The formal program continues...
The video
Nurses of the Korean War ,
was a wonderful blend of
live interviews
and still images woven
together in a well produced documentary.
Mary
Chatigny should consider
a career in broadcast journalism. Her documentary work is very
good.
When her
video ended
she
was introduced and received a grand and
appreciative
applause from the audience.
Gunnery Sergeant Gigg, USMC
(Ret) then asked all the nurses and corpsman
to rise and face
the audience.
At this point Commander Omori
handed each one
a red carnation
while the audience
gave them a standing
ovation.
Attached to each carnation was a little white card with the inscription:
"From the active Navy , May we always live up to your selfless example of Honor, Courage, and Commitment."
Afterwards all were seated once again.....
The nurses and corpsman, profiled in the book "Quiet Heroes", who were in attendance were the following:
Marilyn Ewing Affleck Lura Jane Emery
Carola Braun Gradilone Eveline Kittilson McClean
Lois Merritt Jean Ellis Young
Agnes Sarna Renner Elizabeth Paul Shane
James Robert Standing (Corpsmen)
It should be noted that there were other Navy Nurses & Corpsmen who took part in the Korean War but could not attend the luncheon. To view an expanded listing click here.
The publisher of "Quiet Heroes"
Sybil Smith
of Smith House Press
(St.
Paul,
MN) spoke next. She said that it was very
meaningful & inspirational for her to oversee
the publication of
"Quiet
Heroes."
Sybil
concluded that this was a book long over due. She
then
presented
Commander 
Frances Omori
with a congratulatory award
and a big
hug!
The award,
well...was a mother rabbit
reading a
copy
of "Quiet Heroes"
to its baby. WOW !
Likewise, Gunnery Sergeant Gigg, USMC (Ret)
presented
Commander
Omori with a unique plaque which held a Marine Corps KA-BAR
knife. The inscription on the plaque read:
"Commander Frances Omori, USN. In appreciation with "Quiet Heroes" you have given us the opportunity to show our respect to the Navy nurses of the Korean War. Thank You. Proud Members of the "Chosin Few" Coastal Carolina Chapter, GySgt G.O. Gigg, USMC (Ret), Chapter President."
It should be pointed out that the "Chosin Few" are a select group of Marines who fought in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir which was the most devastating battle of the Korean War. Sometimes this battle is sometimes called the Frozen Chosin as the Marines were fighting in 30 degree below zero weather. Most of the fighting Marines were about 17-20 years old.
And just like the real Marine
that he is, "Gunny"
side-stepped a
hug and
went straight for
a "kiss."
Way
to go Sergeant!!!
Commander Omori
was all smiles with the bunny in one hand and the Marine Corps KA-BAR
in the other.
Newsflash... Washington DC: July 8, 2000 1800hrs..... Digi-vents has just been informed that the mother rabbit has been named "Ka-Bar" and its baby named "Mahi." We now return you to the web site already in progress...
The nurses
thought
this was a
"Hoot !"
The formal program
concluded
with final words from Gunnery Sergeant
Gigg, USMC
(Ret)
who expressed thanks from all to the Navy
nurses &
corpsmen who
could
attend this event and
to
all
the Navy
Nurses and Corpsmen
who served courageously in the Korean War. Abraham Lincoln as quoted in the book
"Quiet Heroes"
best summed it up this way...
"If all that has been said by orators and poets since the creation of the world were applied to the women of America, it would not do the full justice for their conduct of war..... God Bless the women of America."
Navy nurses and corpsmen of the Korean War...
We salute you !
After the formal program ended, it was time to socialize. Please click here to continue....
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