its almost that day. when all those that have worn the uniform and have had carried a broken heart as a result of losing a friend while doing their time in-country… all the time in the world for the fortunate fool is not enough to mend broken hearts and ease the pain of the memory of having a friend die in your arms.
this weekend is a one of being divided within oneself and as a country. Paul Reickhoff from the IAVA stated it best on his message that “On Memorial Day, it feels like we are citizens of two different countries. This holiday should be a solemn day of remembrance…unfortunately, the significance of the day is often lost under the coolers and beach blankets in the trunk of the car.”
As a soldier, we come home from war a changed person. nothing is ever the same. we carry with us the guilt that not everyone got off the white plane when we arrived home. being home is as foreign to us as Calculus 4 and astrophysics. our buddies dominate our thoughts or never to far away.
while Memorial Day is celebrated on the 1st weekend that kicks-off summer season. Memorial Day is everyday for service members. we carry black or silver bracelets on our wrist that once held a dying friend. the bracelets are inscribed with the name of a buddy, location from which they left us and the day that we will never forget. i will go to my grave with the bracelet of my buddy.
i will miss my brother forever. he will forever be a part of who i am…
(inscription on my bracelet)
SPC MICHAEL J. CRUTCHFIELD
C BTRY 3-4 ADAR – 82D ABN DIV
IRAQI FREEDOM 23 DEC 06
thank u for takin the time to read it GA.