Memorial Day

It was another work day in Iraq but after dinner some of my friends and I went to the newly constructed band shell to participate in the Memorial Day service. The 34th ID Band started by playing our National Anthem. Even in this desert heat I got goose bumps when I heard our National Anthem and saw our flag marching by.

A few years back, Brian and I had the opportunity to visit France for a couple weeks. We spent a good portion of the trip visiting Normandy Beach and we included a trip to the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery. The cemetery was difficult to find but once we did, it was breathtaking. I couldn't believe what a beautiful resting place Americans had on foreign soil. At the cemetery, we visited the grave of my relative, Private Arthur Lambert. He was 18 years old and died as he rushed from the trenches. How different a war we are fighting now, yet the principle the same; to live in a free country and protect that way of life.

Following the Memorial Day service the Minneapolis band, Catchpenny, performed a concert for us. They played some of their music as well as other artists' songs and at the end, handed out free CDs to everyone. They even included their giveaways to the Iraqi workers that were standing on the other side of the fence. Are they actually going to listen to it or will they sell it for profit? I'm guessing on making a profit. During the performance, a number of the Soldiers were jumping off the stage and being caught in the crowd below. All I was thinking as Soldier after Soldier did this...someone's going to crack their head open and then there will be the Line of Duty (LOD) investigation. Luckily, no one cracked their head open. Good thing, I hate being an investigating officer.
http://www.catchpennyband.com/index.htm

Even though I wasn't sharing this day with my family, I was glad to be sharing it with my fellow Soldiers.

To Service Members everywhere whether in uniform or retired: Thank you for your service.

To my friends that I share this adventure: Thank you for keeping me laughing and making it a little easier to be away from home.

To Service Members that have paid the ultimate sacrifice: Thank you. You have my deepest appreciation.

"...gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the Soldier's and Sailor's widow and orphan." --General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868