The withering view....

Memorial Day should be one for reflection. To visit cemeteries. To give thanks. The vast array of flags spread out on graveyard grounds are like fluttering sentinels. Each one is worthy of a book or a movie. Of Tom Hanks and Spielberg. Of a deep Stephen Ambrose dive. Each one deserves an honor guard. Yesterday’s weather was lovely. It seemingly broke for 24 hours out of respect. I wanted the day to last longer.

I don’t talk much on Memorial Day. I try to listen. I visited multiple plots yesterday. I always want to snap off a salute but I never do. I haven’t earned that right. I’ve never seen war. I have no idea what it’s like to live with its aftermath. I’ve never been asked to die for my country because these men went in my place. In your place. In our place.

Men were called, and they went. They never considered it much more complicated than that. The simplicity of that patriotism is what puts lumps inside throats. They fought against evil, surely. But mostly they fought for each other. The idea that they would let down a buddy became first…terrifying…..and then, incomprehensible. What one generation did, another will never truly comprehend.