I have been to Europe before, but this trip has been different, seeing it through the eyes of those who serve in our military services abroad. I've come to know some of the people in this community and see the sacrifices and accommodations they make every day, living away from America and representing our country. Their lives are not easy; they are not on a constant European vacation. I salute them all and thank them for their service.
In the past two weeks we have visited several military cemeteries. First, during a three-day excursion to Bruges, Belgium, we visited some of the WWI cemeteries in Flanders. This trip was so moving for me that I am still processing the experience. Like most Americans, I knew a lot more about WWII than I did about WWI. Having now seen that war through the eyes of the soldiers serving the British Commonwealth, I am overwhelmed with emotion that I may be able to write about at a later time.
Yesterday, Saturday, we were fortunate to be able to attend the Memorial Day service at the WWII American Military Cemetery and Memorial in Luxembourg. I thought it appropriate to share some of my thoughts and photos from that service with you as a Memorial Day tribute.
This cemetery is the resting place of 5076 soldiers killed during the "Battle of the Bulge," December 16, 1944 - January 25, 1945. It contains members of the "Band of Brothers," 101st Airborne Division, two medal of honor winners, one woman (a nurse) and the man who led all of them, General George Patton.
Since General Patton did not die in battle, but as the result of an auto accident after the war, at his request he is not buried with his men, but off to the side, overlooking them.
The service itself was somber and dignified, a fitting tribute. It included a flyover, laying of wreaths by officials of the United States, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, the people of Luxembourg, the City of Luxembourg and the Government of Luxembourg. Each official was escorted by members of either a US or Luxembourg military service.
Smaller wreaths were presented by representatives of various organizations and groups in Europe and on the US military bases. These were escorted by members of Boy, Girl and Cub Scout troops on the various bases in the area.
The Air Force also provided an honor guard.
Throughout the service, my head was in the movies, "Band of Brothers" and "Saving Private Ryan." I thought of the terrifying conditions on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day in June, 1944, and the battles fought not only with the enemy, but with the weather as the offensive continued in the winter of 1944-45. I could hear Tom Hanks as Captain Miller speaking to Mark Wahlberg's Private Ryan as he (the captain) lay dying, "Earn this." Earn the sacrifice of these good people, live your life valuing and protecting the principles they died for. And that's the message I took away from the day.
Each individual needs to fight to protect the individual freedoms guaranteed to Americans by the Constitution - freedoms of speech, privacy and more. Don't expect the military or the government to be the ones to do all the defending. Speak up when you see your rights threatened; use your vote to make your feelings known. Be passionate not passive. This was a Memorial Day I will never forget.
And so I leave you all with wishes for a wonderful holiday and the commission to spend at least a few minutes thinking about all those who have died in wars and are still dying today. I am sure I will have more to say, particularly about WWI, when I return home. Thanks for stopping by.
It's apparent that this part of your trip had a profound effect on you. I hope you will write more about that when you find the words to share it.
ReplyDelete