Saying GoodBye (OT)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

My 1st memories of the realities of War were as a young girl of maybe 7.  I was at a girl scout meeting when my Mom arrived, pulled me aside and told me I would be going home with one of her friends after the meeting.  I later learned that my Dad's bosses Son had been killed in Vietnam.  That memory has always been with me.  I worked for the Air Force for 13 years, am married to a retired Air Force officer, but never in my 50+ years has the reality of War been so real as this past week.  Thousands of yellow ribbons, lining miles and miles of country roads, more American flags than I think I've ever seen, the mile long procession carrying the flag drapped coffin, led by the Patriot Guard and followed by the limo carrying the devastated family, police and fire trucks from every surrounding town.  The visitation where I had to find a way to speak to Trish, Steve and Paige without my tears becoming an "ugly cry", trying to think of something appropriate to say.  The funeral procession with hundreds of cars winding its way through miles of country roads as people stood in their yards, hands over their hearts, fence rows decorated with yellow ribbons and American Flags.  The graveside services in the far back corner of a small country cemetery, under a row of shade trees, the buggler playing taps, the bag pipes playing Amazing Grace, the 21 gun salute, the folding and presenting of the flag ................. I've seen all of this on TV many times, both real and in the movies, and I always cry.  However on Thursday, for some reason I didn't ........ maybe I had cried all my tears by that point, or maybe the deafening silence of hundreds of people standing perfectly still made it impossible, I'm still not sure.  All I know is I cannot get it out of my head.  I keep thinking of his family and wondering how they will move on.    This scenario has been played over and over again across the US and abroad way to many times over way too many years.  I just pray that Seth's family and all the previous and future families of a fallen soldier can find a way to go forward.  Seth and his family will forever occupy a special place in my heart!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Many thanks to all of you for your touching comments.  It's been a week since the funeral and still I think of his family constantly.  I do know that I am also much more greatful for all of my freedoms that they are all fighting for. 

 

Deanna -- I have to admit that I was a little taken aback that the local school systems did not seem to take this opportunity to expose their students to the realities of war.  There was one local elementary school that was in his hometown, and right on the processional route that did have their children out in front of the school but that is the only one I'm aware of.  I think a huge opportunity was missed by the other schools.

 

Lorraine -- The story was covered by the local Cincinnati stations, but unfortunately for the US I think that if they covered each of these funerals with any depth on the National news, that that would be the only National news we would see.  The latest numbers I could find for the US and it didn't say if they include those killed this week, were 4460 for Iraq and 164 in Afghanistan ..... That is just the US casualties.   That's a whole bunch of funerals....

 

Jane -- I do think that seeing your Nephews graduation and having him in the military is going to give you a whole new perspective on the situation.  It really brings it home when you have a personal attachment.  I think that possibly this hit me so hard because even though I considered myself to be one of the most patriotic people I know, I think that the duration of this war(s) has really taken a toll on me.  It has worn me down.  We have a Nephew that is a West Point graduate and a Captain in the US Army and recently spent a year in Iraq clearing roads of IED's (incredibly dangerous job).  I think that when his feet got firmly back on US soil I sort of let out a huge sigh of relief and just sort of put it out of my mind for awhile because my mind was tired of worrying about him 24/7 ..... so, when this happened it was a real reminder that just because he is home, I can't stop worrying and praying  ...... not until they all come home!

 

Again, many thanks to all of you.  Your thoughts and prayers are truly appreciated.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

What a wonderful tribute for Seth.

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

Thank you for your poignant words.  This soldier's loss is sad, but it also makes me remember how proud I am of all of our military...regardless of the position in which they serve.  I am grateful to each of them for their service to my country.  And your words are a reminder to never forget how lucky we are to be Americans! 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

You wrote a very loving tribute and it is a great reminder to all of us of the sacrifice these men and women and their families make for our freedom. It is easy to forget that sometimes. My heart and prayers goes out to Seth's family and friends.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you for reminding us so beautifully.  How comforting, at this tragic time,  it must be to see yellow ribbons and so many people lining roads to honor and respect the sacrifice that has been made.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you for this poignant reminder. You expressed it so beautifully tears welled in my eyes. How easy it is to forget that our freedom is bought by the lives of brave soldiers with families who sacrifice so much. Thank you.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Thank you for sharing and god bless them for what they do and have done.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

For 25 years, I taught special education at the middle school level - including 8th grade social studies with US history as the curriculum.  Each year, I would try to get my students to understand the sacrifices made in the past (and currently by today's military) that provided and secured our liberties - liberties that many of my students so easily and thoughtlessly took for granted.  I'm no longer teaching, but if I were, this blog and the accompanying comments would be the launching pad for Monday's discussion!!

[Lorraine Bromley]

In Canada we are notified on the news of a fallen soldier immediately. THen they have a repatriation ceremony. They show us the soldier and the bearers leaving the base overseas. They there is a flight that lands in Toronto that starts the long drive to the base the highway becomes lined with cars pulled over for the convoy of the soldiers return people line the overpasses with flags waving. Closer and closer to the base the people line the streets to show their support for the fallen soldier and their families. The landing, drive and the soldiers arrival to the base to be reunited with thier loved ones is all broadcast on the news for all of the country to mourn and support the family.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

What a beautiful tribute. Sending prayers for Seth's family and friends.