That day that means perhaps more to some than others, myself included.
Once each year, we celebrate the contribution of service that many have given, the sacrifice that some have made, and the loss that others have endured. For many, this day is just another excuse for a day off from work or school, and for some it is just another day like any other. As I sit here typing this, I can hear the sound of workers down the street from my house diligently hurrying to finish replacing a natural gas line before the weather prevents them from working for the rest of the year. I wonder what today means for them, other than the threat of rainfall this afternoon?
To those like me who have served, today means more. It means a time to remember friends and colleagues. It is a time to reflect on the things we endured and how they changed our lives, and it is a time to remember lost comrades and to think about how we can continue to contribute to their families. It is a day to renew promises made and commitments to be honored to those we have lost.
But mostly, it is a day of sadness. Yes, there is joy in remembering old friends, and sometimes being able to reconnect with them - but mostly it is a day of loss as we visit a grave (or more than one in my case). A day in which placing a flag or flower has special meaning, and leaving behind a few heartfelt words and tears for a lost friend is the norm.
I will never forget you my friends. Save me a seat at the bar, for I will be along soon enough.
Absent comrades.
Comments
Thank you
That was beautiful. Thank you so much.
— Emma
Requiem for a Soldier
On Veterans Day (Armistice Day, Remembrance Day) we recall the service and sacrifice of the departed, of course, although that is also the focus of Memorial Day. Here, we remember and are thankful for those who have served or continue to serve. In light of the service of any and all here who served and those who are serving still, I offer this in thanks.
The touching words of Frank Musker are made all the more poignant by the brilliant music of Michael Kamen; from the HBO series Band of Brothers, I give you (Especially you, dear friend), Requiem for a Soldier.
You never lived to see
What you gave to me
One shining dream of hope and love
Life and liberty
With a host of brave unknown soldiers
For your company, you will live forever
Here in our memory
In fields of sacrifice
Heroes paid the price
Young men who died for old men's wars
Gone to paradise
We are all one great band of brothers
And one day you'll see we can live together
When all the world is free
I wish you'd lived to see
All you gave to me
Your shining dream of hope and love
Life and liberty
We are all one great band of brothers
And one day you'll see - we can live together
When all the world is free
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSZ3d2sUg3E
as sung by Gregory Moore & Suellen Cusack
Love, Andrea Lena
Thank you…….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB7WMoIUG5A
D. Eden
Dum Vivimus, Vivamus
The day that was once forgotten.
Not too long ago this day was actually forgotten or overlooked by a good number of Americans. It was a harsh reminder that at one time in our short history we as a people hated our Military. Those days are gone thank the Goddess. Hopefully never to return. Because if you know them or not our Veterans have paid the price for our freedom. In the words of Winston Churchill. Never have so many owed so much too so few. I was surprised to learn that in the US our active military makes only 3% of our population. While Veterans make only 10% of the total population.
May the peace and happiness of the Goddess keep and protect you
as always your humble outlaw
Jessie Wolf
ja - absent comrades
für meine Schwester und alle verbleibenden Teufelshunde - abwesende Kameraden
Yes……
For your sister, my friend.
And all the others we have lost.
D. Eden
Dum Vivimus, Vivamus