[May 27, 2019] Now that I’m approaching the 7th-decade mark of my life, I no longer remember how many memorials to fallen comrades I’ve attended. Memorial Day 2019 will be special for me as I attend, once again, ceremonies and parades with our local Boy Scout Troop to remember those who died in battle or from wounds sustained in battle.
Friday, I attended a “Veterans Memorial Program”; sort of a pre-Memorial Day. There were plenty of dignitaries and prominent guests. The U.S. Air Force General asked what we thought someone killed in battle would ask of us if they could speak. I’d never heard this asked before but thought his answer appropriate. He said that we will never know but that they might say; “just remember us.”
My last war, the war in Iraq, does not compare to the combat of those in the 20th century. Our casualties were less, the danger of combat lower, and there were places that were safer than any large American city. When my wife wrote to me, she expressed her worries about my safety. I told her that combat in Baghdad produced fewer casualties in one day than a corresponding day in Washington, D.C. This was not the case for several major offensive battles in Iraq.
In early 2007, I was attending a memorial service for three U.S. Army Engineers killed in action the previous week. Being a senior officer, a chair had been saved for me up front. Next to my chair were several other chairs with the names of four Colonels and a Command Sergeant Major. They never missed a memorial service, but that day they were not there. Later I was told that the Blackhawk helicopter they were riding had been shot down and all aboard were killed. All were my friends; they are now buried in Arlington Cemetery.
My uncle, who was at the Battle of the Bulge, saw over 40 of his friends killed in just one day. This battle was about the common foot soldier with most action being face to face with the enemy. More than 19,000 Americans were initially killed in the battle.
I’ll remember the fallen. Enjoy the extended weekend. I plan to.
Never Never Never forget!!!!
Just getting around to reading this past weekend’s articles. Thanks for recognizing Memorial Day in the US. I would also recommend bringing up similar remembrances for those fallen in war in other free nations too.
On this “holiday weekend” I always think of this:
In Flanders Fields
BY JOHN MCCRAE
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Spot on comment, Terri.
Loved today’s article.
Memorial Day (or whatever it is called in various free countries) is something that we all should honor. I see that in Australia it’s called Anzac Day. I never knew that so thanks to Scotty for educating me. In the UK it’s known as Remembrance Day or informally as Poppy Day (which I prefer). Thanks all.
Thank you Willie.
We all can look back and be proud of what was done to ensure victory over tyranny.
Thank you for sharing some of your stories. My family has a history of serving and also, sadly, being killed in battle. From the US Revolutionary War to the latest war on terrorism, we have served and died in defense of the nation.
Wishing everyone well today in the USA. CHEERS!
… because it’s Memorial Day and like us all, we will remember.
Yes, and the Australians celebrate Anzac Day on 25 April each year for the same reason. Cheers to you too, Joe.
Enjoy the day off from work but remember that those who protect us are working today. Remember those killed in battle that they helped get us to a point that we could relax one day a year and remember them.
Thumbs up on your thinking. Well said. 🙂
Yes, I too remember and will never forget.