Saturday, May 26, 2012

Memorial Day~


He performs a deep cleansing breath prior to extraditing the military plane. His body and soul consumed with the horrid and callous images of war. At long last, in an upright position he props himself on the cane at the peak of the stairs determined to descend autonomously. He vacantly gawks out at the nameless faces displaying patriotic signs that welcome home those remaining in his troop.

Absentmindedly, he reaches down to touch the leg that is no longer there. Medical personnel who led his nine month rehab had termed them phantom pains although the indignant remembering’s were anything but ghostly. Recollections of that gloomy day driving the Humvee invaded his thoughts. He and the six men accompanying him had been conducting monotonous combat operations; the ever present jokes of the enemy attempting to lighten the atmosphere.

The abrupt strike by indirect enemy fire explodes in his mind recurrently as demons of regret attack and take up residence. The final acceptable image is that of his best friend in war with a far-reaching smile though his eyes unoccupied with the effects of warfare. Those cinemas are hastily swapped by the blood spattering rain as loss of life and limb exist permanently in the interior.

He’d been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for rescuing one of his men from the burning vehicle but what hero leaves most of his men scattered across the adversary terrain of Iraq?

As he moves his remaining leg to inaugurate his descent of the flight of stairs, he apprehends that over time, his awareness of the opponents has changed; the enemy is no longer the Iraqi soldiers but the enemy is within.

As you and your loved one partake in all the activities of this Memorial Day weekend, remember to pause and give thanks to all those who gave their lives and fought for our freedom.

"Freedom isn't free"
by Anonymous

38 comments:

betty said...

Such a vivid reminder for us to appreciate and honor those who are willing to go and fight for our freedom. Thank you Tracy for posting it; may we all take a moment or two or three to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day and to thank those who serve.

betty

Jeanie said...

A very poignant reflection and a great reminder of the thanks that we owe to so many.

Unknown said...

To honor those who serve or have fallen for our freedom... I can't think of anything more worthy then to take a few moments to stop and reflect or to say thanks in person to the next service person we may run into....

As the mother, daughter and
granddaughter of US service members [past and present] I proudly salute all of our service member this Memorial Day. God Bless....

Debbie said...

Amen and Amen.

We visited Arlington last week. If you ever need a visual of the price of freedom, that would be it.

Row on Row.

Connie said...

A moving post, Tracy. I hope you have a nice weekend.

TexWisGirl said...

truly strong message, tracy.

Ginny Hartzler said...

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Tracy!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Excellent writing and an important reminder for us all.

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

Thank you, Tracy. A poignant, beautifully written post. A good reminder to all of us of the sacrifice made by our soldiers, past and present.

Connie Arnold said...

Thank you for that moving reminder, Tracy. We certainly do need to remember and give thanks for the freedom we enjoy and those who gave such courageous sacrifices.

Linda Myers said...

And for all those who came home less in body or in mind.

Beth Zimmerman said...

Truly beautiful and thoughtful piece, Tracy! Thank you for sharing it with us!

Brian's Home Blog said...

That was a great tribute! We love all of our heros, past, present and future!

My Mind's Eye said...

Tracy
This is beautiful. You have a God given talent and he is surely proud of you.

Happy Memorial Day to you and your family!
Hugs to you all and the furries
Cecilia And Madi

rkbsnana said...

I am thankful everyday. Thank you for your moving tribute.

Mike said...

Nice. Thank you.

"Freedom is not free...but the U.S. Military will pay most of your share."

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Tracy,
I am not an American but a Canadian and I am very thankful for both our militaries and the freedom we enjoy today. God bless them! Thank you for your visit and have a wonderful weekend.

Blessings,
Sandi

Inger said...

A very moving, caring, and thoughtful post. Thank you.

Karen Mortensen said...

Very beautiful post. Thanks for putting this up.

Berts Blog said...

WE have so much love and respect for our soldiers. our Freedom and this beautiful country.

We hope we will always show them the respect they so deserve.

Beautiful post.

Bert

Arkansas Patti said...

Quite a poignant post and a stark reminder. Often the wounded have no visable scars but are changed forever.

mamahasspoken said...

Amen! Nice tribute and thoughts for this week-end.

Susie Swanson said...

Very moving post, brought tears..Thank you..Susie

Anonymous said...

A thought-provoking post and a reminder of our freedom and the price so many have paid.

Sherry Ellis said...

That's a very beautiful post with a poignant message. Yes, thank you to all of the brave men and women who have served our country, defending freedom!

Catherine said...

Wishing you a wonderful weekend Tracy! I hope it's filled with sunshine and all things good! :)
xo Catherine

jp@A Green Ridge said...

A great tribute and so well written!...:)JP

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks for the wonderful story to remind us of what it's really about.

Susan Kane said...

A poignant reminder that Freedom, indeed, is not free. What a touching post, Tracy.

Marianne (Mare) Baker Ball said...

Wonderful post. I join you in thanking our troops. My husband served in the AF for 20 years. It was a good and honorable life for us. I pray we never forget those who have sacrificed all.

Nancy said...

Hope you are enjoying your long weekend with your boys, Tracy. :)

Donna K. Weaver said...

Wow. That got my right in the gut. Thanks!

Arlee Bird said...

Most of us will never fully understand the price that has been paid for our way of life, but we need to know that it has and be thankful for that dear payment. You have expressed it well.


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Tyrean Martinson said...

Thank you for this beautifully written reminder that freedom isn't free.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

So poignant. Beautiful. We can't ever take freedom for granted.

LTM said...

A beautiful reminder of a solemn truth. Great writing, Tracy! And you're so right. It's important to remember those who sacrifice so much or all to keep us safe and free. Have a wonderful weekend~ :o) <3

Debbie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
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