When they are lost, we do not see them as a number of those who sacrificed their life, we see them as our talented son, daughter, father, mother, cousin, friend, soldier. We see them as the individuals they were to us, and to their unit, to their victory of selfless sacrifice. We honor them, we honor them as no other could be honored. They are one of us, who were sent on our behalf, by those we gave that power to send to. We bear the responsibility of their loss, we feel that pain.  We do not, cannot forget. In the human memory there is a place for those who before their time, gave their life for a reason greater then their own desires. If we have a consciousness against any present war or conflict where they have died, we take up the banner for them, to defend those who are at the command of who we have elected. We must and should become the second wave of warrior to help change the course of unnecessary bloodshed, but our caveat is this, to know what is necessary and what is not.

I am ever full of thanks for those who serve and I teach this respect to all I can reach. In an airport in Amsterdam, I thanked a former marine. In the place I get my haircut, I thanked a soldier there, when he said he was shipping out. I never forget when I see someone because I live in a state of sincere thankfulness for their sacrifice and service.

This post first appeared on Open Salon, May 28, 2011 as a portion of a larger blog entry called Memorial Day Melange. It had been written after a 2 week trip to Germany, where there were still many memories of WWII.

Copyright 2011 by SheilaTGTG55