I like to go to a Memorial Service on that day to keep me reminded of the sacrifice of our ancestors and family members. My church has all the services stand up and be recognized. For those like my father who has passed ( was in the Pacific Theater towards the end, dropping leaflets over small islands where there were some Japanese holdouts. His corsair was more dangerous to fly over the Pacific (no tower communication after 50 mi. out, no helicopters to pick you up IF you some how survived the propellers, no ejection seat and no landmarks, trusting only your instruments. Many pilots died when confused where they were, running out of gas and going down, never to be found except for an oil spot floating on the surface of the water.
70% of the pilots left his Corps or were killed but my father loved it (not the death of his friends and fellow pilots). I will stand in proxy for him for the Marine Corps in the service. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross. John Glenn was his wingman. He appeared briefly in the movie "The Right Stuff" in his Corsair. One year I almost wore my Patriots 18th century costume with tricorner hat, hair in a ponytail but I chickened out.
