by Carolyn Abell
Some years Memorial Day just sneaks up on me; before I realize it’s that time of year, there’s a reminder in my local newspaper of the ceremony at Oakridge Cemetery, to commemorate those veterans who have served our country with honor and valor, but who are no longer with us.
This year is different. I’ve spent a lot of time recently working on a book about Tift County veterans who died in World War II. Tom Brokaw called them “The Greatest Generation.” I’m not sure I completely agree with that. Although our country lost millions in that war, it was at least largely supported by the American public. As Dickens might have said, “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” Though people struggled financially, everyone seemed to feel personal responsibility for helping with the war effort. The stakes were high, and bond drives succeeded in motivating even the poorest Americans to contribute whatever they could. Some newspapers published lists of contributions, even those of less than a dollar.
Service members who fought in Vietnam and more recently, those in the war against radical Islamic terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan, are just as great, in my opinion. Perhaps men and women who will fight the unpopular wars are even greater heroes—making a conscientious decision to buck the tide of popular opinion and do their part in defending freedom.
A fellow military retiree sent me an e-mail message recently, telling me about a television program he had just seen, which detailed how so many of our newer veterans are returning from a violent war with traumatic injuries-- many missing limbs or eyes; others with an assortment of similar physical disabilities. Though modern medical science can create artificial limbs and in many ways help them compensate for the physical losses, dealing with the mental trauma is much harder. Their memories return every night in hellish nightmares that force them to vividly relive the horrors of war. Sometimes the memories even take over during waking hours, causing flashbacks that transport the mind to a different place, a different time. Escape is impossible, and the suffering is relived over and over. “Our country isn’t providing them the assistance they need,” my friend lamented. Consequently, many resort to crime. Others are homeless wanderers, unable to adjust to “normal” life.
Almost a hundred years ago, in 1915, a woman named Moina Michael, inspired by the poem, “In Flanders Fields,” (by Canadian Colonel John McRae) began wearing red poppies on Memorial Day to honor our nation’s war dead. The tradition grew and even spread to other countries. In 1922 the VFW became the first veterans’ organization to sell the artificial poppies made by disabled veterans as a national effort to raise funds to support programs for veterans and their dependents. In 1948 the U.S. Post Office issued a red 3-cent stamp honoring Michael for her role in founding the national poppy movement.
WE SHALL NOT SLEEP
(later titled “In Flanders Fields”) by Col John McRae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly.
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
When you see that American Legion or VFW veteran selling poppies in front of Walmart this year, give a generous donation, then take a poppy and wear it proudly. Let’s let our veterans know we appreciate their sacrifices.
And instead of just celebrating with a cook-out, take time to attend your local Memorial Day ceremony. Never forget those who have died in service to our country and the legacy of service that is perpetuated by our all-volunteer military forces today.
“And this day shall be unto you for a memorial…” – Exodus 12:3
Copyright 2010 Carolyn Abell
