Last night I was reading; trying to stay awake until midnight. I think I dosed. Suddenly, I was jolted by the sound of fireworks. In the Wisconsin of my youth fireworks were not a part of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Most Badgers remain indoors during winter. I had only witnessed an explosive New Year’s Eve once before relocating to Oregon. Oregon is a state that has a fascination with excessive foreworks. Only July 4th outdoes December 31st. Alert to the intrusion, I watched the sky burst with colors for ten or fifteen minutes. The noise forestalled further slumber. HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Gazing out my window brought to mind a second imprinted memory of Vietnam. December 31st was the date I was to board a “Freedom Bird” to come home. I can’t recall the exact details but the flight was scheduled for a late night take off. Naturally, I was counting the seconds until starting the journey home to my family. Then there was an announcement of a delay. Not a welcome development. However, concern over a substantial delay was soon alleviated. I saw flashes of explosives lighting up the sky surrounding the air base. The sounds of explosions clapped closeby/. The delay would be short; only long enough to insure it was safe to fly out in clean air space.
No, it was not an enemy attack. It was a celebration. Mostly flares I assume but there were some sounds suspiciously like small arms fire. Perhaps fueled by hope the celebration lasted longer then the short barrage by Oregonians last night. But, comforted with a firm “better safe than sorry” attitude, it was easy for me to wait for a 1972 takeoff. I believe it was close to 2 A.M. before we left Vietnam. All that mattered was that I was headed home amd happy for the new year. I brought along hope that blessings would be bestowed on my family.
When the eastern sky cleared last night, I smiled at the memories brought back to me from so many years ago. Hope for 2022 sounds good. You never know what the next year will bring. Although not needed I did receive a consolation prize in 1972. I was given an extra month of combat pay for the few hours of inconvienience. January 1972 was a full “in country” pay month for Papa because of a late take off.