They came from the boroughs, villages, towns and cities answering the urgent call to arms of this great nation of America. Volunteers and draftees – soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen – caught up in the spirit of patriotism, never surmising or realizing what the consequences or dangers could be, and that death could be lurking in the shadows of the unknown.
They came by the millions, the defenders of freedom, answering the patriotic call since the birth of this great nation. At Concord and Lexington of the American Revolutionary War; the Battle of New Orleans of 1812; the Battle of Gettysburg of the Civil War; the Battle of San Juan Hill of the Spanish-American War; the Battle of the Marne of World War I; the Battle of the Bulge of World War II; the invasion of Pusan of the Korean conflict; the battle for democracy in Vietnam, and, finally, War in the Gulf.
They never hesitated or were intimidated; they were undaunted in their courage and resolve. They left a proud heritage and an eternal legacy of the finest military machine in the history of this great nation in this world – for the cause of freedom.
Sons and daughters of impoverished immigrants of their respective generations, seeking a vision of a better life – economically, politically and religiously – from the dictators of the distant lands of the world. Proudly, they came from the heartland of America: the farms, factories, shops and offices and from all walks of life.
Each one came with something new and old to offer. United together, they proved to be America’s best, generation after generation.
They returned from the wars, fatigued and disillusioned, with scars of war embedded in their minds, yet, joyous and fortunate to be alive and to see their loved ones and home. The wounded came home too, unfortunate were they, for what they were to be, could never be. The best they gave for their God and country. And they, the bravest of them all, will never walk, talk, and see their loved ones and country.
Only the chirping of the birds and rustling of small animals punctuate the eerie and mystical silence and the stillness of the day, compelling and perceptive, a revered atmosphere for the spirit of the honored dead in dedicated cemeteries throughout our nation and the world.
They lie with their heroic fallen comrades in a repose of tranquility, dignity and eternal rest. Rows of crosses upon crosses, secured in hallowed ground and symmetrically perfect, with weather-beaten headstone markers, magnificent and majestic statues and monuments standing in awe, gracefully reaching toward the blue sky. All attesting of their final devotion to this great nation. And, if they could only speak out, braking their sacred silence, each would be a revelation of the glorious history of this nation of their time. Only they have earned this noble distinction and right to lie in the consecrated ground.
And the loved ones they left behind – the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends, but most of all – their spouses. Death has struck like a thunderbolt, unexpected and shocking, and has taken a mortal soul. The grief, pain and the agony is almost unbearable, yet, through the grace of God and inner strength, the loved ones, somehow manage to survive. Treasured and poignant memories, deeply instilled in the heart and mind will exist forever until the end of their time.
And, on Memorial Day each year, every American, young and old, rich or poor, gives solemn allegiance, tribute and dedication to the perpetual memory for their supreme sacrifice – just for the cause of freedom.
They have made their final commitment to God: honor, duty and country.