriors who have paid the ultimate price to say the least. Men and women who don't you; but who have committed themselves to defend democracy and the United States of America.

There should be no hesitation in honoring our war dead. Names carved on the Wall in Washington, DC; the Korean War Memorial; The World War II Memorial; state memorials and plaques and make shift memorials like the one created by Never Forget Our Fallen right here

Never Forget that our soldiers are currently fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Never Forget that our soldiers are making the ultimate sacrifice. Never Forget that we have an opportunity to show support. Let them know this by sending care packages; send post cards if to whole units letting them know they are not forgotten. Pausing now and then and rendering a moment of silence. And if you can get on the internet you can even blog.

And when they return, let our men and women who have been to some of the worst places on the globe they are welcome back home. Simply put, give them a big "Welcome Home" or a "Simple Thank You!" something that can go a long way. I have been asked by many to say to you today: "Don't make them wait 30 years plus!" They need to know they are appreciated. They need to know that they have not been abanded.

You may not understand the returning soldier, but try to realize he or she has been to a place

where normal everyday living as we do here in our society does not exist. Your patience and support is needed. The healing process may take quite some time. You can let them know you care and give them the needed space. The important thing is knowing you are there for them.

Let us in unity, take a moment in unity and silence and pause in remembrance of the men and women who have so gallantly paid the price and still are paying the price everyday giving some, giving all.

(A few years ago I was at the All Veterans Memorial. I saw a young soldier sitting and he was in tears. We talked and when we parted I said to him simply, "It's Ok, It's Ok!" I'd like to read a poem I wrote that came from that encounter.
"IT'S OK, IT'S OK!"



			READING OF THE NAMES/WREATH LAYING CEREMONY CALIFORNIA VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA MAY 24, 2009





		EASY'S READING OF NAMES/WREATH LAYING CEREMONY SPEECH WILLIAM R. I. "EASY" SMITH ©MAY 24, 2009 I met a man not too long ago. We got to know each other a little and I felt a special friendship was beginning. We had some serious words regarding the active duty soldiers, Iraq and Afghanistan. He called me and even emailed me frequently in such a short period of time. I was in Hawaii to Welcome Home the 1st Battalion 27th Infantry Regiment Wolfhounds and other soldiers. The same unit I served with in Vietnam. I also learned some soldiers were deploying. He was one of them. This was mid March. I was in Florida the last week in April and learned he died in Iraq. I was there to give them that Welcome Home we didn't get when we returned from Vietnam. He is but a mere representation of what is happening to our soldiers who are in harm's way. But today, I get to honor him. To pay tribute to him before you. Not just to him but to all as the names are names of those you and I have come to know as friend, father, mother, son, daughter, uncle, nephew. So it is only fitting that we are here at this hallowed place to remember our fallen soldiers. Some of my words may sound like words you have heard before from me or someone else. That's because they are. The numbers still don't make sense as those of our fallen and wounded seem to grow. And the pain that is felt from household to household is heard. As I have expressed in the past, I am not one to voice an opinion for or against the war. Rather, I would like to reassure the families that these sacrifices and those who made them are not forgotten. In many backyards someone is preparing the barbeque, the kids are in the pool and the Jazz Festival is taking place not too far from here. These are the kinds of freedoms; many lives have been given for. I suppose Memorial Day may appear to be just a 3 day weekend to some who may not be here. But, it is more than just that a 3 day weekend. As I said earlier, I got to Welcome Home some soldiers and shake several hundred hands as they returned. But, the sad thing is that I know many of them now and that means it has hit closer to home. Unlike Vietnam, these warriors deploy for a period of time, come home for a period of time and re-deploy. And yes, the answer to it all I am given has not changed, " It's just a job, sir!" they tell me. Those freedoms I spoke of; many our nation enjoys and often taken for granted were paid for by the sacrafices of our warriors who have paid the ultimate price to say the least. Men and women who don't you; but who have committed themselves to defend democracy and the United States of America. There should be no hesitation in honoring our war dead. Names carved on the Wall in Washington, DC; the Korean War Memorial; The World War II Memorial; state memorials and plaques and make shift memorials like the one created by Never Forget Our Fallen right here In Roseville. Never Forget that our soldiers are currently fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Never Forget that our soldiers are making the ultimate sacrifice. Never Forget that we have an opportunity to show support. Let them know this by sending care packages; send post cards if to whole units letting them know they are not forgotten. Pausing now and then and rendering a moment of silence. And if you can get on the internet you can even blog. And when they return, let our men and women who have been to some of the worst places on the globe they are welcome back home. Simply put, give them a big "Welcome Home" or a "Simple Thank You!" something that can go a long way. I have been asked by many to say to you today: "Don't make them wait 30 years plus!" They need to know they are appreciated. They need to know that they have not been abanded. And of course my plea has not changed from the last time I saw you: You may not understand the returning soldier, but try to realize he or she has been to a place where normal everyday living as we do here in our society does not exist. Your patience and support is needed. The healing process may take quite some time. You can let them know you care and give them the needed space. The important thing is knowing you are there for them. They need to know the sacrifices they and their comrades have made mean something. Let us in unity, take a moment in unity and silence and pause in remembrance of the men and women who have so gallantly paid the price and still are paying the price everyday giving some, giving all. BRING OUR TROOPS HOME! LEST THEY BE FORGOTTEN (A few years ago I was at the All Veterans Memorial. I saw a young soldier sitting and he was in tears. We talked and when we parted I said to him simply, "It's Ok, It's Ok!" I'd like to read a poem I wrote that came from that encounter. "IT'S OK, IT'S OK!"