John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Myself and some of the leadership attended a memorial service tonight of a major from 4th Infantry Division (ID). He was a 61 year old officer who had gone through two tours in Vietnam. His wife had passed away from cancer so he was here in Iraq with troops; his second love.

We did not know him but as a Brother in Arms, it was important to show our support to the Soldiers of 4th ID. When I worked for the General, I went to a number of services for fallen Soldiers. This service was different since there was no grieving family members, no Patriot Guard Riders lining the sidewalk, and we were all dressed in our Army Combat Uniforms (ACU) with our weapons at our side. However, the sadness that hung in the air was very much the same.

Five service members spoke about this officer and what he meant to them as a leader. At the conclusion of the ceremony the First Sergeant of the organization started Final Roll Call. As he called off names of Soldiers in the group, they sounded off with, “Here, First Sergeant.” At last he came to the fallen Soldier, calling off his name three times with no response. Taps began to play.

For all the times I have heard Taps, it always brings me back to the day we buried my Uncle Ernie. I don’t remember if it had rained the night before but there was ice covering the branches on the trees and the sun was glistening on them as if they were made of glass.

As Taps concluded the Soldiers formed a long line to pay their respect at the Fallen Soldier Battle Cross. The Battle Cross is comprised of the Soldier’s boots, weapon, helmet and dog tags. I was near the end of the line and as the multitude of Soldiers moved forward to pay their respect with the customary salute, it truly was a somber affair. I was amazed at all of the items his fellow Soldiers had left at the Battle Cross from coins, to stuffed animals and other memento items.

Leaving the service, I thought about all the families that have been affected by this war due to losing a loved one. If there is any consolation to the family of this officer; he was loved by his Soldiers.