Letters: Remembering the meaning of Memorial Day

Most people don’t realize what Memorial Day means.

This day to honor our fallen veterans will be extra special for me this year, as I look forward to a reunion in October of the Marine Corps’ 38th Officer Candidate Course. We began training in early October 1965 at Quantico, Va. We were commissioned in late December, and all except those going directly to flight training went on to the Basic School, graduating in June 1966.

We were a primary feeder group of Marine officers in Vietnam.

Of the 400 who survived this process, 33 died in Vietnam (one Medal of Honor). Another 44 have passed on since then, some due to complications from Agent Orange.

Several made the Marine Corps a career — all colonels and one general. The remainder, including me, served our tours and returned to civilian life. I’m looking forward to reuniting with a special group of men. I’m proud to be a part of it.