Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

The picture above is from the Warriors Walk, a sacred space at Fort Stewart to honor those who have died in the service of our country since 2003. As of 6 May 2009, 418 soldiers have been honored with a redbud tree and a plaque in their honor. To walk along this walkway is to feel pride and sadness at the lives protrayed therein. Some markers and trees are well kept - there may be Christmas lights in the branches pictures of family members in frames in the plot, maybe a catholic icon, with a flag rippling in the breeze. Others have not been touched since they were planted. A tattered flag and a name plaque are all that separate it from the next. How to compare the sadness of one who was obviously loved enough to be maintained - long after the dedication ceremony - and one who's plot hasn't been touched?

Did you know, the average age of widows attached to this post is 21-26?

I have made my peace with the possibility of Eric dying in the line of duty. I drove to Savannah this week, and on the long ride - I once again mentally planned out his funeral. I have planned his obituary, his funeral and how to tell his friends and family. For the first time, however, I realized that I might have to deal with other overwhelming issues - the possibility of amputation, PTSD, traumatic brain injury. I am not prepared for that.