11th Cavalry Memorial
Updated August , 2009
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11th Cavalry Memorial Updated August , 2009
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11TH CAVALRY MEMORIAL Below are written comments submitted by Blackhorse troopers on the proposed memorial move. Updates will be made periodically. - THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS WERE POSTED ON AUGUST 21, 2009 - AUGUST 17, 2009 I think you did a good job explaining the facts affecting the status of the 11th ACVVC monument. As was obvious from the facts presented, the clear choice should be to move the monument to Fort Benning. As you can see, I live in Columbus, close to Fort Benning, and since I retired from teaching after the 07-08 school year, have been able to work as a docent at the new National Infantry Museum since it’s opening. As I walk guided tours down to the seven WW II buildings (including General Patton’s office building and his separate sleeping quarters), I point out where the new Armor/Cavalry Museum will be located on the other side of these restored buildings from the new Infantry Museum., and how appropriate it will be to have these two museums share the history of the buildings where the 2nd AC trained in 1940. Our attendance at the NIM is on track to exceed half a million visitors a year, and with the addition of the Armor-related visitors to Fort Benning, the figures for both museums should be even greater. To leave the 11th ACVVC monument at Fort Knox as the only one left behind would be foolish, and it would fade into relative insignificance due to lack of visitors. Since everything would be moved at no cost to the association, we need to seize the moment as we welcome the armor back to its original home at Fort Benning. - AUGUST 17, 2009 The other option would have been to move the monument to Fort Irwin. However, there are no guarantees that our Regiment would remain there and who would bare the expense of that move. The Maneuver School of Excellence would be the best bet. That being said, I felt that we need to establish some sort of memorial presence at Fort Irwin for our troopers. - AUGUST 20, 2009 I have waited to see if the Blackhorse Memorial would be moved to Fort Benning and have not ordered a memorial brick. I do not want to have the memorial located on a post with a bunch of REMFS. I trained at Fort Benning then shipped out with a rifle brigade the 199th, A CO, 3rd Infantry the Old Guard. Later I served with the Blackhorse as a platoon SGT in H Company with SFC Medley and SFC Nichols who were KIA. I want them honored at Fort Bening where the queen of Battle is trained and in the future cavalry and tank crewman wil be. I may be an old fart over 70 years of age but I’m very proud of my CIP and having also rode on a tank into Cambodia and survived but admit age has caught up with me. I’m going to write General Casey and tell him the name selected for the center at Fort Benning sucks. Combat Arms would be a better name in my opinion. - AUGUST 20, 2009 I ride whereever Blackhorse rides. - AUGUST 11, 2009 Thank you for your service to our troopers. I just have a couple comments about moving the monument. I don’t know how others feel about Fort Knox, but for me that was where I first learned about track vehicles. I went to track mechanic school there and still have a lot of memories from there. As for me, I think that as long as there is a Fort Knox that our monument should be left in place. It would be nice if your results can get into the Thunder Run. I am sure a lot of troopers would like to know how it turned out. Thanks again for your time. - AUGUST 15, 2009 Would the bricks and everything be moved? If so they I would say yes, because I feel it would definitely get more exposure and be more revered in a place like Fort Benning. (FOLLOW-UP: The bricks are an integral part of the memorial. If the memorial is moved all bricks will also be moved.) - THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS WERE POSTED ON AUGUST 15, 2009 - AUGUST 13, 2009 The Monument proposed move has made me think long and hard. I think that we should move the monument to Fort Benning. I fee that we have moved the memorial before and this was done because the memorial was made to honor the fallen and has little to do with its location. It has had a very prominent location in the past and we should be sure that it does in it new location. I think that it is important to have a say in the placement and the layout of the memorial in the new location. Its location should be at least as good as any of the other memorials that they are moving. It also will be important to determine if move includes reassembly, replacement of any broken or damaged parts, and any liability when making the move. - AUGUST 12, 2009 I believe “highest visability” is the key phrase. This is why I selected Ft. Benning. I was an 11B and volunteered fo rthe 11 ACR. Although that is not the reason for my selection. Visability is the reason. - AUGUST 11, 2009 I think the memorial being at Knox is a traditional thing seeing a large portion of those who served took AIT there and it is the Home of Armor. Then there is the affiliation of the Patton name with armor and the Regiment being commanded by a Patton at one time. Since the Armor School is moving it would seem the entire museum would also move, but I guess that’s not going to happen. I don’t know how many visitors the museum receives at Knox versus what is anticipated at Benning, but there is the fact Benning will now have an extensive student body with a number of family and friends visiting. I assume the new museum there will offer a history of armor from it’s inception through all the wars we’ve used it in. Basically the 11th has seen this transition from day one and has it’s own history that stretches over 100 years. It also made a name for itself in Vietnam. The Memorial is a cornerstone for this service and sacrifices made. I think it would also help to educate visitors of these facts rather than them relying on any perceptions they may have of the war itself. And who knows what impact it would have on the students who will go thru the school in the future. Something to be proud of in the highest sense of the Army’s and military tradition. I’ve been told by a number of soldiers who’ve served during both Gulf wars that they’re proud of the Vietnam Veteran and what they endured during and after the war. I think the memorial will find a good home at Benning. I am wondering if something will be left at Knox though. No, not a copy of the memorial, but some mention at the Patton museum. Being that his son commanded the Regiment in Vietnam I would think there’d be something left at Knox or perhaps some future display. At least former members who might visit Knox in the future would have something there to identify with that they and visitors can appreciate. Just a thought. - AUGUST 10, 2009 If Fort Knox is going to become a ghost town then i believe that the monument should be moved to Fort Benning. The monument is very precious. It is part of the history of the Vietnam War. It tell's the history of the 11th Armored Cavaly involvment in the Vietnam war. It is also a monument not only dedicated to the 11th Armored cavaly but also to the men that was attached or assigned to the 11th Cav. It is also a monument dedicated to the men that servied but more important to the men that didn't come home alive. If the monument is to be moved to Fort Benning I belive the monument should be put inside the museum and not on the outside to protect it from the weather. Because after all it is precious and means so much to the 11th Cav. and to the men that was attached or assigned to the 11th cav. We all worked togather as one big family. I would like to see the monument put inside the museum. It means that much to me. Take care and God bless. - AUGUST 10, 2009 I just gave my yes vote to move the monument
to benning for the following reasons,,,,,,,cav,,,,memo should be
around cavalry troopers,,,,,,,,the moving message in that
monument was made by cavalrymen,,,,,,,,,,the impact of such a
display of standards and tradition observed in this peace of
history is unique and will never be duplicated in the annals of
modern warfare,,,,,by observing this monument a new trooper can
be assured he will have a place in the footprints of the last 200
yrs and be proud of the journey ahead,,,,,,,,it was my pleasure to
carve a peace of that picture and i don't want it to beforgotten
or neglected,,,,,,,new cavalrymen will surely cherish it and
protect it,,,,,,from saddles ,,,bridal bits and sabre's to
tanks,,,,,,,acavs,,,,,,,,howitzers and helacopters,,,,,,it's been
a long trail and it's still being ridden,,,,the faces and names
have changed,,,,,but they're out there,,,,,,,chasing and
preserving history - AUGUST 7, 2009 Leaving the Memorial at Fort Knox would have been the same as leaveing it in RVN. No one would have visited it. Who is goin gto visit the Human Resource Center? Only those assigned there. Ft. Benning is a better location, ie, more people will get a chance to see it. - AUGUST 10, 2009 Just a little note to explain my vote. I have no doubts the favorite will be Ft. Knox as most if not all of us were there for training. (I took basic & A.I.T. there) My fear is that without a constant and in your face reminder the 11th will fade to history like it did after WW II. Please give this some consideration when the decision will be made. - THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS WERE POSTED ON AUGUST 6, 2009 - AUGUST 8, 2009 I am in favor of moving the Memorial to Ft. Benning. I have been in favor of doing so ever since the move of the Armor School was announced. - AUGUST 6, 2009 Fort Knox, the AIT days, were I fell in love with armor. That's what it means to me and I suspect most of our fellow troopers. Like many old vets we would rather nothing change. While memorials are built to honor those who have served, they also inform and hopefully inspire others. The memorial should be moved to the new home of armor. New troopers and there families should be able to view the memorial and hopefully pay tribute to those who served. But more importantly, given the opportunity to view the memorial, I hope and believe that the new troops and their families will have a better understanding of the unique fraternity they are about to join. A fraternity built on dedication, courage, patriotism, and of course sacrifice. The memorial should be in a location were the words "ON The Way" can be heard and where the concussion of a H E round finding its target might shake a little dust off. The memorial belongs with the home of armor, were ever that may be. - AUGUST 6, 2009 My vote is to move it to Benning, allow it to be an inspiration to all future Cav Troopers and a meeting place for Old Cav Troopers who go through the museums after they arrive. - AUGUST 6, 2009 I wish to see the memorial moved to the new armor center. - JULY 30, 2009 Simply, I believe we should authorize the movement of our monument to Fort Benning. If the Army’s plan is to, as stated, re-organize Fort Benning as a combined arms school of training, then we, the living veterans of the 11th ACR from Vietnam should accept change and make sure that our tribute and remembrance (monument) is visible to future generations of future Cavalry troopers. The movement of our monument will allow combat soldiers to recognize that our KIA brothers are not forgotten, thus building and furthering the Esprit-de-Corps of our regiment. Just as we did not leave our monument behind in Vietnam, it is my opinion that we should not leave it behind for the first time. I envision our monument being the centerpiece of the new Monument Park, given the legend of the Blackhorse in Vietnam. It is appropriate that in the home of the new Combined Arms School of our Army that our fallen brothers’ monument reside there as a proud and moving testament to their sacrifice. - JULY 19, 2009 As most of everyone I also have mixed feelings about the move of our Memorials to Ft Benning, I do not want the move BUT after thinking about it I believe it would be the best choice. As from Vietnam we rotated back to the USA. I think it is about time to move on to another duty station from where we can continue to show all who pass thur this new post the PROUD HERTIAGE of the most PERSTIGES ARMORED CAVARLY REGIMENT in the U.S. ARMY .The 11th ARMORED CAVARLY REGIMENT. - JULY 13, 2009 For what it’s worth, I think that our memorial should be transferred to Fort Benning to become a part of the new National Armor and Cavalry Museum. While I have some fondness for Fort Knox – I took basic training and later the Armor Officer’s Basic Course there, I believe that the memorial should rightfully remain a part of the armor/cavalry structure to inspire future generation of “tankers”. To leave the memorial at Fort Knox would dilute the impact and intent of it. Anyway, my two cents. Thanks for the opportunity to express my opinion. - JULY 1, 2009 As a Vietnam Veteran, I would like to express my opposition to the Vietnam Memorial being moved from Fort Knox to Fort Benning. I would like it to stay where it currently is, honoring the brave men who gave their lives for this country and those of us who served. - JUNE 28, 2009 Stay were we are - JUNE 27, 2009 The memorial should go with the troopers. The only reason for leaving it at Fort Knox is because yesterday's troopers don't like change. I hate the idea Armor is leaving Fort Knox and I especially hate the idea that Armor and Infantry will merge into something called "maneuver center of excellence." But, I'm not in charge. The memorial is part of the tangible history of the regiment. It's real importance is in passing on the honor and traditions of the regiment to the newest members - it should be visited and revered by them. I visited Parris Island about ten years ago and the Marine Corps museum located on post. As I was wandering around the exhibits, a DI came in with his platoon. He escorted them around the entire place while teaching them the honorable history of the Corps. The Army should do that. Move the memorial so it will be a source of pride for young troopers and not simply a place for us old farts to go and wish ourselves back in time. - JUNE 27, 2009 My vote on moving the memorial would be no. As long as the Patton museum remains at Fort knox, I feel it would be as good a location as any. Fort knox is located in about the center of the country. It would be wrong to move the memorial to the East coast. Also many of us were stationed at Fort knox Before going over the pond. It just seems like a fitting place there in that grove with all the other memorials. - JUNE 21, 2009 Having spent over a year and a half at Ft Knox, I have particular ties there, as do some others I suppose. But I believe if we do not send the memorial where it will get the most exposure, those brothers who died in Viet Nam will not recieve the full recognition they deserve, and the cause we fought for will lose more ground than we already have in the history books. Therefore, with some regret, my vote is to send the memorial to Ft Benning - JUNE 17, 2009 I SERVED IN D.CO . 68-69 OUR MEMORIAL SHOULD STAY AT FORT KNOX MORE PEOPLE SEE IT HERE IT IS THE 11ACR VETS THAT SHOULD HAVE SAY OF WHERE IT BELONGS - JUNE 16, 2009 I vote to move to Fort Benning. What other unit has a memorial like the 11th ACR dedicated to all Blackhorse troopers who served in all campaigns beginning with the Philippine Insurrection in 1902-1904, World War II in 1944-1945, the Vietnam War 1966-1972, as well as the latest deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III in 2005-2006. We will be the inspiration for future generations of Armor and Cavalry Soldiers. - JUNE 7, 2009 Remain at Ft. Knox - JUNE 7, 2009 Remain at ft knox, if not then Ft Benning - JUNE 6, 2009 I am in favor of moving the memorial to Fort Benning. I think it should be where the Armor and Cavalry home is going to be. The major part of the Armor vehicle collection will be there also. I intend to purchase a brick as soon as I can come up with the money. Thanks for all you do to keep the organization alive and prospering. - JUNE 6, 2009 I beleve that the memorial should be moved to Ft Benning to be available to new troopers, no one really knows what will happen to Ft Knox when it is closed. - JUNE 5, 2009 I certainly can understand the emotions surrounding the possible movement of the memorial from Fort Knox to Fort Benning as I know many of our fellow Blackhorse cut their teeth in armor at Fort Knox. However the Army has already decided to move what we have respectfully known as the home of armor to Fort Benning and as such I would want our association and all that it stands for to be in a vibrant location for more to know of our history - after all it is our legacy that is at stake. I remember a saying that I believe is very apropo at this time and it goes like this "Home is where you hang your hat" and as such I feel that looking at the big picture it would be to our interest to "Hang our Hat" where armor will relocated especially as there is no cost to us to do so. My vote is to go where the Army sends its Armor school. - JUNE 2, 2009 I ask, if we move it to Ft. Benning and in 5 years armor school moves to another fort, do we again move the memorial.. As parks and cities change, should they also relocate their memorials.. I say leave it at it's original site. (CLEARIFICATION: The original site would be the Blackhorse basecamp at Xuan Loc.) - MAY 22, 2009 Move the Memorial to Ft. Benning. 1. It will get the exposure it deserves to a greater audience. 2. Once Ft. Knox downgrades, due to BRAC, who will bother to stop by the base? 3. Ft. Benning attracts a greater array of active duty, reservists, families and the occasional tourist then Ft. Knox ever did or could. 4. The Memorial should be located at Ft. Benning in a place that grants the greatest access to those without the passes necessary to visit similar attractions. - MAY 26, 2009 I have thought about this a great deal and have come to this conclusion. The memorial belongs where it will inspire the new generations of Cavalry troopers. The heritage of the 11th ACR belongs at a Cavalry Center, not at a Human Resource Center. I think it would be in the wrong environment if left at Ft. Knox. That’s my 2 dong for what it’s worth. - MAY 17, 2009 I am torn between moving the memorial to the new location and leaving it at the Patton Museum. We have close ties to the Pattons. We would stand out at the new location. But, if we stay,we may stand out or be a forgotten part of history. I guess I am leaning toward moving. Let me know what you think. - MAY 10, 2009 Thought i'de toss in my 2 Dong regarding memorial. As I stated on forum,if it were necessary to move,I believe, due to this being 11thCav and not a Cavalry or a Armor memorial, it would seem more appropriate at Ft.Irwin. Knowing there is a choice, it makes sense to keep it at Ft.Knox. It has stood there since arriving from Nam and the pulse of virtually all troopers I have heard, is, for it to remain at Knox. I'm confident the correct decision will be made. - MAY 10, 2009 My wife and I recently visited the Fort Knox memorial site Easter weekend our first time there,the setup looks very nice very well displayed.one thing that is not right is the veterans that bought bricks are displayed by the world war II sphere ,there should be the vietnam sphere there with our bricks around it .There is Irag sphere there with bicks around it also Korean the world war II sphere is in the wrong place my brick is right next to it,I fought in Vietnam not world war II.I think moving to Fort Benning would be a good idea and things are corrected that I have mentioned here and everything that pertains to the armoured cav is together - MAY 7, 2009 My 1st thought was no way to to move of the memorial. After consideration I believe the move should take place while the moving is on the goverments nickle. I’m thinking this is the beginning of the end for Ft. Knox and we’ll be left in the “cold”. - MAY 6, 2009 Will there be a vote via email on the proposed move? I won't be able to attend this years reunion, but I want to participate in the decision. - MAY 5, 2009 I can't say this don't mean nothing because it does. What about our bricks? I & other troopers have bought bricks for troopers who have since passed on. I have no way of knowing if any bricks have been laid. Looks like someone could verify & let us know from photographs. (CLARIFICATION: The bricks are an integral part of the memorial. If the memorial is moved all bricks will also be moved.) - MAY 4, 2009 For what it’s worth, here’s my 2 cents…more as a series of thoughts rather than a coherent essay. I’ve always felt that the Regiment’s connection in Kentucky was more to the Armor School than to the Patton Museum and since we serve where assigned, if the Armor School is being reassigned, the memorial should also go to Georgia… The memorial was established to honor our past service and sacrifices. As those of us who served are becoming fewer, the role of the memorial is shifting to one of inspiring future troopers. The memorial should be situated where that can best happen and it seems to me that the new Maneuver Center is the ideal place since the strength of the Regiment has always been its ability to maneuver and close with the bad guys. I have a nephew who is a captain attending the advanced course at Fort Benning and another nephew who will be commissioned within 2 weeks in Armor and attend school at Fort Benning shortly. Neither of these two officers will see the Memorial this year but they will probably both return and can visit it during their next tour. This could not happen is the memorial stays at Fort Knox since neither of them will, in all likelihood, be assigned there. I truly do not understand the details our organization must address in supporting the maintenance or long term care of the memorial. Some of those issues may be significant and a major influence in this decision. However, from a spiritual perspective, I feel the memorial needs to move with the Armor School to Fort Benning. - MAY 3, 2009 Great opportunity to gather the Trooper's in Georgia for a reunion and re-dedicate our Memorial and hopefully all the bricks would be purchased to finish the Memorial. Any decision the board members make I'm sure will be honored by all Trooper's. Thanks for help making this the best organization ever. - MAY 3, 2009 When I first read the article in 2nd Quarter Thunder Run, "Move the 11th Cavalry Memorial?", I was quite torn. There are many of us that trained at The Armor Training Center at Fort Knox and I figured that is where the Monument should stay. Then, it said that Gen. Patton's Collection would be staying there and that was another point to have it stay there. After I completely read the article I was again torn by the Home of Manuver/Home of Armor. This sounds like it will be the New Armor Training Center. And the our monument will join "all the Armor and Cavalry unit monuments presently at Fort Knox" in the new monument park planned for Fort Benning. I know that I, along with many of my fellow Blackhorse Brothers, first feel it should stay at Fort Knox. But, I am afraid that it's importance will be lost at the "Human Resources Center of Excellence" at Fort Knox. I feel it would be best moved to Fort Benning where it would be amongst our other Armor/Cavalry Brothers and viewed by many current Soldiers and civilians each year. - MAY 3, 2009 Please keep the memorial at Fort Knox. - MAY 1, 2009 Are we going to vote on this? If we do I hope that it is not just at the reunion, some of us can not make it. - MAY 1, 2009 Thanks for your article in Thunder Run asking for our opinion on the Memorial. There is nothing about the 11th Cav which associates it with Fort Knox. The Memorial at Knox made sense when Knox was the Home of Armor and Cavalry; lieutenants and captains who either had served or would be serving in the Regiment could visit the Memorial while they were in school. With the Army moving the Home of Armor and Cavalry to Fort Benning, we should move the Memorial as well. I have difficulty believing that the residents of the Human Resource Center will have much interest or concern with the 11th Cav Memorial. I would recommend that you make sure the location and display proposed for Fort Benning are befitting the Memorial, but believe moving it is an absolute must. - APRIL 30, 2009 I've just received Thunder Run and per your request I want to put my vote in for movement of the 11th ACR Memorial to Ft. Benning. I think it should be moved. Ft. Knox is closing down (for their Armor role, at least), and with the transfer of the Patton Museum and all (hopefully) of their historical items and vehicles, then those who are interested in our Armored heritage will find it at the new museum and Armored presence at Ft. Benning. I was stationed at Knox when the memorial was activated and it needs to stay with it's own people--not forgotten next to a vacant building on an Administrative Post like Knox will become. Thanks--wonderful job w/ the 11thACVVC by the way. - APRIL 30, 2009 I am writing to urge you and the board to do all you can to move our Memorial to the new Armor Center at Ft. Benning. Leaving the memorial behind at the Human Resource Center would be an insult. The memorial needs to be in the presence of our current Troopers and in the proper respectful environment. - APRIL 30, 2009 I applaud your work. Thank you. I recommend the 11th Cavalry Memorial, currently at Fort Knox, KY, be moved to the National Museum of the US Army to be built in 2011 at Fort Belvoir, VA about 15 miles from Fort Myer, VA. Close to George Washington's home at Mount Vernon (and his liquor still) and close to all the monuments on the National Mall. Just seems appropriate. The Home of Maneuver is an interesting concept originally conceived by General DePuy when he was the TRADOC commander in the mid-seventies. I say "about time" but briefing charts indicate to me that the Maneuver Center is a convenient name that indicates both close combat schools are located on the same post. The Patton Museum will remain at Fort Knox for some reason. Except that Fort Knox taught a lot of tankers and scouts through the years--me being one--and there are a lot of old tankers and scouts living in the area, there is no reason for the museum to remain at Knox. Families and Soldiers need to understand the armor corps heritage. I find it hard to believe that tankers and scouts will wander to Fort Knox for a weekend to learn about that. Common sense will eventually prevail and the Patton Museum will be moved. One of the basic characteristic of armor and armored cavalry is move--the other two being shoot and communicate. The 11th ACR has moved from one installation to another too many times for me to count in my 25-year career of active duty and 16 years of contracting work with close combat systems. The 3rd ACR has moved installations three times since I was assigned to that unit in 1988 and moved the museum each time. And lets not forget the number of times the cavalry just moved to move, e.g., Black Horse Base Camp to...to the Persian Gulf...and back. I think I make the point. Recommend that the Army move the 11th Cavalry Memorial to the National Museum to be finished in 2011 at Fort Belvoir, VA. I am sure that would be the last move. - APRIL 28, 2009 I believe that our memorial should be moved to the new home of Armor. I cannot imagine a more inglorious place for our memorial than at the home of the Human Resource Center of Excellance. OK, for whatever reason, the Patton stuff isn't moving (a mistake, I think), but I do believe that our memorial will be better served by being part of the new home of Armor, with it's larger venue and exposure in the more combined arms team environment. - APRIL 26, 2009 After looking over the considerations posted on the 11th ACVVC website, I think that it would be in our best interest to move the 11th Cavalry Memorial to Fort Benning. You could possibly set up some type of voting procedure such as having members send an Email to one address for a yes vote and another address for a no move vote. Although a popular vote might not insure the best decision for all concerned, it may be helpful. - APRIL 23, 2009 The last line in your attachment confuses me, it seems that you are saying that the board of directors will make this decision. If this is the case then I believe it is wrong and this should be voted on by the membership, either by mail or at the reunion membership meeting. Something to be considered is when are we ever going to have a reunion in the Ft Benning Area, I have been there and believe that the reunion committee woul dbe hard pressed to find a location big enough to hold us. If you recall the generals letter in the Blackhorse Assn news letter, it says that if the memorial stays at Ft Knox a new memorial will be installed at Ft Benning for the Blackhorse. (CLARIFICATION: If the 11th Cavalry memorial remains at Fort Knox no new 11th Cavalry memorial will be installed at Fort Benning.) - APRIL 23, 2009 I VOTE TO HAVE MOVE TO FT BENNING. I DON'T LIKE IT BUT WILL HAVE TO LIVE IT - APRIL 23, 2009 My suggestion would be to move it to Ft. Benning. If that is where the Armor school is going to be located I think in my mind it would be much more appreciated there with the Armor personnel. - APRIL 22, 2009 I would be in favor of moving our memorial to Ft.Benning. |