The Attributes We Honor This Memorial Day; And Why We Will Remember
Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for many soldiers who have died in Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. (photo credit Lauren Sausser)
In the rolling green hills of Arlington, Virginia sprawls the Arlington National Cemetery, a living monument to those who lost their lives in the service of the United States of America. Meticulously planned and scrupulously maintained, it is the final resting place for more than 300,000 souls who made the ultimate sacrifice.
We have all seen the photographs of Arlington, with carefully placed white marble headstones that form a straight line no matter where you stand when you view them. The symmetry, the verdant green countryside, the eerie peace that surrounds the place can lull you into a calmly serene peace of mind.
Then you remember that every carefully placed headstone, every carefully manicured row, represents the death of someone’s father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, husband, wife, niece, nephew, friend.
And the enormities of the human toll exacted by war rush over you like a wave.
CIF President Michael J. Springer, Jr.
Every year at this time, families remember those they have lost in the service of the country. And after the parades and the tributes, perhaps the most important thing is that we do remember – remember the courage, remember the commitment, remember the sacrifice of the soldiers and of those who loved and miss them forever after.
So on this Memorial Day, we at Crucians In Focus join in paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the privileges of freedom we enjoy each day. In the midst of the challenges we face in our everyday lives, especially in the charged environment the Territory now faces, it is critical to remember that even our ability to protest is an outcome of those we honor on this day.
To their families, friends and loved ones, take some small comfort that their contribution cannot be adequately measured, their loss cannot be adequately understood by those who have not experienced it and that your courage as survivors humbles us all.
Perhaps that acknowledgement will help you find the “Happy” in this Memorial Day.
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Thanks Springer for Remembering our Veterans and those who wear the Uniform and are called to serve.
I have been following the USERRA case filed against the Legislature of the Virgin Islands by 1Lt Shorn Joseph. It is sad the Senator Russell would terminate a Soldier while he is on military duty. The bad thing about all of this, is this Solder was terminated by the Ist Branch of Government, the law makers breaking the laws.
I have served this Country for more than 15 years as a Solder and have used USERRA several times while on duty.
I remember your Article on this matter and have pulled it up for your readers.
The Case Of National Guardsman Shorn Joseph: “Veterans Affairs” Ronald Russell And The “Senate Majority” Style
November 12, 2011.
This Memorial Day, let us truly honor our service member by defending the laws designed to protect those who continue to serve. Senator Russell must answer for violating federal military law.
I’m a veteran of the Vietnam War Era. Thanks Michael Springer for remembering V.I. veterans who fought for their country. In those days most of us were drafted, it was not voluntarily. Many people forget this particular aspect but it’s important to make the distinction. I hope all V.I. Veterans and non Veteran voters will support you in your candidacy for V.I. Senator 2012. You have consistently charged to the barricades to disclose important issues facing the territory since the last election on a consistent basis. You have done MORE than all the candidates togetrher that ran and lost because you have been visible in your writing and commentary. You literally “stick your neck” out where most of us would cower in fear. This inherent trait that you possess, human courage, is certainly a great attribute to possess as a human being engaged in community work.This quality you unquestionably possess. We wish you well in your bid for Senator 2012. You deserve a chance to show us what you can do.
Thank you CIF,
On this Memorial Day I reflect and pay tribute to my late friend and adviser Lt. Col David Canegata and all who paid the ultimate sacrifice, God Bless You.
I whole heartedly agree with the sentiments expressed above and wish the best for all veterans and their families! May this nation not forget them and the service they have given to their country. I especially hope the politicians in Washington remember them and take great heed in not slashing the Department of Veterans Affairs budget! Respect
http://youtu.be/8CVzyJ3Otrc
This video is from the 95-96 Med Cruise of the VS-32 Maulers in Carrier Air Wing 1 aboard USS America. This is for anyone who has ever deployed away from home… and for the comrades who didn’t come back.
Good memories & good friends… I hope America remembers the sacrifice.
Thank you CIF for remembering. As a VI veteran, I took an oath of committment to which is not upheld today. The country that I pledged to give my life to defend is not the same country today that is taking away the rights that were guarented to Americans and her citizens. This is an illusion. We cannot even vote for the “men” that send us to die and destroy other families and societies. I am not the same person that signed up. My awarenss has changes about all this war business and the millions who have lost loved ones through no fault of their own. It is for those, I mourn.
May my fellow comrades find peace in mind, body, and soul. Peace
Tribute in honor of those that have fallen. Freedom is not free.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cq_J0Kuu-uA