This set is dedicated to honoring our men and women
who put their lives on the line to keep our country and our freedom safe.
As our country faces almost certain war,
our sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers,
fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and friends
will step forward and do their duty
to protect and serve our God and our Country.
They have not received the level of support and honor they deserve
so I dedicate this set to their honor and support
and add my prayers for their safety and protection
as they serve in these perilous times.
I Salute You !!!
THE BOYS OF DEL VALLE PARK
It was the second week of school and we were headed to the park for our home school academy's picnic.
On Fridays, we either meet at the park or go on educational field trips.
We were running late, as usual, and because I had only been to this park once before,
I was looking for it on the wrong street.
This made us even later than normal.
Because of the rush, I thought we would probably just eat our lunch, let the kids play awhile, and go home.
I didn't think it would turn into one of those times that can deeply effect your life.
The park is named after Jose Del Valle, but most people call it just Del Valle Park or the Airplane Park.
In the front corner of the park is a full-size twin engine Marine fighter jet.
It looms over the entrance of the park and is surrounded by rose bushes.
It sits about fifteen feet up on a pedestal.
Painted on the side of the nose is the face of an American Indian warrior and the number 17,
and painted on the tail are the words Marines 7L.
Because the jet is away from the picnic area I hadn't really looked at it up close.
Toward the end of the afternoon I decided to walk over and take a closer look.
On the pedestal holding up the jet in it's never-ending left bank, are two brass plaques.
The top plaque held the names of 32 men, killed during Vietnam.
Molded onto the other plaque were the words of a veteran that will forever walk with me:
-- The Boys of Del Valle Park --
We climbed aboard that huge winged rocket, and rode it to the sky.
Our minds would soar for hours and hours, we're never gonna die.
With pitch and yaw, dives and rolls, we'd blast bad guys to heaven.
We'd crash and burn and walk away -- heck, we're only seven.
But jets give way to bats and balls, to hoops and football too.
"We've got great potential." They'd say, "The rest is up to you."
How quick time travels from innocent days, of running in the sun.
Till the day your daddy tells you, "It's your duty son."
"Be strong, be tough, and be a man," I'd listen to them say.
"But wait a minute everyone, I thought it was only play."
And so it goes we're back today with no mournful song to sing.
That same great jet above us now, shades us with its wings.
Together again, but now we rest, a brass plaque is our home.
But we're not complaining, we're quite content, to lie here all alone.
So moms and dads bring the kids on by, and read a name or two.
Remember that your precious children sure think the world of you.
Tell them the truth about us, don't shirk, don't squirm, don't lie.
Tell them that the toys boys play with could someday make men die.
And think of us, if not out loud, but when it's quiet and dark.
After all, we're your kids you know, the "Boys of Del Valle Park".
Dennis Lander, Vietnam Veteran
I stood there in the shade and read those words
and thought about everyone who had given their life for our freedom.
I was changed and will never be the same.
And my prayer is for the families who have lost loved ones so we can all be free.
Thank you!
-- David Sims
<sims-usa@juno.com>
~My Heartfelt Thanks To David ...
Please send him an email and
let him know he is appreciated!
  
  
 
This Page is dedicated to
My Brother Dennis
a Vietnam Vet Survivor
101st
Airborne Division
~Made with Love~
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