Memorial Day
Monday, May 25, 2009 at 10:15AM To all those folks running out to picnics and family gatherings or heading for the shore, have a great Memorial Day.
For many years now, Memorial Day has been closer to me than most other holidays due to my previous military career. I was a Field Artillery Meteorologist for the US ARMY throughout the early to mid 90's. I have very fond memories of my time in the military, from my see-saw time in BASIC training at Ft. Sill, OK, to drilling weekends and 2 week bivouacs in the Army Reserves. Sometimes the day to day stuff in the military can be monotonous and you question some of the decisions that trickle down- there are certainly critics of the military and its actions. But, one thing that has always stuck with me is the camaraderie of my fellow soldiers. The bond you create with these guys are long lasting, even though you may not see them for years. People are brought together by a common cause, incident, or experience. We certainly shared many together as soldiers. From Boot camp to sitting in the motor pool playing endless games of spades. It's those days that I remember the most, the laughter and no care that descends around you in the most difficult of situations- it is those times that make life tolerable. It is the most important lesson Uncles Sam taught me- no matter the situation, no matter the outcome, the human will can never be destroyed and will always survive.
So to all my comrades in the Armed Forces, I remember you today. To my brothers who fell in these times and times past, I salute you.
I held it truth, with him who sings
To one clear harp in divers tones,
That men may rise on stepping-stones
Of their dead selves to higher things.
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Reader Comments (3)
I thank you for your readiness and service. I walked by the Vietnam Memorial this morning and spent some time reflecting about those who died there. I thought about their families and friends. I've been thinking about my own lost family as well and thinking well of them. Luckily, the weather this weekend has been fabulous beyond measure and so these burdens can be warmed by the sun and carried by the breeze. They don't go away, but they can be put away for a while.
Thanks for the wishes Don, I appreciate them. You're right about remembering all the folks we lost in our lives, no matter their occupation or lack thereof. We had excellent weather this weekend and I was out and about the entire time with my family. Couldn't think of a better weekend!
I send the same thoughts as before on this Veterans Day.