WIX Archives

Re: Regulation? Yikes!

Posted by Karen on Sun Jul 07, 2002 08:52:02 AM

In reply top Regulation? Yikes! posted by bdk on Sun Jul 07, 2002 01:05:04 AM

Hi Brandon,

Well of course they should be compensated! This next sentence should give you a good laugh, because we both know it will never happen.... They should be compensated by the Government of a grateful Nation, for recovering their war dead.

In the case of civilian aircraft, that crash today, how many of them are going to be cut up and sold to the highest bidder? Or even rebuilt to flying condition? We live in an age that shows a great deal of respect to those we lose now, but I feel has forgotten how important the sacrifices of those we lost so long ago truly were.

Perhaps coffin was a poor choice of words. In reading the document from the U.N. Paul posted, they speak of any site containing human remains as a "grave site", and is to be left alone. Maybe that should apply to warplanes as well. What I suggested is actually a compromise to what I really feel should occur. I think ALL sites containing human remains should be left undisturbed whenever possible.

I will use the U.S.S. Arizona as an example. If the technology, and funds existed to raise the Arizona, and restore her, would anyone consider doing so? Not likely. Does the fact that we are talking about much smaller numbers of remains who are virtually unknown, and much sought after Warplanes, make it any less sacred? There are so many planes out there that don't contain human remains go after those, leave these remaining Veterans in peace.

O.K., again, maybe regulate was too strong a word. How about, preside over. I think it should be groups of Veterans. Perhaps former pilots themselves. Who better than the men themselves? When a plane was located the first thing would be to document everything! As I said before, if a plane had the potential to become airworthy, then the recoverers would have the opportunity, to, file papers, with? local authorities?, stating their intention to restore it, or their intention to sell it ONLY to someone who would restore it. If they failed to do either, and tried to cut it up and sell it as souveneirs, they would be held accountable.

It is the planes, like what remained of Dean's plane, that trouble me the most. These remains are the ones that should either be put on permanent display or destroyed. As I have said many times, the idea of of pieces of Deans plane sitting on someones mantle as a souveneir, makes me ill! That is not what he, or any other pilot died for. It is wrong! It is greed, and it needs to stop! No one, no matter how great the interest, has a right to display these bits of someones life and death. The pieces I have of Dean's plane that mean the most to me, are not the easily recognizable, wing tip, or rudder pedal, but the ones that I don't recognize, because I know they have little monetary value, but speak volumes as to the horrible nature of the crash.

I feel one of the biggest problems is lack of responsibility. There are so many good, decent, men out there.....you, and so many who post on this board..... who I believe given the opportunity would act in a responsible manner. Unfortuanately, greed is an ugly thing, and there are those who will do anything for a profit. These are the ones that need to be watched.

I do not claim, for one minute, to have any, or all, the answers. I just know what I believe, and what I feel. You're right this is a very serious subject, and I truly wish that someone would come up with the right solution. Until then I am just glad that so many want to talk about it!
Karen

Follow Ups: