Author Topic: Helmet, Boots, dog tags  (Read 4302 times)

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Offline skiguy

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Helmet, Boots, dog tags
« on: January 22, 2007, 12:38:19 PM »
Does anyone know what this memorial to a fallen Soldier is called? (if it's called anything)  I'm having the darndest time trying to find out.  Someone asked this on another board and it got me curious.
I think it started in WW1 by the Army.  Someone told me he thinks it started here at The Battle of Bazentin Ridge but I can't find any information on this web site (yet).
"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."    - Michelangelo

Offline skiguy

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Re: Helmet, Boots, dog tags
« Reply #1 on: January 22, 2007, 12:57:58 PM »
edit:  Helmet on rifle with boots and dog tags.
"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."    - Michelangelo

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Re: Helmet, Boots, dog tags
« Reply #1 on: January 22, 2007, 12:57:58 PM »

Offline Stumpfoot

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Re: Helmet, Boots, dog tags
« Reply #2 on: January 22, 2007, 02:41:42 PM »
It sounds vaguely familiar, I think I have seen a picture of it, but I don't really know anything about it.
History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time. It illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity - Cicero

Offline skiguy

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Re: Helmet, Boots, dog tags
« Reply #3 on: January 22, 2007, 03:28:49 PM »
Here is a picture of what I'm talking about


Just found this.  Maybe there isn't a name for the whole display.
Quote
. Most units prepare a visible reminder of the deceased soldier similar to that depicted in Figure C-1. The helmet and identification tags signify the fallen soldier. The inverted rifle with bayonet signals a time for prayer, a break in the action to pay tribute to our comrade. The combat boots represent the final march of the last battle. The beret (in the case of soldiers from airborne units) reminds us that the soldier has taken part in his final jump.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/7-21-13/appc.htm
« Last Edit: January 22, 2007, 03:31:31 PM by skiguy »
"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."    - Michelangelo

Liam

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Re: Helmet, Boots, dog tags
« Reply #4 on: January 24, 2007, 07:22:57 PM »
You've probably gotten a million responses to this, but what the hey.

Its called a "Soldiers cross"  I'm told it was used to mark the location of temporary graves dug during battle.
The symbol was widely used to represent the sacrifice soldiers make, and became the center of the Vietnam Veterans against the war logo.

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Re: Helmet, Boots, dog tags
« Reply #4 on: January 24, 2007, 07:22:57 PM »

Steve "Headdog"Moore

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Re: Helmet, Boots, dog tags
« Reply #5 on: August 08, 2011, 02:13:26 PM »
The Helmet,Boots,Rifle and Dog Tags is called........... A Battle Field Memorial !

Offline scout1067

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Re: Helmet, Boots, dog tags
« Reply #6 on: August 10, 2011, 01:21:22 PM »
I don't know if there is an official name for the display.  I do know that it is the traditional way a fallen soldier is represented at the unit memorial ceremony when "last Roll" is called.  It is right up there with the riderless horse with reversed boots in stirrups for a cavalryman in the culture of the military.  I have actually only ever seen the display at memorial service for soldiers killed.  May not help but that is all I know about it.
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