A buddy of mine, who is a Ranger, shared this with me. It's well-said and it should be spread for others to read and understand. I agree with the idea that we honor the fallen by continuing forward in an honorable way, in a way that would make them happy.
How Can We Best Honor Their Memory on Memorial Day
I believe we veterans are a living tribute and have a solemn duty to
bestow honor upon the memory of our fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts,
brothers and sisters who gave the full measure of devotion in defense of
our country and in defense of each other.
As I get older, the
depths of my feelings and emotions mature while I seemingly become less
wise. Everything, and not just physically, was somehow easier when I was
younger. I no longer have all the answers I enjoyed with my youthful
wisdom.
I am not sure how best to honor those who died: for me,
for my brothers-in-arms, for my family, for my future and for my
freedoms.
One of the happiest days of my life was when I married
my true love at West Point on Memorial Day, May 30th, 1970. So, when
someone wishes me a “Happy Memorial Day.” I can beam with the happiest
thoughts and reflections of that wonderful day. However, having departed
for Vietnam the day after I returned from my honeymoon, the happy
thoughts are as quickly departed and replaced with the evocative
memories of my fallen heroes.
As I do every Memorial Day, I will
return from marching with my local VFW in its annual Memorial Day Parade
filled with high school marching bands, boys & girls scouts/soccer
teams and hundreds of volunteer firemen. For all our parades, the
veterans are always invited to lead the parade, even in front of the
politicians. The small crowds lining the streets always clap the loudest
for the veterans. I know they will soon dissipate to enjoy cook-outs
with family & friends in this beautiful weather. I, myself, am
looking forward to my own family being with us for a bar-b-que.
So, to the question of how best can we honor Their Memory on Memorial Day.
There is a phrase in the bible: “Who will honor him who does not honor
himself?” As living tributes, I believe we must act honorably to honor
the memories of our fallen. I believe we honor the memory when we accept
honor. Allow the citizens to honor us in any way they choose, whether
it be clapping when we pass in review, placing us on a dais, bestowing
upon us proclamations or certificates or simply being the recipients of a
“Thank You!” I think it is our solemn duty to demand honor. We are the
voices of the deceased; we are the reminders of the deceased; we are the
living tributes of the deceased. It is our duty to rekindle patriotic
fervor in the beating hearts of our country-folk, to remind them by our
honorable presence of the supreme sacrifices of our fallen heroes. I
truly believe we are the living medals earned by our fallen heroes.
I believe our country deserves to be happy and free, because that
happiness and freedom was bought with the blood of our fallen heroes. I
think our fallen heroes would appreciate that our country is happy and
free and would gladly accept that as a wonderful tribute to their
sacrifice. So, I personally am not disturbed to note that our people
wish each other a Happy Memorial Day and celebrate the onset of summer.
I am also thankful. I am thankful that I once was young and soared with
eagles. In my youth I did not adequately appreciate the full measure of
the men with whom I served. Never again would I be in the company of
men who would routinely offer up their own lives to spare mine; never
again would I share unqualified trust and know that I was equally
trusted. The respect, admiration, honor and love for these men with whom
I served grows with each passing Memorial Day. I am thankful and
prideful for all who served.
On this Memorial Day I also salute the Gold Star Families and promise to honor them with my own living tribute.
God bless all veterans!
