Sacrifice

From the top of the hill, a surreal scene stretched in all directions. The grass was a lush green in contrast to the rows and rows of white stones, each one with a small flag in front of it. Each one marked a life given for my freedom.

Vietnam. WWII. CSA. Korea. WWI. Desert Storm. Purple Heart. Bronze Star. Medal of Honor.

Their arrival was not accompanied by fanfare. The gentleman in the front row in the red American Legion campaign cap was a Medal of Honor recipient. The thin black man in the wheelchair was one of the few remaining Tuskegee Airmen. The man with a prosthetic arm wore a Korean War Veteran baseball cap. Several men were in black leather vests emblazoned with Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club. Then there was the young Marine in his dress uniform who was accompanied by his parents and girlfriend. He looked fresh out of school. They came to this place on Memorial Day to remember that freedom comes with a cost. Soon, young and old took their places in the shade of the oak trees to listed to the music and speeches.

From my vantage point I watched as the colors were presented. Even those in wheelchairs stood with support and saluted proudly as THEIR flag went by. They got to their feet again as the song for their branch of service was played. It was an amazing sight as the living stood among the dead, united by the bond of those who have sacrificed so much for liberty.

Thankfully this year the breeze kept the temperature at a more comfortable level, and we had no heat casualties to treat at the aid station. It was a good day, and I was right where I wanted to be.