I would like to meet you, even though you think I'm a Viet-cong Bozo of some sort.
I don't think you are anything of the sort, Starry. You are one that I tend to lend an ear to as you do likewise with me.
I do believe that "the list" will live on long past the memorial and questionable data will no doubt continue to be compiled and treated as factual information by the casual reader....I remember what it was like when I first stumbled across information as a newbie years ago.
If so, it would be nice if the powers that be at least acknowledge that the list is compiled from possible/probable less than accurate data which is gleaned for the most part from second hand information. The list will obviously never be complete nor accurate and will always will be an evolving work in progress that fails to acknowledge thousands. If the casual reader is aware of this, all is well. I just think it's bad practice to set off on an insurmountable task that misrepresents the breadth and depth of the vast numbers of those no longer with us. I happen to think a list is counterproductive as it dishonors many more than it honors.
I think the compilation of a centralized listing of the dead from $tr8s is much different than a few program vets gathering and recognizing old friends. Possibly, this is where things got hazy for me. For the aforementioned, you have my apology.
Since I have been there before, have regrets, and have since learned that my idealistic venture was as futile as counting the grains of sand on Neptune, I mistakingly thought I was the candidate to open my big mouth on the issue. My apologies for possibly stepping in where I should not have. It is no longer my project and there will likely be dozens that attempt similiar lists in the future. I am no one to police or even to share my opinion on such activity only because in my mind "I have been there and done that". This is where I have strayed and am wrong. My desire to honor ALL those that have passed was greater than the fact that I know better to speak up here.
In closing , just know that if I hadn't made the mistakes I have in the past, I wouldn't be so passionate about this very issue. It struck a nerve and this thread got my kneejerk reaction.
You remember yours, I'll remember mine, and NO ONE WILL BE FORGOTTEN.Starry, you are cool as they come and I have never read a post of yours (and yup, I've read 'em all, I've been here from the very beginning) that I had contention with. Stay real.