Memorial Service on China Beach

Thursday, March 13th, Evening- Tonight we are to be guests at a memorial service to be held on China Beach. Connie, Gayle and I return to the Furama Resort with our purchases from the marble shop. There is time to take a shower and change our clothes before heading to the service. We put on our "uniform of the day", our Sons and Daughters In Touch t-shirts and polo shirts. When we arrive at the beach, we find that tables have been set up. Everyone first passes by a long table to receive a package of incense and a red rose of remembrance. Our Vietnamese guide, Song, is there to greet us. Throughout our trip, he has been both friend and guide. We have shared our stories with him and he has shared his in return.

There are also individual tables set up for each team. We make our way to the Purple Team table. There our team leaders greet us. We each receive an incense urn made from marble from Marble Mountain. The urn is engraved with the date and the name of our loved one. It is a very special gift that will always be treasured. We have time for pictures before the ceremony begins. Connie and I have a picture taken together. The Purple Team takes a group picture with our guide, Mr. Song.

When everyone has received their gifts, the entire group is instructed to form a circle around a large center table. On this table is another marble incense urn, a larger version of the individual urns that we have all received. As the sun goes down on China Beach, we each take a turn stepping to the center of the circle. We light our incense from the torch by the table and place it in the large urn. As each person takes his or her turn, the incense glows in the darkness and the sweet fragrance drifts on the breeze. Each person has the opportunity to say what this trip has meant to them. The sentiments that are expressed are universal, as we all share our deep sense of peace, of unity and of family.

Connie and I take our turn, speaking for the family in remembering Dad. This evening has been very special for all of the children, widows, siblings, nieces and veterans.