Why be a part of the tradition? Let me relate a personal story. At the ripe old age of 19, I was part of what President Lyndon Johnson termed “Rolling Thunder”. I was stationed at Takhli RTAFB, in Thailand. Day after day, week after week the F-105’s, or affectionately called “Thuds” would carry the war to North Vietnam, and Laos. It was hard to envision then, that some day in the future the feats that we accomplished, keeping those aging war horses in the air day after day would inspire fond memories. I, like so many of my colleagues did not keep any of my squadron patches, ball caps or even an old set of jungle fatigues to mark the occasion or remember the experience.
Now days with the proliferation of chat groups, and web pages, dedicated to the men and women who served in Southeast Asia there is a growing demand for military memorabilia to mark these historic events. There are countless web pages dedicated to those who served in the F-105 squadrons. There are annual reunions where stories are told, adventures relived and such memorabilia is displayed, traded and admired. Now, some 35 years later I too wish that I had kept some of the mementos that I collected.
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