Veterans prepare memorial for 5,434 servicemembers killed in Afghanistan, Iraq

[unhappycamper]

Veterans prepare memorial for 5,434 servicemembers killed in Afghanistan, Iraq
By Rosalio Ahumada, McClatchy Newspapers
Stars and Stripes online edition, Sunday, April 25, 2010

RIVERBANK, Calif. — National Guard Staff Sgt. Mike Gamino didn't think twice when he was asked to help paint more than 5,000 crosses to honor those who have died while serving in the U.S. military in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Along with 17 other war veterans, Gamino, 41, grabbed a paint brush and got to work building a ceremonial display for next month's Memorial Day activities.

"It's a form of remembrance," said Gamino, a Salida, Calif., man who has served in Afghanistan and Iraq. "It's also a way for us to come together and bond; like a brotherhood."

About 10 other volunteers joined the veterans Saturday at Bruce Gordo's Riverbank, Calif., home to paint the crosses. Each one is meant to represent a soldier, Marine or sailor who died in Afghanistan and Iraq.

While the crosses offer a tribute to sacrifice, the display will also provide a stark reminder of the number of lives lost, said Gordo, who served in the Marines in Vietnam.



unhappycamper comment: Should they use three-foot spacing between crosses and rows,

a field of crosses one hundred fifty feet wide would strech 309 feet long.

a field of crosses forty five feet wide would strech 1,087 feet long.

That is a lot of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, cousins and friends who have lost someone in the wars and occupations.

At some point our congresscritters will cut off the funding. Will it be before the United States descends into third world status? Stay tuned for details.

[barbtries]

1. 5,434

and more by memorial day. :cry:

[Mari333]

2. knr