A soldier with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment placed flags at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on 5/22/19 during severe weather.
*3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Dept. of Defense)

Another Memorial Day has passed us by, but it has got me thinking. There are many men and women who feel they are called to serve their country. Many of them know that they may not come home, but it’s a chance they are willing to take. Then I think of their loved ones  who hope and pray they never get the call. You know, the call and the visit from the Special Military Personnel who informed them that their loved ones have been killed while in the service.

I also think of those who have held their fellow brothers and sisters while they died in their arms during combat. Also those who helped carry the wounded off of the field only to learn later they succumbed to those injuries.

That is a memory (which will become a memorial) which will live on in their lives until the day they die. Then I think about those who did get the call about their loved ones who are missing in action and are possibly dead. The person receiving that news remains hopeful for years. The years turn into decades until they look into the mirror and see themselves getting older and grey. They are desperately hoping for a second call informing them that their loved ones are coming home, even if it’s in a casket.

That is why we have Memorial Day which should never be confused with Veterans Day which honors all – living and dead service men and women.

The photo above went viral on social media of a young marine who laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a treacherous rainstorm. He was not to be deterred. It looks like he was called to do this duty no matter what. C.M.

AN OLD SOLDIER’S PRAYER:

I have fought when others feared to serve.

I have gone where others failed to go.

I’ve lost friends in war and strife,

Who valued Duty more than love of life.

I have shared the comradeship of pain.

I have searched the lands for men that we have lost.

I have sons who served this land of liberty,

Who would fight to see that other stricken lands are free.

I have seen the weak forsake humanity.

I have heard the traitors praise our enemy.

I’ve seen challenged men become even bolder,

I’ve seen the Duty, Honor, Sacrifice of the Soldier.

Now I understand the meaning of our lives,

The loss of comrades not so very long ago.

So to you who have answered duties siren call,

May God bless you my son, may God bless you all.

Lewis Millett