Memorial Day - They Sacrificed their tomorrows for us
Thursday, May 27, 2010
"If our eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us." - General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868, Headquarters, Grand Army of the Republic
"The solemn trust."
"Ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us."
The quote above is from the order establishing a day in May to gather and present flowers upon the graves of the Fallen.
In other words, it is our duty to remember those who gave all on Memorial Day. The General Order continues:
As it was one hundred and forty two years ago, it is the same today.
Like many of you, I've lost friends. One friend is too much to lose let alone three of the best men on the planet. Or your comrades due to friendly fire.
Nobody said this was going to be easy. Easy was yesterday. While it's fine to grieve (and I do everyday), it's more important to stand strong and honor their memories.
How do you serve men like Mat Schram, Jack Swan, Cooter, Jon Ayers or Rick Rescorla?
You honor them by being the best American that you can be, being the best parent, friend or spouse, being the best supporter of the "the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." We must never forget their families.
On Memorial Day, I'll be at ceremonies and parades. I'll call the Buddha to talk about missing Schrambo, and I'll talk to Rusty about Jack. I'll also be grilling bratwurst (SCHRAMBO!). I'll be the tickle monster chasing my five year old daughter in our back yard. I'll be patiently trying to teach my 9 year old boy the fine art of playing short stop.
Being a good "daddy", husband, friend - that's what my friends would want me to do.
Honor them by ensuring that our future was worth the sacrifice of their tomorrows.