When I was in California during my Christmas Vacation, my family took a trip up to Cabrillo National Park. Our intentions were to see the lighthouse up there and the stunning views of Mexico and San Diego. The views did not disappoint. On our way up there, on both sides of the road there was a good stretch where all you saw were white headstones which marked men and women who died serving our country. I was not expecting to see this. At first we were just admiring the view of San Diego from this high cliff, and then we were sharing this view with thousands of tombstones. After my immediate reaction of surprise from the countless gravestones, my heart became heavy, I wanted to thank each and every stone for the person it marked. A person, whether bold or frightened, went into service for this country to defend her for me....for you. I kept wanting to stop the car and be among them. Resting peacefully after fighting so bravely, whether it was a short life or a long one, they deserved that rest. They deserved that view.
"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." - General Patton
At first I wanted to mourn. Like I said, my heart became heavy but instantly I wanted to thank every person resting there. I have always been infatuated with war movies. When I was younger, if you would have asked me what my favorite movie was, I wouldn't have hesitated with my answer, Saving Private Ryan. A few years later, A Few Good Men would've joined the ranks. One series I always make sure to spend some time on is Band of Brothers. The reason why I watch these movies is because I don't want to forget what my freedom has cost. I respect those men and women who go into the military to guard our country sometimes sacrificing their life. The stories of those that survive seem so unreal, but they help to remind us of the life given by many when the call to action came to them.
"The brave die never, though they sleep in dust:" Their courage nerves a thousand living men." - Minot J. Savage
I was watching the interviews of the men from Band of Brothers and one of the members said that those they were fighting (the Germans) probably could've been great friends in a completely different situation. "Maybe they liked fishing, or hunting, but they were doing what they were told to do, and we were doing what we were told." So, those men that were fighting each other, even if they had common interests, they had to die. So many were killed in the name of war, because higher ups decided to make bad decisions. Some men woke up for the last time that morning; said their unintentional last words; cried for those that they loved and missed; and breathed their last labored breath. They woke up war torn men, and died heroes.
"The real men, the real heroes, are the fellows that are still buried over there, and those that come home to be buried" - Babe Heffron
The men and women that are honored on the hillside that I saw, or in D.C., or other places throughout the U.S. finally get their peace that they deserve. I will never get to join their ranks due to my medical condition, and for that I must thank those serving and that have served even more. It is an honor to know people who willingly put their life out there for me and my family. I know most wouldn't call themselves heroes. Instead, they would talk about how they are doing their duty for their country and of others that gave their life in the fight. They all fight for freedoms bestowed on us by our forefathers - who risked everything so we could have the rights we have.
"I cherish the memories of a question my grandson asked me the other day when he said, 'Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?' Grandpa said. 'No. But I served in a company of heroes.'" -Dick Winters
If you have never had the opportunity, and want a humbling reminder of why we still have our freedoms, visit those places where we are reminded what our freedom cost. Those who have served will never forget their basic training, or even the first time they were told whether or not they would enter combat. How, for most, their training kicked in and how they used their training as a sedative for their fear. Others, these heroes, will tell you of times they were frightened (which may instantly turn them back to human), but this honesty should give you greater respect for them due to the fact this fear they had was real and life-threatening. I have always cherished this famous excerpt from Shakespeare's Henry V
King Henry V:
"This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother' be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
To the men and women who have served, are serving, and plan to serve; Thank you. I will always respect your sacrifice for this country.
For the fallen, you are not forgotten. Rest in peace, you have fought well, our country still stands as a testament to your sacrifice.
To see the interview of the men from Band of Brothers go here: Band of Brothers Interviews
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