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Closure for a Grieving Family: WWII Marine Finally Laid to Rest at Arlington After 73 Years

by Rosa
written by Rosa

WWII Marine Finally Laid to Rest at Arlington, 73 Years After His Death

The Long Search

Harry K. Tye, a Marine private, was killed in action during the Battle of Tarawa in 1943, one of the deadliest battles between U.S. and Japanese forces in World War II. His body was never recovered, leaving his family with decades of uncertainty and sorrow.

Tye’s family never gave up hope of finding his remains. His father traveled to Japan in search of him, and his mother wrote to Allied Military Headquarters, pleading for information. Despite their efforts, Tye’s fate remained a mystery.

A Glimmer of Hope

In 2015, a glimmer of hope emerged when representatives from History Flight, a non-profit organization that searches for missing American soldiers, contacted Tye’s great-nephew, David Tincher. They informed him that Tye’s remains had been discovered in a mass grave on Betio Island, the site of the Battle of Tarawa.

Confirmation and Identification

Tincher and other relatives provided DNA samples to confirm the identification of the body. The match was positive, and arrangements were made for Tye to receive a soldier’s burial—73 years after his death.

A Soldier’s Farewell

On Tuesday, Tye was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. His flag-draped coffin was flanked by soldiers of the Caisson Platoon of the Third Infantry Regiment, the oldest active-duty Army infantry unit in the United States. Twenty-one rounds were fired during the service, which was attended by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly.

Tye’s great-nephew, David Tincher, received a folded American flag once the service was over.

Closure for a Grieving Family

The funeral brought closure to a long and difficult chapter of uncertainty for Tye’s family. Tincher expressed his gratitude to History Flight for their tireless efforts in finding and identifying Tye’s remains.

“Every year at Christmas and his birthday, she would cry about him and say, ‘If they ever find him, bring him home and take him to Arlington,'” Tincher explained. “‘That’s where we want him to be.'”

History Flight’s Legacy

History Flight has played a crucial role in recovering the remains of missing WWII soldiers from Tarawa. In 2009, the organization used ground-penetrating radar to locate and identify over 200 U.S. Marines left behind after the war.

Their work continues to provide closure for families who have waited decades to know the fate of their loved ones.

Resources for Families of Missing Service Members

Family members looking for more information on missing American service members can visit the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency website. This organization is dedicated to locating, identifying, and repatriating the remains of missing U.S. personnel from past conflicts.

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Military History

Animal Mascots in the British and U.S. Navies: A Long-Standing Tradition

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Animal Mascots in the British and U.S. Navies

A Long-Standing Tradition

Throughout history, sailors have often taken animals on board their ships to provide companionship and morale during long voyages. The British Royal Navy has a particularly rich history of adopting animal mascots, with dogs and cats being the most popular choices. However, the Navy has also welcomed a wide variety of other animals into its ranks, including polar bears, parrots, and even goats.

The “Sailor’s Zoo” at Whale Island

The British Royal Navy’s training facility on Whale Island, Portsmouth, was home to a “sailor’s zoo” from 1893 to 1940. The zoo housed a variety of animals, including lions, marsupials, and birds. One of the most famous mascots was Barbara, a polar bear who was rescued from an ice floe near Greenland during World War II. Barbara was retired to Whale Island, where she died before the zoo closed in 1940. She is still buried there today, next to other naval mascots such as Jack the parrot and Amelia the black bear.

Unusual Animal Mascots

In addition to the more traditional animal mascots, the British Navy has also adopted some more unusual animals over the years. These include a lemur crewman named Artful, who was recently adopted by a Royal Navy ship. The Navy has also had a long association with goats, which were traditionally used as a source of food on ships. However, as food supply to ships improved, goats transitioned to pets. The first goat to attend the Army-Navy game was a midshipman’s pet named “El Cid,” who attended a match in 1893. The tradition of taking goats to the Army-Navy game has continued ever since, and “Bill the Goat” is still an official mascot of the U.S. Navy today.

The Role of Animals in the Navy

Animals have played a variety of roles in the Navy, both on and off the ship. On board, they have provided companionship and morale to sailors during long voyages. They have also been used for practical purposes, such as hunting and pest control. Off the ship, animals have been used for ceremonial purposes, such as attending parades and other events.

Animal Welfare

The welfare of animals on ships has been a concern for many years. In the past, animals were often kept in cramped and unsanitary conditions. However, in recent years, the Navy has taken steps to improve the welfare of its animal mascots. Animals are now kept in more spacious and comfortable quarters, and they are given regular veterinary care.

The Ban on Animals on U.S. Navy Ships

In 2015, the U.S. Navy banned animals on its ships. This ban was implemented due to concerns about the safety and welfare of the animals, as well as the potential for animals to spread disease. However, some exceptions to the ban have been made for service animals and animals that are used for specific purposes, such as search and rescue operations.

The Future of Animal Mascots in the Navy

The future of animal mascots in the Navy is uncertain. The ban on animals on U.S. Navy ships has significantly reduced the number of animals serving in the Navy. However, some animals, such as service animals and animals that are used for specific purposes, are still allowed on ships. It is possible that the Navy will continue to allow exceptions to the ban in the future, but it is also possible that the Navy will eventually phase out the use of animal mascots altogether.

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Military History

The Vietnam Memorial: A Timeless Tribute Honoring犧牲 and Loss

by Peter
written by Peter

The Vietnam Memorial: A Symbol of Remembrance and Reconciliation

The Creation of a Timeless Tribute

In the heart of Washington, D.C., stands a poignant and enduring testament to the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War: the Vietnam Memorial. Designed by Maya Lin, a young architecture student at Yale University, the memorial was dedicated in 1982 and has since become one of the most visited and revered monuments in the nation.

Lin’s design for the memorial was both innovative and deeply moving. It consists of two black granite walls, each 246 feet long and 10 feet high, that converge at an angle. The walls are inscribed with the names of the 58,282 American service members who died or went missing during the war.

The simplicity and elegance of the memorial have been widely praised. The black granite reflects the darkness and tragedy of the war, while the names of the fallen serve as a constant reminder of the human cost of conflict. The converging walls create a sense of enclosure and intimacy, encouraging visitors to reflect on the lives lost.

Maya Lin: A Visionary Architect

Maya Lin was born in Athens, Ohio, in 1959. Her parents were Chinese immigrants who fled to the United States after the communist revolution. Lin showed an early talent for art and architecture, and she went on to study at Yale University.

While at Yale, Lin entered a design competition for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Her submission, which featured the two black granite walls, was initially met with resistance from some critics who found it too abstract and somber. However, Lin’s design eventually won over the jury, and the memorial was built according to her vision.

Lin has since become one of the most celebrated architects of her generation. Her other works include the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama, and the Museum of Chinese in America in New York City.

The Impact of the Vietnam Memorial

The Vietnam Memorial has had a profound impact on American culture and society. It has become a place of pilgrimage for veterans, family members, and all those who wish to honor the fallen. The memorial has also played a significant role in the healing process for the nation, helping to bridge the divides that were created by the war.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, the Vietnam Memorial is also a powerful work of art. Lin’s design is both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant, creating a space that is both contemplative and uplifting. The memorial is a testament to the power of art to heal, inspire, and remind us of the importance of remembrance.

Visiting the Vietnam Memorial

The Vietnam Memorial is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and admission is free.

Visitors to the memorial can walk along the walls, reading the names of the fallen and reflecting on their sacrifice. There are also several educational exhibits located near the memorial, which provide additional information about the war and its impact on American society.

The Vietnam Memorial is a must-see for anyone visiting Washington, D.C. It is a place of remembrance, reflection, and inspiration, and it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the Vietnam War.

Virtual Tour

For those who are unable to visit the Vietnam Memorial in person, there is a virtual tour available online. The tour allows visitors to explore the memorial in 360 degrees and read the names of the fallen.

Educational Resources

There are a number of educational resources available about the Vietnam Memorial. These resources include lesson plans, videos, and interactive activities that can be used in the classroom or at home.

By learning more about the Vietnam Memorial, we can better understand the sacrifices made by those who served in the war and the importance of remembrance.

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