Print this story |
E-mail story |
This story has 5 comments Add your own |
iPod friendly | Bookmark this
What is this?
Placing wreaths to remember
Published Thursday, October 29, 2009
They lie in peace today, those veterans of America’s modern wars who have passed on from the toils of this world. Their peace is beyond this Earth, but the peace they gave us was hard-fought, won with the blood, sweat and tears of brothers thrown into dangerous situations and unfamiliar places.
The Albert G. Horton Memorial Veterans Cemetery is the final earthly home for thousands of those veterans, brave men and women who left their families to fight in Europe or Asia or Africa. In some cases, they knew and understood the call that had put their lives in jeopardy. In many cases, they didn’t understand why their nation called them to war, but they went, anyway.
We honor them at Veteran’s Day and on Memorial Day, and their families visit their graves on the many various other days that hold personal meaning for them throughout the year. The sight they confront when they drive into the Horton cemetery or any other that is dedicated to military men and women is a moving one. Row after row of perfectly aligned stones mark the graves beneath them. Ornamentation is discouraged, so the indistinguishable gravesites give the appearance of columns of small soldiers marching across the field.
A couple of times each year, though, there is a change in the appearance — one that hints of life amidst this somber scene. One such event draws close, as the Wreath Society makes its annual plans to adorn each gravesite or columbarium niche with a wreath.
The group took on the project a few years back as a way to honor the sacrifice of those who served, whether they gave their lives in that service or were blessed to return home to family and friends, suffering instead the memories of their time at war. About 2,000 wreaths will be placed on Dec. 12.
It’s a worthy cause and one that could use a little help. To do so, send a contribution to SunTrust Bank, 123 Main St., Suffolk, VA 23434. Checks may be made out to “Wreath Society,” and envelopes should have “Wreath Society” on the front.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?
Comments
Posted by OD (anonymous) on October 30, 2009 at 12:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A Soldier's Epitaph
by Mark McMillan
When the drums of war call down will you come running? Does your day begin and end with you and you alone? Is your sleep untroubled with the heavy burden of duty? Is your backbone weak? Do you fear to tread and lay down your life for another?
Well fear you need not have, for I am a soldier. It is I and my brethren who will stand the wall this night and all nights until the dogs of chaos have gone. So my friends sleep well in your bed. Fear not the sleep of the dead.
I am a Soldier, I slip into the night under a blanket of stars and hold onto the ground to stop this evil blight, while you rest easy it is I that finishes your fight.
Will I complain when I cannot take one step more?
No, not I, for I am a Soldier and my duty quite clear, I fight to protect your freedom; your life, your right to be here.
Will I tremble and run when evil is near?
No, not I, for I am a Soldier and willing to fight; not for your god, your country or rallying call, but for life, love and freedom for all.
Do I ask for reward? Do I ask for Glory?
No, No, Not I, for I am a soldier and war has no reward. As for glory you will need to speak to the Authors, read their laws perhaps they do understand the hardships of war.
So what do I ask for in return?
Well I am a Soldier and this is my law;
Waste not a single moment, cherish every breath, face every challenge and live your life, please be bold and ask those famous of questions;
"Went the day well? Did many fall?
Yes, but a few.
We died and never knew
But, well or ill.
Freedom, we died for you"
I am a Soldier and I died for you.
Posted by KNRMCO (anonymous) on October 30, 2009 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That was beautiful and very well said.
Posted by batman (anonymous) on October 31, 2009 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G1FvlPak...
Posted by OD (anonymous) on November 1, 2009 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Remember when Obama, suggested that our vets and serivcemen and women should pay for their own medical care for their wounds and injuries. Hell Obama couldnt tell you the how the salute came to be. His salute that he presented at Dover AFB the other night, reminded me of Gomer Plye. His presence was a photo ops and Im not surprised that Michell wasnt there wearing a black cocktail dress.
Posted by batman (anonymous) on November 2, 2009 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz9gZ5WLF...
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)