MEMORIAL DAY 2007
“However humble or unknown, they have renounced what are accounted pleasures and cheerfully undertaken all self-denials, toils, dangers, sufferings, sicknesses, mutilations, life-long hurts and losses, death itself-for some great good, dimly seen but dearly held.”
These words were spoken by Joshua Lawrence Chamberlin, a Civil War Veteran who was wounded six times. He spoke those exact words of heroism of his fellow veterans with great eloquence on Memorial Day 1897.
Mr. Chamberlain’s words describes a war a century and a half in the past, Yet his phrases apply to our warriors in Iraqi and in Afghanistan-so many on their second, third, and now fourth combat tours.
They ring true in portraying Mr. Chamberlin’s own forebears, who served with honor in the American Revolution and the War of 1812.
Let’s not forget the ones will read this column today, for we will recall those we hold dear in our own memories? Memories of
« Those who defended this great land of ours
« Those who lived through the horror of war
« Those who came home sick and injured
« And especially today, those who breather their last battle.
On Memorial Day they live on in memory – those who died in the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, along with many other military conflicts that engaged our troops and naval forces during the past decades.
I’d like to echo Mr. Chamberlin’s;”they’re heroes, however humble or unknown.”
As each man and woman gives up the ease and security of civilian life-leaving family, home, work, and classroom to defend the United States and the freedoms we enjoy. Please be thankful for these kind and selfless individuals who have been willing to take a stand for us and protect us during our darkest days.
Picture Mr. Chamberlin leaving the sanctuary of his college professorship to command troops in many bloody battles. Knowing the meaning of sacrifice and recalling the many dead he buried, the intent of Memorial Day was forever etched in his heart.
As I picture his soldier’s heart, I think of our troop’s today- how much they suffer in Iraqi and Afghanistan, and how much their families sacrifice. Three years ago I found myself in the middle of Iraqi with a mission to over take the Iraqi government and help install a new government. My mission was simple, I had a plan but I was more concerned with my family then myself. So I, like many soldiers, was fighting a battle on two fronts.
We ask so much of our military yet so little is required from the rest of us that Americans sometimes feel that we’re left scrambling for ways to support our troops.
Please, if you are searching for a meaningful way to help, turn to the Disabled American Veterans and the other veterans’ organizations with in our community.
Helping these young returning troops-and all of America’s veterans-is the cause that moves our veterans’ groups into action. Keep them in this holiday weekend.
While you are enjoying your family outings and your picnics, take a moment and reflect on the moment, be bless with what you have, and cherish the freedoms that you have. Be proud and raise your head high when you walk pass old glory (learn a little bit about her while you are at it) and lastly Thank a Veteran for all that they have done for their country, for you, and for your family. God Bless you and God Bless America
Happy Memorial Day 2007
Chris Miller
Disable American Veteran Chapter 12