You know, if I ever am called upon to give a Memorial Day speech, I know where I can steal one.
When the women in my family decorated the family graves on Saturday, one was the grave of a great-great grandfather of mine, a Union soldier. He survived the war, but, having been imprisoned at the notorious Andersonville prison, he had stomach problems off and on for the rest of his life. I am honored to think that when I die I will be places just three plots away from him. Maybe, after we’re dead, it doesn’t matter, but now, while I’m alive, it does. I’m a veteran myself, but one from peacetime who never saw combat. I can’t imagine how I’d perform.
Sunday’s Chicago Trib had an editorial about the poem “In Flanders Fields.” It is a poem that should be taught (in school or by parents) but it’s about a war that’s 100 years old and most people have forgotten its impact. My mother told me they sung the poem at her grammar school graduation (Mom was born in 1921).
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row…
I went looking for a link to a poem titled “The Unknown Soldier” It was written after WW1 and is a little different from other such poems. It’s not sentimental at all, really, and the spirit voice of the soldier wants to know if his death was worth it.
I first read this poem in a book of old poetry called The Best Loved Poems of the American People.. When I read the poem on the above link I realized it had been vetted just a little for that volume, as the next to the last verse was not included, the one about the people who started the war facing the Devil. So we learn something new every day.
In my part of the world, I feel it is the exact opposite from where we were with this holiday 30 years ago and it’s been slowly getting better since Desert Storm in 1991. I was at a small race gathering on Sat. and Sun. and saw more flags, ribbons and people wearing reminders of those who had fallen at the event. I was asked to give a short speech honoring our fallen before the playing of the national anthem prior to Sunday’s races. Everybody in the area stopped for the speech and anthem.
Driving home last evening, I saw flags along the streets and in the cemeteries of small towns. Today, at home, almost every house on my street was showing a flag. There were a lot of lapel pins and a lot of questions about family members who have served. I thought it was terrific.
Missed it when first posted but it still rings true through the ages.
Us USA Americans often forget what sacrifices we have paid for freedom, justice, and unalienable rights. That what we project world-wide is based on those beliefs.
I humbly suggest that this Memorial Day not only include our own, but others who carried that cause globally for the spirit of independence of tyranny, who also have fought along side us against oppression, and paid with their lives to make this world a better place.
You are not forgotten.
Wow, very stirring words Elendil’s Heir, I am getting a little choked up reading it. I don’t recall seeing this post in the past. Maybe you should run for president.
First time I had the chance to read it, and it is a marvelous speech, well worth the time. I’m also a fan of General George H. (Old Slow Trot) Thomas, so I was happy you mentioned him.
If I may, one more soldier I’d like to mention on this Memorial Day: Rick John Best was killed on a train in Portland this last week after intervening to stop a man who was threatening two teenage girls. He had served 23 years in the Army before retiring. May we all have the courage to do the right thing when the time comes. Rest in Peace Mr. Best and my condolences to your family.
My brother (army) and I (navy) were talking a few days ago about this. Come November 11th I’ll take a free cup of coffee or maybe even go to a mattress sale this holiday is about those who died.
Writing that I feel funny even using the word holiday. it’s bigger than that and I can’t grasp what word to use.
