Haven't been here in a long while again... I'll fix
that. Memorial Day 2014 seemed to be a bit different than those past. I still
"did my thing" on Face book and Tumblr. Can't explain why but this
"holiday" - poor choice to describe the day - holiday brings thoughts
of fun and excitement and joy to my mind - and this day is not that kind of
celebration, at least for me. This "memorial" day seemed to reach a
bit deeper for some reason.
First it really pisses me off that I can
stand out in my front yard and count the number of American flags displayed on
one hand - hell on one finger. How ignorant and selfish are these people that
are my neighbors? Do they not realize that what we have and what we enjoy as
Americans has been protected by the sacrifice of over a million lives since the
Civil War? Do they not care to recognize those that have given the ultimate
gift to their country, their families, their friends and their brothers and sisters?
Next I had to pick up a few things at the store
earlier today. Only one of dozens of businesses that I drove past had an
American flag displayed - a Vietnamese restaurant. Not Safeway, not Costco, not
Home Depot, not Walgreens, not Wal-Mart, not Conoco, not MacDonald’s or the
local banks - not even the post office ... and the list goes on. All fine
"upstanding" American corporations that somehow forgot what has kept
this country safe and whole and free so that they can reap their profits while
"serving the needs and wants" of the people in this community. Its
crap and what's even more disconcerting is that they were all open for business
- except the post office and the banks. Certainly I could have gotten by
without the few items I purchased - except maybe the Jameson--LOL. Enuf said...
Standing out there today at Ft Logan National
Cemetery in the warm spring sunshine amongst 10's of thousands of white
washed tablets, each marked with a name and a flag, was as emotional an
experience as it has been before. 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 or rewarded with ribbons or medals,
instead they have been kept close to the hearts and minds of those involved.
How many were satisfied with the reward of a pat on the back or helmet and a
sincere "thanks" 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 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 to few.
Today and in the last few days I
spread across my Face book page and Tumblr blog dozens of pictures and quotes
trying to raise the awareness of as many as possible. Some share in my feelings
- most are my fellow vets, my buddies, my brothers. They know. I only hope that
by sharing what I have that a few others have gained some small amount of
caring, of recognition, of respect for what Memorial Day is really about.
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. Just a few quotes
to finish with…
"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
“When your time comes to die, be
not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their
time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over
again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going
home.” – LT Rorke quoting Tecumseh, Act of Valor (2012)
Hmmmm time for sleep - may it come and be as gentle as the spring breeze out the front window...
