Remembrance
of those who have gone before us
Kenneth Wayne Ogles was killed in action on 16 February 1967, in
the Ia Drang Valley, in the Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam, with the First
Platoon of C Company, the First Battalion of the 8th Cavalry, First
Cavalry Division at the age of 19.
Kenneth joined the National Guard at age 17 and immediately transferred
to the active Army’s First Cavalry Division. He wanted to make a difference, to do his duty to God and
Country and protect the innocent people of South Vietnam. He gave all that we might be free. Please join us in remembering his
service and sacrifice, as well as the hurt that it cost the entire Ogles
family, the sacrifice and pain is no less 46 years later. Remember Kenneth the next time someone
wants you to give a little freedom for the promise of safety or comfort.
Requiem to the American Soldier
Mine eyes have searched the
battlefields, two hundred years ago,
And fixed upon my Fathers...with
crosses row-on-row.
Their blood has nourished Courage
and Ardent Virtue bought.
They stood in battle bravely - and
fought the wars they fought.
The mist of years have softened,
but the battle’s heat I feel:
Their lines sway like a banner as
they charge up San Juan Hill.
In timeless sleep they stagger,
beneath a khaki sky,
But stand forth ever ready, to
fight, to win, or die.
On Chickamauga’s creek beds, and
Santiago’s slopes
They fought as ones be-knighted,
defending cherished hopes.
From the Ardennes’ bloody contest,
to the walls of old Bastogne
American blood and courage Have
gained the Heights alone.
The shots at Concord township, join
those of Gettysburg,
And those fired at Fort Sumter,
around the world were heard.
The beaches red at Normandy, and
those of Inchon’s shores
Were bought and paid by courage,
yet still the battle roars.
The Marines on Iwo Jima, and Troops
at Kasserine Pass,
Gave force to Freedom’s mandate,
that right prevail at last.
The Airmen over Bremen, and Naval
Guns at Guam,
Brought thunder out of Heaven, ere
Peace could bring the Calm.
On Mekong Delta’s paddies, and Khe
Son’s rugged slopes
The Grand Old Flag was lifted, with
clear and crispy notes.
America’s youth and valor, were
tested, tried and torn
But pressed on proud and bravely,
despite the Traitor’s scorn.
To you, you Knights of Valor, Press
on the torch of Right.
Reclaim the trailing Ensign,
Restore the Shining Light.
The Light of Freedom’s promise, The
hope of present years,
Are now the struggle’s object,
Though won through Sweat and Tears.
A City, Bright and Gleaming, stands
grandly on the Rise.
The blood-bought fruits of Freedom
beneath the Azure Skies,
Are all our Fathers fought for, and
freely bled and paid
So you and I could know them,
before the glory fades.
With God our hope established in
pastures Green with Love
And all our National Treasures, a
gift from Him above,
We have no right to wander from
Truth or Light or Trust,
But to the Throne of Mercy, our
March is Good and Just.
~Jerry Ogles, Bishop, Anglican
Orthodox Church
To the
soldier-patriot everywhere
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