PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) — One local veteran used his front lawn to send a powerful message this Memorial Day: Never forget.
For many Americans, Memorial Day weekend is about backyard parties and beach trips, but for one man, it’s about carrying the names and memories of those who didn’t come home.
- In December of 1967, then 19-year-old Jim Leyson boarded a plane at Pearl Harbor to make the journey to Vietnam. He worked as a radio operator in the 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry. “I always knew where we were going, why we were going, and how long we’re going for. When we had contact, my job was get support, whether it be medevac support or helicopter support.” Leyson said. After a year at war, Leyson came back. Unfortunately, he fell sick when he got home and was in the hospital for several months and never returned. Years later, Jim began to create displays on his front lawn during Memorial Day weekend to ensure those who never made it home were never forgotten. “I started off with the rifle, the boots and the helmet. That’s all I had. And I made it just a small little plaque about Memorial Day…I’m just trying to get the people to remember what Memorial Day really stands for” Leyson said. This year, his display caught the attention of many neighbors and even some online groups. “This display is probably, to me, the very best one I’ve ever done. There’s 22 crosses out there that I made. There’s 22 names on them. There were 22 guys in A company that were killed in 1968, and I knew every one of those guys and I will never forget them,” Leyson said. He said his mission is clear; to remind people that Memorial Day is about the true cost of freedom. “It’s not just a day to go to the beach and have a beer. It’s to remember the soldiers who have died for us. And our freedom. And we wouldn’t have the opportunities we have, without these guys.” Leyson said. The U.S. was involved with the Vietnam War for 8 years; during that time, over 58,000 American soldiers were killed.
