*** After hearing from a good friend, I made a revision to this piece. My original version used a quote from the actor John Wayne. My friend reminded me that Wayne never served in the military and suggested I reference someone who did. I took her advice and replaced Wayne’s quote, which you will see below. I’m grateful for the feedback.
I was just outside kicking around a tennis ball for my dog, Jersey. The scent of lilacs was heavy in the air.
Thus, the title of this piece.
As I was out there playing with Jersey, enjoying the perfumed evening sky, I realized (not for the first time) how lucky I am.
Then, I had the somber thought about all the families whose lives have been impacted by the loss of a military member.
When I was a little girl I was so afraid that my big brother, Matt, would have to enlist. I couldn’t imagine what life would be like if he died. Fortunately for all of us Matt did not have to enlist.
As a side note, he has often wished he had volunteered. He calls it one of his life’s biggest regrets.
My family is quite patriotic. So Memorial Day strikes a serious chord for me. I don’t care about BBQ’s, sales, or the day off. I care about the reason for the holiday.
Every military member understands and accepts the dangers in which they operate. And they are not deterred.
As Colonel David Hackworth put it, “Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid.”
And if you don’t know who Colonel Hackworth is, please look him up in whatever search engine you prefer. (Here’s his Wikipedia page.)
After the awful withdrawal from Afghanistan, I hung 13 small flags from our balcony. They are affixed to the railing with red, white, and blue ribbons. Each ribbon bears the name of one of the soldiers lost during the explosion at Abby Gate.
I don’t ever want to bring those flags down.
It’s difficult to imagine forgetting their sacrifice.
The numbers of men and women who gave the last measure of devotion to this country is hard to fathom. Here is an accounting.
Never forget. Honor. Remember.
Because without our military, would we have the simple things — or the big things? Would we have Major League Baseball on TV? Would we have mini labradoodles chasing tennis balls in the front yard? Would lilacs scent our air?
We can only guess.
God Bless our Troops and their families.