Monday, May 25, 2009

TODAY.........with a grateful heart........we remember

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego



Today, we remember.

We close our eyes in reverence and offer a prayer of gratitude and thanksgiving for all of the wonderful blessings we enjoy.....because of the sacrifice of American soldiers and our loved ones.

Today, we remember.

We honor the lives and duty of those who have so valiantly served our country.....because our nation's freedom has always been incumbent upon the ultimate sacrifice of our enlisted men and women.

Today, we remember.

We stand breathless at the sight of thousands of flags standing guard over the white marble grave markers at a Veteran's National Cemetery......because the enormity of the number of lives lost so that we may live in freedom - takes our breath away.

Today, we remember.

We wipe away the tears brought on by the memories of those family members whom we loved so deeply and dearly.......because they sacrificed so much to give us a better life and we never told them just how much we appreciated what they did for us.

Today, we remember.

We force a smile, through the tears and quivering chin, as we bask in the intense joy and love we feel when we pause long enough to invoke the memories of our loved ones who are no longer with us.......because no one can replace the love, acceptance and forgiveness extended to us by those who loved us unconditionally. No one.

Today, we remember.

We commit and resolve to keep the legacies of those who sacrificed so much for us - alive in our nation's history, our classrooms, our family stories, our character traits, our hearts, our souls but most importantly - our lives........because nations and families are built on the legacy of those who've come before us.

Today, we remember.

We have an inherent responsibility to the next generations who will one day remember the legacy of our lives on Memorial Day......


3 comments:

Tony GOPrano said...

What an eloquent post 'Ghost'. You hit the 'nail on the head' with this one. Great job! Happy Memorial Day to all our Veterans, past & present!

Anonymous said...

Today I ask you to also remember 1LT Donald Tillar, Jr. Donnie took 5 years to graduate from West point because he was suspended for one year but still came back for his Senior Year. He wanted to be an Army helicopter pilot.

Donnie tried to sleep 12 hours a day during his senior year so he would only spend "half" his time at West Point. As my cadet platoon leader, He inspired me to overcome a serious knee injury so that I would graduate and be commissioned from West Point with my own graduating class in 1989.

Donnie was killed piloting a Black Hawk helicopter during Operation Desert Storm en route to rescuing a downed Air Force pilot.

Well done. Be thou at peace.

Bill Montgomery
West Point Class of 1989

The Ghost said...

We remembered Donnie Tillar, Jr. today Bill.

My family and I talked about the courage and tenacity he must've had.

Legacy is all about making an unforgettable impact on the lives of others - just like Donnie's life touched yours.

Well done, indeed.