Gone, But Never Forgotten
At The Reunion In Fort Worth, Texas A Table With A Lone Chair WasSet In Honor Of Our Squadron Mates Who Have Died Either In Viet Nam
Or Afterwards. I Would Like To Share That Memorial With You And
The Words That Melvin Biggs Spoke In Their Honor. Thanks Melvin.
Fair Winds And Following Seas -
The table, set for one, symbolizing the frailty of one person, one service man, alone,
against his or her oppressors: it is round, showing that our concern for them is never ending.
The chair is empty - They are not here.
The glass is inverted - They will not drink with us tonight.
Upon the plate is a slice of lemon, and a sprinkling of salt. The lemon reminds us of the
bitterness they feel, the salt symbolizes the tears of families as they wait.
The yellow candle symbolizes the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those yet
unaccounted for.
The red rose is for those who made the ultimate sacrifice: they gave their lives for
this country. The white rose is for those of us who returned alive. The yellow rose
is for those who are still missing in action.
The red and yellow ribbons, tied on the vase, are reminiscent of the ribbons worn upon
the lapels of thousands who demand a proper accounting of our missing.
The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their
families and friends.
The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to this country - which was
founded as one nation under God.
The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their
countries call to arms.
Remember, all of you, who served with them and called them shipmates - They represent the
highest level of commitment to defending the principles of freedom that have made our
nation great. For surely...they have not forsaken you.
Throughout this ceremony let the candle’s flame represent their presence in our hearts
and let it’s light shine as a beacon of our resolve to never let these members of our
Squadron be forgotten.
LT "PETE"R FRANSSON RUSSELL
Of WHARTON, NJ Was Born On: Tuesday, March 12, 1940
He Died Over Kien Giang Province, South Vietnam On: Friday, May 23, 1969
A Single Shot Struck Him And His OV-10A During A Strafing Run
The Location Of His Name On The Wall: Panel 24W - Row 090
LT "AUBREY" GRADY MARTIN
Of BEEVILLE, TX Was Born On: Tuesday, September 29, 1942
He Died When His OV-10A Was Shot Down In South Vietnam On: Saturday, July 19, 1969
The Location Of His Name On The Wall: Panel 20W - Row 020
LTJG "ROY" DEAN SIKKINK
Of TULSA, OK Was Born On: Friday, May 26, 1944
He Died When His OV-10A Was Shot Down In South Vietnam On: Saturday, July 19, 1969
The Location Of His Name On The Wall: Panel 20W - Row 023
"JOEL" ALEXIS SANDBERG
Of MERIDEN, CT Was Born On: Wednesday, August 8, 1945
He Died In A Crash In Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam On: Saturday, December 20, 1969
The Location Of His Name On The Wall: Panel 15W - Row 074
CPT CARL EDWIN LONG (USMC)
Of COLLEGE STATION, TX Was Born On: Tuesday, February 8, 1944
He Died In A Crash In Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam On: Saturday, December 20, 1969
The Location Of His Name On The Wall: Panel 15W - Row 073
Carl's Remains Were Recovered And Returned To THe United States
They Were Buried At Arlington National Cemetery On September 16, 2004
LCDR "JERE" ALAN BARTON
Of SAN DIEGO, CA Was Born On: Thursday, August 10, 1939
He Died When His OV-10A Was Shot Down In Kien Tuong Province, South Vietnam On: Sunday, June 7, 1970
The Location Of His Name On The Wall: Panel 09W - Row 023
LT ROBERT "BOB" EDWARD LUTZ JR
Of TROY, OH Was Born On: Saturday, August 20, 1938
He Died In A Crash Offshore Of South Vietnam On: Wednesday, February 9, 1972
The Location Of His Name On The Wall: Panel 02W - Row 105