While watching the news tonight, I heard the name Capt. Dennis Eilers, a name I have been familiar with since I was in college in the early 1970s.
When I was in college, I chose to purchase a bracelet engraved with the name of a missing-in-action member of the military. The idea was to raise awareness of the sacrifices being made by both the troops and their families, and to support efforts to find out the fates of those reported missing. Support of the military was not popular on college campuses back then; many college students were busy protesting the Viet Nam War. I never quite understood the U.S. involvement in Viet Nam, but I also never understood vilifying military personnel. I caught quite a bit of flack from other college students for wearing this bracelet.
I've kept the bracelet for about 40 years now, every once in a while trying to find something out about Capt. Dennis Eilers. Now I know what happened. Rest in peace Capt. Eilers.
I heard that the remains of several military personnel were buried at Arlington just recently that were from Viet Nam. I think it was very brave of you to support the people that had to fight in the war, and wonderful in a sad way that you finally know what happened to that one MIA that you chose to honor so long ago. Rest in peace Captain Eilers and peace to his family.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that's amazing. I'm sure his family is glad to have rsome kind of resolution. Thank you for supporting him all these years.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a wonderful gesture that speaks volumes of your patriotism and love for others. I'm thanking God for finally giving closure to you and his family.
ReplyDeletewonderful that you have stood up for the military even when it wasn't popular, and wonderful that you have now found out what happened.
ReplyDeleteGood news for his family that they now have him back.
My bracelet was copper. I think it's still in my jewelry box from high school . . . I don't remember the name though. I will have to go look and see if I can find it.
ReplyDeleteThe bracelets were nickel plate over copper base. Mine is in a box of keepsakes. I wore it all the time for about 10 years - there should be a newspaper clipping with the bracelet telling about him and a couple of others finally being laid to rest.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about the bracelets. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I am glad his family finally has closure.
ReplyDeleteHow amazing to be able to hear the end of the story!
ReplyDeleteAlthough of course you could not have known about Capt Eliers family all those years ago. Now he must seem far more closer and personnel to you knowing what happened to him, especially after keeping the bracelet for so long.
ReplyDeleteHow amazing that you were able to find out about that name on your bracelet. I, too, had one of those bracelets, but I have no idea what happened to it. They were popular to wear at the school I went to. I admire your support during that time.
ReplyDeleteDo you have any thoughts about contacting his family regarding your bracelet?
This is an amazing post.
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult to look back at those years, and these kinds of stories are difficult to read. I admire your 'standing up to' your peers at college, where there was a super-charged atmosphere. That couldn't have been easy.
It has to be some sort of 'relief' for the families to know the circumstances. My heart goes out to them.
This story is very you with the caring and big heart you have. Bless you Diane Dear...
ReplyDeleteI too had a bracelet with his name.
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ReplyDeleteI HAVE ALSO HAD THE BRACELET WITH HIS NAME ON IT ,AND BOUGHT IT OFF OFF A
COLLEGE STUDENT AND WORE IT FOR MANY YEARS AND OFTEN WONDERED AND PRAYED AND HOPED THAT HE WAS FOUND ALIVE SO THAT I COULD MEET HIM SOME DAY AND THANK HIM FOR HIS HEROIC SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY .i TOOK THE STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET OUT AGAIN TODAY AND THOUGHT TO LOOK IT UP AGAIN ....I AM GOING TO BE 82 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR AND EVERY TIME I CAME ACROSS THE BRACELET I THOUGHT OF HIM IN WONDERMENT . RIP MY DEAR MAN .