He scarce had need to doff his pride or slough the dross of Earth -- E'en as he trod that day to God so walked he from his birth, In simpleness and gentleness and honor and clean mirth. So cup to lip in fellowship they gave him welcome high And made place at the banquet board -- the Strong Men ranged thereby, Who had done his work and held his peace and had no fear to die. Rudyard Kipling Today, we as a nation (and hopefully as individuals) honor those who gave all of their tomorrows so we could have this day. As you travel, enjoy food and drink, or do some activity: they gave their life so you could do those things. They have paid the price for you to have this day. The least we can do is remember them, on this their day. Think of them, give thanks for what they did, and acknowledge that price paid. Today, I will take the time to honor them as a group, and to remember some individuals. I will remember Major Mathew Schram, whom I never met, just as I will remember my Uncle Foster who's body lies somewhere just off Japan. I will remember Andy Olmstead. I will remember the men who paid the blood price for COP Ellis to be built, and helped usher the Anbar Awakening into Baghdad. I will remember the men of 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. The latter groups were major parts of why I did my two embeds. I never met them in life, but they have shaped who I am today. I will remember Lance Cpl. Jeremy W. Burris, I man I can't say I truly met, for a nod, a hi, and a brief ID do not constitute truly meeting someone. What I can say is that I know that which is best in you, for no greater love hath any man. You died doing for your brothers, and I remember that this day. Recently, a few of us have been talking about a phrase that can quickly (for some of us) put teeth on edge: "Happy Memorial Day" The phrase strikes me as at best odd, and for far too many an indicator of a lack of knowledge about the day. Trust Chuck to put things in perspective. With his permission, I quote a part of a speech he is giving today: Many of our fellow citizens have no understanding of the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day, other than it means a long weekend. Many people, especially those with no connection to the military, often confuse the two, citing Memorial Day as a day to thank those serving the nation in uniform. Recently, a friend of mine commented that “Memorial Day is meant to pay homage to those who gave their lives for this country and our way of life. It is a day to honor the dead. There is NO such thing as “Happy Memorial Day.” Respectfully, I disagree, in part, anyway. Memorial Day is a happy yet solemn, joyful yet tearful, partly sunny yet mostly cloudy kind of day. We are living the days these men and women never will. Live them well, be happy, and enjoy the blessings of liberty their service and sacrifice have bought. Although we take pause today to remember their absence, we must also take this day to celebrate the very liberty they have secured. Memorial Day should be a "happy" day, the same as Easter. We remember the sacrifice, and the cost, yet we rejoice in the promise of chocolate rabbits, only six more weeks till spring (if Christ came out of the tomb and saw his shadow) and painted eggs, god-awfully early church services, plastic grass, and kids on a blood-sugar bender. We remember the sacrifice, and the cost, of the loss of friends and family on this day. I remember Josh wearing a cape and boxer shorts and little else, standing in the Kuwaiti desert and saluting passing vehicles. I remember sharing stories and fixing the world’s problems over barbeque and beer with Dan. I remember Gary creatively counseling another lieutenant who just refused to “get it.” I remember these men fondly, and am thankful to wear the same uniform, to serve the same nation, and to carry forward where they cannot. Dan, Josh, and Gary can't spend this day, or any other day with their families, or among us, and we are a poorer nation because of that. I miss them, but today I pay special attention to their absence, and jealously guard my time with my family. We will have a happy day, because my friends, my mentors, my brothers have already paid for it, in advance, with interest. I do not mean to suggest that it is proper to tell a recent widow to have a “Happy” Memorial Day. I know the families of the fallen, and especially the recently fallen, spend this day in grief, but they spend this day remembering none the less. They will, in time, first recall the good things, the joys and happiness, the special days; and will lock away the days which hurt the most. These families, these survivors, have something their warriors no longer have… time. They have time to grieve, time to mourn, and time to heal. They will, soon enough, spend their memorial days at family barbeques, pool openings, amusement parks, and all manner of fun and happy occasions. On Memorial Day, these families, mine and hopefully yours, will also pause to remember all of the joyful times we spent with those who have stood their final muster, and then we too, will go on living, and have a happy Memorial Day. To the God in Man displayed -- Where'er we see that Birth, Be love and understanding paid As never yet on earth! To the Spirit that moves in Man, On Whom all worlds...
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Posted
May 30 2010, 10:13 PM
by
BLACKFIVE