Thursday, December 23, 2010

For My Great Uncle CBM James M. Deer

I wear my Memorial Bracelet everyday. My great uncle: CBM James M. Deer USN KIA April 2 ,1945 Asiatic Area USS Dickerson (DD-157) KIA by JAPANESE KAMIKAZES.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

For POW Returnee Colonel Arthur Ballard

This is perhaps the most important photograph I have ever made. When my father was serving in the Vietnam War in 1967, my mother obtained a POW bracelet which bore the name of Arthur Ballard. Earlier this year, mom and I found the bracelet in a box.

Thanks to Google, I was able to find the now-retired Colonel Ballard and let him know we had the bracelet and wished to return it to him. While Googling his name, I found your Memorial Bracelets website and it had a listing for Colonel Ballard. I got the POW returnee bracelet and then had the idea for this photo.

Now, some 43 years later, Colonel Ballard has had his bracelet returned to him (one of many returned to him throughout the years), and my mom has his returnee bracelet in its place. It's been an emotional experience for all of us. Corresponding with Col. Ballard has been an honor; he's an American hero and a very dear man. He was held captive for over six years of his life in North Vietnam.

Regards,
Christopher B
Youngstown, Ohio

For an MIA from Oklahoma



I am a veteran of Korea (52-53) and Vietnam (67-68) and I have worn a bracelet since the
late 70's.  It is important that we remember those who have served and the many who have
given their all for our country.  Recently, I misplaced my original bracelet and thought it
appropriate that I order a new one from an MIA from my home state, Oklahoma.  I have had
many, over the years, ask me what and why I wear a bracelet.  That gives me the opportunity
to explain what millions of Americans have done for the USA.  Thank you for your program and
you render a great service to  America and our service people.  Bill Douglas, CMSgt, USAF,Ret.