Many times I have stood at Ft Logan
National Cemetery on Memorial Day in the warm spring sunshine amongst 10's of
thousands of white washed tablets, each marked with a name and a flag, a very emotional
experience to say the least. Each time I survey the acres of stones so evenly
placed, standing in formation as did each of the veterans whose resting place
they mark, I marvel at the courage and honor and bravery and sacrifice they
made. Certainly not all died in battle, but they pledged that same oath that I
and millions of others have pledged - "I do solemnly swear that I
will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all
enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to
the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States
and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and
the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God." And beyond that was
the unspoken pledge to those they served alongside of.
Many stood in harm’s way and performed acts
of heroism that are not recorded anywhere nor rewarded with ribbons or medals,
instead most have simply been kept close to the hearts and minds of others
involved. Most were satisfied with the reward of a pat on the back or helmet
and a sincere "thank you" from their buddies. How many stepped up
when others hesitated, how many endured the bitter cold or oppressive heat, the
lack of rations or ammunition, how many took their aircraft or artillery or
armored vehicles or ships to their limits and beyond - all in the
name of freedom and liberty and honor and friendship and love? How
many? Thousands of stories lay buried there and I know of all too
few.
Holiday is a poor choice to describe the day
- holiday brings thoughts of fun and excitement and joy to my mind - the day is
not that kind of celebration, and anyone who would suggest having a “Happy”
Memorial Day has absolutely no idea what the day is about! In addition I will
accept the misguided thank you’s that come my way… it is NOT my day. It belongs
to those who have given up their lives while serving during the numerous conflicts
and wars involving the United States of America.
In the next few days I will add a
few pictures and quotes to my Face book page and Tumblr blog in an effort to
raise the awareness of as many friends and followers as possible. Some already share
in my feelings - most are my fellow vets, my buddies, my brothers and sisters.
They know. I only hope that by sharing what I have that a few others will gain
some small amount of caring, of recognition, of respect for Memorial Day.
To this day and hopefully forever -
whenever the Star Bangled Banner is played I will be able to stand straight and
true and salute my country and those that have kept it free. That tears will
well up in my eyes at the sound of Taps, the pipes playing Amazing Grace or the
images of another brother or sister being laid to rest.
"In the heat of battle it ceases to be an idea for which we fight...
or a flag. Rather... we fight for the man on our left and we fight for the man
on our right... and when armies have scattered and when the empires fall
away... all that remains is the memory of those precious moments... we spent
side by side." Paul Bennett
"Leave no man be behind - Neither in the heaviest of firefights
nor the wasteland of their own mind, fighting demons that lurk in dark
corners and follow, relentless, biting at heels and unguarded
flanks, fraying the edges of sanity to ribbons with needle sharp teeth and
vicious whispers. A feast for doubt and despair that weakens even the
strongest, for one cannot stand vigilant forever when war is left behind,
but the battlefield remains in the heart and mind, forever
indelible." Rhi Etzweiler
