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What does Memorial Day mean to me? Let me give you a brief
glimpse into my life, growing up.
My father was stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany. This is where my first memories really are. He started off in the Air Force, where he met my mom, in San Angelo, Texas. I am the middle child with an older brother and a younger sister. The Navy offered better pay for family so my dad switched from Air Force to Navy. From there he made a career out of the Navy. I remember Armed Forces Day, when we got to go into town and play in tanks, jeeps, halftracks, and other assorted military vehicles. I remember asking my father why we were allowed to play in them when I had been told that only men got to ride in them. He explained that this was a day to remember all US Military persons who have served our country. It wasn't until many years later that I understood what he was trying to tell me at that young age. Throughout the years, while other people partied, or went to the beach, or otherwise enjoyed a three-day weekend I remember that, no matter where I was or what I was doing, something in the back of my mind kept reminding me of sitting in that tank. I remember protesters throwing bottles, rock, and cans at our school bus in Hawaii. Why? Because we were the children of "baby killers". I remember watching the first VietNam POWs coming home. I don't remember their names, but I remember the tears in my eyes, not really understanding why I was crying. It wasn't sadness, but something inside was happy and proud. I remember all of the training accidents we would hear on the radio or television. I remember the helicopters that were lost in a failed attempt to rescue the American hostages in Iran. I remember Oliver North, the Contras, the Gulf War, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and the Iraq War. Through it all, to this day, nearly forty years later, I remember that tank. I remember the heat inside it. I remember the uncomfortable gunner's seat, the small driver's seat. I remember who that tank represented. It represented, and still does, everyone who wore the uniform of the United States of America's Armed Forces. What will I be doing this Memorial Day? I will be asking my children what Memorial Day means. I will, again, explain it when they say 'I dunno.' I will be remembering all who came before, all who are and all who will be in the United States Military. I will remember everyone who fought for our flag, our country, our way of life. I will remember that they fought so that I wouldn't have to. I will remember that they gave of themselves so that others could protest a war. They died protecting my right to vote, my right to pray to the God of my choice, and my freedoms, most of which I still do not fully appreciate. I will remember those who came back, but not whole, for every one of them lost something. All lost something inside. Some lost limbs or eyes. Still others lost the will to care. I will say a prayer of thanks for those who died and those that survived. My attempt at serving was cut short when I was discharged halfway through basic. I was told I was medically unfit for duty. I had injured myself while trying to serve. I am proud of my short time in. For those who are in Iraq, I pray that you come home safely. I pray that America remembers who you are and what you are doing. I pray that we have learned from VietNam. I pray that we do not re-live our most disgraceful period of shunning those who served. What does Memorial Day mean to me? It means that I live in a free country because someone freely and willingly said, "I'll go. You stay here and keep a place for me." It means that I know who you are and what sacrifices you are making. I know your resolve in keeping Old Glory flying freely and proudly in our homes, our schools, our governments and our embassies. I know that you went so that I can be free. I thank you for your willingness to serve and your resolve to allow me to live freely. Christopher Dale author@candp-ent.com http://author.candp-ent.com/ Remember - Memorial Day, by Christopher Dale, is Copyright © 2004 by Christopher Dale. All Rights Reserved The author hereby grants permission for the reader to mail, either via Postal Service or electronically, provided that existing copyright notices are retained in all copies and that this article is included verbatim in any distributions and that the use of the article is for such. This work is copyrighted. No part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from Christopher Dale, unless grants have been clearly indicated above. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction, publications and rights should be addressed to Christopher Dale. Internet sites and all other forms of publications This work is copyrighted. You may not download, display, print and/or reproduce this material in any form without the express written permission from the author. Requests for further authorization should be directed to Christopher Dale. |