Today we went back into Jim's history. 45 years ago next month he was separated from the US Army at Fort Gordon, GA, just outside Augusta. We went there and nothing at all was recognizeable. It is now a modern army post with new and newer buildings all over. The barracks looked like hotels. The post hospital is now the Eisenhower Medical Center. I stood Ike's last review as Commander in Chief while here. He was the President then. He had a cabin at the Augusta National Golf Course which was his Camp David. John Kennedy was then elected Paresident and said "Ask not what your country can do for you but ask what can you do for your country" and extended my tour of duty for 27 days. When he made the announcement, I was a "short timer" and so only got 27 days. Others got up to 6 months. The only thing familiar was the sight of soldiers all over in fatigues. We were allowed through the main gate and toured for a while and then got out when we were in a woods and saw a sign that said "Impact area." That sounded ominous so we said "We've seen enough" and left. Seeing all of those young faces in uniform and knowing where they just came from or were preparing to go to brought a sense of warmth, joy and sadness all at the same time. God Bless You, GIs. You are in our prayers.
Tomorrow we are heading for southern GA somewhere, not sure of just where yet.
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1 comment:
Nothing does stay the same, does it? Thanks for sharing your memories. :-) It sounds like you two adventurers are having quite a time on your trip! It's good to catch up here on your blog. Michael and I are visiting Mom and Dad and Karen in VA right now. It's been a nice visit and we still have a week left. Yeah! Take care. Travel safe. And lots of love from us!
Susan
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