"All Gave Some, Some Gave All"
By Don Kerby '64, The Norman Transcript
July 3, 2011
NORMAN — “Let no neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.” These words were spoken in 1868 commemorating the first Decoration Day, presently known as Memorial Day. They are just as pertinent in 2011 as they were in 1868.
Yet, it is all too easy for our society to forget that “all gave some, some gave all” to preserve the freedom of our Nation. Several years ago, I was working in Pennsylvania and had been frequenting a certain restaurant for several weeks, requesting the same waitress every morning at breakfast. On Veterans Day I asked her if a veteran could get a free cup of coffee. She said that her manager would really be upset if she gave me a free cup of coffee. Her response saddened me.
Before leaving without ordering breakfast, I gave her $10 and ask her to buy some veterans a cup of coffee as a gesture of respect and appreciation for their service to our country.
Those of us who attended Norman High School during the Vietnam era will always remember our brave young Fallen Warriors. Richard McWilliams was the first to give his life for our nation on Dec. 15th, 1965. Robbie Amspacher died on Christmas Day 1968. Also, Charley Mount, Scotty Blair, Larry Morgan and Randy Craddock.
Remembering is a vital part of our American heritage. It’s the key to the character not only of a person, but also a nation. It’s necessary for both historic and moral understanding. The names and lives of each Norman High School veteran deserve to be perpetually remembered. The Norman High School Veterans Memorial seeks to relate messages of honor, healing and learning, while forever remembering that “all gave some, some gave all.”
Don R. Kerby, President, Norman Veterans Memorial Commission, Inc.
Kerby, a member of the NHS class of 1964, was with the 1st Cavalry in Vietnam. He may be reached at:
http://www.nhsveterans.org
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