by Tina Grazier
On this Memorial Day of 2009 there will be parades and music all across this land with heartfelt speeches to mark the day. There will be reunions, picnics, prayers and stories exchanged. American flags will wave o’r the many graves and as we gather together those who fought and died for us will be honored and remembered. Many of us will spend some time in quiet reflection today. Memories of moments in combat will come to the fore for some; for others it will be the loss of a loved one or friend that stings the eyes. Still others must rely on symbols or testament to invoke that spirit of remembrance.
The simplicity of the photo above became such a touchstone for me. It humbly tells the story of patriotic men and women, of their sacrifice and sense of duty. But it also tells the story of long hours spent in all kinds of weather: sunny days, extreme heat and cold, wind, stinging sandstorms, ice and snow or relentless rain. I can imagine dog-tired feet with every muscle and bone a testament to the long hours spent marching, maneuvering, fighting…and waiting. I think of their quiet moments thinking about home, about their wives and children, family and friends…about their brothers in arms and about surviving. Some of these heroes endured great hardships, starved to death, were captured and tortured or drowned at sea. Many died so very, very young.
Yes, we honor the fallen today from all branches of the service. We are thankful for extraordinary dedication, bravery and acts of heroism. We are grateful for those moments of endurance and discomfort. We honor them on this special day each year but we can do so much more. The very best way to honor them is to live each day mindful of their sacrifice, faithful to the country they fought to defend and grateful for the freedoms they paid for in blood.
Dedicated to the memory of a friend who came to mind today.
One month nineteen days in Vietnam:
Dennis Richard Podgorney
Corporal 4th Infantry Division
A Company 1st Bn 35th Infantry
Light Weapons Infantry (Army)
Panel 29E Line 61 The Wall