Dawn Villella / AP

Veteran Clarence Kraemer plays Taps during a funeral for a fallen veteran at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Bloomington, Minn. on Nov. 2.

57,000 goodbyes

View a slideshow of the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad honoring veterans. Since 1979, it has performed at more than 57,000 vets' funerals.

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Thank God for our veterans commitment to serving our country, but it's unfortunate that so many of us are being killed and disabled in unnecessary wars.

    Reply#1 - Thu Nov 11, 2010 3:06 PM EST

    It wasn't war-time; it was 1956-1960.....I served aboard two different Destroyers during that time frame.

    I served with, and made some great friends, and I miss them to this day. Anchors Aweigh... Frank Careaga, J.R. Negri, Vince Gutschalk, Tim Murphy...I hoist a beer for you tonight!

    • 1 vote
    Reply#2 - Thu Nov 11, 2010 4:03 PM EST

    I served in the greatest Army in the world. The great USA. I was fortunate to serve during peace time, 1975 to 1978, although when I enlisted Vietnam was still going strong but I had to wait til I turned 18 which fell after 30 Mar 75 when the Vietnam war came to an end. My dad is a retired Army Sergeant Major who earned the purple heart, silver star and V for valor among other medals. He served 2 tours in Vietnam in field artillery.

    Today I am a member of the american legion and we provide military honors for all veterans funerals in our small town of approx 12,000. To date we have performed approximately 205 in the last 8 yrs. I provide taps. I am so honored to be able to do this for the surviving veterans family. It means so much to them and I feel I am able to give a little something back in return. Thanks you to all that have and are serving. God Bless America!!!

    • 1 vote
    Reply#3 - Thu Nov 11, 2010 4:22 PM EST

    I am sure some of those tombstones are for soldiers that served in Viet Nam...Shame Shame on the USA. This from a veteran who served in Nam in 1970.

    • 1 vote
    Reply#4 - Thu Nov 11, 2010 5:12 PM EST

    Thank you to all three of you for your service and thank God for all of you being here today.

      Reply#5 - Thu Nov 11, 2010 8:57 PM EST
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