Saturday, May 23, 2015

A Memorial Day Story

He's standing quietly. He looks down and sees grass that is well cared for, and his brother's grave. A blood brother. They don't share genes. But they share blood. Blood flowing from both on a battlefield. The sounds of gun shots and explosions surrounding them.

He was supposed to be listening for the enemy quietly. But his focus was on the blood brothers around him. He spots a safe place to hide. So he picks up this particular brother and carries him to safety. See this particular brother has lost both of his legs in an explosion. Next, he goes back for his three other blood brothers. They have all been shot and need help moving to safety. He's injured himself, but he fights back his pain and exhaustion. His brothers are the priority. He's their leader. He needs to make sure all of his brothers make it home.

All five remain safe until morning. His brother lost too much blood and dies is his arms during the night. Soon, they are found by others in their Unit and are brought to base to receive medical attention. The memory fades.

He looks down at the Purple Heart in his hands. He was awarded it for that brave night. Somehow, it doesn't feel like the honor it's supposed to be. He feels like the man below him should have it instead. So he doesn't talk about his Purple Heart.

The three remaining blood brothers come towards him. They have agreed to meet here every year on the Anniversary of their brother's death. Because for them, THAT is the real Memorial Day. They talk about their time together. They talk about the brother that has only joined them in spirit. They talk about their lives now. Then they all kiss their hands and touch his grave at the same time. It's a bond that can't be broken nor explained.

What they have experienced is something that can't be explained. They are thanked for their service. They get discounts in some places. But no one will be able to fully understand what they experienced. Unless they too have fought together in battle.

For my Military readers I ask this, did I get it right? I know the details of the battle will vary. I know Purple Hearts are rare. But, I hope I captured the experience well. I know many lives are lost in battle. Most of those deaths are witnessed by blood brothers and sisters. Is this how you feel as you remember those lost?

I say it all of the time. Serving in the Military makes you a real life Superhero. Some protect us from a computer. Others, on the battlefield. I appreciate the sacrifices all of you and your families make and made for your country.

Memorial Day isn't about the people walking in the parade in a uniform. It's about the people who lost their lives for their country. I would imagine for Veterans and those serving there isn't a holiday for when they remember their lost blood brothers. For them, Memorial Day is any day they remember those that lost their lives.

I'm sorry for your losses. Those of us that didn't serve only see names. We don't know anything about those we remember today. You see faces. You have memories of conversations. We see the name, you see the person that name belonged to. THANK YOU isn't strong enough.

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