Wreath-laying at Arlington humbles Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon

By Jeff Gluck - Associate Editor
Thursday, September 24, 2009
From left, Hendrick Motorsports' Jeff Gordon, Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary.

From left, Hendrick Motorsports' Jeff Gordon, Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary.

Jeff Gluck
NASCAR Scene

ARLINGTON, Va. – In the humid stillness of Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday afternoon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick solemnly walked down a set of stairs toward the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

They lined up, along with a member of the military honor guard who ceremonially patrol the tomb, and then stepped forward together to place a wreath in front of the giant marble structure.

Hands over their hearts, they stood silently amidst the quiet of the cemetery where more than 330,000 men and women are buried.

A few minutes later, in the basement of a nearby building just down the hall from the guards’ quarters, the two National Guard-sponsored drivers reflected on the magnitude of what they had just experienced.

“I was just nervous,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “I get real nervous around appearances, but this one was real heavy. There’s a lot of responsibility, and that was definitely the case for this.”

Earnhardt Jr. has spent the last several years of his career associated with one military branch or another. First it was the Navy, which sponsored his JR Motorsports team; now it’s the National Guard, which he picked up when he signed with Hendrick Motorsports.

Drivers do appearances on behalf of their sponsors all the time. But this one, Earnhardt Jr. said, filled him with excitement and anticipation as he went to bed the previous night.

“I tell people all the time it’s so much different than trying to sell a product off the shelf,” he said. “The military is a career choice, it’s a commitment, and you’re trying to convince someone to look into it. When you go to appearances with the Guard like we’re doing today, you definitely see that firsthand. It’s more tangible.”

It wasn’t always that way. Earnhardt Jr. said he was “naïve” when he worked with the Navy, and that he was so young he didn’t feel completely worthy of the responsibility.

As he has matured, Earnhardt Jr. has accepted the burden of trying to convince young men and women to serve their country.

But when he stood before the tomb and watched the Changing of the Guard ceremony prior to the wreath-laying, he said it was “pretty overwhelming.”

“Real emotional, I guess,” he said. “The structure of the guard itself at the tomb is quite impressive. That makes the weight of the situation obvious to you.”

Like Earnhardt Jr., Gordon had never visited Arlington before and said he regretted not doing so earlier.

“This is something I think every American should experience,” Gordon said. “The peace, the security that we feel in the safety of our country is because of the men and women here at Arlington.”

Arlington, which holds the remains of soldiers dating back to the Civil War, is still very much an active cemetery. It has 27-30 burials per day and had 6,900 last year; this year, the number will top 7,000.

The cemetery’s rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see, all lined with rows and rows of precisely placed white headstones. The expanse of the place is enough to humble any visitor.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier itself contains the remains of unidentified soldiers from several wars and is symbolic of all those killed in wars whose bodies were never recovered. Four million people per year visit the cemetery, and nearly all of them stop at the Tomb of the Unknowns to watch the changing of the guard.

Gordon stood alongside Hendrick and Earnhardt Jr. as they watched the ceremony from the top of the nearby steps, with the soldiers snapping their weapons and clicking their heels together in the most structured of ceremonies.

“That blew my mind,” Gordon said. “To watch it, just the way they flip the guns and every movement being perfect. I’m sure they find their own flaws, but I couldn’t find any. You could just tell they are representing something that is very important.”

And when it was time for his turn to approach the tomb and lay the wreath, Gordon said his mind was flooded with thoughts of how great an honor he was receiving.

“What am I doing here? How did I get this opportunity? What did I do to deserve this?” he said, recalling his thoughts. “It’s very overwhelming and you’re just very honored to put your hands on that wreath. You feel a tremendous amount of pride.”

Gordon’s work with the National Guard this season has given him an entirely new perspective on the significance of the military – not that he didn’t appreciate it before, he said, but he acknowledged he had “maybe taken it a little bit for granted.”

“I don’t know if you really understand the steps that are taken, especially with the Guard and what they do…” he said. “That’s been a real eye-opening experience for me.”

The same might be said for anyone who visits Arlington.

Comments

48 responses to "Wreath-laying at Arlington humbles Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon". Post a Comment.
  1. 1
    lulu said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 4:12 PM

    I was in DC a couple of weeks ago. I walked thru all the monuments, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about the cost of freedom. I can understand what they are saying.
    It is hard to express.

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  2. 2
    mom said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 4:34 PM

    I am so proud to be a fan of Dale Jr. He has been a supporter and recruiter for the NG for the second year now. His honest and humble dealings with the guys themselves from the highest to lowest ranks have proven effective. He has made a great ambassador for the Guard and appreciates the service they have given at home and abroad.

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  3. 3
    sweetthings88 said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 4:40 PM

    This is one of the best articles in a long time. And to have Dale Jr. and Jeff Gordon and Mr. Hendrick to get the honor to remember the men and women that sacrifice their lives to protect our country.Thanks National Guard and to all other braches of the military. And Thanks to everyone that served in the military to protect me and my country. Great job

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  4. 4
    sweetthings88 said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 4:43 PM

    Mom what a great post. You said it all Thank You.Brings tears to my eyes.

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  5. 5
    mary4jr88 said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 4:49 PM

    Jeff, Thank you for going with my favorite driver, Dale Jr., teammate Jeff and owner Rick, and especially for sharing their experience.:)

    I am proud of Dale Jr. and all of our service men who protect our country.

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  6. 6
    mar38gr said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 4:50 PM

    Jeff, Thank you for sharing this wonderful Humble story with us. It makes us feel a little closer to the Drivers and Owners, knowing they participated in Laying The Wreath At The Unknown Tomb.

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  7. 7
    SS396Chevelle said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 5:49 PM

    If anyone can visit Arlington and not shed a tear, there is something wrong with them. Thanks Jeff and Dale and Mr Hendrick for honoring the fine men and women who have served our country and given their lives for our freedom. I'd like to thank the Army and National Guard for supporting our great and exciting sport called Nascar.

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  8. 8
    Carol-88-fan said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 6:04 PM

    About an hour before I read this article, my daughter-in-law called to tell me my son is in Germany, on his way home from Iraq. This was his second tour with the Guard over there. I am so proud of Dale Jr and Jeff for the way they honor the troops. They are terrific young men and the Guard couldn't have better spokesmen.

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  9. 9
    dale-jr-is-the-greatest-driver-alive said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 6:04 PM

    simply.......thanks

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  10. 10
    horsekrazytoo said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 6:05 PM

    Thank you JR, Jeff and Rick for going and honoring out soldiers. I've never been to Arlington, but I hope to be able to go one day. I can only imagine what kind of tear jerker it would be

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  11. 11
    annmyers said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 6:32 PM

    If you have never bothered crossing the bridge when you're in Washington, take the time. Arlington is one of the most meaningful places ever. The silence is so solemn and yet so peaceful. Most tourists visit the JFK grave and the Lee-Custis Mansion at the top with its spectacular view of Washington; but it's the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers that is the most memorable moment. Watching the changing of the guard is one of the most poignant experiences an American can have. If anyone in your family has served or is currently serving in the military, you need to see Arlington to understand what all of these brave people sacrificed just so we're free to do what we want (like attend NASCAR races). Everyday in the visitor's center you will see young Marines lined up in their dress uniforms ready to perform the military burial ritual and give a family a memory that will never fade and of which they can always be proud. Bravo to Jeff, Jr., and Rick for doing what we all as American citizens wish we could do: thank all those who serve and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation. I feel like they represented all of us NASCAR fans while they were there- and I'm very proud of their patriotism. God bless these men- and God bless America!

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  12. 12
    dmiller70 said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 6:58 PM

    god bless all the men and women buried in Arlington, and Dale jr. god bless you, your a wunderful man humble, kind and for the rest of my life i will honor you for being you, once again hon, thank you, thank you, thank you

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  13. 13
    4-DA-88 said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 7:34 PM

    Carol, how proud you must be, and thankful he is coming home. It is good to know NASCAR has its representatives to show thanks.

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  14. 14
    Meg said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 7:42 PM

    I too loved reading this story.. My brother was buried there and had a memorial burial. Caskets for generals are escorted horse driven wagon to the plot where they will be buried. They had a cannon salute, a 21 gun salute, flag folding ceremony and more.. I uploaded a few pics of an Army ceremony. It's amazing how big the cemetery is.. I believe around 650 acres with rows and rows of monuments. You need a map to find a particular grave there as they all look alike.

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  15. 15
    Meg said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 8:07 PM

    Carol.. I almost forgot to say how wonderful it is that your son is coming home. Every parent must pray daily for the safe return of their son or daughter. What great news for you..

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  16. 16
    fran said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 8:16 PM

    A friend's father was buried in Arlington yesterday morning. His son is already there. It's a place a sadness, patriotic pride, somber rememberance, and is a constant reminder of the cost of freedom.

    I'm glad the Hendrick team gets that. It's important.

    Thanks, Jeff. And everyone.

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  17. 17
    bb6451 said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 9:58 PM

    I had my first experience to witness Arlington at the age of eight. I visited it again while in college. It truly is an amazing experience that cannot be put into words. Iwo Jima is equally overwhelming as is the Vietnam War wall. I'd love to go again since there are new things all the time.

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  18. 18
    stone069 said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 10:05 PM

    I just wanted to say thank you to all who have served in any branch of the military who may read this. You are the reason that we have the freedoms we do and the reason so many others have learned what freedom is around the world. There are no words which can describe what that means to all of the peoples lives you have touched. Just a reminder to those of us at home, when you see a man or woman in uniform, go up to them and thank them for putting their lives on the line and protecting our lives at home. Let them know how much they mean to us, and how much we care.

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  19. 19
    shirl said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 10:15 PM

    I was very impressed with the article, and I too have those same feelings, when I see the many local soldiers returned home to the Savannah, Ga. area to be buried, and honored by family, friends, and community. Thank you Rick, Jeff, and Dale Jr. for doing all that you do, along with other NASCAR teams in supporting and honoring our wonderful, brave military.

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  20. 20
    ipopakeg293388 said:
    Sep 24, 2009 at 11:47 PM

    I know Every One on here and through out the U.S. are Very Proud and Humbled,not only by this article,but by the Fact that we have these Great Men and Women Here and Abroad that are willing to put their live's on the line for us every single day of "THEIR" live's! They make Everything we do possible,without the fear of harm coming to us! We owe them so much,it's a Debt that can Never Be Repaid! They ask for Nothing in return! They Willingly go to War for us! Their Message to Anyone that's a Threat to our Freedom,is Obvious! I would just like to say THANK YOU,and to never forget, a MAN OR WOMAN,REMEMBERED...NEVER DIE'S!

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  21. 21
    Carol-88-fan said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 4:57 AM

    4-DA-88 & Meg, yes I am very proud of him and thankful he is on his way home safely. I can't wait to give him a big hug. I pray for the safety of all the men and women in the military. I saw on Nascar Now that Tony, Ryan and some other drivers went to visit Walter Reed Medical Center yesterday. I didn't get who the other drivers were, because someone came to my door. I think it's great that these drivers do this.It's very important that our men and women in the military know we care.

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  22. 22
    Mike575 said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 10:11 AM

    Great atricle. It's nice to see the NASCAR community take the time to recognize our Veterans. Just a note to Mr. Gluck.....the tomb is called "The Tomb of the Unknowns".
    I don't mean to be a pill....

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  23. 23
    razldazl1 said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 10:35 AM

    This was a terrific article..It's very gratifying to see that, among all of his other day to day responsibilities, my driver, Dale Jr, can take time to remind us how proud we should all be that we are Americans..Thanks, Jr !!
    Razldazl

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  24. 24
    Smokin-14 said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 12:05 PM

    Wow! First time I've read an article mentioning Dale, Jr that didn't have his fans in uproar. (Not even a hint of a negative comment!) Amazing how we can all come together as fans, regardless of the driver we follow, when reflecting on our country, its military and the cost of our freedom to watch the race every Sunday. Our thanks go out to all the service men and women that protect us and allow me to watch on Sundays. Thanks and God bless you all.

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  25. 25
    gojeffgo said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 12:39 PM

    Thanks Jeff and Dale (Rick,too) for taking time to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom.

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  26. 26
    coodude said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 2:56 PM

    Jeff, as a disabled veteran I want to thank you for sharing a great interview. Never forget.

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  27. 27
    SmokeLover said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 3:13 PM

    Wonderful article and comments. Thank you.

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  28. 28
    Phere said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 3:23 PM

    I have new found respect for Jeff, Jr, and Mr. Hendrick. It is with pride that I watch the lineup every week since the inception of these military sponsors on these racecars. Now, knowing that the drivers themselves are aware of the importance of these sponsors, I feel like it has even more meaning than before. I also see that my favorite driver, Tony, has been humbled to see the significance of our military's sacrifices. Thank you all.

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  29. 29
    irishlady said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 3:29 PM

    I have been to dc and saw the changing of the guard. It is something to watch. I makes you think of soliders of the past that have given there lifes for the country that we can be free.We need to pray everyday for the ones serving now and there families. This country is so blessed to have the best military branch's there is. Thank you Jr and Jeff for sharing and i know that it will stay with you for a long time. God Bless Our Troops.

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  30. 30
    gwen_susie388 said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 3:51 PM

    I know this was a great honor for Jr. Jeff and Rick Hendrick and something they will never forget. There are some great posts on here and I would like to add my gratitude for every man or woman who has ever served in the Military. Carol, I am glad to hear your good news. I know you are very excited about your son being on his way home. Meg, I can't even begin to know what to say to you and your family. I appreciate all of our Military, past, present and future. Thank you for sharing those pictures with us! God Bless the USA!

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  31. 31
    4EVER3 said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 4:16 PM

    Thank you,Great article.Prayers for all our men and women serving our country.Thanks for all you do.

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  32. 32
    deyanak said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 4:25 PM

    Capt. Benjamin Tifner is laid to rest there. He was a graduate of Westpoint. He was very active in our Church in Charleston, WV. His dad and mom are missionarys in Alaska, having had to leave the Phillipines due to Al Quade.
    Correct my spelling if you care. Capt. Tiffner had not been long in Iraq when a road side bomb killed him and several others. Always rember all our Troops...This America we live in is the Land of the Free, because of the brave.

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  33. 33
    wen_zel said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 4:41 PM

    Sounds like we need to get the other branches of the Armed Forces into NASCAR.

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  34. 34
    DickHURTZ said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 4:42 PM

    GOD Bless The United States of the Americas, My FATHER is buried there, 1943

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  35. 35
    leftturn said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 6:04 PM

    It has been over 40 years since I served and even to read this article brings tears. A tear of sadness for their families loss, a tear of regret that I am not with them, a tear of joy for what their sacrifice has provided us, a tear for every day we stay the United States of America.

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  36. 36
    get_real said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 7:45 PM

    Where was Obama? Rehearsing for Saturday Night Live! Him not laying the wreath is an insult to
    to our military dead.

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  37. 37
    angelpat said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 8:03 PM

    Great article..very real....proud to be an American!!

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  38. 38
    dmiller48 said:
    Sep 25, 2009 at 8:24 PM

    Thanks so much to our Nascar gentlemen for honoring our heros. I know that the families are very grateful.

    To Post 36 - Shame on you for the comments. Our President has already been there and this was something that Jeff, Jr and Rick should have done without all the political ramifications.

    Thanks again to Nascar! And God Bless our USA and all of those magnificent men and women of our Military!

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  39. 39
    rwilliamhayes said:
    Sep 26, 2009 at 12:23 AM

    Class act by a Class organization.

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  40. 40
    pj88 said:
    Sep 26, 2009 at 2:22 AM

    Thank you for this article,it brought tears to my eyes.Thanks to all the Military that helps keep us free and enables us to watch nascar or any other sport that we chose or attend the church of our choice on Sunday.God bless them.

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  41. 41
    psdf250 said:
    Sep 26, 2009 at 8:14 AM

    I've been to DC twice on VFW business. Being a vet and just seeing the ceremony at the tomb was overwhelming. I could imagine how Jr., Jeff, and Rick felt participating in it. #36, grow up. To be able to participate as those three did, would be one of the greatest honors anyone could have.

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  42. 42
    Bill8848 said:
    Sep 26, 2009 at 9:15 AM

    Excellant article,thanks for reminding us of our hero's.

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  43. 43
    fredstephens said:
    Sep 26, 2009 at 10:31 AM

    NASCAR drivers of my era "vietnam" ALMOST NEVER served their country in the military.Dale Earhardt Sr. etc. didn't. Name one that served on active duty, not the vietnam era "national guard" as that was for draft dodgers. Today's Guard and active duty are patriots, not draft dodgers. Todays military is all volunteer, so every NASCAR driver says "well someone else will serv so I don't think I will put my life on the line for my country". At least they showed up for the brief ceremony, glad it left an impression, perhaps they should receive a medal.

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  44. 44
    gwen_susie388 said:
    Sep 26, 2009 at 10:58 AM

    I think this article was more about the men and women who have served and are still serving in the Military. The hero's who put their life on the line and those that gave their life so EVERYONE can voice their opinions. The article said those buried there date all the way back to the Civil War. Again, let me express my gratitude for ALL Military who have served or may still be serving our Great Country!

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  45. 45
    psdf250 said:
    Sep 26, 2009 at 6:52 PM

    #43, this is a great article and I don't want to start a p_ _ _ing match, but to clarify something several guard units did serve in Vietnam. In fact I had an instructor in college that did 2 tours of Nam with the Air National Guard and a friend who joined the guard and despite his dad being a Col. he did 6 months there. Hardly draft dodgers.

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  46. 46
    CrazyClyde said:
    Sep 26, 2009 at 10:27 PM

    Part of my 8th grade class trip was to Arlington. Just missed President Nixon laying the wreath but did see the changing of the guard. Recently i have been privelaged to see graduation ceremonies (twice) at Fort Benning. Both will last in my heart forever.

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  47. 47
    OldschoolNASCAR said:
    Sep 27, 2009 at 8:44 AM

    Post #43 fredstephens...Sorry to hear from you and "get_reals" post injecting politics into a great article about NASCARs personalities. The Guard DID serve in Vietnam in "your" and "MY" era. It's a shame when you don't know your history. My best high school friend was a Guardsman and died in Vietnam, and is buried in Arlington. I'm not good with names but there is a long list of drivers, owners, and crew members who fought in Vietnam and other wars. To call ANYONE who joined any branch of the service a "draft dodger" is a showing of your personality. ALL serviceman and women deserve our heart felt thanks for their sacrifices. They give up their civilian freedoms to protect yours and ours. The fact that you singled out Earnhardt SR shows where you come from. Think before you post and ruin what is a great story about NASCAR and it's fans. Other than you and "get_real" I'm especially proud of how we others dropped our differences to say Thanks. Great article and hats off to ALL military personal.

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  48. 48
    fredstephens said:
    Sep 27, 2009 at 11:39 AM

    Name a few. NONE. There were a "VERY FEW" units and personnel of the "Guard" that were activated and sent to Nam. "VERY FEW".

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