Tonight I am saddened that sometimes the ultimate sacrifice is made and the good guy doesn't always get to stand to declare his victory.
Inscribed on the statue are the words:
"With veneration of those who died
Gratitude of those who lived
Trust in the patriotism of those who came after..."
Though I pass by often, I haven't stepped foot in the park since Memorial Day last year when the parade ended around the base of the statue. But tonight, with the fallen hero and Memorial Day heavy on my heart, I decided to stop by.
A mother, standing strong, directing her son in the way he should go.
I wish I had taken my son to see the real hero's funeral. The thought never crossed my mind until this evening - usually preschoolers and funerals do not mix well. But the service was held in a high school football field, so I am not sure how much disturbance my little ones could have caused (although, I have been surprised before). Watching videos of the beautiful service and seeing pictures of the impressive presence of the band of brothers in uniform - I think it would have made an impression on my son. He could have seen the importance of doing something bigger than oneself. The impact of a sacrifice. A legacy passed on after a life has ended.
This Memorial Day please take time to reflect on the acts of valor, the sacrifices of many, and the lessons from the past that determine the paths we should take in the future.