Each life has mattered
Cemetery outside of Ithaca, NY / Photo by Deborah Lynch May 2014
Because of those who sacrificed their lives in the Civil War, we have a unified country and every last Monday in May we memorialize those who died fighting for this great country. This week, my parents went to visit the grave of my Uncle Jack, a WWII veteran, and found it needed some weeding and fresh flowers. They honored his memory as they do for all of those they have loved, including my mother’s father who was a veteran as well.Many Americans have given their lives for our freedom and our virtue in conflicts around the world, some that received scant support back home. Regardless of one’s politics, they were representing our country when asked and defending our freedom and safety.My brother served in Iraq where he met his wife-to-be, who was also serving our country. They endured many difficult times for our country and life hasn’t always been easy for them in their post-Army lives either. My husband served in the Army Reserves and twice was called for long-term active duty stints to backfill for others sent to Iraq. Fortunately, I endured only two three-month separations. I have a dear friend, whose husband has been called to active duty too many times and each time for more than a year. That’s difficult on everyone when raising young children.My brother-in-law flew military personnel to different destinations during the Gulf War after playing football at West Point. My nephew-in-law wrestled at West Point and served for several years active duty after. My brothers-in-law were both Navy pilots, which helped them to commercial flying careers.Today, I honor my family members who have served and thank all who choose the difficult yet honorable profession. Today we honor our dead who have given us the greatest gifts of all – life and freedom.A poem by Walt Whitman:
O Captain! My Captain!
O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done, The ship has weather'd every rack,the prize we sought is won, The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring; But O heart! heart! heart!O the bleeding drops of red, Where on the deck my Captain lies, Fallen cold and dead.O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells; Rise up- for you the flag is flung- foryou the bugle trills,For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths- for you the shoresa-crowding,For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;Here Captain! dear father!This arm beneath your head!It is some dream that on the deck,You've fallen cold and dead.My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;Exult O shores, and ring O bells!But I with mournful tread,Walk the deck my Captain lies,Fallen cold and dead.