elsie item issue 61 - USS Landing Craft Infantry National Association

Remember. His remarks were followed by thosefrom Jake Land, a young high school student,who spoke concerning the inspiration and exampleof his grandfather who served aboard an LCIduring WWII.After reminiscing a bit about some of the experiencesWWII Amphibious Force Sailors shared duringtheir Solomon’s Island training days, Cummer,thinking especially of our Associate Members andof the important role they will play in preservingour heritage, made the following remarks:“We remember because we were here. Because itwas our lives. Because our shipmates were OURshipmates. Bonds were formed that will never bebroken. We have cause to remember.“But what of those who come after us? Whatwill they know of the times and events which weexperienced first hand? Why should theyremember anyway?“In a way the answer is old and time-worn, but itis still a valid one—we must remember—theymust remember—because those who forget theirhistory are required to repeat it.“In our youth, an evil force—driven by fascismand radical nationalism arose and herculeaneffort was necessary to defeat it and insure thecontinuance of our life in the land of liberty.“Subsequently, in Korea, and in Viet Nam, youngmen made great sacrifices. For years it was necessaryto wage a “cold war” against communism.“Today in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places otherforces of totalitarianism and radical but misplacedzeal have arisen to require yet another generationto stand against them. Young people, now bothmen and women, are called upon to sacrifice theiryouth for the safety and well-being of family andcountry. Past generations have stood fast; thepresent generation is standing fast.“So, it is good and right to erect a monument tothose who stood firm in one generation toremind succeeding generations that, as it is socommon to say today, freedom is not free.“In the Old Testament, the story is told of howthe Israelites were about to enter the promisedland, after long and hard struggle. God directeda special sort of event at that time which wellcould serve to describe what we do here today.As the Israelites passed through the Jordan River,one man from each of the twelve tribes wascommanded to pick up a large stone from theriver bed and, upon reaching the other bank, pilethose stones into a monument.“And why?“Because, we are told, when children yet unbornwould look at that heap of stones and ask “WhatMean These Stones?”, they would be told thatthey were to remind them of their God-givendeliverance in days past, of the heroes whofought the battles and of the need for them togive themselves to the same struggle for justiceand freedom under God.“Someday, some child will look at this magnificentstatue and will ask, “What does it mean?”God willing, someone will be there to reply, “It isthere to remind us of men who sacrificed muchfor your freedom—and to remind you and methat we must also be ready to defend or Godgivenfreedom”“That is why we must remember.“Each succeeding generation must rememberthat they, too are“ON WATCH”20