In 1963, after graduating from high school, this nice looking young man joined the army. This was not the easiest or safest time to enlist. The Viet Nam War was in full swing, and many of our brave men and women were dying for our country in a place that many of us had never heard of. But Duane felt (and still does), that it is an honor to serve your country. He received orders three times to go to Viet Nam, but each time the orders were changed. He ended up serving at Fort Leonardwood, in Missouri, then Fort Lewis in Washington. He did temporary duty at Fort Wainwright and Fort Greeley, both in Alaska. He spent many months in the Mojave Desert participating in Operation Desert Strike. We just crossed the Mojave Desert last weekend, and we talked about that mock war. He remembers places like Kelso, Bagdad and Ludlow where he passed through with his heavy equipment.
After we built our house in San Dimas, we were delighted to find out that the City was building a memorial to all those who had been in the Armed Forces. We inquired and Duane's name was added to the list. It is called San Dimas Heroes.
If you look closely, you will see Duane's name right above our heads. I didn't realize at the time that we would be in this picture too.
Duane is very proud to be a part of this memorial, and to be remembered for his service.
It's a wonderful and peaceful spot with a lovely fountain in the middle. Memorials like this one are thought provoking, and comforting to the people inscribed there, and their families.
God Bless the U.S.A.
