MAY THE (BRAVE) DEPARTED SOULS BE REST IN PEACE

IAF Veteran Biren Yadav Wrote this on his Timeline : Yesterday I was in Hindon Air Force base for the funeral of 5 Brave Air Warriors of 77 Squadron who were involved in the recent air crash. Amongst them was our dear late Wg Cdr P Joshi (Late Wg Cdr Prashant Joshi was Son of Veteran Gp Capt Ashok Joshi and Son-in-law of Veteran Wg Cdr SU "Suzy" Apte both ace Fighter pilots now settled at Pune. Late WgCdr Joshi leaves behind his wife Sqn Ldr (retd) Anita Joshi and two small children of age 8 and 2. He was cleared for Promotion to next Rank as Gp Capt and slated to take over as CO of No 77 Sqn equipped with Hercules Super 130J). It was a very sad moment. The Station arranged their farewell with honour and dignity they truly deserved. The loss of so many from a squadron is unthinkable. The Squadron officers proudly saluted their comrades knowing very well they have lost the best. What hurt most was that not ONE representative of the Min of Defence was present nor had the decency to drive down to Hindon to pay the Brave their last respect. Not one from the politician class could find time for the same.  Only Gen VK Singh was there.  This can happen only in our country.  This hurts a lot especially to veterans like us. Only soldiers, no matter what color,country or language they speak, understand the final respect a comrade deserves.   I cry when I think about those uniformed men and women and the lives they have affected by their ultimate sacrifice. May they all rest in peace with other comrades in arm, Conversely, in Pittsburgh, PA the body of one Air Force capt who died in accident was brought. His route to the Funeral Home was announced with timings on all TV stations.   I was astonished and moved to see all residents of Alleghany County were up at 8 AM lined up on the described route, when the temp was -20 degrees and it was snowing heavily.  It was a moving scene to see two years olds, 80 years old and pregnant women lined up to pay their respect to the departed soldier. America is great for they respect their soldiers and Veterans. ================================================================ No one has been able to explain to me why young men & women serve in the Military for 20 years or more, risking their lives protecting your freedom, &.....only get 50% of their pay.....on retirement. While Politicians hold their political positions in the safe confines of the capital, protected by these same men & women, and receive Full-Pay retirement after serving one (1) term. It just does not make any sense. Have the will to pass it on. If each person who receives this will forward it on to 20 people, in three days, most people will have the message. This is one proposal that really should be passed around. "If you choose not to pass it on, you still have made a choice," These brave soldiers have given you that right! Support the Armed Forces. (Source- Via e-mail from Brig VA Subramanyam Veteran)