OPINION: True heroes rise up, make sacrifices and contributions

Veterans Day this year is especially memorable for me. I recently attended a Marine reunion of The 38th USMC OC/Basic Class 3/66. We began training at Quantico, Virginia, in early October 1965. In May 1966, the 520 who survived the process had been commissioned and completed The Basic School. Those who would be Marine pilots had gone to Pensacola for training.

The vast majority of us served in Vietnam. My last year of active duty was as a captain with a special unit of the 1st Marine Air Wing in Vietnam in 1968. I went on to graduate school and a career in electrical engineering application/sales.

Many people, especially the young, talk about their "heroes." I actually know and served with some true heroes. I saw some and memorialized some at our reunion. It is an honor to have served and be a part of this group.

Of our group, 33 were killed in action in Vietnam. One of those received the Medal of Honor, posthumously. One Navy Cross and several Silver Stars. Several made the Marine Corps a career - two generals and the rest colonels. The remainder have had varied and interesting careers. All true patriots.

The epilogue in "A Rumor of War," by Philip Caputo (a USMC platoon co in Vietnam) is prefaced by the following: "But the past is just the same - and war is a bloody game ... Have you forgotten yet? Look down and swear by the slain of the war that you will never forget."

Siegfried Sassoon

"Aftermath"

There is nothing glamorous about war, combat and death. True heroes rise up in the real-life situations and do what needs to be done. They are prepared to make sacrifices in war and contributions in life. The Marine motto is "Semper Fidelis" - Always faithful.

ROBERT E. (BOB)

RICHARDSON

Sumter