It’s almost Memorial day again. My ghosts no longer haunt my dreams and the screams of battle are much quieter now, but as memorial day approaches each year my chest starts to hurt where that AK-47 found tried to pierce my heart and my old legs still tremble at the thought of so many times we carried the dead and wounded to safer places, somehow hoping to save them all.
There will be flags, and music, speeches and of course many “thanks for your service” through the day; all meant with the greatest of sincerity, but only those few kind words and the knowing glances of the other vets will really fill the void left empty by one less homecoming.
We who have felt the sting of battle and carry the memories of too many fallen comrades do appreciate your thanks and your appreciation, but forgive us if we are a bit preoccupied and don’t remember to always look up and smile. The weight and the guilt of having survived is often a heavier burden than we choose to reveal and there are so many to remember and to thank, for they are the real hero’s and we pay them homage by recalling many times that were divided by much laughter, and fear that none can truly describe … but mostly regret that we cannot change places with them.
They are the true hero’s that we will never forget and with the current times, more and more new hero’s enter the realm of memories every day and their young friends will bear the burden’s that we old vets know all too well. So if you want to help, truly help, don’t just “thank us for our service”, but take an active role to make sure that every vet gets what they deserve. The young need mending in body and in spirit. They need better education, consideration, and opportunities to get a job and make a living, no matter their condition.
So, as you celebrate this memorial weekend with the cookouts and family, auto races and other grand celebrations, also remember the many young men and women half way around the world, that are putting themselves in harms way just so we can continue our way of life.
God save the veteran and every person that puts their life on the line for that old tattered cloth and everything it stands for …..
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