Sometimes I find it impossible to tell you in a meaningful way exactly how I feel about certain things. You have by now figured out that I am rarely at a loss for words, but there are times when the words don’t seem to convey what I want them to convey. I don’t want to sound like a damn Hallmark card, nor do I want to sound preachy. But when it comes to certain things – you either believe or you don’t.
I believe that God abhors war, but holds a special place in his heart for warriors.
I believe that angels walk among us in battle and they answer to the names “Corpsman, Medic, and Doc.”
I believe in heaven and I know “the streets are guarded by United States Marines” and the U.S. Air Force is responsible for the flight path of angels.
I believe that God holds the common Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Marine in the same high regard as the most elite of the warrior ranks.
I believe that God holds a peaceful place in heaven for those who cannot find peace within after serving in the hell of war here on Earth.
I believe that “there are no atheists in foxholes.”
I believe that as long as we remember someone and speak his name than he still lives.
I believe that the dead hear their names and find comfort in our remembrance.
Memorial Day is about the men and women who died while in military service. Based on my very simplistic belief system, I’m sure you will know where to find me at dawn on Memorial Day. I’ll be raising my flag, and I’ll be speaking at least these two names.
Major Richard Kibbey, Missing in action near Mu Ghia Pass on the Laos/North Vietnam border. 6 February 1967. He was the copilot of Jolly Green 05 (tail #65-12779) which was shot down while attempting the rescue of a downed pilot. I’ve had his POW bracelet since 1973.
And,
Private Rolland F. Revels, 2nd Ranger Battalion, who died 6 June 1944, and is buried in Colleville Cemetery in France. On D-Day, Dog, Easy and Fox Companies landed at Pointe du Hoc and members of Able, Baker, while Charlie Companies landed at Omaha Beach. You’ll find a large number of those brave young men in Colleville. I have no connection with Private Revels. I selected him because his name called to me.
If you don’t personally know someone who has given his life in service to our nation, you can click on any National Cemetery and select a man to honor or choose to honor someone whose name is inscribed on the Vietnam War Memorial. Regardless of your belief system, or lack of one, please take a moment this Memorial Day to recognize the ultimate sacrifice of so many.
Please take the time to say a name.
Okay, this made me cry. Very well said, but then most of what you say is very well said, but I absolutely, positively LOVE this. Thank you for saying this so damned eloquently and yet dead on.
I shared this too important not to. Thank you for writing this 🙂
Thank you, Heather. I hope you and other will share this on their Facebook pages.
Memorial Day is for our fallen hero’s – I thank God for them each day. They are the reason I can own a gun, I can attend the church of my choice, I can Pledge Allegience to the flag, and for countless other freedoms we enjoy and take for granted. For my son the former marine, my nephew who is in Afghanistan right now. Thank you God for each of our fallen soldiers, and for the ones who now serve our country.
The name I speak this Memorial Day is the same one I’ve spoken since 2003. Juan Garza jr.. A very close friend of my son Craig and our family. KIA in Iraq by a sniper. A said day for us and I refuse to let his memory be allowed to fade. RIP buddy.
Well done, Lynne. You know the name I speak, “Staff Sgt. Johnny Mientus”, KIA liberating France, WWII.
Oh! My Goddess! You know the 16 names I say more often than Memorial Day ~ Wow! This did reduce this ol’ Marine to tears! All I can say is THANKS ~ what a ‘beaut’ statement about Memorial Day.
Your Brother
Greg
Welcome home, Marine. You and your 16 are always in my prayers, my brother. They, and the Battle at Ngok Tavak will not be forgotten.