Boys,
Today was your first holiday. And, what a special one to be your first. The 4th of July is the day that we, as Americans, celebrate our freedom. It is a day that we remember those patriots (past, present, and future) whom have sacrificed for us. It is a day that we gather around with those that we love and cherish the opportunity that we can do so freely.
We are so blessed to live in America and have the privileges that we do. And, we should be thankful for those who sacrifice for us. We must never forget them, thank them when we have the opportunity, and pray for them.
America is great because of the service many have laid upon the altar of freedom.
Our family has had members who have served or are currently serving our nation. We are blessed to have heroes in our family that have sacrificed for us.
Mark Evan Imlay was your Great Grandpa Imlay's Uncle. He served during World War II. Mark was nicknamed "Trash" because he like to sweep his trash under his bunk. Pretty cool nickname if you ask me.
He was a Staff Sergeant and Waist Gunner aboard a B-17G bomber. The bomber was part of the 301st bomb group stationed in Lucera, Italy.
The mammoth plane was nicknamed "NONE". It was crewed by 10 airman. Each one part of a team that honorably served our nation.
On November 14th, 1944, after a successful bombing mission in Austria, the crew was flying back to base when engines began to fail. Due to the cold temperatures and high altitude of 30,000 feet, two of the engines froze and began to leak oil thus causing a distress call to be sent. Minutes later, another engine failed sending the plane spiraling out of control. As instruments failed around them, 3 members of the 10 man crew were able to parachute out. The other 7 servicemen went down with the plane crashing into the Austrian Alps at 8,000 feet. The crew perished in the crash.
Mark died serving our wonderful country, and I am proud to be part of his family line. When you look at pictures of your Great Grandpa Imlay when he was young, Mark and him look like brothers. As a family, we are proud to know of Mark, his service, and his sacrifice.
It wasn't until 2002 when the remains of the aircraft were pulled from the high mountainside. Years of hard work, dedication, and respect for the fallen led to the building and completion of a memorial honoring those who lost their lives in the wreck.
On August 9th, 2008, the memorial was dedicated in honor of Mark and his fallen comrades of the 301st. The crew of the "NONE" was memorialized by a monument at the sight of the crash. I bet it is a sight to behold in person.
The Propeller Hub and a Turbocharger from the B-17G are part of the stone monument dedicated to the sacrifice of the brave men who died serving the United States of America.
A plaque bearing the "Imlay" name is also on the monument.
Even knowing that they will never read this, I still feel we all owe the men and women of the community of Kleinsoelk for their hard work on the monument. It is truly beautiful.
Your Great Great Grandpa Joe Donnelly also served our nation. He was in the National Guard and dedicated himself to America. Unfortunately, I have been unable to locate a picture of him in uniform, but I am sure he was just as studly then as he is now.
Your Great Grandpa Barrow served in the Navy. Unfortunately, I was never able to meet him. Sometime, we need ask Papi about him.
Most recently, your Uncle B joined the U.S. Army Reserve. He has sacrificed already as he attended months of training away from his family. He spends time each month serving his nation and gathering the training he needs. That way, he will be ready if his country ever needs him to fight. The U.S. Army Reserve is the backbone of the Army. Without brave men and women willing to take on a second job as a soldier, our Army would not be nearly as strong.
Rumor has it that your Uncle B can throw a pretty good grenade. In other words, when it comes to water balloon fights...watch your back and duck for cover.
I am proud to be an American. I am proud of the freedom we enjoy. And, I am proud to be part of a family that has sacrificed for this nation.
I love you.
Love,
Dad
PS: More information on Mark Imlay. Discovered by Uncle B.
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