“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it…” - Unknown
We all know of and remember family members who have served in one of the branches of the military. My Uncle Paul Stahlman died as a result of the Bataan Death March. My father was a disabled veteran from the Korean War. He survived three days trapped in a bombed out building before being rescued. His buddy was likewise trapped but didn’t last the three days.
I had the pleasure of witnessing history when my father-in-law and a dear client got together. They were both paratroopers each not taller than 5’6’’ with lean, muscular build and in charge of the machine gun. They couldn’t understand why they were chosen for such a heavy load when there were definitely bigger and stronger guys. Comparing their memories they recalled how their commanding officer explained they were just the right size as they made a smaller target for enemy fire.
I recall talking or rather listening to the tales of a client from Vandergrift, PA. He was a marine serving in the Pacific theater during WW II. He told me stories of the Battle of Guadalcanal. Their reward for that victory? Now go take Iwo Jima. I listened for as long as he was willing to talk. I got home late that day.
I called up a dear veteran client ready to wish him a Happy Memorial Day a couple of years ago. He stopped me and told me to call him back on November 11 as he was still alive. Don’t wish him an early grave yet. My friend passed away last winter. The back of his funeral memento reads:
“It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us the Freedom of the Press.
It is the soldier, not the poet who has given us Freedom of Speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the Freedom to Demonstrate.
It is the soldier, who serves beneath the Flag, who salutes the Flag; whose coffin is draped by the Flag… who allows the protester to burn the Flag.
It is the soldier, not the politician who has given his blood, his body … his life who has given us these FREEDOMS. “
(I do not know the Author)
There are many organizations whose mission is to serve veterans – some very good and some not so good. The VFW has been in existence for 125 years and has many programs for veterans that have fought on foreign soil. The American Legion was founded by an Act of Congress in 1919 to serve all veterans. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) was founded in 1920 by Judge Marx in Cincinnati, himself a wounded veteran. Another note-worthy veteran organization serves soldiers post 9/11 is the Wounded Warrior Project. Tunnels to Towers serve the families of fallen first responders and military. There are other organizations and people who care and service our Veterans so the list above is not exhaustive.
Join us in remembering those who served to protect our freedoms this Memorial Day!